King’s Lynn end brave and bold Colliers’ FA Cup run

THEY were brave, they were bold, but ultimately, they were beaten.

Ashington have been one of the stories of this season’s FA Cup, but their attempt to reach the first round came to a heartbreaking end at the hands of National League North leaders King’s Lynn Town.

The Colliers always looked up against it as they made the long trip to face an in-form Linnets side and their task looked even more difficult when they fell behind on the quarter-hour mark.

A one-two between Jordan Ponticelli and Ben Stephens allowed the latter to beat Karl

Dryden – although the Ashington keeper will feel he could have done more to keep the tie goalless.

Ashington’s response was impressive and they got their reward when Luke Salmon grabbed their equaliser just before the midway points of the first half.

However, parity remained in place for just three minutes as the ever-dangerous Ponticelli restored their hosts’ lead as he raced on to a pass, took a touch, and produced a fine finish to leave Dryden with no chance.

Despite creating more chances, the Linnets had to be content with a one-goal advantage at half-time as they were left frustrated by a hardworking Colliers side.

Lee Mason almost got Ian Skinner’s men back on level-terms just after half-time but it was the step two side that looked the more likely to grab the game’s fourth goal as the second-half wore on.

Colliers resistance was finally broken 12 minutes from time as

Adam Crowther linked up with Josh Coulson before crashing a powerful effort beyond Dryden.

That was enough to bring an end to Ashington’s glorious FA Cup run – but the memories of wins over higher-ranked opposition Stocksbridge Park Steels, Ashton United and Bradford Park Avenue will live on for years to come.

KING’S LYNN TOWN: Jones, Crowther, Jones, Callenmcfadden (Hargreaves), Denton, Clunan, Widdrington, Omotayo, Barrett (Charles), Stephens (Coulson), Ponticelli Subs: Scott, Keller, Walker, Blair

ASHINGTON: Dryden, Cartwright, Summerly, Aziakonou (Mullen), Harmison, Lough, Mason, Sampson, Maguire, Briggs, Salmon Subs: Kalthoeber, Janusz, Anderson, Ross, Smith, Johnson