Ashington confirm survival with 2-0 win over Brighouse Town

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.

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 also 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.

On the half hour, Gilchrist had a goal disallowed for offside before a shot by Ollie Thompson was turned aside by Acquah. Gilchrist struck a free-kick which was pushed out by Acquah, and Rory Powell fired wide from the rebound. Then, on the stroke of half-time, Matty 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 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, Thompson squared the ball across and Gilchrist did the rest, stroking a right-footed effort 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.