20thapr05

Looking to go onto better things

ASHFORD TOWN stormed out of the Ryman League First Division drop zone by Bashing Bashley at The Homelands on Tuesday night, writes Stephen McCartney.

All five goals, in their 4-1 win came in the first half, and victory has given Tim Thorogood's men a lifeline with two games to go.

Goals from Joby Thorogood (2), Paul Jones and Matt Bower has put them above Dorking in the table but they need to beat fifth placed side Metropolitan Police on Saturday to keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.

Dorking host Tooting & Mitcham United on Saturday and Ashford end their campaign on Saturday week, with a trip to Horsham, who will be aiming to finish in third place to secure a home play-off semi-final.

However, with relegation currently an issue at The Homelands, John Cumberbatch, their assistant manager, has told his players to keep the club in the division - to move onto better things with the club.

"It's very important to the club that we stay up because there are so many issues that are affected," he told BBC Radio Kent.

"From the assistant manager's point of view to the manager's point of view - with Tim as manager and chairman - and from the players point of view.

"Because there are quite a few players here that really should be looking to go onto better things and they want to do that at Ashford Town Football Club.

"But if we drop a division that makes it difficult for them.  I think we've got some young players who deserve to go onto better things."

Metropolitan Police nicked a point at Bromley in midweek with a 1-1 draw and relied on Ian Batten's long throws and set pieces.  However, the boys in blue can be beaten if they are exploited down the flanks and with power and pace up front, and of course a vocal, passionate home crowd getting behind their heroes.


Ashford Town v Metropolitan Police
Ryman League Division One
Saturday 23rd April 2005
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Homelands, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth