Ossett United displayed a superb all-around performance to secure a triumphant three points against Ashington in the Pitching In NPL East league.
Grant Black was compelled to make a single alteration, as Alex Peterson was excluded from the starting XI due to a broken rib and punctured lung sustained during the FA Cup victory over the weekend. Kelan Swales, who had been acquired from Alfreton Town on the same day, was immediately slotted into the starting lineup and had an instant impact.
On one of the finest pitches in the league, both teams aimed to assert their dominance in the match, with both goalkeepers being called into action in the initial phases.
Ossett United took the lead when their goalkeeper, Joe Green, found Swales with an impressive 80-yard pass. Swales took control of the ball, advanced towards the goal, and executed a well-placed, low shot into the bottom corner.
The front quartet of Ossett United caused issues for the Ashington defence, with numerous chances arising regularly. However, credit must be given to the home defence, which remained resolute, thwarting attempts and producing sharp saves when necessary.
Ashington also posed a threat, coming close as a looping header struck the top of the crossbar. A couple of well-executed manoeuvres culminated in shots on target, but Joe Green made the necessary saves.
The second half began similarly, with opportunities emerging at both ends, until Ashington gained a foothold in the game and applied considerable pressure on the impressive Ossett defence. The defensive quartet consisting of Woodcock, Coates, McLoughin, and Burke, shielded by Robson and Gregory, proved sturdy enough to repel the majority of attacks. Man of the match, Green, commanded his area adeptly during crosses and corners.
Ashington persisted until the final whistle, drawing confidence from their two late goals in a recent match. However, even with an additional seven minutes of injury time, they failed to convert the elusive opportunity.
Following two outstanding victories in the FA Cup, Ossett United secured their inaugural league points of the season. This confidence-boosting triumph will serve the team well in anticipation of a bank holiday weekend. Stockton Town is set to visit Ingfield on Saturday, followed by the West Yorkshire derby against Pontefract Collieries on Bank Holiday Monday.
