Match Report

By Brian Bennett

A point on the road against the current leaders of the East Division of the NPL would generally be regarded as being a commendable result.

However on Saturday, the emotions in the Ashington dressing room following the 1-1 draw with Liversedge were of disappointment after the Colliers conceded late in the game.

The feelings of both Marc Ellison’s squad as well as their supporters were understandable too after they came so close to inflicting a first home defeat of the season on their hosts.

The first half was virtually a non-entity.

Kayle Price fired over for ‘The Sedge’ and Ben Atkinson shot wide but chances were at a premium.

Anthony Brown clipped his effort past the post but the best opportunity came shortly before the interval when Price had a shot cleared off the line by Dan Groves who was making his full debut.

Ashington were straight out of the blocks after the interval. Oli Thompson and skipper Karl Ross linked well to set up an opening for Jack Gibson only for his effort to be blocked.

Five minutes in, Brown fluffed his lines when he shot straight at ‘keeper Matty Alexander.

However it was the visitors who had the majority of the play. Midway through, Ryan Wombwell played the ball forward for Josh Gilchrist but the striker’s weak connection was collected by home stopper Kobe Mathers.

In the 72nd minute, the Colliers took the lead. Thompson swept a pass out left for Gilchrist and when his shot cannoned into the air off the legs of Mathers, Noah Cunningham bravely headed the ball goalwards with a defender in close attendance.

Another home player cleared but the assistant referee indicated that the ball had crossed the line and referee Hadley Warhurst awarded a goal.

However ten minutes later, the home side drew level. Harry Powell cleared when under pressure but only to Alfie Dean who in turn found substitute Lewis Barlow.

Barlow set the ball up for Ben Atkinson who rifled a right footer wide of Alexander from eight yards.

In added on time, Ashington had a chance to win it.

Breaking from a Liversedge corner, Powell charged forward before passing the ball through for Gilchrist but the striker’s touch let him down and the chance evaporated.