Newcastle United make ‘very generous gesture’ to local non-league club to banish Premier League stereotype

Ashington FC have praised Newcastle United for refusing their share of the gate receipts following the Northumberland Senior Cup semi-final.

The Magpies’ under-21 outfit denied long-serving Colliers boss Ian Skinner a dream ending with a 2-1 win at Woodhorn Lane. Dylan Stephenson bagged his second goal in as many games following his return from a loan at South Shields.

Jay Turner-Cooke’s well-taken free-kick doubled the advantage before Dan Maguire halved the deficit. Newcastle’s youth ranks ultimately held on to book a place in the final - set to take place at St James’ Park - against Blyth Town.

Ben Dawson’s side are aiming to win the trophy for the first time since 2018 on May 14, with many players having one last chance to stake their claim for a contract extension. A bumper 1,447-strong crowd turned up to watch them edge past Ashington - a record at the ground.

The Northern Premier League club revealed on social media that Newcastle forfeited their share of the gate receipts - providing a welcome boost to the non-league outfit. A post read: “Following last night’s match (Thursday), Newcastle United informed us that they would not be taking their share of the gate which was owed to them from the cup tie. 

“We would like to extend a big thank you to them (Newcastle United) for this very generous gesture which shows their ongoing support towards non-league clubs in the area.”

The move was an instant PR win for Newcastle on social media. One fan wrote: “Lovely gesture from a classy club. What might be a little to NUFC means a lot to Ashington.”