As we all know, Ashley was with the Newcastle fans shouting for "the lads", ans Smith said the atmosphere was electric.
Smith - 'Toon Army Drove Us On!'
Alan Smith: "It shows passion from everyone - the support was unbelievable again.
"They've stuck with us when at times it's been difficult.
"We're all still learning, and individual errors are costing us, but our reaction when they scored was the most positive thing. It's the first away point we've got since Middlesbrough.
"People have questioned our passion and commitment, and I don't think anyone could do that (against Sunderland). That's a pleasing aspect from our point of view.
"You don't have to be a rocket scientist to realise how much it means to everyone.
"We've got players from Newcastle who know how much it means.
"But you don't have to be from round these parts to realise it's about pride and people going to work on Monday morning talking about a result.
"That's how difficult it is for people and we didn't want to let anyone down. Nobody wants to give an inch, and I think you saw a fair reflection of that.
"We're a bit disappointed, and if you ask Sunderland, I'm sure they'll be a bit disappointed as well. We started to control the game in the second half.
"We knew how much of a threat Kenwyne Jones would be, and we tried to stop that at source as much as we could.
"We hoped to get to half-time, and then build on the performance.
"Sunderland scored a poor goal from our point of view.
"Our reaction after that was the most positive thing. It would have been easy for heads to go down.
"We were putting our bodies on the line."