Match Report

By Brian Bennett

A late strike by Kurtis Turner kept Emley’s promotion bid on track and at the same time sank Ashington hearts after this Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division clash on Tuesday night.

Turner’s thunderbolt from fully 25 yards in the 84th minute clinched all three points for the West Yorkshire outfit who had found it tough going against a rejuvenated Ashington side who were anxious to put Saturday’s 8-0 thrashing against Redcar Athletic behind them.

Talk about chalk and cheese! The Colliers looked a completely different team. They held the upper hand in an opening period where chances were at a premium and overall deserved to take something from the game.

A corner from the right by Joe Stacey clipped the top of the bar and went over then on the half hour, Ben Williams – on his return to the Ashington side on loan from Gateshead – earned rapturous applause from the home supporters after winning a tackle near the touchline.

Ashington were playing some excellent football and they deservedly got their noses in front ten minutes before the interval.

Liam Henderson beat the offside trap as he raided down the right and when he pulled the ball back, it was only half cleared to Josh Gilchrist who rifled home from 16 yards.

Early doors in the second half, substitute Carlos Rodrigues fired a warning for the Pewits dragging an effort wide then Ellis Farrar lifted the ball over following a long throw in.

The visitors were the better side but once again there was a lack of chances until the 72nd minute when Emley got back on terms.

Following a corner on the right, the ball was played into the Ashington area and steered into the net by Charlie Barks.

Then came Turner’s winner.

Colliers substitute ‘keeper Ben Metcalf – on for the injured Matty Alexander – made a superb stop to deny Bailey Thompson but seconds later Turner let fly with an effort which beat the outstretched hands of Metcalf and went into the net via the inside of the post.