Match Report

By Brian Bennett

A wonder strike from Louis Burns and a goal deep into stoppage time by Liam Wotherspoon secured a 2-0 victory for Ashington against North Ferriby on Saturday and make it a dream start for Marc Ellison and Karl Ross – Ashington’s interim management team.

Over the past three weeks, Ellison and Ross have been chomping at the bit and like the players and supporters, have been left totally frustrated as the wet weather has seen four matches postponed.

Ironically it was a lovely Spring-like day at the Versa Sportswear Stadium when the Colliers returned to action with the pitch looking in pristine condition and the sun shining brightly.

And shortly before 5pm, it was smiles all round for the whole of the Ashington contingent as they celebrated their first win in five matches since a pre Christmas 1-0 success over Bishop Auckland.

What’s more it was a thoroughly deserved result against a home side who were reduced in number early in the contest.

After three minutes, ‘The Villagers’ forced a corner on the right and when Rio Molyneaux swung the ball into the danger zone, Jack Walters glanced a header wide.

Ashington’s first chance came when Chris Reid received possession of the ball from Liam Noble and allowed space and time, the central defender advanced before unleashing a 25 yarder which went past the upright.

Shortly afterwards, Ferriby had the ball in the net but their joy was short-lived as the assistant referee had his flag raised for offside and the score was disallowed.

Then a game changing incident unfolded as substitute Max Rayner – who had only been on the field four minutes – fouled Ashington debutant Jeremy Perera and was shown a red card by referee Matthew Wright.

The game developed into a dour battle with chances at a premium until the home side broke and an effort by Josh Thacker was held at the second attempt by ‘keeper Matty Alexander.

However, Ashington responded and Liam Henderson ought to have put his side ahead.

In the 35th minute the forward looked a certain scorer when faced with only Ben Bottomley to beat but saw his initial effort blocked by the ‘keeper with the ball rebounding off Henderson to go behind for a goal kick.

Five minutes later, an excellent cross from the right by Rory Powell saw Henderson attempt an overhead kick which forced Bottomley into a diving save clutching the ball to his left.

In the opening minutes of the second half, a ball over the top by Wotherspoon found Burns whose shot was held by Bottomley then a 30 yarder by Wotherspoon was tipped over by the stopper before Reid had an effort blocked from the flag kick.

As Ashington dominated possession, they were patient with their approach work and carved out chances from distance through Reid and Burns. Bottomley held from Reid then pushed the ball over to deny Burns.

However in the 72nd minute, Burns lit the touch paper to put the Colliers ahead with a definite ‘goal of the month’ if not ‘goal of the season’ contender.

Receiving the ball from Noble, the teenager cut inside and unleashed a right footer from fully 25 yards which left Bottomley grasping thin air before the ball nestled inside the top corner.
Burns then chipped over the bar before the closing exchanges.

Ryan Wombwell cleared the ball off the line, although Alexander had the situation covered then in the fifth minute of time added on – and with Bottomley sent up into the Ashington box for a corner – the Wansbeck side broke and sealed the win.

Noble – the architect behind the majority of Ashington’s chances on the day – slipped a pass through for Wotherspoon who had the simple task of steering the ball into an unguarded net.