Smith extends his stay at Ashford for another month

ASHFORD TOWN manager Steve Lovell was delighted to get back to winning ways as his side comprehensively saw off promotion rivals Merstham on Saturday, writes Sam Dixon.

“We certainly returned to form,” Lovell told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk. “We really got into stride quickly and controlled the game throughout,” he said of the 3-0 home win.

“Orlando Smith was exceptional in the opening exchanges and he really set the tone for the whole game.

“We created plenty of chances and could have scored more in the end. We are happy with the result and the performance.”

Lovell also hailed the impact of new signings Shawn Beveney, who scored a hat-trick, and Stanley Muguo, signed late on the Friday night from Dulwich Hamlet until the end of the season.

“They have settled in nicely already,” revealed Lovell. “Shawn looks really hungry for goals and Stanley will provide us with something we have been lacking in the midfield area.

“They will be big players for us until the end of the season.”

Meanwhile, on-loan winger Orlando Smith has extended his stay at Homelands for another month after Lovell came to an agreement with Blue Square South side Welling United today.

Smith has impressed in his short spell at Homelands so far, scoring once, against Sittingbourne last month, and played a starring role against Merstham.

Lovell, who is delighted to have secured Smith for another month, said, “Mucu really showed what he could do at the weekend and obviously we are delighted to have him here for another month.

“He brings us pace on the wing and that’s what we have been lacking at times this season so it’s a good deal for us.”

Despite failing to impress during his spell at Kent rivals Cray Wanderers earlier in the season, Beveney was delighted with scoring a hat-trick before being substituted just before the end with a calf problem, although he should be fit for the trip to Whyteleafe next week.

“I wanted to make sure that I could walk at the end so I could claim my match ball,” he quipped.

“I also received the man-of-the-match award, so I left with the ball and a bottle of champagne. I’ve had worse home debuts!”

Article courtesy of www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk

Whyteleafe v Ashford Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 14^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At 15 Church Road, Whyteleafe, Surrey CR3 0AR