Newton Aycliffe FC v Ashington

By Paul McGearyNewton Aycliffe remain rooted to the foot of the league after defeat at Ashington, despite being the better side for all but a minute of the opening period.Had the Newtonians turned round on par with the Colliers, the second half could've been a different story, but Andrew Johnson's crushing blow as the interval loomed turned the game the way of Gary Middleton's men.Potent forward Marc Walton - so often a thorn in Allan Oliver's side - had the simple task of slotting the hosts ahead on nine minutes following good work down the left by Johnson after a mis-placed ball from Martin Young in midfield.Danny Lambert time and time again had his marker on toast, and after a series of raids into the box, he turned provider for Young to atone in smashing home his first goal for the club just after the half hour mark.The Newtonians firmly on top almost went ahead twice. First Tom Hinchley saw his powerful header tipped over while man of the match Stuart Owen rifled a left-foot effort across the face of the goal.It was from the ensuing goal kick that Ashington stole ahead. A long ball forward was flicked on by Walton and Johnson nipped in round the back to slot past Scott Pocklington.Aycliffe were a shadow of the side in the second period, and Ashington stretched their lead on the hour when a free kick wasn't dealt with and James Taylor opened his body to fire into the top corner from eight yards.The closest the visitors came to getting back into the game was a looping header from the returning John Close which never dipped in time and sailed harmlessly onto the roof of the net in the final quarter.