Ashington battle back to knock West Auckland out of FA Trophy

Ashington progressed into the next round of the FA Trophy on Saturday with a stellar 3-1 victory over West Auckland at Woodhorn Lane.

The Colliers had to do it the hard way too after trailing early in the contest, but they eventually put their stamp on the game and turned things around in the second half with an excellent performance. Liam Henderson equalised through an audacious strike before substitutes Benji Shodeinde and Scott Fenwick also got themselves on the scoresheet.

But it was the visitors – promoted to the NPL East Division at the end of last season - who stunned the home support when they took the lead in the eighth minute.

Referee Ryan Moore penalised home goalkeeper Lewis Baker after he picked up a back-pass on the six-yard line, and although Ashington blocked the resulting free-kick, the ball was recycled and ultimately put away by James Hughes, who struck his half-volley beyond the Colliers stopper.

Ashington would go on to finish the half well on top as Jamie Holmes had an effort pushed away by Steven Bessent and two opportunities fell the way of Josh Gilchrist.

The hosts then made a dream start to the second period, with Henderson scoring a sensational equaliser after a mere 43 seconds. The forward spotted Bessent way off his line, and executed a superb chip from 40 yards to level proceedings.

The game subsequently became more open, with West’s impressive winger James Harrison having a curling effort saved by Baker before Gilchrist fired wide for Ashington.

Midway through the second period, Colliers boss Marc Ellison introduced Shodeinde and Fenwick, and the two substitutes would go on to make massive impacts with a goal apiece. Six minutes after coming on, Shodeinde burst into the box, where he was brought down by West sub Gildo Silva. The referee pointed to the spot, and the Ashington talent picked himself up to send Bessent the wrong way.

With 13 minutes remaining, the Wansbeck side extended their lead to 3-1 as Fenwick notched his first goal in Ashington colours. Skipper Karl Ross won possession in midfield, and when the ball was played through for Fenwick, he took it around Bessent before slotting home.

Following the goal and before play restarted, West’s troubles were further compounded when Hughes received a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to ten men and effectively ending any lingering hopes of a late comeback.