Competition: Northern Premier League - East Division

Consett vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

Ashington went down to a third defeat inside a week when they lost 3-2 at Consett on Saturday.

The Colliers gave an improved display but left the Belle View Stadium with nothing to show for their efforts.

It was a bitter pill to swallow after a tough week.

In truth on the balance of play, the Colliers were worthy of a point.

The fact they never got one centred largely on two poor goals which they conceded in the second half before they staged a spirited finale.

Goals appear to be a common theme whenever these two teams meet and Saturday proved to be no different.

With only 65 seconds on the clock following a throw in, the ball found Wilson Kneeshaw who laid it off for Jack Camarda but he fired over the bar.

Consett hit back and when the ball was floated into the danger zone from the right, Brandon Holdsworth’s header brought a top save from ‘keeper Dan Staples diving to his right.

The deadlock was broken in the 12th minute. Andrew Cartwright fouled Isaac Walker in the area and although Staples blocked the resultant spot kick by Liam Colledge, home skipper Marc Costello was first to react to the rebound and headed the ball into the net.

After the early goalmouth action, the game turned into a lack-lustre affair and it was on the half hour mark before Ashington threatened again.

Cartwright found Matty Slocombe – who was playing against his former club – and the midfielder slotted the ball through for Andrew Johnson but his shot went narrowly over.

Two minutes later, Ben Ramsey cut inside from the right and his effort thudded against the bar with Staples rooted to the spot.

The Colliers got back on terms in the final minute of the 45. Michael Ndiweni was upended in the area and Jack Camarda sent ‘keeper Harry Moss the wrong way from the penalty.

However, Ashington could not have made a worse start to the second period as within three minutes, they were behind for a second time.

The ball was played down the right and as Staples advanced, Holdsworth applied a superb low finish, finding the far corner of the net.

Camarda drove over from 22 yards after Gary Ormston and Cam Gascoigne had combined to set up the opportunity then a back header by Slocombe was too high following a Camarda free-kick.

However a massive point arrived in the 72nd minute when ‘The Steelmen’ added a third.

They had just introduced Jake Jensen for Wil Shaw and within 30 seconds, the substitute latched onto a ball played into the danger zone before beating Staples from six yards.
Six minutes later, ex Collier Will Constantin was yellow carded for bringing Gascoigne down just outside the area and when Camarda’s free-kick was parried by Moss, Ndiwedi was blocked but the ball ran to Johnson who smashed it home.

As the game entered its final stages, Ashington threw on Eddie Thomas for Camarda – and it was Thomas who had a chance to equalise within minutes.

Ndiweni crossed from the right and Thomas flicked the ball towards goal but was thwarted by Moss.

Sixty seconds later, the home side were reduced to ten men when Constantin committed another yellow card offence and was sent off.

Thomas had another shot blocked before Consett saw the game out to claim the victory.

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Ashington vs Sheffield

By Brian Bennett

Ashington suffered back to back home defeats inside four days when they went down 4-1 in their Northern Premier League East Division clash against Sheffield FC at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

Following Saturday’s single goal reverse against Sherwood Colliery, the visitors – bottom of the table before kick off – were indebted to a hat-trick by striker Luke Aldrich which saw them deservedly travel back to South Yorkshire with all three points.

It seems unthinkable that just under a fortnight ago, the Colliers turned in a superb performance to advance into the next round of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup with a 4-1 win over North Shields.

However, Tuesday’s showing in the second half was slightly better than Saturday’s woeful display – but still sub standard.

From the first whistle, the Wansbeck outfit looked like a side determined to put right the wrongs from Saturday.

But in the tenth minute, they pressed the self destruct button and paid a heavy price as the visitors took full advantage to go 1-0 up.

A back-pass played to Ross Coombe saw the ‘keeper’s attempted clearance cannon off Connor Cutts and spin towards goal with Aldrich blasting in from almost on the line.
It was a setback from which Ashington never recovered as they struggled against a hard working Sheffield side.

Jack Dolman struck a left footed drive from the edge of the area which flashed wide before a well constructed move in the 27th minute led to ‘The Club’ doubling their advantage.

Ashington were caught out by a slick move down the left and when the ball was played into the area, Aldrich didn’t have to break stride as he side footed on the half volley wide of Coombe.

On the half hour, Benni Ndlovu could have added another. He latched onto a through ball down the right and looked a certain scorer until a timely tackle by Charlie Exley stopped him.

Ashington’s first chance of the half came in the 35th minute when Andrew Johnson cut inside but curled a right footer over the bar.

Two minutes after the break, the visitors extended their lead to 3-0 – from the spot.

Dolman was denied by Coombe but from the rebound, Aldrich was caught by a trailing leg from an Ashington defender and Rory Coleman sent the home ‘keeper the wrong way from the penalty.

Craig Spooner had a shot tipped behind by ‘keeper Edd Hall then after the stopper had spilled the ball, a scramble ensued but the visitors cleared.

Jay Errington cut inside but his tame effort was held by Hall before the Colliers reduced the arrears.

Spooner touched a free kick sideways to Exley who drilled home left footed.

Gary Ormston clipped an effort over then Johnson crossed the ball into the area for Cam Gascoigne who swivelled but saw his goalbound shot acrobatically turned over by Hall.

However for all their pressure, Ashington were caught on the break in the 79th minute when the ball was played down the right channel for Aldrich who advanced before firing wide of Coombe to restore Sheffield’s three goal lead.

It was a sucker punch which took the wind out of the home sides’ sails with the game drifting to a lethargic conclusion.

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Ashington vs Sherwood Colliery

By Brian Bennett

Alexander Duhameau’s goal for Sherwood Colliery ten minutes into the second half saw Ashington tumble to their second home defeat of the season in the Northern Premier League East Division on Saturday.

The result was one issue – but the thing which irked home supporters was the overall performance.

Not only was it Ashington’s worst showing of the campaign – it was their poorest display for many years.

Conditions were perfect at kick off but it was a day when nothing went right for the Colliers and was topped off when ‘keeper Ross Coombe was sent off for a second yellow card after the final whistle.

The first half was a tedious affair with little in the way of goalmouth action.

The first opportunity came in the 12th minute following a move down the left and when the ball was crossed, Harry Bircumshaw’s goalbound volley was tipped away by Coombe.

Ashington struggled to make any inroads whilst Sherwood defended well – so much so that the home side were restricted to a couple of efforts from distance.
The second half promised so much. Surely after an opening 45 minutes of lethargic action including a distinct lack of quality, things could only get better.

Marginally they did.

Craig Spooner had a shot deflected wide of the post before Duhameau’s low left footer into the far corner put the visitors in front,

In the 77th minute, Paddy Almond was penalised for a foul on Duhameau and the striker had the opportunity to double the lead from the penalty spot but saw his effort magnificently saved by Coombe diving to his right.

Yet whilst home supporters vented their general frustration, Ashington could and should have got back on terms in the dying embers of the contest.

Four minutes into time added on, Craig Spooner was the provider of a superb cross from the right but Michael Ndiweni headed wide of the upright.

And that was as good as it got ……

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Ashington vs Grimsby Borough

By Brian Bennett

Two goals in the final five minutes of normal time by Grimsby Borough’s Scott Fenwick and Tom Jamieson saw Ashington slip up and be forced to settle for a 2-2 draw in their Northern Premier League East Division clash at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

The visitors did contribute to what was an exciting second period – but the Colliers will reflect on two points being dropped which cost them a third win on the bounce.

The first half was slow to get going but it was the home side that made inroads and on three occasions inside the opening quarter hour, Andrew Johnson, Wilson Kneeshaw and Jay Errington got crosses into the box which were blocked.

Then on the half hour, Jack Camarda – who was in the thick of the action – found Craig Spooner whose effort from 25 yards was pushed out by ‘keeper Liam Higton.

Three minutes later, it was Spooner again who from a similar distance saw his shot gathered at the second attempt by Higton.

During the first 45 minutes, Ashington had a tendency to overplay especially near the Grimsby box and on one occasion the ball eventually found Cyril Giraud but his shot was taken by Higton.

However six minutes before the interval, the best opportunity fell to ‘The Wilderness Boys’ when Scott Fenwick charged clean through with only ‘keeper Ross Coombe to beat but Paddy Almond made up ground to thwart the striker with a great tackle.

A superb low ball by Jaedyn Chibanga went across the face of the Ashington goal before in the first minute of time added on, the Colliers went ahead.

Kneeshaw charged through the middle before laying a pass out wide to Errington who advanced then smashed home left footed into the far corner.

Early doors in the second period, Reece York drove wide and Luis Adlard fired over then the visitors had the ball in the back of the net but the goal was disallowed for a foul.

In the 55th minute, Kneeshaw slotted the ball through for Giraud who was through on goal but saw his shot blocked by Higton then minutes later, after a slalom run by Johnson, Giraud was blocked out.

Jamieson struck the bar for the visitors following a corner on the left and when York unleashed a 25 yarder, Coombe dived to his right to finger tip the ball around for a corner.

With quarter of an hour remaining, Ashington doubled their lead through Johnson.

Kneeshaw again claimed the assist when he crossed from the right and after Johnson’s initial effort had been blocked by Higton, he followed up to make no mistake.

If Ashington thought that was the decisive blow, they were in for a shock as Grimsby produced a late, late show to claim a point.

Jake Brown struck the bar then in the 85th minute after a cross from the left, Fenwick lobbed over Coombe to reduce the arrears.

Four minutes later after a free kick, Jamieson levelled for the visitors.

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Andrew Johnson

2024/25 Sponsor: Andrew Rowell

AJ needs no introduction to Ashington supporters after a hugely successful spell at the Colliers earlier in his career. A key part of Gary Middleton’s side that did so well in the early days at Woodhorn Lane, AJ scored the opening goal in the 2013 Northumberland Senior Cup final as Ashington beat Whitley Bay 3-0 at St. James’ Park. In 2016 Andrew made the switch to Spennymoor Town in the National League North, where he played for four seasons, before moving to Morpeth Town in 2020. After an impressive spell at Craik Park, AJ left the Highwaymen in the summer, joining Northern League Newcastle Blue Star, before his return to Ashington.

Ashington vs Bradford (Park Avenue)

By Brian Bennett

Jay Errington’s goal midway through the second half cemented back to back wins for Ashington in their Northern Premier League East Division clash at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

They say a week is a long time in football. Turning the clock back seven days, the Colliers travelled to Leeds and pulled off a superb 2-1 victory over Garforth Town. The result lifted them several places from the bottom of the table.

The following day, the club announced the departure of joint head coaches Andy Coyles and Richie Hill and later confirmed that senior players Gary Ormston, Andrew Cartwright and Paul Robinson would be the interim management team.

Then against Bradford Park Avenue on Tuesday night, Ashington had to grind it out against a well organised side but they kept a clean sheet for the first time this season with the victory propelling them up to a mid table spot.

It was far from being a vintage performance – but the result was all that mattered.

The first half contained very little in the way of goalmouth action.

The Wansbeck outfit struggled to make inroads and it was quarter of an hour before they threatened when Wilson Kneeshaw chased a long ball played over the top of the Bradford defence.

The striker cut inside but blazed over then five minutes later Jack Camarda struck a drive which was held by ‘keeper Craig Ellison.

Skipper Karl Ross set up the next opening but Michael Ndiweni’s effort landed on the roof of the net.

Ten minutes before the break, Bradford – who looked dangerous from set plays – called Ross Coombe into action with the stopper performing well to turn around an effort from Paddy Sykes.

Then on the stroke of half time, full back Kareem Hassan-Smith delivered an inviting ball from the right which went across the face of the home goal.

Seven minutes after the break, Kneeshaw’s pace took him through the middle and when he passed to Errington, the youngster cut back across but fired well off target.

However, it was the same two players who combined to break the deadlock.

Ross won a tackle in the midfield and sent Kneeshaw on another direct run at the Bradford defence.

The forward played a superb ball through for Errington who cool as a cucumber, waited for Ellison to advance before sliding the ball wide of the ‘keeper and inside the post.

With quarter of an hour remaining, Ashington replaced Ndiweni with Andrew Johnson and inside two minutes, the substitute passed to Craig Spooner whose right footer was taken at head height by Ellison.

Errington shot narrowly over but in the 89th minute, only a fantastic save by Coombe kept the hosts in front as the stopper dived to his left to deny substitute Kelan Swales.

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Garforth Town vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

Ashington won their first game of the new campaign after a 2-1 success over Garforth Town at the Bannister Prentice Stadium on Tuesday night.

And what’s more the Colliers were full value for the three points after a strong and spirited second half performance which was capped off with two quality goals by Craig Spooner and Cyril Giraud.

They went into the contest on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Crook Town on Saturday which saw them exit the Emirates FA Cup – but the response by the players was hugely impressive.

In the opening stages, Jamie Barkway headed over for the hosts from an in-swinging corner by Max Tweddle and Ashington’s reply was an effort from distance by Paul Van-Zandvliet which whistled just wide of the post.

Midway through the half, Garforth took the lead with a goal out of nothing. After a throw in on the right, the ball broke to skipper Dan Coupland who fired home from 20 yards wide of ‘keeper Ross Coombe.

The Miners could so easily have doubled their advantage just past the half hour mark when James Burgess struck a first time volley wide following a cross from the left then Coupland dragged his shot past the upright from 12 yards.
There was little to choose between the two sides – Garforth having more of a cutting edge up front – and shortly before the interval, Barkway nodded the ball back into the middle from another Tweddle corner but Harry Viggars headed over.

At the other end, Ashington’s Wilson Kneeshaw accelerated into the area and went past ‘keeper Harry Flatters but his cross into the middle was cleared.

The second period saw a complete transformation from the visitors. Inside the opening minutes, an incisive ball by Giraud released Kneeshaw who fired inches over the bar.

Then in the 55th minute, the Colliers drew level after a superb move. Matty Slocombe – who was outstanding at the heart of the defence – played the ball to Kneeshaw and the striker unselfishly laid the ball wide for the unmarked Spooner who buried his effort wide of Flatters and inside the far corner of the net.

Ashington now had the bit between their teeth and 65 seconds later, a great ball played over the top of the home defence by Andrew Cartwright released Kneeshaw who netted but saw the goal disallowed for a foul in the build up.

Tweddle had already shown his quality with his delivery from set pieces for the home side and on the hour, only a fantastic save by Coombe denied him.

The full back curled a free kick from 20 yards which the ‘keeper acrobatically pushed against the crossbar with Burgess blasting over the rebound.

Then in the 72nd minute Giraud scored what proved to be the winner. Cartwright and Spooner worked a one-two on the right and when Cartwright’s effort was blocked, the ball ran out to Giraud who cut inside before he unleashed an unstoppable drive from the edge of the area which screamed past Flatters and into the roof of the net.

After that, Ashington managed the rest of the game – then in the second minute of time added on, substitute Michael Ndiweni slipped the ball to Giraud who side footed a cross shot fractionally wide of the far post.

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Dunston vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett 

A goal in each half from Sado Djalo and Dale Pearson was enough for Dunston to wrap up all three points against Ashington at the UTS Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon.

Over the years, games between the two sides have always been hard fought and well contested affairs – and this one was no different.

Dunston – who narrowly failed to gain promotion last season – are one of the favourites this time round and in the first half they bossed possession.

However after the break – with the introduction of Paul Van-Zandvliet – it was the Colliers who emerged as the better outfit. They had chances too – but with quarter of an hour of the contest remaining, Dunston caught Ashington on the break with Pearson scoring the clincher.

The Wansbeck side – after their long trip to Cheshire on Saturday where they suffered a 4-1 defeat against Congleton Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy – had to reckon without no fewer than nine players for the clash whilst joint head coach Richie Hill revealed afterwards that three or four who were named in the starting line up were playing despite carrying injuries.

There was an unusual start to proceedings when Ashington defender Paddy Almond was shown a yellow card by referee Jamie Cann for a foul after only 45 seconds as Dunston broke into the Ashington half.

The first chance of the game arrived in the 12th minute. Pearson found David Robinson whose shot was blocked for a corner.

Jack Camarda headed off the line then from a second flag kick, Jack Walker nodded the ball over the bar.

However on the quarter hour, UTS went in front with a well worked goal. The ball was played out to the left flank and when it was crossed into the danger zone, Scott Robson did a step over which allowed Djalo to smash home.

Ashington’s first threat came in the 34th minute when Cyril Giraud played a pass through but ‘keeper Dan Lowson read the situation and smothered the ball in the nick of time to thwart Wilson Kneeshaw.

The visitors looked lively right from the start of the second half. Jon Shaw and Giraud combined to set up Jay Errington but his effort was blocked by Jack Walker.

Dunston hit back with Djalo finding Robinson whose drive was saved by ‘keeper Dan Staples diving to his left.

After that, it was the visitors who were in the ascendancy. Craig Spooner clipped a free kick from 25 yards the bar over before Camarda’s cross was helped on by Jay Errington but Kneeshaw fired off target.

Ashington were knocking on the door – but in the 74th minute a goal on the break left them stunned.

Dunston substitute Josh Gilchrist’s right footer was parried by Staples and the ball ran into the path of Pearson who hammered it home.

Even then the Colliers were not finished. Kneeshaw went past Lowson but ran the ball out of play then Spooner played a one-two with Almond and shot narrowly wide.

Ashington’s second 45 minutes was encouraging – but they have got to be more clinical when chances come their way.

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Michael Ndiweni

2024/25 Sponsor: Evolve Sports Academy

Young striker who joins the Colliers after being released by Newcastle United during the summer. Michael made one first team appearance for the Magpies in the Premier League last season, coming on as a substitute in Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Chelsea at St. James’ Park. He also spent time on loan at Scottish League side Annan Athletic earlier this year, scoring twice in 15 appearances.