23rdaug04

Ashford's under fourteen boss pleased with pre-season work out

ASHFORD Town's under fourteens entered the National Brazilian Soccer Schools Cup in Birmingham competing against teams representing Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton, Staffordshire and Sunderland, writes Stephen McCartney.

Playing in a round robin league basis Vince Shell's side started poorly drawing 0-0 in a dire game against Staffordshire.

However, they then kicked into gear with an excellent display of one touch passing football beating Bradford 5-0 with a brace apiece from Jacob Arnold-Smith and Billy Beaney, whose brace included an unstoppable drive from outside the penalty box, and Mitchell Punt.

The next game was a tense and tight affair against the eventual winners Sunderland.  Despite conceding a sloppy goal early on, the Kent side really took the game to their opponents.

Ashford's best chance fell to Sheldon Clottey whose shot just flashed past the wrong side of the post.

Despite the intense pressure the equaliser failed to materialise and once against slopping defending allowed Sunderland the comfort of a two goal advantage and the three points at stake.

Next came a tough encounter against a physically stronger Brighton side, who again took an early lead.

However, once again Ashford Town showed a lot of character and were rewarded with a fortuitous own goal from a deflected corner.

The final game became a straight play off for the runners up spot against Birmingham and the Town saved their best for last, outplaying and out muscling their midlands opponents for a 4-0 victory, with a Danny Smith brace and one apiece for Ricky Harden and a Alex Shell penalty, after Adam Mercers long range effort had been handled on the line.

Ashford Town's under fourteen manager Vince Shell added: "This was a very pleasing tournament and a good work out for the start of the season."