Match Report

By Brian Bennett

Three consecutive defeats have plunged Ashington back into the relegation mix in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

Following on from a 1-0 loss against Blyth Spartans and 4-0 thumping by Bradford Park Avenue, former Collier Jay Errington scored the only goal of the game for Heaton Stannington ten minutes before the interval on Tuesday night which eventually decided the outcome at Willow Park.

In a nervy period of eight added minutes in the second half, the Colliers came so close to snatching a dramatic equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game.

Substitute Liam Noble swung over a corner from the left and Harry Powell’s effort was inches from crossing the line. The ball was cleared before the referee blew for full time.

The Wansbeck side had battled superbly in the second half after Marc Ellison became the third player in as many games to be shown a red card following a tackle on Jonathon Chrisp.

But in truth it was only the Stan’s failure to take numerous golden opportunities which gave Ashington a sniff right until the end.

From the first whistle, the game was played at a ferocious pace – and the Colliers were immediately up against it as the hosts forced successive corners in the opening minute.

At the other end, a corner by Liam Wotherspoon was only half cleared but Josh Gilchrist’s effort was smothered by home ‘keeper Alfie Gordon.

Heaton came again with Dale Pearson and Errington missing out before play switched and Ellison was not far away from distance.

A low strike from 25 yards by Andrew Burn flew narrowly wide of the upright before the Stan opened the scoring in the 35th minute.

Another effort from Burn took a wicked deflection and with Alexander already committed to going to his left, the ball struck the base of the post with Errington on hand to tap in the rebound.

In the closing stages of the half, Pearson missed a couple of chances as well as Ashington somehow keeping the ball out of the net following a massive scramble.

Three minutes after the break, Ellison saw red then on the hour, Errington flicked the ball wide of the advancing Alexander but inches past the post.

Heaton’s missed chances continued to stack up. Pearson, Leighton Hopper and skipper Dan Capewell all directed shots which were off target before Pearson struck the bar.

Pearson had an effort which was cleared off the line by Ryan Wombwell then the home centre forward missed a one-on-one with his tame effort saved by Alexander.

In the third minute of additional time, substitute Kailem Beattie fired wide which gave Ashington further encouragement – but the hosts held on.