21stsept05

Wednesday 21st September 2005

Ashford bounce back

Ashford Town Under 14’s have started their first season together playing the top three teams in the league. After losing to Canterbury City 4-0 and Maidstone United 9-2 they faced a Chatham side that lost only won game last season making them winners of the league, writes Stephen McCartney.

Going into the game having only 12 players, two of which are Under 13 and two who where ill, Ashford faced a full strength Chatham Town side with 16 players, seven of which Kent players, people around thought that the game would be clear cut, but this was definitely not the case.

Ashford’s reaction to this was wonderful their attitude fantastic. The training that the squad is putting in is starting to pay off and this game saw them battle to the very end.

Ashford went into the lead in the first half when a cross from Michael Thomas found Hayden Clottey who protected the ball well and won a penalty kick, which Ashley Easton scored to make his first goal of the season.

Ashford kept this lead until seven minutes from full time when they lost concentration for a second and Chatham took a shot that found the back of the net.

This was Ashford's best game by a mile and even being under pressure for the best part of the game their back five played exceptionally well with the keeper having to make no real saves.

Ashford Town's squad: Sam Barnes, Ashley Easton, Karl Towersey, Daniel. Dolland, Tom Watmough, Craig Puddefoot, Shaun Matharu, Michael Murrell, Hayden Clottey, Kirk Howard, Michael Thomas. Sub: Harry Powell (used)

Meanwhile, Ashford Town Under 14’s are looking for new players to add to the existing squad.

Training is held at the Ashford Mini Soccer Centre on a Tuesday and Friday evening 6-8pm.

For further information contact Stephane Ollier 07747 531 786