Ashington boss left ‘frustrated’ at call-off but was empathetic

Skinner said: “Whilst I was disappointed and frustrated, I think common sense prevailed.

"Ideally we wanted the game to be on but we didn’t want to travel for it (the match) to be called off down there.

"We’d had a good training session on Thursday in preparation and we’ll have another two sessions this week – but because we lost both of our last two matches against Sunderland Ryhope CW and North Shields, it means our pensive mood will linger for more than ten days. However, our focus will switch to the visit of West Allotment Celtic to Woodhorn Lane on Saturday (February 5) as we look - and hope - to return to winning ways in front of our fantastic supporters.”

On the team news front, last weekend’s postponement will give Luke Salmon and goalkeeper Adam McHugh an extra week to get some more fitness under their belts after both have been out of sorts through illness but central defender Curtis Coppen is a doubtful starter due to injury and Max Emmerson and Tom Bramley are still ruled out.

Meanwhile a new date has been set for the Northallerton clash in North Yorkshire. The Colliers will now travel on Saturday March 5 and Skinner added: “I’m happy about that especially as it is on a Saturday - but we are away to Redcar Athletic on the Wednesday beforehand, so we’ll be clocking up some miles in the space of a few days!”

The Ashington game was one of a number of local games called off at the weekend due to the high winds from Storm Malik.

In the Northern League Division 2, Blyth Town and Bedlington Terriers were both without fixtures.

On Friday (February 4), BedlingtonTerriers hope to get back to action home to Horden, whilst on Saturday (February 5), Blyth Town take on Esh Winning at home.

In the Northern Alliance Premier Division, Seaton Delaval lost 3-1 away to Newcastle Blue Star whilst all other local league matches were postponed due to the weather conditions.