Competition: Northern Premier League - East Division

Ashington vs Bridlington Town

By Brian Bennett

It’s still early days. However after two defeats inside a week and with his side currently third bottom of the NPL East Division table, this certainly wasn’t the start to the season which Ashington manager Marc Ellison was hoping for.

In a weird opening 20 minutes, although the Colliers were second best, they will nevertheless reflect on chances which went begging.

In the fifth minute from a wind assisted free-kick driven in by Josh Gilchrist, Scott Lowery missed out with a header then a ball played down the right flank by Rory Powell found Ryan Wombwell and when he crossed, Tom McIntyre failed to get a decent connection at the far post.

Sandwiched in-between, Charlie Birdsall pounced on a miscommunication in the home defence but goalkeeper Matty Alexander came to the rescue, parrying his shot to safety.

Another great opening came Ashington’s way when Liam Henderson played the ball through for Gilchrist. The striker weaved past a couple of defenders inside the area and with supporters expecting the net to bulge, saw his shot blocked for a corner.

Just short of the halfway mark, the visitors went in front. Alexander initially bailed his side out making another good stop from Birdsall.

However from a short corner on the left, Ahmed Salam swung over a superb inviting cross to the far post which was headed in by Bridlington’s centre half Tom Allan.

Ashington responded to the setback as they grew into the game and after Seasiders ‘keeper Alex Baird had grasped a header by Henderson from a Jude Cogdon cross, the home side levelled as half time approached in the most dramatic style with a peach of a goal from skipper Karl Ross.

The midfielder neatly turned a defender then curled a sumptuous effort from 22 yards which arrowed just inside the angle of post and crossbar leaving Baird to grasp thin air.

Two minutes later, Baird pushed out a right footer from Henderson then at the other end, Allan headed wide from a Salam corner.

Bridlington were the better side after the break looking much sharper than their hosts but chances were non existent until Tweed cut inside and fired over.

Then midway through the turning point arrived when Lowery took a poor touch inside his own penalty area as he tried to play the ball out from a short goal kick and lost possession to Brid’s Ifeanyi “Destiny” Nnenanya. It put the substitute clean through one on one with Alexander and he made no mistake, rifling a right footer into the top corner.

In the 78th minute, Tweed scored a third for the visitors which sewed up their win.

Nnenanya turned provider as he pulled the ball back from the by line for Tweed to clip home at the near post.

Sub Toby Marriott had a shot deflected then in the final minute, Salam played a one-two but was foiled when he shot was repelled by Alexander.

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Heaton Stannington vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

Heaton Stannington substitute Sado Djalo scored a late winner as Ashington experienced a bit of déjà vu in this NPL East Division clash on Bank Holiday Monday.

Conceding goals at the death is becoming a recurring theme for Marc Ellison’s side. After Dunston’s Ben Ramsey netted in the final minute to force a 1-1 draw last week, the Colliers were on course to share the spoils at Willow Park, until ‘keeper Matty Alexander made an impulsive decision with just over 30 seconds remaining.

As Djalo chased a ball down the left flank, Alexander came charging out of his area. The home striker got to the ball first to nick the ball past the number one then from a tight angle, slotted his shot just inside the far post.

It was a touch ironic that after a crowd of over 500 had witnessed a low key contest, there should be high drama so close to the end.

The first period had been a cagey affair which produced less than a handful of chances but former Collier Cyril Giraud was heavily involved.

The Stan enjoyed more possession in the first 20 minutes before Ashington – who grew into game – had a similar period where they had more of the ball.

In the 11th minute, Josh Gilchrist played the ball back to Liam Henderson whose shot was deflected for a corner.

More than half way through, a cross by Giraud led to an almighty scramble in front of goal. Dale Pearson was denied with Alexander eventually clutching the ball.

Ten minutes before the interval, Gilchrist and Henderson combined again but the latter was thwarted when Giraud produced a superb tackle inside the box.

With seconds of the period remaining, a clever back flick by Pearson set up Giraud who blasted an effort into the side netting from 20 yards.

Ashington never got started after half time and within two minutes, found themselves a goal down with Giraud breaking the deadlock.

Following a throw-in on the right, the ball found Giraud whose low left footer from the edge of the area beat Alexander and found the corner.

Minutes later, a header by Ben Milburn from a free-kick looked a certain goal until Alexander dived full stretch to his left to push the ball away then the stopper held a shot from Cam Gascoigne.

Ashington theatened when Scott Fenwick played a one-two but his effort was held by home ‘keeper Dan Lister then Giraud cut inside from the left and fizzed a right footer just wide.

The introduction of Benji Shodeinde gave the Colliers a new dimension and in the 84th minute, it was the substitute who forced a corner on the right which led to a terrific equaliser from Ryan Donaldson.

Scott Lowery failed to get a good connection on the ball but when it ran into the path of Donaldson, he rifled it home from 18 yards.

When Alexander pushed away an effort from Giraud, Ashington must have thought they had secured a point – but they fell to their first league defeat of the season when Djalo had the final say.

*On Saturday (September 5) Ashington take on Bridlington Town at Woodhorn Lane (3pm) with the Colliers offering free entry to Blue Light card holders. On their social media platforms, Ashington announced the fabulous gesture as a thank you following a recent fire behind Woodhorn Lane which came dangerously close to their floodlights and stands. A statement read: “We were fortunate that serious damage was avoided, thanks in large part to the swift response of Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, who quickly brought the fire under control. At a time when our communities are facing growing challenges, our emergency services and frontline workers continue to be there when they are needed.”

The statement went on: “While the idea came from wanting to recognise and thank the firefighters who responded that evening, we wanted to extend the gesture to those working across our other emergency and frontline services who are there for people every day. It’s a small way for Ashington AFC to show our appreciation and simply say thank you.”

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Ashington vs Dunston

By Brian Bennett

A goal in the last minute of added on time by Ben Ramsey denied Ashington victory from this NPL East Division clash which finished 1-1 at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

The Colliers – who had taken the lead just past the hour mark through substitute Liam Henderson – put in a tremendous shift against one of the favourites for the play offs but they were left deflated when Ramsey’s low effort crept in between ‘keeper Matty Alexander and his near post.

The result meant the Wansbeck side extended their unbeaten in the league with a third consecutive draw and following their disappointing showing when they exited the Emirates FA Cup against Thornaby on Saturday, it was a much improved performance by Marc Ellison’s outfit.

Defender Scott Lowery made his first start of the season whilst new signing Jude Cogdon was named amongst the substitutes.

In the early stages, Wil Shaw had a shot cleared off the line then Harvey Neary volleyed wide after connecting with a left wing cross.

Ashington’s first effort came in the 11th minute during a spell of pressure when ‘keeper Olly Marshall held a shot from Josh Gilchrist then visiting skipper Michael Pearson fired over from a Phil Turnbull free-kick.

Benji Shodeinde was denied by Marshall and when play switched, full-back Chris McDonald cut inside but chipped his effort narrowly over.

The final chance of the period came in the 33rd minute and was route one. A clearance by Alexander bounced over the top of a Dunston defender but Gilchrist directed his lob well over the bar.

After the break, the skilful Ramsay found David Robinson but the midfielder dragged his shot across goal then in the 53rd minute, an audacious quickly taken free-kick by Turnbull from fully 40 yards was tipped over by Alexander.

Ashington had introduced Jamie Holmes and Liam Henderson for the start of the second half and the substitutes combined superbly to put their side ahead in the 61st minute.

Holmes produced a clever turn near the by line and when he crossed low to the near post, Henderson got the vital touch with the assistant flagging to the referee that the ball had crossed the line.

Minutes later, Alexander flung himself to his left to push out a long range effort by McDonald before Tom Devitt had a header deflected behind for a corner.

Ashington had defended magnificently for large periods of the game but in the fifth minute of additional time, they were caught out by a snap-shot from Ramsey and forced to settle for a share of the spoils.

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Guisborough Town vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

Frustration was the name of the game on Wednesday night when Ashington’s match against newly promoted Guisborough Town at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium was abandoned after half time due to a floodlight failure.

The hosts had gone into the interval holding a 2-0 lead with two goals in a four minutes spell from Joe Ferguson and Toluwani Osiyemi.

But the second half never got underway due to lights on the central pylon not working and eventually the match was abandoned by referee Thomas James.

Although Alex Payne and Ferguson had efforts early on for the Priorymen, the game itself was a bit of a cagey affair.

Ashington’s first attempt came in the 11th minute when Scott Fenwick drove the ball wide then Benji Shodeinde forced former Colliers ‘keeper Ryan Catterick to push the ball away with the stopper also clutching a weak shot from Rory Powell.

The visitors had looked reasonably comfortable for the opening half hour but that all changed as the hosts struck at the double.

Firstly, Ferguson steered a low left footer across ‘keeper Matty Alexander and inside the far corner then Osiyemi had acres of space down the middle and buried his effort wide of the custodian.

Guisborough went close again but in stoppage time, Ashington had a great opportunity to reduce the arrears.
Skipper Karl Ross played the ball through for Josh Gilchrist but his effort was deflected wide of the post by Catterick.

For the second half, Ashington were ready to unleash substitutes Jamie Holmes and Noah Cunningham for Gilchrist and Harry Powell – but the game never restarted.

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Stocksbridge Park Steels vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

The unbeaten run continues in more ways than one – but two goals in the final stages by Stocksbridge substitute Josiah Dyer left Ashington to reflect on what might have been at Bracken Moor on Saturday.

After the Colliers’ 1-1 result against Morpeth Town in midweek which opened their NPL programme, many will say that a point on the road is always welcome – only the Wansbeck side should have returned home – and deservedly so – with all three.
The reason why they didn’t could be attributed to a double dose of misfortune.
With ten minutes of the contest remaining, they were looking so comfortable. Then a through ball down the middle saw ‘keeper Matty Alexander’s attempted clearance rebound off sub Thomas Marshall – who was standing at close quarters – straight to Dyer who lobbed first time just inside the upright.
However worse was to follow in the last minute of the 90 after the referee awarded a controversial penalty to the Steels.
A clearance from ‘keeper and skipper Ben Townsend down the centre was glanced on and contested between Alexander and Marshall. The latter got to the ball first and clipped his shot – which went wide – as the two players collided. However the match official blew for a spot kick and Dyer blasted into the corner to level.
In the opening stages of the contest, Stocksbridge pushed hard and had half chances before Romario Dunne went extremely close with a right footer and Tomas Poole hastily fired over.
However it was the visitors who took the lead on the half hour with a wonder strike from Benji Shodeinde.

The goal materialised after good build up play with Ryan Wombwell finding Shodeinde on the left flank. The striker cut inside then from inside the box, curled a delightful right footer wide of Townsend and into the corner.
Nine minutes after the interval, the Wansbeck outfit doubled their lead. They forced a flag kick and Josh Gilchrist’s in-swinger curled directly inside the far post.

In the 70th minute, the Colliers – who had never lost in three previous visits to Bracken Moor – had a chance to make it three with a counter attack. Tom McIntyre’s delicate flick out wide found Shodeinde but after advancing, his effort was deflected behind for a corner.

Ashington’s defence which had been under pressure in the first half, snuffed out the danger after the break and Marc Ellison’s side appeared to be heading for their first win of the campaign – until the clock reached the 80 minutes mark and Dyer struck twice.

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Ashington vs Morpeth Town

By Brian Bennett

A goal quarter of an hour from time by Paddy Almond salvaged a point for Ashington against a ten-man Morpeth Town side in this local derby encounter at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night played out in front of a crowd of 876.

Almond’s terrific equaliser cancelled out a first half effort by the Highwaymen’s Jeff Henderson – but it was a mixed night for the visitors skipper who was shown a red card on the stroke of half time following an off the ball incident.

Morpeth – who were relegated from the NPL’s Premier Division at the end of last season – looked sharp from the start with Adam Lennox firing over then the same player struck a half volley just wide of the far post.

It was past the midway mark before Ashington registered their first opportunity. Following a free-kick involving Josh Gilchrist and skipper Ryan Donaldson, the ball was played into the penalty area where Scott Fenwick’s shot was deflected for a corner on the right.

On the half hour, Craig Spooner was foiled by the experienced Jeff Henderson at one end and when play switched, Aaron Chungh saw his shot from close range crash against the angle of post and bar and rebound to safety.

However, the visitors – who had been much the better side – didn’t have long to wait to wait before they broke the deadlock.

Following a corner, the ball was played in by the influential Luke James and Jeff Henderson did the rest, with an effort which nestled inside the far post.

Gilchrist hit the side netting and Ryan Wombwell – handed a midfield role – headed just wide whilst Jarrett Rivers had a shot held by home ‘keeper Matty Alexander.

With the seconds ticking down towards the interval, Ashington were awarded a free-kick on the left but before the restart, the assistant at the far side called referee Elliot Cowens over and the man in the middle brandished a red card to Jeff Henderson.

Morpeth manager Craig Lynch immediately made changes bringing on Josh King and William Dowling, withdrawing Rivers and Chungh.

Early in the second half, after Alexander had saved from Lennox, the ball found its way to the unmarked Dowling whose effort struck the base of the post.

However, in truth, Jeff Henderson’s dismissal changed the whole complexion of the game.

Morpeth ‘keeper Dan Langley foiled Liam Henderson; Spooner clipped narrowly wide before the latter had a half volley fisted away by Langley.

But in the 76th minute, Ashington got back on terms when Almond advanced into the penalty area and drove a right footer wide of Langley.

In the closing stages, Langley clawed down an effort from Gilchrist then with the final action, Liam Henderson put the ball wide following a corner by Fenwick.

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Ashington vs Lincoln United

By Brian Bennett

Ashington skipper Karl Ross said he wanted the club to end their league campaign on a high – and they certainly did that as they hit Lincoln United for six at a sunny Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

It was a highly entertaining game to bring the curtain down on the season with the Colliers on the front foot from the off as they built up a three goal lead in the first quarter hour.

In a match where there was nothing at stake, the Wansbeck club were delighted to attract an attendance of 686 – and the players from both sides gave them plenty of entertainment throughout.

There was a surprise for home supporters before kick off. Instead of playing in their traditional colours of black and white, the Colliers walked out in a brand new all red strip which is going to be their away kit for next season.

And what a start they made as they had the visitors back-peddling right from kick-off.

In the sixth minute, Liam Henderson chased Ryan Donaldson’s pass down the right. The striker shrugged off a defender before clipping a superb lob from the edge of the area which dipped over the head of Lincoln ‘keeper Heath Richardson and inside the upright.

Ashington’s pressure continued and after Richardson had palmed the ball away from Craig Spooner, they doubled their lead.

A long throw-in by Chris Reid found Josh Gilchrist who turned the ball home with a left foot volley from inside the six yards box.
On the quarter hour it was 3-0. Spooner started the move down the right and after intricate play, Rory Powell’s cross was dummied by Gilchrist for Louis Burns who took a touch before slamming the ball into the back of the net.

Midway through the period, Lincoln pulled one back when Harvey Cribb netted from close range following a cross from the right.

The action was unrelenting and after a 30 yarder by Henderson had been clutched by Richardson, home stopper Ben Metcalf made a smart save to his left from a header by Connor Brown.

Ollie Thompson fired across goal but sixty seconds later, the same player took a pass from Donaldson and chipped a delightful effort into the top corner.

The visitors had a spell where Brown struck the bar then was thwarted by Metcalf before the ‘keeper blocked from Kane Hutchinson-Wilkes.

In the dying seconds of the half, Ollie Thompson somehow stabbed wide but four minutes into the second half, Ashington made it 5-1 with a cracking drive on the half volley by Rory Powell.

Within a minute, substitute Haydn Havard wrong footed Metcalf to score from 16 yards then the ‘keeper saved a shot by Sam Swinn with his legs.

On the hour, Brown was yellow carded for kicking the ball away and the number ten saw red five minutes later for a late foul on Metcalf.

The stopper tipped around an effort from Jack Varley but he was beaten when substitute Bradley Wells scored with a free header from a corner on the left.

Ten minutes from time, Henderson bagged his second when he went past a defender then rifled a right footer across Richardson and inside the far corner.

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Brighouse Town vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

Mission accomplished!

Second half goals from Josh Gilchrist and Chris Reid saw Ashington win their penultimate game of the season against Brighouse Town which secured their place in the East Division of the Northern Premier League next season.

A victory at the Heffernan Utilities Stadium over a side who were already relegated was the Colliers’ priority on Saturday – and they deservedly achieved it.

But nothing is straight forward with the Woodhorn Lane based outfit – just ask interim boss Marc Ellison!

Handed a golden opportunity to edge ahead midway through the first half when they were awarded a penalty, Craig Spooner’s effort was saved by home ‘keeper Michael Acquah moving to his right.

Ellison had described Brighouse as being a ‘dangerous opponent’ as they could play with freedom and no pressure – and that’s exactly how things panned out.

The Wansbeck side – boosted by a following of around 100 of their fans, the majority of whom had travelled down in fancy dress costumes – bossed the game from start to finish but as they frittered away chances to go in front, there was always the possibility that the home side could put a spanner in the works.

The first opportunity came in the 11th minute when Liam Henderson dummied a cross at the near post but Gilchrist’s shot was held by Acquah.

Henderson had a header from a Louis Burns cross cleared off the line then Gilchrist set up Henderson whose drive was smothered by Acquah.

Then came the penalty incident. Ryan Donaldson’s ball down the right saw Henderson upended by full-back Ferdinand Annor and referee Thomas Holloway immediately pointed to the spot.

After Acquah had saved the spot kick from Spooner, it was the 25th minute when Brighouse had their first effort – a header by Alex Peterson which was clutched by ‘keeper Matty Alexander.

On the half hour, Gilchrist had a goal disallowed for offside then a shot by Ollie Thompson was turned aside by Acquah.

Gilchrist struck a free-kick which was pushed out by Acquah but Rory Powell fired wide from the rebound then on the stroke of half-time, Alexander was called into action to deny Theo Wainman.

From the first whistle of the second half, Ashington made inroads. Burns and Gilchrist both missed out after a ball was played low across the danger zone by Henderson then Ollie Thompson set up Ryan Wombwell whose goalbound shot was blocked.

However cometh the hour, cometh the man – and it was Gilchrist who finally unlocked the door.

Following a move down the right, Ollie Thompson squared the ball across and Gilchrist did the rest, stroking a right footer wide of Acquah and into the corner of the net.

The visiting fans went wild – and five minutes later they were celebrating again when Reid doubled the lead.

On this occasion, Gilchrist turned provider. He bisected the Brighouse defence and Reid, coolly took the ball around the advanced Acquah before he slotted it into an empty net.

For the remainder of the game, Ashington remained on top and could have added more to their tally.

Gilchrist had a shot blocked by the ‘keeper and Henderson’s follow up was cleared off the line then following a neat move, Burns was denied by Acquah and although Gilchrist netted, he was ruled offside.

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Matlock Town vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

The maths are simple. If Ashington win their penultimate game of the season against already relegated Brighouse Town in West Yorkshire on Saturday, they will retain their status in the Northern Premier League’s East Division.

Following results at the weekend, the Colliers are still not safe after they were on the receiving end of a comprehensive 5-0 thumping against promotion chasing Matlock Town on a day of mixed weather at the Proctor Cars Stadium.

Two goals in the opening quarter hour put ‘The Gladiators’ into a commanding position and they never looked in any danger against a Wansbeck side who to their credit, gave nothing less than 100 per cent effort throughout.

After the break, striker Conor Washington added his second of the afternoon before two ‘worldies’ in the closing stages saw the hosts go nap which strengthened their place at the head of the play offs.

Following an 8-0 home mauling by Redcar Athletic – who have gone on to be crowned champions – Ashington supporters believed they had seen the best team in the division.

On Saturday the Colliers never laid a glove on their opponents and were second best throughout as they came up against a well drilled and organised side.

Marc Ellison’s outfit made the worst possible start as Matlock unlocked the door after only 90 seconds.

Tom Elliott slipped the ball through for Washington who stroked home right footed just inside the post from 16 yards.

On 14 minutes, the home side doubled their lead after a swift breakaway from an Ashington corner with Cameron Wilson slotting wide of ‘keeper Matty Alexander.

It was the 36th minute before the Colliers mustered their first chance when Wilson Kneeshaw blasted over from the edge of the area following a throw-in on the left by Chris Reid.

Two minutes into the second half, neat skills on the right by Theo Upton saw his cross cleared behind by Rory Powell, then Alexander turned a shot by Upton aside.

Just before the hour mark, Liam Henderson got possession and when he slipped the ball through, Kneeshaw clipped an effort fractionally wide of the far post.

With 20 minutes remaining, Matlock made it three. The ball was played out to Washington who produced an unerring left foot finish from 18 yards.

Two cracking goals – both scored by substitutes – put the icing on the cake for the hosts.

Six minutes after his introduction, Jeremie Milambo. netted with a left foot curler then in the final minute of the 90, Alfie Atherton struck a 30 yarder which gave Alexander no chance.

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