Competition: Northern Premier League - East Division

Ashington vs Hallam

By Scott Messenger

Ashington made it two wins out of two on Tuesday night as they beat Hallam in a hard-fought and often fiery Northern Premier League East Division encounter at Woodhorn Lane.
This was the Colliers first home victory of the season, coming just a few days after an away win at Ossett United that had secured Ashington’s first win of the 2025/26 campaign, although Nicky Gray’s side were made to work hard for the three points from their newly promoted opponents.
Sheffield based Hallam started the game brightly and had the best of the early exchanges. Midfielder Brandon Bradbury fired two efforts from distance wide of the Ashington goal, while at the other end Colliers new-signing Liam Noble, making his first start since joining from Newcastle Blue Star, had a couple of efforts from the edge of the box that were easily held by visitors ‘keeper Hugo Warhurst.
On 20 minutes the away side almost broke the deadlock with an excellent effort from distance. A low cross from the left wing was miskicked by Hallam forward Ndlovu, the loose ball ending up at the feet of full-back Jack Brownell. His first time strike from 20-yards flew past the despairing dive of Ashington ‘keeper Tyler Jones, striking the top of the crossbar on its way over.
On the half hour Ndlovu went close again for the visitors, firing a 25-yard effort inches over the bar, before the Colliers broke the deadlock with another ‘goal of the season’ contender from long range specialist Craig Spooner.
In the 32nd minute Ashington midfielder Liam Noble’s free-kick was only half cleared by the Hallam defence. The ball was headed out to Spooner 25-yards from goal, and he unleashed an unstoppable left-footed volley that flew into the Hallam goal via the underside of the bar, leaving goalkeeper Warhurst rooted to the spot.
Just before half time Spooner almost scored his and Ashington’s second as he fired just wide with a right footed effort from the edge of the penalty area.
The Colliers started the second half brightly and on 52 minutes the hosts doubled their advantage. Noble was again heavily involved as his quickly taken free-kick caught the Hallam defence napping, Josh Gilchrist getting in behind the two central defenders before calmly slotting the ball past the advancing Warhurst and into the bottom corner of the net to make it 2-0.
Just when it looked like Ashington were taking control of the game, just five minutes after increasing their lead they gifted the visitors a goal because of some sloppy play at the back. A loose pass was intercepted and Hallam forward Harrison Poulter ran at the home defence before finishing brilliantly with a low effort from the edge of the area that gave Tyler Jones no chance.
Five minutes later Colliers skipper Karl Ross fired over from 12-yards, before substitute Liam Henderson went close with an effort from 20-yards that went just over the visitors goal.
With just under five minutes remaining referee Nicholas Vincent, who had already had a busy night dishing out eight yellow cards, reduced both sides to ten men, sending off Colliers substitute Henderson and visitors captain Danny South for an off the ball incident in the Hallam penalty area.
Despite some late pressure from the away side, they were unable to create any clear cut opportunities, with Ashington holding out for an important win that moved them up into 13th position in the table. On Saturday the Colliers are back at home as another newly promoted side Silsden make the trip to Woodhorn Lane. Kick off is 3pm.
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Ossett United vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

Ashington broke their duck for the season when they chalked up their first win against Ossett United on Saturday.

What’s more, the Colliers deservedly extended their short but unbeaten run at the Ingfield Stadium to three game games in a contest which was played in incessant rain throughout.

Josh Gilchrist and Liam Henderson scored the goals for Nick Gray’s side but their was so much more to admire from a performance which was brimful of endeavour.

The Wansbeck side went into the game on the bottom of the table but they were boosted by an impressive second half showing – albeit in a 3-2 home defeat – against Matlock Town in midweek.

Boss Gray had emphasised that they had to replicate the same type of performance – and the players duly obliged.

Chances were few and far between in a first half which included a lot of huff and puff and it was ten minutes before the first effort at goal arrived – courtesy of Craig Spooner whose left foot effort was held just inside the post by ‘keeper Aleksandar Petrovic.

It was a full half hour before the hosts threatened when Jack Crook hit the side netting after cutting inside from left to right.

Rory Powell had a header clutched by Petrovic then at the other end, Samuel Pashley blasted over from the edge of the area.

Ashington had enjoyed more possession but five minutes before the break, it was Tyler Jones who kept the scoreline blank when the stopper pushed a shot from Alfie Proctor aside.

And the save proved pivotal as two minutes later, the visitors went ahead through Gilchrist.

Spooner provided a cross from the left into the area where Gilchrist’s excellent header found the far corner.

Second half, although the Colliers kicked down the slope, the driving rain was directly in their faces.

Little materialised in the way of goalmouth action until on the hour when the Wansbeck outfit forced a corner.

The ball fell to Harry Powell whose sweetly struck effort was goalbound until it hit Karl Ross and lobbed up for Petrovic to claim with ease.

Just past the half way mark, Gray introduced Liam Henderson – and it proved to be an inspired substitution as within three minutes, the striker doubled Ashington’s lead.

Gilchrist swung the ball into the danger zone from the left and an ice-cool Henderson side footed it wide of Petrovic and into the net.

Late on, Henderson came close with a right footer which flew narrowly wide before Ossett served notice that even with time running out, the game was not over.

A snapshot from Proctor hit the base of the post and went wide then in the 89th minute, Crook was given space to curl a superb left footer from 25 yards wide of the despairing dive of Jones and inside the corner of the net.

With five minutes of time added on, the goal set up for a nervy finish – but there were no further scares for the Colliers who picked up three precious points on the road.

Ashington now prepare for two home games in the space of five days which start with Tuesday night’s clash against Hallam (7.45pm kick-off).

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Ashington vs Matlock Town

By Brian Bennett

Ashington stayed on the bottom of the table following a narrow 3-2 defeat against Matlock Town at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

Following their horror show and 4-0 defeat against Consett last Friday, it was a vastly improved performance by the Colliers but despite a spirited display and two cracking goals from Josh Gilchrist and Craig Spooner they had nothing to show for their efforts against one of the sides tipped to be in the promotion frame come the end of the campaign.

They say that nothing goes for you when you’re down at the bottom – and that was so true in the ninth minute when the visitors took the lead.

The ball was played into the area and when full back Declan Eratt-Thompson got a second bite at the cherry after his initial shot had been blocked, his effort took a massive deflection off a home defender to wrong foot ‘keeper Tyler Jones and roll into the net.

Ashington’s first semblance of a chance arrived midway through the period when a deep cross from Ryan Wombwell narrowly cleared the bar.

Then three minutes later the visitors doubled their lead.

Ashington looked for a free-kick which never came and from a lightening counter attack, the ball was crossed from the left for Conor Washington who made no mistake with a cushioned right foot volley.

As the half wore on, the Colliers created chances. Gilchrist fired over at the near post then after Marc Ellison had won possession in midfield, Spooner’s effort was palmed away by ‘keeper Jake Oram.

Wombwell headed over a cross from Jay Hornsby and into time added on, Gilchrist hooked wide.

Early in the second half, Cameron Wilson stroked the ball wide from the edge of the area before Ashington played Matlock at their own game and reduced the arrears with a fast flowing attack culminating in a picture goal.

After a swift raid down the right, skipper Karl Ross crossed for Gilchrist who planted a bullet-like header inside the near post.

Ashington were certainly back in the game but after Ryan Donaldson had cleared the ball off the line following another quick transition by the visitors, they were dealt a blow midway through the half as Matlock struck a third.

Washington’s effort crashed out after hitting the underside of the bar and Wilson tucked the rebound wide of Jones.

After being initially stunned by the sucker punch, the Colliers battled valiantly until the end and in the second minute of stoppage time, Spooner made it 3-2 with a sumptuous strike.

The ball fell to the midfielder following a corner and from 20 yards, he unleashed a full blooded right foot volley which screamed into the net via the upright.

However, it proved to be too little too late and Nick Gray’s side will make the journey to face Ossett United on Saturday (September 20), still looking for their first win of the season.

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Consett vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

Ashington went down to a crushing 4-0 defeat against Consett at the Belle View Stadium on Friday evening.

It was certainly a night to forget for the Colliers who never laid a glove on their hosts in the first period and who were fortunate to only be three goals behind at the interval.

Nick Gray’s side did improve after the break but the damage had already been done and the Steelmen rubbed salt into already sore wounds when they added a fourth with the last kick of the match.

The only plus point was the performance of goalkeeper Tyler Jones. The youngster, on loan from Newcastle United, spared his side’s blushes with an inspirational display between the posts otherwise Ashington would have been on the wrong end of a much heavier defeat.

Although defeated 3-1 in their last match at home to Matlock Town, Consett had previously strung a few wins together and from the first whistle, they looked by far a sharper, cohesive and confident outfit.

After piling on the pressure, it came as no surprise when they took the lead in the tenth minute.

By then they could and should have already been three goals to the good. Donny Holdsworth had a shot held by Jones; the Ashington defence made a desperate clearance before the stopper was in action again minutes later palming the ball away to thwart Isaac Walker.

However Walker was not to be denied a second time – even though Jones did his utmost to keep the ball out.

The custodian flung himself to his right to push the ball away after a strike by home skipper Marc Costello then when the ball was recycled, Matty Todd’s effort smacked against the foot of the post. It appeared Ashington had escaped but Walker kept his cool and blasted home.

It was all hands to the pump for the Colliers who struggled to get out of their own half but who also contributed to their own downfall.

They repeatedly caused their own problems by giving the ball away and midway in the half, they were punished after doing just that.

Again Jones kept out a first effort before Brendon Daniels fired the ball into the far corner.

It wasn’t until the 27th minute when Ashington finally made inroads down the right but skipper Karl Ross’s cross was intercepted at the near post.

Back came Consett and two minutes before the break, they added a third with a rasping right foot drive from Todd.

Ten minutes after the break, Josh Gilchrist struck the ball wide from a Craig Spooner cross then a header by Spooner was turned aside by home ‘keeper Harry Moss.

However right at the death, Walker added his second and Consett’s fourth shooting home after Consett had launched a free-kick into the area.

Whilst the goal was harsh on an Ashington side which had performed better in the second period, the Colliers must put this defeat behind them ahead of Tuesday night’s home NPL clash against Matlock Town (7.45pm kick-off).

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Ashington vs Blyth Town

By Brian Bennett

The first ever derby clash between these two sides in the Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division ended in a stalemate after a dour and drab encounter at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

However, the visitors will be the happier of the outfits to share the spoils after having to play all but five minutes of the second half with ten men after Marcus Giles was sent off for a second yellow card by referee Alex Clark.

For home supporters, the game was an improvement on Ashington’s 1-1 draw against Blyth Spartans on Bank Holiday Monday, even if it came nowhere near to reaching any great heights.

In the fourth minute, skipper Joe Gibson flicked the ball over the bar after a free-kick was  played into the danger zone by Cam Gascoigne who was one of three ex Colliers in their starting line up.

But there was a quick response by Ashington as barely sixty seconds later, a diagonal ball from right to left from Ryan Wombwell found Craig Spooner and when he passed inside to Jake Orrell, the midfielder’s effort from 25 yards was held by ‘keeper Neil De Jesus.

It was Orrell who also drove narrowly wide before Adam Johnson whipped the ball across the face of the Ashington goal.

However, just past the quarter hour mark, the Colliers ought to have gone ahead after they opened up the Blyth defence.

Josh Gilchrist found Orrell but when he pulled the ball across, Liam Henderson side footed wide with the goal at his mercy.

De Jesus collected a shot from Spooner then when play switched, Rory Powell got ahead of Johnson to make a vital headed interception from a right wing cross.

Blyth had made the better start then Ashington had a spell of their own until the game levelled out but remained goal-less at half time.

Five minutes into the second half, the visitors were reduced in number.

Marcus Giles, who had been booked in the first period for dissent, fouled Jay Hornsby near the touchline and was shown a second yellow card followed by a red after the referee had consulted his assistant.

Within minutes Blyth broke quickly from an Ashington corner. Gascoigne played the ball to Johnson but his effort was directed straight at ‘keeper Tyler Jones.

Gilchrist had a shot which was turned around for a corner by De Jesus and from the flag kick, Ryan Wombwell’s header was cleared off the line.

A misplaced clearance by De Jesus fell to Spooner but his half volley was gratefully saved by the ‘keeper.

Ashington could not break down a resolute Blyth defence and after Spooner had curled the ball just wide, the game drifted into a tame affair with referee Clark brandishing more yellow cards than chances created.

However there was almost a late twist in the tale as the ten men staged a late burst.

In the third minute of stoppage time Noah Millington fired over then Sam Fishburn was through but was denied by Jones.

Before the start of the game, players, officials and supporters celebrated the life of lifelong Ashington supporter Craig Dickinson who tragically passed away recently, with a minutes applause. On the 44th minutes of the game, a further applause was heard around the ground started by Craig’s son Alfie to once again, celebrate the 44 years Craig spent with his family and friends. A bucket collection in aid of Andys Man Club was also held which raised £273.07 and will be rounded up to £300.00 by the club.

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Blyth Spartans vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

A goal in stoppage time by Sam Davison salvaged a point for Ashington against Blyth Spartans on Bank Holiday Monday.

The substitute volleyed the ball home with aplomb from six yards in the eighth minute of time added on to ensure that this totally uninspiring derby clash finished all square.

It had began to look as if Patrick McClafferty’s goal just before the hour mark was going to be the winner – until Davison struck.

To be honest, a draw was a fair result on what was a glorious afternoon at Croft Park.

Indeed, the weather was the most enjoyable feature for a super crowd of 1227 as these two sides battled out a drab opening 45 minutes which was described by many as being the worst they had witnessed for a long time.

Their frustrations were backed up by the fact that after the expected early sparring, 27 minutes had elapsed before the first chance arrived.

That came about when Blyth’s Charlie Wood surged through but his shot was blocked by ‘keeper Tyler Jones.

Ashington eventually responded ten minutes later when Andrew Anderson rolled the ball square for Ben Sampson but the full back fired over from 20 yards.

Shortly before the break, Benjamin Shodeinde chased a through ball but Jones got there first to clear then Arran Wearmouth had a left footer held by the stopper.

All the talk during the interval was would the game improve. Unfortunately whilst it didn’t get any worse, it only marginally got better.

In the 52nd minute, the Colliers put together the best move of the match when a ball from Jake Orrell found Liam Henderson but his shot was taken by ‘keeper Callum Dobson.

Josh Gilchrist cut inside and fired wide of Dobson’s right hand post before an error in the 59th minute by Harry Powell led to Spartans taking the lead.

Inside his own penalty area, the young defender tried to beat McClafferty but he was dispossessed by the Blyth full back who surged forward and slipped the ball past Jones.

Sampson had a header clutched by Dobson then substitute Jesse Gomez had an effort shovelled away by Jones.

With two minutes of the 90 remaining, Spooner took a free-kick from the left which got a deflection and smacked against the base of the post and when Dobson pushed out a shot from Henderson it looked as if Spartans were going to hold on for all three points.

But Ashington put the ball into the box again and a header from substitute Rory Powell fell to Davison who levelled the scores.

Out of context with the entire game, both sides fashioned a chance apiece in the final minute.

Sub Michael Annang-Colquhoun headed a cross by Jay Hornsby at Dobson then when play switched, Blyth sub and former Ashington midfielder Danny Anderson clipped the ball wide of the far post.

Blyth Spartans: Dobson, McClafferty, Jacob Wilson, Chapman, Vaulks, Wood, Shodeinde, Richardson (Anderson 78 minutes), Wearmouth (Gomez 61 minutes), Downey (Slocombe 70 minutes), Jack Wilson. Subs not used: Dobinson, Simpson.

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Dunston vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett  |  Photos: Ian Brodie

Ashington suffered their second league defeat in three matches on Tuesday night when a goal in each half from Michael Pearson and Harvey Neary sealed a 2-0 win for Dunston.

The result saw Dunston go top of the East Division table in the Pitching In Northern Premier League on a night where the Colliers came away empty handed despite staging a late rally.

Craig Spooner had a 90th minute penalty saved by home stopper Dan Lowson who also denied a close range effort from Ryan Wombwell.

In the first half, there was little in the way of goalmouth action to entertain a crowd of 368 but the 13th minute proved to be unlucky for the Wansbeck side as they went behind.

A deflection fell to Pearson who with all the time in the World, hammered the ball home inside the far corner from the edge of the box, past the outstretched hands of ‘keeper Matty Alexander.

The only other clear opening came seven minutes later when following a deep free-kick pumped towards the far post, the ball bounced out to Ashington skipper Karl Ross but he skied his effort well wide.

Early doors in the second period, Spooner whipped in a great free-kick from the right which by-passed everyone at the far post.

Midway through the period, it was Neary who doubled Dunston’s lead. He won a 50-50 tackle just inside the Ashington half and after advancing hit a right footer which took a deflection before it looped over Alexander’s head and into the net.

In the 78th minute, Chris McDonald crossed for substitute Dan Turner but he was denied by  Alexander who made a fine block.

Ashington had played better in the second half and in the closing stages, they desperately tried to get back into the contest.

After Sam Davison had fired into the side netting, the substitute was brought down in the area by Jude Swailes but Spooner’s penalty was pushed away to his right by Lowson.

Then in stoppage time, Wombwell met a corner from the left but somehow he was thwarted by Lowson.

19 August 2025 – Dunston FC v. Ashington AFC

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Ashington vs Bishop Auckland

By Brian Bennett

Nick Gray said in one of his postmatch interviews last season that in football you don’t always get what you deserve.

On Tuesday night, Gray’s Ashington outfit bossed their first home league game of the new season against Bishop Auckland. They missed gilt edged chances, struck the woodwork on three occasions and even trailed early in the contest.

And as the match entered four minutes of stoppage time in the second half, it looked as if they were heading for a second consecutive defeat inside four days after Saturday’s 2-0 reverse at Bridlington Town.

But with one last throw of the dice, Craig Spooner whipped a superb free-kick from the right into the danger zone where Harry Powell stabbed the ball in at the far post to salvage a point.

It was the bare minimum the Colliers deserved.

On the night they played some excellent football and in the seventh minute they should have nudged ahead following a free flowing move involving several first time passes on the right. The ball was crossed into the area but from six yards, Spooner’s effort rattled against the crossbar and from the rebound, Karl Ross’s shot was gobbled up by ‘keeper Alfie Gordon.

Ashington continued to dominate the opening exchanges and a corner by Josh Gilchrist went across the face of the goal. However, in the 12th minute, one piece of slackness saw the Two Blues take the lead when a cross from the right by Mikey Roberts was firmly headed home by Robbie Spence.

Undaunted, Ashington hit back and after Gordon had held a shot from Gilchrist following a Jay Hornsby free-kick, Ben Sampson charged through the middle before he slipped the ball through for Liam Henderson but the striker’s effort came back off the foot of the post.

Midway through the half, an instinctive right footer from Bishop Auckland’s Roberts flashed just wide then Jack Blackford cut inside and fired narrowly off target.

Ashington continued to exert pressure in the second period. Henderson and Gilchrist were not far away with efforts then just past the hour mark, Ryan Wombwell got on the end of a Spooner restart but directed his shot straight into Gordon’s midriff.

Still the home side continued to create chances. A brilliant run down the left flank by Hornsby saw him deliver a great inviting cross into the box but no Ashington player was on hand to apply the finishing touch.

Henderson headed wide then from another cross an effort from Sampson was finger-tipped onto the bar by Gordon.

When Sampson cut inside and blazed over with 88 minutes gone, it appeared it was going to be one of those nights.

That was until the third minute of time added on when Powell equalised following a quality ball in from Spooner.

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