2nd Xl - Winter Sun Shines On Ashford

Kent Open Premier C
Ashford 4th Xl 2 : 1 Sutton Valence 3rd Xl

Winter Sun shines on Ashford..

This weekend saw a scheduled match being played with both sides needing a win, but more so for Sutton Valence, as they are sliding down the table and needing some inspiration to keep themselves in the League.
The match started well, Valence pushed up quickly and were the more aggressive of the teams for the first 10 minutes, then Ashford settled in and started to press into Sutton Valence's half. This caused them to become more defensive, leaving the midfield open for Ashford to move the ball around and gain a spell where they then attacked repeatably, finally bringing them dividends. A hit from the top, got a deflection within the D, and Ashford went 1 up. The game continued in a similar fashion, with Ashford being the more aggressive and pressing into Valence’s half. This resulted in several shots on goal and short corners which were saved by Valence’s stand-in goalkeeper, but which finally resulted in a second goal, for Ashford to go 2 up.
Second half kicked off with a reshuffle in the midfield, and Valence trying to play more aggressively. They pressed into Ashford's half more, and started to create opportunities, which resulted in a goal from a sequence of extremely slick passing and good hockey from the Sutton Valence midfielders. 1:2.
Valence maintained the more aggressive attacking, bringing several opportunities to score, but with Ashford’s solid defence and their keeper making some excellent saves, Valence were unable to change the score line.
The match finished 2-1 to Ashford, in a well fought and enjoyable game for all, made better by sausage, chips, beans and beer at Ashford Club house.

Woman of the Match: Georgia Wishart

Goal scorers: Tom Wilson

Team: Georgia Wishart; Andrew Wishart; Steve Parker; James Wilmott; Ben Tragett; Dylan Queen; Tom Willson; Andy Barr; Chris Stille; Dave Lewis; Chris Sheldon; Darren Thompson, Reuben Collingwood.
Umpire: Iain Simmons