Match Report

Goalkeeper Ryan hero of penalty shootout as Priorymen progress

ASHINGTON 1, GUISBOROUGH TOWN 1

(FA Trophy – Guisborough win 4-3 on pens)

Guisborough Town’s slightly eccentric but brilliant goalkeeper Ryan Catterick was the hero as he led his side to a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory in the FA Trophy at Ashington on Saturday.

Ryan, always up for a challenge, set Guisborough on the way to a memorable shoot-out win when not only took and scored his side’s first spot kick – he then pulled off a magnificent save to thwart Ashington’s first effort from the spot.

After that, Guisborough held their nerve to clinch a memorable victory and guarantee themselves a place in Monday’s draw for the next round.

In the game itself, Ashington took the lead in the 20th minute when Guisborough failed to clear a corner and Noah Cunningham stuck out a leg and scored for 1-0 to the home side.

Guisborough got off to the perfect start in the second half when only a minute after the interval James Frazer – who else! – rose at a corner and powered a typically strong header into the back of the net for 1-1 – and that’s how the outfield score remained until full time.

After the game, Guisborough’s Manager Nathan Haslam commented: “It was tough, the strong windy conditions were made it difficult for both sides

“But first half playing against the wind I thought we were good value and played some excellent football.

‘LACK OF CONCENTRATION’

“I thought we should have scored a goal or two in the first half but as it was we went a goal down due to a lack of concentration on a set-piece and we did that two or three times – so that’s an area we need to improve on.

“We then started the second half really well and equalised, but Ashington grew more into the game as the second half progressed but we took it to penalties and won 4-3. So we go through to the next round and that’s all that matters” added Nathan.

After the game Ryan Catterick spoke about his penalty shoot-out ‘tactics.’ He knows many of the Ashington players as he played for them for a spell recently, actually being key to helping Ashington avoid relegation.

Ryan continued: “As each of their players walked up into the penalty area I greeted them with a handshake and added a little tongue in cheek comment like ‘I know which way you’re going to go’ or ‘I’m going to save your kick’ – so just a little light-hearted chat to try and gain a psychological advantage,” added Ryan.

The ‘mind games’ certainly worked as Ryan saved Ashington’s first spot kick and then Ashington skied their final kick – it was the player’s fourth penalty miss in a row.

The attendance was 375 with a very healthy contingent of the travelling KGV faithful.

Guisborough’s next game is next Wednesday, 16 September against Morpeth in the league at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium (KO 7.45pm).

Report by Bill Perfitt.