I travelled up the M1 in constant rain and reduced speed limits to Ossett, a town in West Yorkshire on the opposite side of the motorway to Wakefield. Ossett United’s ground is on the northern edge of the town centre opposite the bus station. I parked in a public car park next to the bus station and hurried across the road to the ground, dodging as much rain as I could. Through the turnstile, I turned right to the food kiosk, which sat in a corner of the ground.
Seated behind one goal, sheltering from the rain, I contemplated the sad ground. This, though, was only due to the miserable conditions, and I’m sure on a different day it wouldn’t have looked so depressing. It was cool, too, with the temperature of 12 degrees feeling colder in the damp conditions as the rain swept across the pitch. The grass looked a bright green, but the goal mouth was already muddy, and I was surprised they were making it worse in the conditions by practising in it before kick off. The pitch was up and down in parts and looked like it sloped slightly from end to end.
The warming coffee and chips were welcome as I waited for the match to start. The ground shows it’s age but there are some strong signs of renewal with new floodlights, also used as phone masts and perimeter fencing. The informative program also had an article about the fundraising and plans to update the club house.
The ground is basically open with level and a small tiered area of open standing on three sides. There are two small areas that are covered on opposite sides of the centre circle. Fans mainly congregate in the large seated covered end with standing behind the seats.
Ossett United has only been in existence since 2018 with the merger of former Osset Town AFC and Ossett Albion. The previous teams were formed in 1936 and 1944, both achieving a high standard of football in the one town. Despite the headaches of merging two teams, a very costly court case against them by an opposing player and the disposal of one ground they have pulled through and maintain their Northern Premier, East Division status.
Ashington, by contrast, has a long history being formed in 1883. After playing in North East Leagues, they were elected to the Football Leagues Third Division North in 1921 but only stayed for 8 years until they were not re-elected in 1929. Their return to North East Leagues was interrupted in 1958 when it’s demise saw them transfer to the Midland League, but travelling costs forced a decision to join the North Regional League. Further financial problems meant in 1970 they played in the Northern League. Their Northern League life saw many ups and downs, and they had to move from their Portland Park ground. Their first opponents at their new ground were Ossett Albion. Again, highs and lows on and off the pitch were stabilised in 2018, resulting in a golden period resulting in promotion to the Northern Premier League in 2024.
Ossett United FC 1 Ashington AFC 2
Saturday 20th Septemner 2025, 15.00 pm kickoff. Prospect Road, Ossett, WF5 9HL. Attendance 218
Northern Premier League, East Division. 17th v 22nd (bottom).
Ossett United F.C. nickname “The Ramicorns” or “The Sheepicorns”, Ashington The Colliers.
Ossett in all blue with a light blue dart on the sides, goalkeeper purple/pink
Ashington in all green with some yellow vertical stripes on chest, goalkeeper in all light blue.
After 10 minutes, Ashington were moving the ball much cleaner despite the continual rain, which was blowing almost horizontal across the pitch. Only Yorkshire Water Company must have been happy as their depleted reservoirs were filling up. Although the away team had shown the best attacking intent, it took a good save to his right for their goalkeeper to beat out for a corner, Ossetts only strong shot on goal of the half. Six minutes after this and four before the break, the deadlock was broken when a beautifully flighted ball in from the left was met by Jish Gilcrist, who unopposed headed it past the keeper for Ashington to lead.
Ossett tried to counter with some pressure before half time to no effect.
The rain continued as the second half started, and Ashington continued to be the side most likely to add to their total. This they did in the 71st.minute when Liam Henderson nipped in to score after the home defence failed to clear.
As in the first half the goal galvanised the home team and their renewed efforts were rewarded when Jack Crook moved into the goal area on his own and placed a great shot into the right corner of the net to the right of the diving keeper. Although there were only a few minutes of added time left, it was not enough for Ossett, and Ashington returned home with the three points and a lift off the bottom of the table.
It would be difficult to predict the season for either of these two teams after a game that was definitely influenced by the conditions. I should return on a sunny, dry day when I’m sure I will get a different view of Ossett.
The Chips were hot, crinkle cut, golden, crispy, and tasty with soft centres but slightly greasy gaining a score of 64. The chips and coffee were a great comfort as I waited for the game to start.
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