Recap
Ashington: Dryden, Cartwright, Summerley, McKinnon, Smith, Lough, Mason, Sampson, Maguire, Harmison, Ross
Bishop Auckland: Liversedge, Burlace, Banks, Errington, McGoldrick, Daley, Weirs, Fairley, Johnson, Giles, Thexton
Bishops were blown away in the 2nd half by a buoyant Ashington side at Woodhorn Lane on bonfire night.
The way the Bishops started the game was more than encouraging and on 7 minutes Louis Johnson had a point-blank effort blocked by the body of Dryden. A pivotal moment in the game occurred when forward Thexton was helped off the pitch after appearing to injure his ankle and was replaced by Guy.
Shortly after the half-hour mark, a long ball up to Ben Harmison was headed down for Mason to hit a first-time shot from the edge of the box which flew into the corner giving Liversedge little chance. The rest of the first half was an even affair but the home side held the advantage.
On 57 minutes Ashington crossed the ball from a throw-in and again Harmison assisted as he knocked the ball down for Mason inside the box and a late challenge from Errington gave the ‘Colliers’ a clear-cut penalty. Harmison hammered the spot kick high into the net.
Initially, the Bishops looked to respond and had some good spells of possession without finding any space behind, however, a hammer blow of three goals in quick succession left everyone in two blue stunned. Maguire, Harmison and Sampson did the damage, the best saved for last with the Bishops heads well and truly down, a perfectly executed chip sailing over the stranded Liversedge. At this point, there were still more than 20 minutes remaining but the damage was done and the ‘Colliers’ cruised to the win.
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