Season: 2025-26

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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Ashington vs Heaton Stannington

By Brian Bennett

Wilson Kneeshaw scored a fantastic goal which clinched Ashington a massive 2-1 win over Heaton Stannington on Easter Bank Holiday Monday.

However, despite the result, the relegation clouds have not blown away completely from Woodhorn Lane as the season draws to a nail-biting conclusion with only three games of the campaign remaining.

Kneeshaw’s 77th minute strike lit up a contest which – in front of a crowd of 731 – had plenty of endeavour but was nevertheless poor on the eye.

Before the game, players, officials and spectators observed a minutes’ applause as a tribute to Brian Robson – a former director and football secretary of the Colliers, who sadly passed away last week.

The home side made an explosive start and had a glorious opportunity to take the lead after only two minutes. A lovely through ball by Ollie Thompson found Kneeshaw who weaved inside the area until he was brought down.

Referee Stephen Beresford pointed to the spot but Josh Gilchrist’s penalty – hit down the middle – was saved by Stannington ‘keeper Lewis Brass.

A couple of minutes later, Ashington had another penalty shout – on this occasion for handball – turned down after Liam Henderson had put Kneeshaw through and the striker’s effort was blocked.

But after rebuffing a promising and energetic start from the home side, ‘The Stan’ delivered a sucker punch in the 11th minute as they took the lead.

Following a throw-in from the right, the ball fell to skipper Dan Capewell who fired in left footed on the turn.

There was a lengthy stoppage after home ‘keeper Matty Alexander and ex Collier Jay Errington accidentally collided in the area but the game turned flat until ironically, Alexander made an excellent save to deny the Stannington striker.

Ashington made a bright start to the second period and in the 55th minute, they got back on terms – from the spot.

Henderson played the ball down the right flank to Gilchrist and when he crossed, Spooner advanced into the area until he was sent sprawling by Kane Evans.

Once again, Mr Beresford awarded a penalty and an ice-cool Spooner sent Brass the wrong way.

Ten minutes later, Alexander saved low down at the foot of the post from substitute Leighton Hopper before Ashington sub Louis Burns clipped an effort which was finger-tipped away by Brass.

Then came Kneeshaw’s winner. Burns – who had been lively after being introduced in the 68th minute – found the forward on the right and after cutting inside a defender Kneeshaw curled a low left footer wide of Brass before the ball nestled inside the far corner.

With the last kick of the game, Alexander held a free-kick from Heaton sub Jonathon Chrisp before the final whistle sparked jubilant scenes from the whole of the Ashington contingent.

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Hallam vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

An early goal by Hallam centre forward Leon Salmon-Howarth settled the outcome of a scrappy and poor contest in difficult conditions at Sandygate on Saturday.

And whilst ‘The Countrymen’ celebrated reaching 50 points for the season after the final whistle, Ashington’s players walked off dejectedly after a narrow defeat in windswept Sheffield.

In truth, based on possession across the 90 minutes, the Wansbeck side were worthy of a draw but their performance lacked genuine quality.

Hallam boast having the oldest ground in the world. The pitch is notorious for its slope which runs from one end to the other and the Colliers, kicking down the incline in the first half made a positive start.

With only 80 seconds on the clock, Rory Powell had a shot tipped over the bar by home ‘keeper and skipper Hugo Warhurst.

However in the fourth minute, the home side forged ahead when the unmarked Salmon-Howarth met a cross from the right and powered a header inside the upright which initially knocked the stuffing out of Marc Ellison’s side.

Ashington had a penalty shout turned down when Ollie Thompson went down in the box under challenge whilst Hallam frittered away a few opportunities.

Paulo Aguas blasted over; Matty Alexander saved brilliantly to deny Salmon-Howarth and Kiyani Clayton fired wide.

The visitors were being penned inside their own half but came close to an equaliser just past the midway mark. Oliver Thompson slipped the ball through for Josh Gilchrist but the striker’s left footer came back off the far post.

Similarly on the half hour when Gilchrist laid the ball off, Ollie Thompson didn’t have to break stride but blazed over.

Before the interval, Clayton volleyed wide at one end and in the closing minutes, a cross by Gilchrist found Ryan Wombwell whose header was blocked.

Chances after the break were sparse. Ollie Thompson clipped wide then Gilchrist shot wide whilst Alexander thwarted Clayton.

In the final ten minutes, Ollie Thompson worked a one-two with Gilchrist but his effort was off target then in the 90th minute, defender Ben Williams ventured forward and when he found Spooner, the midfielder’s shot rebounded off the post with Warhurst beaten.

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Blyth Town vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

An equaliser three minutes from the end of the 90 by Lucas Lowery-Matondo secured a point for a lively and spirited Blyth Town side from this local derby encounter against Ashington at Gateway Park on Tuesday night.

The result meant that the gap between the teams in the league table remained the same as both battle to avoid the drop – the Colliers in 15th place whilst the Gateway Park outfit are still at the head of the quartet in the drop zone.

Ashington interim boss Marc Ellison – although disappointed at conceding a late leveller – will have breathed a huge sigh of relief at the final whistle as his side were second best throughout.

They massively under-performed on the night and although they led on two occasions, were fortunate to take anything from the game.

The only reason they did – and it was witnessed by a crowd of 546 – was that Matty Alexander produced one of the most sensational goalkeeping displays seen for many a season as the visitors stopper pulled off numerous saves which were not only top drawer but at the same time were equally outrageous.

If Alexander won the Ashington Player of the match by a country mile then Cyril Giraud took the honour for the home side. The midfielder teased and tormented his former side, and was a constant thorn all evening, netting the first equaliser then claiming an assist for the goal by Lowery-Matondo.

Both sides went into the contest full of confidence. Blyth had strung together four wins on the bounce whilst the Woodhorn Lane outfit – unbeaten in their last three matches – were 1-0 winners over promotion chasing Dunston last Friday.
Michael Connor’s team made a positive start and came close to an opener inside two minutes when Ben Fell’s header from a free-kick by Cam Gascoigne hit the bar and went over.

Then came the first of Alexander’s saves as he tipped over a header from Dominic Martins and followed that as he denied Gascoigne.

Ashington were struggling to get a foothold in the game and it was midway through the period before they managed their first shot at goal when Ollie Thompson’s effort was easily taken by ‘keeper Neil De Jesus.

Back came the hosts and after Alexander had pushed a header by Gascoigne onto the bar, Martins had a shot smothered by the stopper.

Ten minutes before the break, Ashington went in front – totally against the run of play. Following a throw-in on the right, the ball fell to Wilson Kneeshaw who clipped home into the corner of the net on the turn.

However, ten minutes into the second half, Giraud pounced on a loose ball inside the area to drill in the equaliser wide of Alexander.

The game then developed into a scrappy affair until quarter of an hour from time when the Colliers got their noses in front for a second time through Liam Henderson who produced a stunning right footed volley from 20 yards which found the top corner.

Alexander’s heroics continued as he twice thwarted Martins then Lowery-Matondo and it appeared as if the ‘keeper was going to lead his side to victory.

But in the 87th minute, Lowery-Matondo arrived at the back post to blast home a ball played across by Giraud to make the score 2-2.

Even then there could have been one final twist as Craig Spooner ventured into the Blyth area but was denied by a superb last ditch tackle by Adam Johnson.

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Ashington vs Dunston

By Brian Bennett

The cat amongst the pigeons; the fly in the ointment – call it whatever you want – but one thing is for sure – Ashington delivered a performance against Dunston at Woodhorn Lane on Friday night in a game which they won 1-0 which certainly made their supporters sit up and take notice.

It was akin to a David and Goliath clash – the Colliers battling to get away from the relegation drop zone whilst their visitors were looking to consolidate their place in the play offs at the opposite end of the table.

A blood and thunder type of contest, in reality, the game hinged on two key incidents within five minutes of each other early in the second period.

Ashington stopper Matty Alexander – on his return to the side – made a brilliant save from a Josh Donaldson penalty before Ben Williams put the Colliers in front.

But from the referee’s first whistle, the Wansbeck side went for the throat and with their intensity, had Dunston on the back foot and struggling to get out of their own half.

In the sixth minute, Rory Powell ventured down the right flank and when he pulled the ball square, Craig Spooner’s had a right footer which was pushed away by ‘keeper Dan Lowson.

Dunston broke quickly from the resultant corner and Finlay Neary had an effort tipped over by Alexander.

Play switched immediately and from a succession of corners by Josh Gilchrist, an effort from Williams was cleared off the line, Ryan Wombwell headed wide at the far post then Gilchrist hit the post direct from the third.

With Ashington still in the ascendency, Liam Henderson had a shot held by Lowson after excellent work down the right by Wilson Kneeshaw and on the stroke of half time, Chris Reid headed across from a Gilchrist restart but Wombwell nodded wide.

Then came the two turning points in quick succession.

In the 51st minute, Will Shaw was upended in the area by Rory Powell and after referee Thomas James had immediately pointed to the spot, Alexander made a cracking one handed save diving to his left to deny Donaldson.

Then Ashington were awarded a free-kick on the left and when Gilchrist swung the ball into the danger zone, Williams was at the far post to smash the ball home on the volley.

Kneeshaw blasted narrowly over from distance before Donaldson and Chris McDonald had efforts off target for the visitors.

In the closing stages, Ashington had to man the pumps as Dunston threw everything at them – then came the final whistle which not only confirmed Ashington’s best result of the season but also their best performance of the campaign.

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Ashington vs Pontefract Collieries

By Brian Bennett

Ashington picked up a well deserved point from a goalless draw against promotion chasers Pontefract Collieries at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

It was a game which never scaled any heights with little to stir a healthy crowd of just over 400 and whilst the Wansbeck side had the best opportunity to break the deadlock, in the grand scheme of things, it was a point better than nothing.

After the initial sparring, the visitors began to dominate possession and it was only the brilliance of Ben Metcalf who kept the scoreline blank.

The on-loan ‘keeper from Sunderland tipped over a sixth minute effort from Pontefract skipper Jack Greenhough then Alex Pavan was allowed far too much space and when he unleashed a thunderous shot, Metcalf dived to his right to push the ball away.

After being pinned in their own half for long periods, Ashington eventually fought back to have the upper hand in the final ten minutes of the period.

In the 35th minute, Connor Thomson and Kneeshaw worked a one-two down the right flank. When the ball was crossed, a clever dummy by Craig Spooner set up a glorious chance for Louis Burns but from eight yards, the unmarked striker skied his effort over the bar with home supporters expecting the net to bulge.

Another move ended with a tame shot by debutant Christian Lynn being taken by Harry Christy then on the stroke of half time, Ben Williams had a header clutched by the stopper from a Spooner corner on the left.

The second half was a non event with clear cut chances virtually non existent.
Ashington defended well to snuff out Pontefract’s dangerous weapon of long throw ins into the area by Greenhough whilst Metcalf’s handling was impeccable.

Greenhough had a decent opportunity but fired over before the game had a strange twist and end to it after three minutes of additional time were indicated.

Pontefract’s Ben Middleton was booked whilst Ryan Wombwell was shown a second yellow card and consequently sent off following an off the ball incident inside the visitors penalty area from an Ashington free-kick.

That was in the sixth minute – then in the eighth, the visitors were awarded a corner on the left from which Alfie Perry shot over at the far post.

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Ashington vs Bridlington Town AFC

By Brian Bennett

A last gasp goal by Ollie Thompson salvaged a precious point for Ashington in a 2-2 draw against Bridlington Town at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday night.

In stoppage time, the on-loan midfielder from Gateshead got on the end of a ball played into the box to head home despite efforts by the visitors defence to clear.

In Ashington’s lowly position, the point was huge especially as it had appeared the Colliers were heading towards back to back defeats following Friday’s miserable second half performance and consequent 5-2 defeat at Newton Aycliffe.

Interim managers Marc Ellison and Karl Ross will have been happy at the final whistle – but equally disappointed after their side conceded two goals from set pieces both scored by Seasiders skipper Tom Allan.

The Wansbeck side lost their opening league game of the campaign by a 2-0 scoreline on the East coast at the beginning of August and they had a fortunate escape inside the opening minute.

Ben Farrar got on the end of a cross by Eddie Kettlewell to hit a shot which crashed off the bar but the assistant’s flag was raised for offside.

Ashington responded with Oliver Thompson slotting the ball down the right for Rory Powell whose centre went across the face of goal.

Just past the quarter hour mark, Bridlington took the lead when a corner from the left was headed home at the far post by the unmarked Allan.

Within a minute, the picture could have got even worse as the home side were caught trying to play out from the back and they were relieved when a shot by Farrar was blocked.

Bridlington continued to press and have the upper hand and midway through the period, a ball played into the box by midfield schemer Olly Green by-passed a couple of players and forced an excellent save from ‘keeper Ben Metcalf, diving to his right at the foot of the post.

The visitors continued to put good balls into the box and in the 24th minute, Allan ought to have added his second from an in-swinging corner by Green but misdirected his header wide.

For Ashington supporters, it was a hard watch as their team repeatedly lost possession and it was the 35th minute before they had their first shot when Louis Burns fired well over.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Ahmed Salam – the scorer of both goals in the corresponding game – took a great first touch from a lofted ball forward but his low effort skimmed the far post.

Play switched and from a Chris Reid cross, a shot by Oliver Thompson was clutched by ‘keeper Alexander Baird.

At the start of the second half, Salam went close before Ashington fashioned an equaliser in the 55th minute.

Reid played the ball across and Burns finished with aplomb, unleashing a right footer inside the far corner.

It gave the home side a much needed lift but only three minutes later, Liam Henderson made a fantastic goal saving clearance to prevent Bridlington from regaining the lead after Metcalf had initially parried out a shot.

A free-kick by Green landed on the top of the netting then thirty seconds after being introduced, Ifeanyi Nnenanya had a shot turned around by the home ‘keeper.

With quarter of an hour remaining, Ellison and Ross made a bold triple substitution in an attempt to win the game, bringing on strikers Josh Gilchrist, Wilson Kneeshaw and Connor Thomson but with eight minutes remaining, the home crowd were silenced when again the unmarked Allan climbed at the far post to head home from a free-kick on the right.

Metcalf then pushed the ball away after an effort from an acute angle by visitors sub Jacob Day before Thompson’s header in the dying seconds brought the scores level.

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Newton Aycliffe vs Ashington

By Brian Bennett

Talk about having a bad day at the office!

Ashington’s relegation match against Newton Aycliffe on Friday night was not dubbed a ‘must win’ clash for the Colliers – moreover a ‘must not lose’ contest but in the event, the Wansbeck side can have no qualms about the result at the Ashcourt Group Stadium.

Whilst there was little between the teams in the first half, the performance by the visitors after the break was simply awful.

After going a goal down, they dragged themselves back into the game only to press the self destruct button in a crazy 20 minutes period in the second half.

When substitute Liam Noble was sent off three minutes before the 90, the red card – Ashington’s third in the last four games – was inconsequential on the night as the hosts were already 5-2 up.

However the sending off will impact interim boss Marc Ellison more during the run in as already without skipper Karl Ross for a period, Noble will also have to sit out a ban.

The early sparring saw a drive by Tom Henson flash wide whilst Ashington responded with Jeremy Perera trying a shot from 35 yards which was held by home ‘keeper Nathan Fisher.

Aycliffe’s tall centre back James Sloan headed over following a corner on the left before Craig Spooner had a shot charged down then Louis Burns fired over.

However, it was the hosts who struck first midway through the half with Colin Larkin stooping to head in at the far post from a cross by Brennan Fitzpatrick.

The score gave Aycliffe added impetus and after ‘keeper Ben Metcalf had clawed down a shot from Henson, Ashington’s goal led a charmed life as they twice cleared off the line in a goalmouth scramble.

The Colliers regrouped and Fisher was forced to turn around an effort by Spooner then the midfielder played a ball in which went across the face of goal.

Ben Williams was denied when his effort was cleared off the line but in the first minute of time added on, Ross’s first goal of the season brought Ashington back on level terms.

Spooner’s free-kick was headed out but the ball fell perfectly to Ross who smashed home a right foot volley into the back of the net.

After the break, Metcalf held from Henson then at the other end, Fisher pushed out from Spooner and a cross by Burns was cleared away from the danger zone.

However in the 55th minute, former Collier Jake Orrell put his side back in front with a superb finish.

The ball was slotted through to the midfielder who curled a right footer from the edge of the area wide of Metcalf and inside the upright.

Just past the hour mark, Metcalf spilled a free kick from the right by Orrell and Sloan had the easy task of tapping the ball home.

Ashington pulled one back in the 72nd minute when Noble took a quick free-kick which released Oli Thompson and the on-loan player from Gateshead kept his cool before slotting wide of Fisher.

The Colliers were back in the contest – but within the space of three minutes found themselves 5-2 down.

Ashington had a throw-in in their defensive third but conceded possession and substitute Jack Robertson – who had only been on the field a mere five minutes – profited as he squeezed the ball between Metcalf and his near post.

Robertson added a quickfire second after playing a one-two and driving past Metcalf before Noble was promptly dismissed by referee Elliot Cowens following an off the ball incident.

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