Match Report

(Guisborough Town won 4-3 on penalties)

By Brian Bennett

Ashington suffered penalty heartache after they bowed out of the FA Trophy against Guisborough Town on Saturday.

After taking the lead in the first half through Noah Cunningham, the Colliers were pegged back early in the second half and although both sides went in search of a winner – Ashington having the clearer opportunities – the game ended in a draw.

Consequently the tie went to a penalty shootout with the Teessiders edging through 4-3.

In a game which was affected by a strong wind which blew down the ground, the visitors were the better outfit from kick off yet it was the 12th minute before the first semblance of a chance arrived.

Alexander Payne was well wide with his effort then Matty Willshaw had a shot blocked.

Ashington had lacked cohesion but they grew into the contest and midway through, Cunningham tried to back flick the ball home but failed to get a good connection after a cross from the by line from skipper Karl Ross.

However two minutes later, it was Cunningham who put Ashington ahead following a corner on the right.

Jack Gibson’s low shot was drifting wide but it was played into the near post for Cunningham to steer home.

Ten minutes later only a brilliant double save by Matty Alexander preserved the lead.

After a scramble, the ‘keeper blocked from Payne then somehow denied Willshaw when  a goal looked a formality.

With half time approaching, a header by Ryan Wombwell struck the post from a Jude Cogden free-kick and when play switched, Alexander held a shot from Payne.

Rory Powell set up Cunningham but the striker missed a great opportunity being denied by ex Colliers ‘keeper Ryan Catterick and the half ended with a free kick by Willshaw  from 25 yards which was not too far away.

The Priorymen began the second half with all guns blazing. Within 20 seconds, Payne had a shot pushed onto the post by Alexander but a minute later a corner on the left was headed powerfully home by skipper James Frazer.

Ashington introduced Jamie Holmes but the visitors continued to dominate – until the 57th minute.

Holmes played the ball through for Cunningham who hit the side netting after going around the advancing Catterick.

Holmes, with his directness and pace, was causing the visitors plenty of problems and with quarter of an hour remaining, he struck a 25-yarder which fizzed wide.

Guisborough responded with sub Leo Robinson advancing into the area until he was stopped in his tracks by a great tackle from defender Paddy Almond,

The final action saw Robinson clip a cross over the advancing Alexander but Rory Powell headed the ball safely back into the ‘keeper’s arms.

The game then went to penalties. ‘Keeper Ryan Catterick, Alfie Doherty, Leo Robinson and Josh MacDonald were all successful from the spot for the visitors as was Jamie Holmes, Noah Cunningham and Scott Fenwick for the home side whilst Ryan Wombwell and James Frazer had their respective efforts saved.

Josh Gilchrist had to score with the last of the five to keep Ashington’s hopes alive but when he fired over the bar, it was Guisborough who booked their place in the draw for the next round.