Grimsby Borough Vs Ashington: Match Preview

Grimsby Borough Vs Ashington: Match Preview

Ricky Ravenhill’s Wilderness Boys side play their second home game of the week as they face Ashington at the Technica Home of Grimsby Borough on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The new boss and his right-hand man Martin Woods took the managerial reins for the first time in midweek as their side produced a good performance to run out 3-0 winners over Hallam, with goals from Bradley Wood, Kieron Ceesay, and Jack Barlow sealing the three points.

It was an improved display from Borough, who played with an energy and tenacity that they’ll hope to replicate in the upcoming matches as they look to climb the NPL standings

Borough’s success over the Countrymen was their first home league victory of the season, and the result, along with the manner with which it was earned, will have given everyone a much-needed lift following a difficult period prior.

Manager Ravenhill was quick to praise his players in his post-match interview, while acknowledging the need to reach those levels on a more consistent basis moving forward.

With the injury situation as it is, it’s more than likely that the Wilderness Boys will have the same squad available as that of Wednesday night, though it’s hoped Billy Bradley, Tom Sawyer, and AJ Adelekan may be able to return.

Borough will hope to bring that same defensive solidity on show against Hallam, while once again winning the midfield battle that allowed Josh Clarke, Luke Ayris, and Kieron Ceesay to cause problems aplenty in the final third, with the latter in particular standing out as he regularly left defenders in his wake.

Barlow, Charlie Clements, and Tristan Drummond all made an impact off the bench last time out, and will be eyeing a starting spot should Ravenhill decide to freshen things up a little.

Ashington currently sit in 20th position in the early NPL East table, with seven points from their nine games to date.

Having ended last season one place and two points above the Wilderness Boys, they’ll be hoping for a potential top 10 finish when we reach the campaign’s conclusion.

Manager Marc Ellison retained many key members of his squad over the summer, before adding a mixture of youth and experience to his ranks, with the likes of defender Dan Groves and forward Jamie Holmes brought in to strengthen the spine of a Colliers side that are also searching for consistency following a mixed opening two months of 2026/27.

Young striker Noah Cunningham arrived from Whickham, while fellow attacker Benji Shodeinde joined following his departure from Northallerton Town. Central defender Patrick Almond also signed on a free transfer from Bishop Auckland.

As August came around, Ashington opened up with a 2-0 victory over Horden Community Welfare in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, before consecutive league stalemates with Morpeth Town (1-1) and Stocksbridge Park Steels (2-2) respectively.

Their match at Guisborough Town was abandoned at half-time due to floodlight failure, before they exited the FA Cup at the hands of Thornaby, losing by the odd goal in five.

A mixed end to the month saw them pick up a good point against Dunston in a 1-1 draw, which they quickly followed up by seeing off West Auckland Town (3-1) in FA Trophy First Round Qualifying.

They then lost out by two goals to one at Heaton Stannington, before beginning September with a 3-1 defeat at Bridlington Town. The Colliers bounced back to pick up their first league win of the season, a 2-1 success over Garforth Town, and then picked up a hard-earned point at early pacesetters Liversedge.

The rearranged clash with Guisborough ended in a narrow (1-0) defeat, before Ellison’s side lost out by three goals to two at West Auckland Town in midweek.

Ashington have largely spread the goals throughout the squad, though Liam Henderson has found the net on three occasions, while former Borough forward Scott Fenwick scored a couple for the Colliers before leaving recently to take up a role as Manchester City’s Player Transition Manager.

The head-to-head record between the two sides is a close one, with the visitors edging it by virtue of having two victories to the Wilderness Boys’ one in their six most recent clashes, with the other three ending all square, including both of last season’s meetings that finished goalless.

It’s another important game for both clubs, and Borough will be hoping to put in a similar performance to that of their last outing as they go in search of back-to-back successes. We look forward to welcoming all associated with Ashington to North East Lincolnshire, and hope to see another healthy crowd there to support Ravenhill’s men.