The FA Vase is a big competition for every club at this level. We at Easington always want to do well in it but we knew this would be a tough game at Ashington. I’ve only ever been to Ashington once and that was when their new stand was being built. Arriving today, I was quite surprised. It is a very impressive stand with very nice changing rooms. The ground itself now could easily host football at a higher level than the Northern League. Behind the goal where the changing rooms and all the hospitality were before is just hard standing now. But, the older stands on the far side are still there too. They probably have 400 seats all in all. This would have been up a lot quicker if it was for Pitchero. It deleted a whole match report at the end of last season and did exactly the same today. So, I’ve had to write it twice!

Match report:

Colliers exit FA Vase with defeat at Ashington

Easington Colliery exited the FA Vase with a 3-0 defeat at First Division outfit Ashington on Saturday afternoon.

Former Durham and Kent cricketer Ben Harmison collected a brace for the Northumberland side while Victor Manquillo was also on the scoresheet with a fine strike only three minutes after coming on in his debut.

David Paul led the line for the Colliers, with Jay Redman and Liam Adamson working the wings. Reece Kenney, Jake Metcalf and David Vincent played in the centre of the park, and Shane O’Brien and Chris Pearson took the centre back spots. Jordan Hailes and Chris Freeman played as full-backs with Kyle Donaldson in goal.

Ashington edged possession in the opening 10 minutes but failed to trouble the Green Army who looked comfortable.

In the 11th minute, Easington created the first real chance. A pinpoint free-kick from Vincent found Paul at the back post and his header from 6 yards was narrowly too high.

However, with their first real chance, Ashington took the lead. The hosts won a corner and played it short to catch Easington asleep. With no pressure applied, the ball was allowed to be played across goal where Harmison tucked the ball into an empty net from a matter of two yards.

Having taken the lead, Ashington began to see more of the ball and went close through Ben Sampson who fired just over in the 18th minute.

At the other end, a clever ball from Redman played Paul in but he was adjudged to be offside in a tight call.

Halfway through the first half, Ashington’s Harmison sent a clever flick onto Callum Johnston but his first-time volley dipped narrowly wide.

When the Green Army won a free-kick in a dangerous position in the 25th minute, the traveling support expected Paul to shoot. But, looking to execute a planned routine, Paul passed the ball straight into the wall as the plan came crashing down.

A quick throw from Adamson found Vincent in the 28th minute and his good work beat a defender before his shot was saved by Conor Grant.

An Easington corner came to nothing before Redman’s powerful drive was blocked after Paul lad laid it off for the 18-year-old.

Easington were looking bright in the final third of the first half and Paul almost pulled the Green Army level in the 35th minute. The former Seaham Red Star forward turned on the penalty spot and managed to get a shot away but it crept just the wrong side of the post with Grant beaten.

An Easington corner came to nothing soon after before Johnston’s volley at the other end was just say too high.

Harmison’s first-time volley proved to be the final chance of the first half and despite worrying Donaldson, it failed to find the target.

Despite going into the break a goal down, there was something to be positive about with the Green Army.

The second half took some time to get going with an Ashington corner being the only piece of play worthy of note in the first 10 minutes but Easington easily cleared.

Adamson could have found room to shoot after a clever through ball from Redman in the 56th minute but he was outmuscled.

On the hour mark, a long ball gave Paul something to chase and he knocked the ball beyond the goalkeeper who clattered him in the process but the referee didn’t deem it to be a foul.

Dale Pearson shot harmlessly wide in the 62nd minute before Ashington doubled their lead in the 66th minute.

Victor Manquillo, brother of Newcastle United’s Javier Manquillo, collected possession only three minutes after coming on and he spotted Donaldson off his line. From 30+ yards, the former RSD Alcala man lobbed Donaldson to find the far corner. What a fine way to make your introduction!

An Easington free-kick was fired over 20 minutes from time before Ashington secured the game with a third and final goal 17 minutes from time. A ball over the top found Harmison who looked a good few yards offside. However, the assistant didn’t flag and Harmison was left to tuck home his brace.

Paul had a couple of efforts that were blocked as time wore on but Easington were unable to create any real chances and Ashington claimed the win.

We’d like to wish Ashington they very best of luck in the next round at either Padiham or Thackley.

Full-time: Ashington 3-0 Easington Colliery

Easington Colliery: Donaldson, Hailes, Metcalf, Pearson (c), O’Brien, Kenney, Freeman (Bulmer, 80′), Vincent, Paul, Adamson (Bell, 56′), Redman

Unused subs: Cooke, Ball, Appleby

Ashington: Grant, Christensen, Salmon, Downey, Scott (c), Buchanan, Sampson, Pearson, Johnston (Manquillo, 63′), Harmison (Stephenson, 73′), Hornsby (McAndrew, 73′)

Unused subs: Antony, Bell

Attendance: 224

Referee: Jim Halliday

Admission: £6 adults, £2 concessions

Programme: £1

Chips: £1.70

Can of Coke: £1