PRUDHOE YC Seniors travelled to a strong Ashington Reserves side which fielded players who have featured in the club’s first team.

Yet they emerged from the Northumberland FA Minor Cup tie victorious, after a confident 2-0 victory.

Northern Alliance Division One side Prudhoe went into the game as favourites, but club secretary Duncan Graham said their Development Division opponents deserved the utmost respect.

“They featured James Harmison and a couple of others who have played in Ashington’s first team, so we knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game,” he declared.

“The first half wasn’t the greatest to be honest. We weren’t at our best, and Ashington didn’t create a great deal.

“In the second half, we looked more of a threat, we looked like we wanted to win the cup tie and that’s what we did.”

After going into the interval at 0-0, Prudhoe took the lead on 58 minutes. Ben Bloomer played a chipped pass into the path of man of the match Ste Forster. It looked as though the advancing home goalkeeper was favourite to win the ball, but he parried into the path of Forster, who took the ball around the keeper to slot home.

With their tails up, the Seniors made it 2-0 on the 70 minute mark. Aaron Ridley’s long throw from the left found its way into the six-yard box, where Sam Dibb-Fuller headed home.

Graham added: “We’ve been used to Danny Driver’s long throws from the right this season, so it was very pleasing to see Aaron provide the same service from the left.

“We always felt comfortable at 1-0 but you always want to kill the game off. Sam’s goal did that, and it was a good header.

“We’re pleased to go through and will look forward to the next round. It’s good for confidence to try and keep going in all competitions.”

Prudhoe gave two of their teenage goalkeepers a run out, with 16-year-old Thomas White and 18-year-old Geoffrey Bowes both featuring.

Prudhoe will return to league action on Saturday, when they host Blyth Spartans Reserves.

High-flying Prudhoe sit third in Division One, with 17 points from nine games. They will take on Blyth, who are a point behind them in fourth place, but with two games in hand.

Kick off on Saturday is 2.30pm.