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Shootout pain for Baptist

Date: Friday 30th April 2010, by Tynesider

On-loan Gateshead winger Steven Baptist came on as a late substitute in normal time as Ashington lost on penalties to South Shields.

The Colliers took an early lead and looked like they would go on to win at a canter, but after missing numerous chances South Shields hit back late on to take the tie to extra time. Baptist coming on as a sub in the last quarter of the match for ex-Heed player David Colvin, got on the ball making some trickey runs at the full-back and looked comfortable in possesion.

It was a Baptist run in the 1st half of extra-time that saw Ashington reclaim the lead, bogged down deep in their own corner, he cleverly worked the ball out and drove down the left wing beating 3 or 4 players before laying the ball off on the edge of the Shields box leading to the goal. The Mariners were level again in extra time and Baptist had the chance to win it for the Colliers in the last minute, but his well hit low shot went inches wide of the far post.

Penalties it was, and after a couple of misses it went to sudden death. Unfortunately, it was Baptist penalty towards the corner that was saved as the Mariners lifted the Brooks Mileson cup.

Very raw still and needing to work on his fitness, Baptist showed quality on the ball and the Mariners defence struggled to get the ball off him. He certainly looks to have something about him and hopefully this will develop in the newly formed reserve side next season. He sees the season out this Wednesday as Ashington make the short trip to Bedlington for the Wansbeck derby.