Ashington concede late in 2-1 Heaton Stannington loss

Heaton Stannington substitute Sado Djalo scored a late winner as Ashington experienced a painful déjà vu in their 2-1 NPL East defeat on Bank Holiday Monday.

Conceding goals at the death is becoming a recurring theme for Marc Ellison’s side - after Dunston’s Ben Ramsey netted in the final minute to force a 1-1 draw last week, the Colliers were on course to share the spoils at Willow Park, until goalkeeper Matty Alexander made an impulsive decision with just over 30 seconds remaining. As Djalo chased a ball down the left flank, Alexander came charging out of his area, but the home striker got to the ball first, nicking it past the number one and netting a winner from a tight angle. It was a touch ironic that after a low-key contest, a crowd of over 500 should witness such high drama so close to the end.

The first period had been a cagey affair which produced few chances, but former Collier Cyril Giraud was heavily involved. In the 11th minute, Josh Gilchrist played a ball back to Liam Henderson, whose shot was deflected for a corner, and partway through the half, a cross from Giraud led to an almighty scramble in front of goal, with Dale Pearson denied as Alexander eventually intervened. With seconds of the period remaining, a clever flick by Pearson set up Giraud, who blasted an effort into the side netting from 20 yards.

Ashington never got started after half-time and within two minutes, found themselves a goal down as Giraud broke the deadlock. Following a throw-in on the right, the ball found the Stan talent, whose low drive from the edge of the area found the corner. Minutes later, a header by Ben Milburn from a free-kick looked a certain goal until Alexander dived full stretch to his left to push the ball away.

The introduction of Benji Shodeinde gave the Colliers a new dimension, and in the 84th minute, it was the substitute who forced a corner on the right which led to a terrific equaliser from Ryan Donaldson. Scott Lowery failed to get a good connection on the set-piece but when it ran into the path of Donaldson, he rifled it home from 18 yards.

When Alexander then pushed away an effort from Giraud, Ashington must have thought they had secured a point - but they fell to their first league defeat of the season when Djalo had the final say.