Ashington do themselves proud in cup final

Posted by The Journal on May 13, 09 11:50 AM in Sport

No matter what happened at St James's Park in the Northumberland Senior Cup, it was always going to be something of an unofficial public holiday for the good folk of Ashington.

The Northern League side were second best from the first minute but they weren't prepared to let anything spoil their night - even a 4-0 defeat against Newcastle United's up-and- coming young guns.

Scott Blandford of Ashington tussles with Newcastle's Frank Danquah

Scott Blandford of Ashington keeps possession from Newcastle's Frank Danquah

The sun has been out for Northumberland's non-leaguers this season and, like Blyth Spartans, who fitted an FA Cup run and battle against relegation into a colourful campaign, and Whitley Bay, still nursing an FA Vase hangover after winning the trophy at Wembley, the Colliers made hay by reaching the Northumberland Senior Cup final.

Modern-day football still needs sides like them or it's in danger of choking on its own hype and that was demonstrated again as Ashington's very own loyal band of fans turned out in force at Gallowgate.

This was about doing the town of Ashington proud and the chance for Colliers players to enjoy a night to remember.

In that way they succeeded and did it in front of Ashington and Toon fan Steve Harmison, whose uncle Mel used to play for the Colliers.

And as the tones of the Ashington fans hit the crisp Tyneside air, they provided a great advert for their league.

One fan donned a t-shirt bearing the slogan "how d'ya knaa where aa'm frerm", but fans had started to arrive from mid-afternoon as caretaker boss David Brown's side were left overwhelmed by the support.

They had flocked to the Strawberry pub before the game and draped Ashington flags over the outdoor beer garden for their "big day out".

United's £5.7m former La Liga striker Xisco probably had bigger days out than this planned after taking on the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid, but he still rose to the challenge in front of Alan Shearer.

On two minutes, Kazenga LuaLua's wild shot fell nicely for Xisco and he made no mistake to blast home.

It could have been two on 13 minutes but for Lee McAndrew's clearance on the line when Nile Ranger headed goalwards.

But young goalie Kyle Hayes was beaten on 27 minutes when Frank Danquah's cross found defender Ben Tozer to tap home.

Ashington were not about to cave in, though. Chants of "There's only one Jackie Milburn", a day after the Toon legend's birthday, and "There's only one Jackie Charlton", were all part of the fanfare.

But Xisco added his second eight minutes into the second period. A powerful shot by Haris Vuckic fell kindly again for the Spaniard, who rifled it home.

There was still time for Mark Doninger to complete his record of scoring in every round when he fired home after fellow sub Jonny Godsmark forced another save from Hayes.

Hayes made a tremendous stop late on to deny James Tavernier but, despite the scoreline, plucky Ashington fully deserved their standing ovation.

It may be 29 years of hurt for Ashington in the Northumberland Senior Cup since their last success in the competition, but they won't forget this trip to St James's Park in a hurry.

UNITED: Krul, Tavernier, Ferguson, Lough (J Taylor 40), Tozer, Donaldson, Danquah, LuaLua (Doninger 69), Vuckic, Xisco (Godsmark 54), Ranger.

ASHINGTON: Hayes, Atkinson (McMillan 80), Bibby, Tremble (Fenwick 63), P Hutchinson, S Hutchinson, Cockburn, Blandford, Hogg, Bainbridge, McAndrew (Rayner 63).

Crowd: 1,769.

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos