Colliers boss calls for support in Cup tie
NORTH’LAND SENIOR CUP
ASHINGTON manager Ian Skinner has called on supporters to get behind his side when they face Newcastle United Under-23s in the Northumberland Senior Cup tonight.
The Ebac Northern League club are hoping for a four-figure crowd when the two sides meet in the quarter-final of the competition at the dwmedia Stadium.
Their confidence is wellplaced with average home attendances heading up towards the 500-mark and last month’s 3-3 draw with Division One leaders Consett attracting a crowd of 735 – the highest in the Northern League this season.
The Colliers have lost their last four Senior Cup fixtures against United’s second string and have failed to find the back of the net in those ties.
However, they go into tonight’s game just two points shy of the top four in the league’s top tier following their recent 6-1 success at Whitley Bay.
Skinner is relishing the challenge which lies in wait against the Magpies youngsters and is hoping a big crowd can roar his side to a place in the semi-finals.
He said: “It is a game which the players and myself are looking forward too because it is always good to pit your wits against full-time professionals and I am sure we will get a decent attendance through the turnstiles.
“However, our supporters can also play a key role by being our 12th man with the noise and encouragement they generate from the stands and terraces.
“It is a nice occasion for the club but all I will be interested in is trying to advance into the next round – and I will make sure we are ready to do that.”
Ashington will wear a change kit of all blue with an orange trim to show support for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Ashington chairman Brian Shotton said: “This organisation is very close to us all in memory of our dear friend Les Alderson who passed away in 2013.
“I also lost my grandad to MND in 1998 so I knew from a young age how devastating this illness is.
“It is a privilege for us to continue to raise awareness and funds for MNDA.”