Ashington boss delighted after penalty shoot-out win in Northumberland Senior Cup

Ellison said afterwards: “The most important thing tonight was to get through to the next round really. So obviously I’m delighted that we’ve managed to do so. The squad isn’t the biggest so it was important that we used the players as wisely as we could.

"Rory Powell is just coming back from a hamstring injury so it was important we got him some minutes but managed him the right way - along with a few others who hadn’t had as many minutes as others.”

The boss thought his side were fortunate to go into the half time break on level terms: “First half I was really disappointed because we never got going really and went through the motions.

"We knew it was going to be tough as they (Newcastle University) are a decent side, keen, energetic and well coached and they played some good stuff to be fair, but we didn’t match or better any of the ugly side of the game.

“We were too negative when we had the ball, didn’t want to stretch the game - and if I’m being honest and was in their shoes, I’d probably be disappointed that when half time come the game was level.”

He continued: “However in the second half I don’t really think they were anywhere near our box barring the penalty given, which was a little dubious, but I suppose I am going to say that. We probably had enough chances to put the game to bed but it didn’t quite work out that way.

"I don’t really like to single out individuals, but I think Jude Cogdon really deserves some credit for his performance tonight and to be fair over the last few weeks, he’s still young, still learning this level of football but I thought he was head and shoulders above everyone all game.”

He went on: “I’m really happy to get through, but a little disappointed in the performance as a whole. If the attitude and application from the second half was there in the first, it could’ve been a bit of an easier night than it looks on paper.”