Late Dunston UTS goal denies Ashington victory

A Ben Ramsey goal in the last minute of added time denied Ashington victory in their NPL East clash with Dunston UTS on Tuesday night, with Marc Ellison’s side instead having to settle for a 1-1 draw at Woodhorn Lane.

The Colliers – who had taken the lead just past the hour mark through substitute Liam Henderson – put in a tremendous shift against one of the division’s play-off favourites, but they were left deflated when Ramsey’s low effort crept in at Matty Alexander’s near post at the death.

The result meant the Wansbeck side extended their unbeaten in the league with a third consecutive draw, and following their disappointing showing when they exited the Emirates FA Cup against Thornaby on Saturday, it was a much improved performance by Marc Ellison’s outfit.

In the early stages, Dunston went close as Wil Shaw had a shot cleared off the line and Harvey Neary volleyed wide after connecting with a cross from the left.

Ashington’s first effort came in the 11th minute during a decent spell of pressure when goalkeeper Olly Marshall held a shot from Josh Gilchrist. The stopper would also deny Benji Shodeinde, before visiting full-back Chris McDonald cut inside and chipped an effort narrowly over.

The final notable chance of the half came in the 33rd minute as a route one clearance from Alexander bounced over the top of a Dunston defender, with Gilchrist’s resulting lob sailing well over the bar.

After the break, the skilful Ramsay found David Robinson, but the midfielder dragged his shot across goal, and then in the 53rd minute, an audacious quickly taken free-kick by Phil Turnbull from fully 40 yards was tipped over by Alexander.

Ashington had introduced Jamie Holmes and Liam Henderson for the start of the second half, and the substitutes combined superbly to find a breakthrough with half an hour left on the clock. Holmes produced a clever turn near the byline, and when he crossed low to the near post, Henderson produced the vital touch.

Minutes later, Alexander flung himself to his left to push out a long-ranged effort from McDonald before Tom Devitt had a header deflected behind for a corner.

Ashington had defended magnificently for large periods of the game, but in the fifth minute of additional time, they were caught out by a snap-shot from Ramsey and forced to settle for a share of the spoils.