By Brian Bennett

Ashington secured their status in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League for next season – but only after receiving a helping hand from Garforth Town on Easter Monday.

Yet again the Colliers gave an abject and lethargic display as they went down 1-0 against Heaton Stannington with substitute Andrew Burn scoring the only goal in what was a dismal encounter.

The result from the lunchtime kick-off guaranteed the visitors their place in the division next term whilst for Ashington all eyes switched to the clash later in the afternoon between Brighouse Town and Garforth Town.

A defeat or draw for Brighouse would see them relegated and for almost an hour, they trailed 2-1. But an equaliser in the 90^th minute by Isaac Acquah set up a nail-biting finale.

Ashington fans then had to endure an additional 11 minutes of time added on before the final whistle sealed Brighouse’s fate.

Meanwhile a bumper crowd of 707 witnessed a low key but nervy contest at Woodhorn Lane with chances at a premium.

Ironically the visitors almost made inroads straight from the kick-off when an error in the Ashington defence opened up an opportunity for Konner Lamb but his shot was held by ‘keeper Ryan Catterick.

It was the quarter hour mark before the Colliers had their first sniff at goal when Josh Gilchrist hooked the ball over after connecting with a cross from the right by Craig Spooner.

Ryan Wombwell clipped wide from 12 yards following a corner by Spooner but the game became a hard watch.

However, there was action at the start of the second period. Two minutes in, Gilchrist got in behind the Stan defence, but his cross was cleared.

At the other end, ex Collier Jay Errington scooped wide before in the 51^st minute, the goal which was to settle the contest arrived.

Following a throw in on the left, the ball reached the far post where it was hooked in by substitute Andrew Burn who had replaced Lamb for the start of the second period.

Shortly afterwards, sub Liam Henderson had a great opening but fired over following a cross by Jordan Summerly then Wombwell struck wide from 20 yards with a shot on the run.

Catterick fisted away an angled drive by Errington then Dan Capewell headed wide from a corner by Daniel Stephenson.

Another flag kick by Spooner was knocked back into the danger area but cleared before the midfielder struck a left footer from the edge of the area which whistled past the upright.

A few hours later, Colliers fans were put through the wringer before Brighouse’s 2-2 result against Garforth Town flashed up which confirmed that the Wansbeck club were safe from the drop.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington face a nail-biting end to the season following their defeat against Garforth Town at a sun drenched Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

With relegation confirmed for Sheffield FC, Sherwood Colliery and Liversedge, the final place appears as if it will go to the wire with three games remaining.

The Colliers dropped two places in the league table only two points above the drop zone and face a massive run in with two games over the Easter weekend period.

An error five minutes into the second half by goalkeeper Ryan Catterick resulted in the only goal as the stopper fumbled the ball over the line following a corner on the right.

But it was Catterick who prevented his side from going behind in only the second minute as Garforth made an impressive start. Nash Connolly seemed a certain scorer until his effort was clutched by the custodian.

Overall though, the game was disappointing as a spectacle with chances few and far between.

Josh Gilchrist – Ashington’s matchwinner at Liversedge – stabbed wide of the post then Craig Spooner struck a free-kick from 25 yards which was straight at ‘keeper Harry Flatters.

The visitors almost took the lead in unusual circumstances midway through the half. With Garforth in possession, the ball struck referee Kieran Downey and the official blew his whistle to stop play. It restarted with a drop ball to the visitors and Jay Davis lobbed just over the bar from distance.

Similarly in the closing minutes of the half, Liam Henderson went close at the other end with an audacious effort from 35 yards which dipped narrowly over the bar.

Three minutes after taking the lead, ‘The Miners’ were reduced to ten men when defender Harry Viggars saw red following an off the ball incident just outside the Garforth penalty area.

Whilst Ashington struggled in the final third, they also failed to take advantage of their numerical advantage.

They showed a couple of glimpses of link up play which ended with Spooner then Henderson firing wide.

In the closing stages, substitute Ryan Donaldson had a 20-yarder parried by Flatters then Ryan Wombwell clipped an effort wide but in truth the Colliers – who went into the game looking for a third win on the bounce – could have played until midnight and still not scored.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington eased their relegation worries on Saturday when they toppled promotion chasing Emley at Woodhorn Lane.

The result may have raised eyebrows in non-league circles – but not regular supporters of the Wansbeck side who have played against four of the leading clubs overs the past few weeks and who have given a good account of themselves on each occasion.

It’s only natural that fans will point to the red card shown to Emley striker Joshua Ayres on the stroke of half time as being the pivotal moment when this game changed.

But casting that aside, Ashington – albeit with a strong wind on their backs – were excellent in the second half and full value for their win.

They pulled apart an Emley side who had started the game third from top and restricted them to one clear cut chance after the break which came in the closing stages which saw ‘keeper Ryan Catterick earn his corn.

The game started at a fast tempo with a lot of hustle and bustle but without any chances being fashioned.

Then on the quarter hour, two fell to ‘The Pewits’ from free-kicks in quick succession.

The first was a goal-bound 30 yarder by skipper Alexander Metcalfe which produced a superb save by Catterick low down to his right before Charles Barks missed a glaring opportunity after running onto a ball played in by Luke Parkin. Banks was granted a free header but placed his effort well over.

Ashington were already down to a wafer-thin squad due to injuries when Jordan Summerly was forced off midway through the period with Kyle Errington taking his place.

Two minutes later, the visitors took the lead. The goal was simplicity itself with Ayres hooking the ball home from six yards after a long throw-in on the right.

On the half hour, Craig Spooner registered Ashington’s first chance when his free kick was held by ‘keeper Callum Yam then Jamie Holmes got possession from a Spooner corner but his dangerous low cross was cleared.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time, there was an off the ball incident in the home penalty area which resulted in Ayres being sent off by referee Nick Vincent.

Seven minutes into the second half, Ashington drew level through Josh Gilchrist.

‘Keeper Yam saved superbly pushing out a header by Ben Sampson from a Ryan Wombwell cross but skipper Karl Ross clipped the rebound into the middle where Gilchrist lashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range.

The goal gave Ashington a massive lift and after Holmes had cut inside and fired just over, the winger put his side ahead with a sensational strike midway through the period.

Liam Henderson set the ball up for Holmes who unleashed a right footer from 25 yards which curled perfectly into the top corner between post and crossbar.

In the 79^th minute, the Colliers got a cushion of a two-goal lead. They had taken several short corners during the afternoon but when Catterick shouted to Spooner to ‘knock it in’, the midfielder duly obliged and when his flag kick was headed goalwards by Ben Williams, Wombwell turned the ball home left footed.

And it was Catterick who had the final say in the contest. Amir Berchil broke clear in the inside right channel but after bearing down on goal and with only Catterick to beat, saw his shot turned away by the stopper’s legs.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington picked up a valuable point on Saturday when they drew 2-2 with high-flyers Belper Town at Woodhorn Lane.

And what made the result even more pleasing for management duo Nick Gray and Liam McIvor was that they took on the promotion chasers with a threadbare squad.

The Colliers got no reward despite an encouraging display at Emley the previous week and early in the contest on Saturday, it looked as if the Derbyshire based outfit were going to run away with an easy win after scoring twice in as many minutes.

However, the Wansbeck side took full advantage after the visitors had missed gilt-edged chances and not only hit back to go in all square at the break but also squandered a golden opportunity to score from the penalty spot.

On a lovely Spring afternoon, supporters lapped up what was one of the most entertaining first periods of the season. It did take quarter of an hour to get into full swing but thereafter was certainly action packed.

Jamie Holmes made his full debut and his 25 yarder which went high and wide was the only incident of note in the early stages.

It then became rather busy in both boxes which started with ‘The Nailers’ leaving Ashington shell-shocked when they struck at the double.

In the 14^th minute, a long pass sent Jaanai Gordon clean through and he beat advancing ‘keeper Ryan Catterick to the ball before clipping it into the vacant net.

The Colliers had not recovered from that body blow when they went two goals behind. On this occasion, Gordon was the provider playing the ball into the path of Jonathan Wafula who from six yards fired it inside the near post.

Ashington responded when they forced two consecutive corners and from the latter, Holmes looked a certain scorer until a visiting defender got in a vital block.

However, in the 21st minute, Ashington halved the deficit.

Holmes – in the thick of the action – crossed from the left where Ryan Donaldson headed home.

Barely 60 seconds later, Kevin Bastos – set up by Wafula – missed a glorious chance as he blasted over with only Catterick to beat.

When play switched, Craig Spooner spotted Preston off his line and tried to chip the ball over him but the ‘keeper got back to catch it at head height.

Gordon fluffed his lines after he was presented with another clear opening then in the 25th minute, home skipper Karl Ross was pushed down in the area by a defender and referee Thomas James pointed to the spot.

Holmes took the kick but struck a tame penalty which Preston easily clutched to his right.

Ten minutes before the break, there was an unusual incident when Wafula went down as if he was injured. The referee called on the Belper physio who was halfway towards Wafula when the striker indicated that he didn’t require treatment after all and was promptly shown a yellow card by the match official.

In the 38^th minute, a lively looking Ashington side got back on terms following an excellent move down the left.

Holmes slipped the ball out wide to the over-lapping Jordan Summerly and when he crossed, Spooner planted a great header wide of Preston.

However, in the first minute of time added on, only a brilliant save by Catterick denied Belper from regaining the lead.

The stopper got down low to his left to push a 30 yards free kick by Curtis Burrows which was creeping inside the post around for a corner.

The half time whistle gave supporters time to regain their breath – but incredibly after a pulsating first period, both sides failed to fashion a single chance after the break with defences on top.

There were several eye-catching performances from the home side but to contain a potent attack of Bastos, Gordon and Wafula – who had caused problems in the first period – special mention must go to Scott Lowery and Ben Williams who were both immense at the heart of the Ashington defence.

By Brian Bennett

North Ferriby skipper Niall Tilsley scored a stoppage time winner for his side which left Ashington to reflect on a week of double heartache.

The Colliers – cruelly knocked out on penalties in their semi final tie of the Newcastle Flooring Northumberland Senior Cup against Morpeth Town – were cruising 2-0 after an hour against play off hopefuls North Ferriby when a massive turning point arrived in the contest.

Ben Williams brought down Lewis Donnison just outside the penalty area and as the offence denied a clear and obvious goal scoring opportunity, the home defender was sent off by referee Glen Hart.

Less than five minutes later, ‘keeper Ryan Catterick dived to his right to palm away a shot from Luke Hogg and from the resultant corner, Dennison netted from close range after a scramble.

The Villagers drew level in the 80^th minute when substitute Dan Hernandez headed home from a corner by Dom Roma.

Ashington’s Josh Gilchrist then latched onto a through ball from Gary Ormston but after cutting back inside, scuffed his shot which was held by ‘keeper Ben Bottomley.

It was to be the final opportunity for the ten men and in the second of seven minutes to be added on, Tilsley fired wide of Catterick and inside the corner following a throw in on the left to wrap up what was a complete comeback by the visitors.

There was little to excite the crowd from the start of the game with a 25 yarder by Hogg the only effort in the opening quarter hour.

However Ashington took the lead in the 18^th minute after a slick interchange down the right.

Skipper Karl Ross found Andrew Cartwright who played the ball through for Gilchrist. The striker took a good first touch before calmy firing past Bottomley.

Ferriby replied with Jack Johnson heading wide at the far post after a deep left wing cross then after another period without any goalmouth action, Gilchrist neatly slipped a defender but saw his right footer finger-tipped away by Bottomley.

The action swung to the other end where Catterick slipped as he cleared from just inside the penalty area. The ball fell to Alex Flett who from 40 yards lobbed it towards the unguarded net where Catterick scampering back, clawed the ball away. Ferriby thought they had scored the equaliser and all eyes focussed on the assistant referee  but he didn’t flag for a goal and play continued.

In the closing stages of the period, Ashington pieced together a lovely move. It started with a deft flick by Gilchrist in midfield and involved Bailey Geliher, Ben Sampson and Cartwright but the latter’s cross was driven straight into Bottomley’s midriff.

Four minutes into the second half, Ashington doubled their advantage. Sampson spread the ball out wide for Ross and when he stood the ball up to the far post, Gilchrist headed inside the far corner.

Ashington looked more than comfortable as they held their 2-0 lead – then came the red card for Williams which changed the whole complexion of the game.

By Brian Bennett

A strong second half performance by Ashington saw them complete a particularly good week as they backed up a 2-1 win against Bishop Auckland in midweek with a 4-1 victory over Brighouse Town at Woodhorn Lane on Saturday.

It’s been an incredible turnaround by the Colliers who even a month ago, were included among the teams at the foot of the table but one defeat in eight has seen them climb into a mid-table spot.

However, once again they were forced to come from behind before deservedly securing all three points with Josh Gilchrist who scored a timely double taking his tally for the season to ten.

Buoyed by the result over Bishop Auckland, home supporters were expecting the Colliers to come out of the traps with a real spring in their step – but they were disappointed as what developed was reminiscent of a dull and lethargic end of season encounter.

The visitors took the lead in the 11^th minute.

Akeel Francis dispossessed Harrison Clark near the touchline, cut inside and rifled a right footer inside the far post leaving ‘keeper Ryan Catterick helpless.

Seven minutes later, Craig Spooner spurned a marvellous chance to level. Ryan Wombwell supplied a cross from the right but Spooner got his angles all wrong and headed well wide.

Then all of a sudden, the game came alive in the final ten minutes of the half with the home side in the ascendency.

Spooner had a left foot shot held by ‘keeper Shea Callister and shortly afterwards it was the stopper who denied Bailey Geliher as well as the follow up effort from Gilchrist.

However in the 43^rd minute, Clark atoned for his earlier error when he got the equaliser.

A free kick on the left by Gilchrist was blocked and when Gilchrist recycled the ball into the danger zone, Clark delicately clipped it home from six yards.

The Colliers had a chance to forge in front right on the stroke of half time when Spooner set up Gilchrist but the striker fired over.

After the break, Ashington continued where they had left off and upped the tempo and seven minutes in, they went ahead – from the spot.

Ryan Wombwell was upended inside the area by Niah Payne and Gilchrist stepped forward to smash the ball into the roof of the net, sending Callister the wrong way in the process.

Five minutes later, Ashington added a third following a well worked move. Gilchrist got to the by-line and crossed and although Ben Sampson missed out, the ball ran for skipper Karl Ross who blasted in the third from a tight angle.

In a rare raid, Payne fired wide for the visitors whose troubles were compounded in the 78^th minute.

Skipper Joshua Grant was sent off after a foul on substitute Wilson Kneeshaw on the half way line then the nearside assistant spoke to referee Tyler Dutton which resulted in one of the staff in the Brighouse technical area also being shown the red card.

Then in the 90^th minute, the Colliers stretched their lead further. Wombwell slipped the ball through to Kneeshaw who cut the ball back perfectly for the onrushing Gilchrist who steered it into the net from close range.

By Brian Bennett

Over the years, there have been some epic contests between Ashington and Consett.

Sadly Saturday’s clash at Woodhorn Lane will not stay in the minds of both sets of supporters after a drab and painstaking affair finished all square at 1-1.

It was a hard watch and certainly not the way Ashington skipper Karl Ross – who was making his 200th appearance for the club and who had signed an extension to his contract until the end of next season – would had visualised.

However, rather bizarrely both sides will lay claim to it as being two points dropped. The Colliers who led on the hour, conceded a late equaliser whilst ‘The Steelmen’ missed out after having two opportunities in the dying minutes.

Home manager Nick Gray handed a debut to goalkeeper Ryan Catterick whilst Craig Spooner returned after missing three games through injury.

The first half was played out with little in the way of goalmouth action – as if both teams were frightened of making a mistake which could have proved costly and seen them go on and lose the game.

In the seventh minute Marc Ellison’s 20 yarder landed at the feet of Josh Gilchrist but the striker’s effort was blocked then Spooner fired over.

Consett ‘s first threat came midway through the period when Calvin Smith got onto the end of a cross from David Allasan but Catterick saved superbly with his foot even though the flag was raised for offside.

Both sides struggled to put anything constructive together until late in the half.

Ryan Wombwell met a deep cross by Gilchrist at the far post but when he headed the ball into the middle there was no-one on hand to apply the finishing touch.

However with seconds of the period remaining, Walker’s cross was deflected onto the bar and when the ball bounced out, Marc Costello looked a certain scorer until he somehow blazed his effort over the bar.

After the break, Smith swung over a corner which was met by ex Ashington defender Charlie Exley but he directed his header straight at Catterick.

On the hour, Ryan Donaldson was brought down inside the area by Consett skipper Ryan McKinnon – another ex Collier – and Gilchrist scored emphatically from the penalty to put Ashington ahead.

Ten minutes later, Brandon Holdsworth laid the ball off for Allasan but his shot was cleared off the line by Scott Lowery.

Holdsworth then went to ground under challenge by substitute Wilson Kneeshaw but the visiting striker was cautioned for simulation.

However five minutes later, when Holdsworth went down in the box again, Harrison Clark was penalised with a spot kick awarded and Smith’s finely executed penalty nestled inside the corner of the net.

Gilchrist had a great chance to put his side back in front when he burst through but he delayed his shot which was blocked.

However there could have been a dramatic finale to a game which had lacked in quality.

In the closing stages a sizzling right footer by Smith flashed just wide with Catterick rooted to the spot then in the fifth minute of time added on for stoppages, Exley headed wide from another corner by Smith.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington came back down to earth with a bump on Tuesday night when Newton Aycliffe won 4-0 after a powerful and convincing second half display at Woodhorn Lane.

The Colliers went into the contest on the back of a run of three unbeaten games but the visitors – on the periphery of the play off places in the East Division of the Pitching In Northern Premier League – turned on the heat after the break and were full value for the three points.

The home side also had to see out the game with ten men after Ryan Donaldson saw red in the closing stages.

Two months ago, Aycliffe were stunned when the Wansbeck outfit won 3-2 at Moore Lane. Many Ashington supporters said at the time that the Durham outfit were the best side they had played so far this season – and the point was raised again after another impressive display by the County Durham outfit.

The Colliers – rocked by an injury to defender Ben Williams which ruled him out of the clash – were still in the game at half time after an opening period where chances were few and far between.

In the third minute, Josh Gilchrist threaded a pass through for Cieran Jackson but visitors ‘keeper Jim Pollard reacted swiftly and whipped the ball off the striker’s toes.

It was 12 minutes before the first shot of the game materialised when Joe Ferguson had an effort which was held by home stopper Dan Staples and a further quarter hour before the next when a drive by Liam Jarvie was directed straight at the custodian.

Two minutes later, Liam Adamson broke clear down the right but Ryan Wombwell got back to make an excellent tackle.

Ashington began the second period a lot brighter and in the 52nd minute, Harrison Clark slipped the ball to skipper Karl Ross who cut inside a defender but saw his shot held by Pollard.

Two minutes later, Aycliffe broke the deadlock. Following a corner on the right, skipper Ethan Wood fired in from the edge of the area with the ball squeezing between Staples and the post.

Recent newcomer Jackson had a shot taken by Pollard before the visitors doubled their lead just past the hour mark.

The goal stemmed from another corner which was played into the six yards box with Jake Petitjean netting from close range.

Five minutes later, it was 3-0. Aycliffe broke quickly on the counter from an Ashington corner with Adamson raiding down the right and when he squared the ball, Jarvie had the simple task of slotting it into the net.

The three goals in quarter of an hour left Ashington shell-shocked and it ought to have been four in the 75th minute. Following an intricate move across the park, the ball came over from the right but Petitjean headed wide.

Gilchrist had a shot which was taken by Pollard before substitute Dane Eltringham added a fourth with five minutes of the 90 remaining.

He picked up possession and unleashed a low drive from 25 yards which flew into the net.

Three minutes later, Ashington’s troubles were compounded when Ryan Donaldson was sent off after being shown two yellow cards in quick succession.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington’s mini run of three games without defeat came to an end on Monday night when a goal by Sado Djalo proved to be the defining moment of their Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division clash at Woodhorn Lane.

Djalo’s effort towards the end of the first half settled a fairly ordinary encounter which was played in windy conditions and was enough to keep Dunston’s promotion drive going with the outfit – who agonisingly missed out on elevation to the NPL Premier Division last season – sustaining a place in the play offs.

With both defences on top, efforts on goal proved to be rare with long range drives the order of the day.

In the fourth minute, Harvey Neary unleashed a low right footer which was pushed away then collected by home ‘keeper Dan Staples, who was making his return to the side following suspension.

Craig Spooner had Ashington’s first opportunity but saw his shot comfortably held by UTS stopper Dan Lowson.

Staples was called into action again tipping the ball around from JJ O’Donnell before one slick move in the 37th minute led to the visitors unlocking the door and breaking the deadlock.

They constructed a move down the right which saw Scott Robson play a pass inside to David Robinson and when he crossed low into the danger zone, Djalo pounced to fire home from close range.

In the opening quarter hour of the second half, Spooner fired wide on two occasions before what was to be Ashington’s best opportunity arrived in the 65th minute.

Ryan Wombwell crossed from the right and Josh Gilchrist’s header was blocked by Lowson.

That really was as good as it got for the Colliers with one final chance falling to Spooner whose tame effort was easily held by Lowson whilst Robinson and Tom Devitt went close for UTS.

However on a night where there was little to choose between the two sides, Ashington will be disappointed not to have taken a share of the spoils.

By Brian Bennett

Ashington gave their supporters some Festive cheer on Saturday when they toppled an in-form Ossett United side 2-1 at a windswept Woodhorn Lane ground.

First half goals from Craig Spooner and Josh Gilchrist laid a solid foundation then with the wind in their faces, the Colliers not only defended magnificently but were also the better side against the elements and emerged as deserved winners.

It was a much needed win for Nick Gray’s outfit and a boost ahead of the remainder of their seasonal programme with an away game against Heaton Stannington on Boxing Day morning (11am kick-off) followed by a home clash against promotion chasers Dunston UTS on Monday December 30 (7.45pm kick-off).

How the teams played the conditions was going to be a key factor – and although Ashington were good value for their 2-0 lead at the interval, the disappointment was that the margin wasn’t greater.

The home side made their intentions crystal clear early on when a long range effort by Spooner was on target but went straight into the midriff of ‘keeper Aleks Petrovic then the number ten went close with a left footer from 25 yards that shaved the post.

Ashington forged ahead in the 17th minute. Skipper Karl Ross picked up a loose ball in midfield and found Spooner who finished well tucking his shot wide of Petrovic and inside the far corner.

Shortly after the half way mark, only the thickness of the woodwork prevented a second when Wilson Kneeshaw picked out Gilchrist whose excellent left footer struck the bar with Petrovic beaten.

On the half hour and in a rare break, the visitors had their first sniff at goal when Lewis Stephens had a shot blocked but Ashington’s response was to add a second in the 37th minute.

Marc Ellison – on his debut – sliced the visitors defence open which sent Kneeshaw through from the half way line with a one on one opportunity but Petrovic did well to block with Gilchrist off target from the rebound.

However in the 37th minute, Gilchrist ran onto a headed pass and as Petrovic advanced, the striker lobbed the ball over him and into the net.

Barely sixty seconds later it could have been three when Gilchrist unleashed a left footer which was goalbound until he was foiled by Petrovic who saved well at the foot of the post.

There was a frantic start to the second half when within the first 15 seconds, Gilchrist slotted the ball through for Kneeshaw but his effort was cleared off the line.

In the 48th minute, the two strikers caused havoc again. On this occasion Kneeshaw found Gilchrist who cut the ball back from the by-line and Spooner looked a certain scorer until Petrovic somehow denied him with a brilliant save.

But the game was back in the melting pot within 45 seconds as Ossett halved the deficit.

A cross from the left to the far post by Will Calligan was touched home from close range by Eddie Church.

Despite the difficult conditions, Ashington were playing well and Jordan Summerly got in behind the visitors defence but his cross was cleared.

The Colliers may not have had Lady Luck on their side over recent weeks – but ten minutes from time they certainly did. That’s when Ossett skipper Josh Burns caught the ball sweetly from fully 40 yards and his wind assisted right footed effort thudded against the angle of post and crossbar then bounced away to safety.

After that Spooner was not far away with a free-kick – before the final whistle sounded to bring Ashington an early Christmas present of three points.

Before kick-off, players, officials and supporters observed a minutes’ silence as a mark of respect for former Bridlington Town goalkeeper James Hitchcock who died last week.