Up and down week for Ashington

Posted by The Journal on Apr 14, 09 12:05 PM in Sport

It's been a topsy-turvy week for Ashington and caretaker manager David Brown.

Last Tuesday, the Colliers qualified for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to St James's Park when they won through to the final of the Northumberland FA Senior Cup by defeating Newcastle Blue Star.

Two days later though they were hammered 4-0 at Bishop Auckland, but on Saturday gained revenge with a 1-0 victory in the return fixture at Woodhorn Lane.

"We were dismal in the first game at Bishops, but three points on Saturday has eased the pressure and we are now seventh from bottom, nine points clear of the relegation zone," said Brown, who steps down from his temporary role at the end of the campaign.

"It wasn't a pretty game on Saturday but at the end of the day, when you are in our position the only thing that matters is the result.

"I'm confident we'll stay up. We'll certainly know by the time we play at St James's Park.

"Hopefully we'll be relaxed and, with a bit of luck, we could return home with the Cup.

"If we retain our First Division status and win the County Cup it will have been a brilliant season."

West Allotment Celtic manager Gary Middleton has been appointed as permanent boss, taking over from Andy Gowens, who left the club a few weeks ago.

Elsewhere, it's extremely tight at both the top and bottom of the Northern League First Division as the season draws to a climax.

Consett remain out in front following a narrow 2-1 victory over Billingham Town, but Spennymoor Town are the favourites for the championship.

Moors are only five points off the top with as many games in hand on Consett, and only a serious slump will stop them from celebrating.

At the bottom, only seven points separate five teams who all lost on Saturday.

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