Twin-assist Ashley’s ‘delight’ at Wembley helping hand (From York Press)

Twin-assist Ashley’s ‘delight’ at Wembley helping hand

9:24am Monday 14th May 2012 in Sport By Peter Martini, peter.martini@thepress.co.uk

ASHLEY CHAMBERS has admitted he should score more goals but says setting them up is just as rewarding – especially when it helps to seal a Wembley triumph.

The 22-year-old forward, who has found the net nine times this season, created both of York City’s goals in their 2-0 victory over Newport in Saturday’s FA Trophy, and in doing so went to the top of the Minstermen’s assists charts for the 2011/12 season, with 15.

It’s a cup triumph he will long cherish, and he was delighted to have played such a key role.

Asked if he enjoyed setting goals up as much as scoring them he said: “I do, to be honest. When I was younger I was an out-and-out striker. As I’ve gone on, I’ve moved out wide, and I do enjoy setting up goals. I just enjoy playing good football.

“I know I should score more but to set up a goal is great and to be involved in the two goals at Wembley is great.”

Chambers actually feared the first goal might have been ruled out for offside as his delightful pass saw Matty Blair run behind the defence and chip the onrushing goalkeeper. For the second strike, he got onto Paddy McLaughlin’s fine pass and from the byline squared the ball for Lanre Oyebanjo to net from close range.

Chambers said: “I picked the ball up and sent Matty Blair in. I thought he was offside but we don’t care about that now.

“I just saw him making a run and I knew if I put it into an area, he’s winning the race all day. There are not many people in the league – or in most leagues – who will catch him. It was a great finish in the end.

“For the second one, I was just trying to slow it down a bit, to get a few touches on the ball, get a few of the lads involved. I gave it back to Paddy and I thought I’d just attack the space. He put a cracking ball in and for me to find ‘Banjo’ making a late run was great. It sealed the game.

“It’s a great occasion, a great stadium. These are the days you dream of as a kid. I was just looking forward to the game, and with the good pitch and things like that – that’s all I ask for. I could go to Bath away but if they’ve got a pitch like Wembley I’d be happy. It was really nice and it was a great occasion.”

Chambers admitted Newport made it uncomfortable at times – until City got into their stride in the second half.

“The first half was difficult for us,” he said. “They started quite well with their physical presence and we struggled a little bit with our shape. As the game went on and towards the end of the first half we began to get a grasp of that and started to play more football and get into better areas.

“Once the second half came around, it looked pretty comfortable – it felt pretty comfortable. We were tighter as a unit and the football was a lot better. We got into great areas, so a lot of the footballers in the team came out.”

He added: “It’s brilliant – especially when you see all the fans and the elation you’ve brought to them. Dan Parslow and Michael Ingham have lost here and to do that walk when you’ve lost breaks your heart. This has been a great day, though. It’s my first visit and first win and it’s just brilliant.”