Ashington (Away) Match Report

Opponent: Ashington (Away)

Date/Time: 19 Jan 15:00

Competition: ANL1

Result: 1 - 2

Team:
Newton, Stewart, Wells, Ryan L, Stephenson P, Keegan, Scott, Walklate, Tarrant, (Tait), Cogdon, (Ford), Hodgson. Subs not used: Ryan B, Reay, Stephenson A.

Report:
Nissan moved up to third in the league after this hardfought win against a determined Ashington team who pressed them all the way. After the opening exchanges Nissan settled into their passing style of football and were rewarded in the 11 minute when a cross from Wells was headed back across the goal by Tarrant for Hodgson to side foot home from two yards(deja vu). Ashington responded and Newton was forced into a finger tip save from Dickinson. Nissan should have extended their lead when Cogdon beat the offside trap and was marginally off target with his shot. Minutes later and Goalkeeper Simpson was called into action saving at the feet of Scott. Nissan were well on top at this point and deservedly went 2-0 up when Leon Ryan rose high above the Ashington defence to power in a header from Hodgson's corner kick. The second half started with Cogdon missing from 8 yards out, a minute later and Man of the match Simpson was called upon to make a tremendous double save firstly, Hodgson skipped past two defenders before firing his shot goalwards, Simpson saved and from the rebound some how manged to get both hands to Tarrent's follow up shot from eight yards and Ashington were able to clear the danger. This galvanised Ashington and they started to battle for everthing, the two wingers came more into the game, and they eventually pulled a goal back when Atkinson scored with a spectacular overhead kick from a McAndrew cross. The game flowed from end to end with Ashington creating the most clear cut chances but some stirling work by Nissan's Captain Justin Keegan and two outstanding saves from Newton saving from Cockburn and then substitute Ross young denied Ashington the equaliser.

Scorers: Hodgson, Ryan L

Verdict:

"A really hard fought win on a difficult pitch. "I think we showed our class for 50 minutes and our grit and determination for the other 40" said manager Wilf Constantine. "Give credit to Ashington who I thought put us under a lot of pressure in the second half, but 3 points is 3 points and it keeps us up there" "

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