Match Report

By Brian Bennett

Ashington picked up three precious points in their bid to get out of the relegation zone after a 3-1 victory over fellow strugglers Beverley Town on Saturday.

It was never going to be a classic due to Storm Boelo and that’s how it turned out to be with the game played in testing conditions.

Credit to both teams who did their best to entertain a crowd of 389 but although the Colliers leapfrogged over their opponents as a result, the win was not enough for them to climb out of the bottom four.

Dean Briggs – who signed for the Wansbeck outfit on a dual registration with ENL League first division outfit Blyth Town earlier in the week – came straight into the side whilst youngster Jack Gibson missed out after being sidelined with an injury.

The visitors kicked with the wind on their backs in the first half and came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute when a snap shot by Jack Watson from fully 25 yards, smacked against the bar and rebounded to safety.

Ashington responded just before the quarter hour mark. Midfielder Oli Thompson was through but saw his shot blocked by ‘keeper Leigh Overton with Josh Gilchrist somehow putting the rebound wide from eight yards.

The Beavers took the lead in the 19th minute. Ashington gave the ball away from a restart which led to a Beverley free-kick.

Harry Lovick lofted the ball over towards the far post where it was headed goalwards then flicked on for Alfie Taylor who had the easiest task of netting from almost on the goal-line.

Briggs made a great tackle inside the box to block a shot from Lovick and it was the midfielder who featured in Ashington’s equaliser on the half hour.

He slotted a lovely ball through for Gilchrist who finished with aplomb firing a left footer across Overton and inside the far corner.

In the 40th minute, Watson had a chance for the visitors but his effort was weak and directed straight at home ‘keeper Matty Alexander.

Four minutes later, Ashington got a pre-interval boost when they took the lead.

After being awarded a free-kick on the left, Jude Cogdon floated over a superb inviting ball to the far post where Ryan Wombwell headed home.

The visitors began the second half strongly and Alexander was forced to push out a shot from Watson.

The save proved pivotal as barely sixty seconds later, the Colliers stretched their lead after hesitation in the Beverley defence.

Liam Henderson pounced on a short back-pass and finished clinically inside the post.

Despite the challenging conditions, both sides were giving it a go in a game which was more akin to a cup tie.

Cameron Connelly drove the ball across the face of the home goal with only a touch required then Alexander had to react smartly to palm out an effort from substitute Luka Suluburic.

Despite having a two goal buffer, Ashington supporters were on edge of their seats and none more so than in the 77th minute. Alexander foiled Connelly from close range and Paddy Almond cleared the rebound from Watson off the line.

Two minutes from the 90, home sub Noah Cunningham had a chance to seal the result.

Skipper Karl Ross charged upfield on a counter attack and slotted the ball through to Cunningham but he lost his footing and the opportunity evaporated.

Nevertheless, the final whistle brought a morale boosting win for Marc Ellison’s side who with a free midweek, now prepare for Saturday’s trip – and another six pointer – to face Hallam in Sheffield.