By Ali Salat
In windy conditions Ryhope were able to leave Ashington with all three points to continue their good form.
After Ryhope’s 3-0 victory against league leaders on Wednesday, Colliery Welfare were full of confidence going into the game against fifteenth place Ashington.
Ashington who had not won in six games were looking to break their poor form against a team who they played only a month ago.
From the offset Ryhope had a disallowed goal by Jack Devlin in the third minute as he was deemed to be offside.
Ryhope continued to apply the pressure as Jon Weirs, Robbie Bird and Ollie Hotchkiss all attacked the home team’s goal.
Jon Weirs scored the opening goal of the match getting on the end of a cross from Robbie Bird, Weirs took advantage of the scramble in the box scoring in the eighth minute.
Ashington FC came back into the game after conceding as Channon North and Samuel Perez gave Ryhope a hard time in the first half.
Ashington’s pressure soon payed off as Perez managed to score the equalizer in the 25th minute, Jack Walker tried to return the ball to Ryhope’s goalkeeper Joe Atkinson but Perez took advantage and scored.
The first half ended with both teams having scored, after putting the pressure on each other leaving it all to play for in the second half.
The away side started the second half well as Perez and North both had great chances on goal through counter attacks.
Devlin, Bird and Weirs formed a dangerous trio in the second half causing problems for the Ashington defence.
In the 68th minute the Ryhope pressure paid off as Devlin scored the second of the match after a low cross was cooly converted as Ryhope took the lead once again.
Ashington tried to force an equaliser in the final quarter of the game however thanks to some great defending from the Ryhope back line, Colliery Welfare were able to hold on to the three points.
The victory means that Ryhope continue their fine league form heading into the final four games of the season.