Match Report

By Brian Bennet

Ashington made a perfect start to the new season when first half goals from Tom McIntyre and Josh Gilchrist sealed a 2-0 win over Horden Community Welfare in this Emirates FA Cup extra preliminary round match at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

As the sun shone down in Wansbeck, the Colliers gave their supporters a different kind of warmth after an encouraging and comfortable victory which booked them another home tie against Thornaby on Saturday week (August 22).

Home boss Marc Ellison was looking for his outfit to lay down an early marker – and they did just that when debutant Tom McIntyre gave them the lead in the eighth minute following a move down the right.

McIntyre played a one-two with newcomer Scott Fenwick before he fired a right footer across experienced ‘keeper Robert Dean and inside the far post.

Ashington dominated the ball for long periods but the half was not littered with chances.

Ben Henderson had a shot blocked inside the home penalty area before the Colliers profited from a huge slice of misfortune in the visitors ranks to double their lead in the final minute of the 45.

Horden played the ball across their back line to a defender who stood on the ball and lost possession which put the alert Gilchrist clean through.

The Ashington number seven advanced then clipped wide his shot wide of Dean and into the net.

Early in the second period, Ryan Wombwell had to clear to avert the danger but the game followed a similar pattern to the first half and was certainly not littered with chances.

The visitors had a brief spell during which time, home ‘keeper Matty Alexander blocked an effort by Henderson before he tipped a shot by Philly Angus around the post

Ashington’s play had not been as fluent but in the final stages, they carved out a couple of marvellous opportunities.

In the 87th minute, Liam Henderson flicked on a pass from Rory Powell which put Gilchrist in the clear. The midfielder attempted to round Dean but saw the stopper whip the ball off his toes.

Then Fenwick charged through and his shot was destined for the far corner until Dean produced a great save diving to his right.