Match Report

By Brian Bennett

Wilson Kneeshaw scored a fantastic goal which clinched Ashington a massive 2-1 win over Heaton Stannington on Easter Bank Holiday Monday.

However, despite the result, the relegation clouds have not blown away completely from Woodhorn Lane as the season draws to a nail-biting conclusion with only three games of the campaign remaining.

Kneeshaw’s 77th minute strike lit up a contest which – in front of a crowd of 731 – had plenty of endeavour but was nevertheless poor on the eye.

Before the game, players, officials and spectators observed a minutes’ applause as a tribute to Brian Robson – a former director and football secretary of the Colliers, who sadly passed away last week.

The home side made an explosive start and had a glorious opportunity to take the lead after only two minutes. A lovely through ball by Ollie Thompson found Kneeshaw who weaved inside the area until he was brought down.

Referee Stephen Beresford pointed to the spot but Josh Gilchrist’s penalty – hit down the middle – was saved by Stannington ‘keeper Lewis Brass.

A couple of minutes later, Ashington had another penalty shout – on this occasion for handball – turned down after Liam Henderson had put Kneeshaw through and the striker’s effort was blocked.

But after rebuffing a promising and energetic start from the home side, ‘The Stan’ delivered a sucker punch in the 11th minute as they took the lead.

Following a throw-in from the right, the ball fell to skipper Dan Capewell who fired in left footed on the turn.

There was a lengthy stoppage after home ‘keeper Matty Alexander and ex Collier Jay Errington accidentally collided in the area but the game turned flat until ironically, Alexander made an excellent save to deny the Stannington striker.

Ashington made a bright start to the second period and in the 55th minute, they got back on terms – from the spot.

Henderson played the ball down the right flank to Gilchrist and when he crossed, Spooner advanced into the area until he was sent sprawling by Kane Evans.

Once again, Mr Beresford awarded a penalty and an ice-cool Spooner sent Brass the wrong way.

Ten minutes later, Alexander saved low down at the foot of the post from substitute Leighton Hopper before Ashington sub Louis Burns clipped an effort which was finger-tipped away by Brass.

Then came Kneeshaw’s winner. Burns – who had been lively after being introduced in the 68th minute – found the forward on the right and after cutting inside a defender Kneeshaw curled a low left footer wide of Brass before the ball nestled inside the far corner.

With the last kick of the game, Alexander held a free-kick from Heaton sub Jonathon Chrisp before the final whistle sparked jubilant scenes from the whole of the Ashington contingent.