Kentish Express Ashford & District
United maintain hold on trophy
Tom Scorer grabbed a hat-trick as Ashford United retained the Frank Norris Trophy for a 12th time, beating Canterbury City 4-1 at Homelands on Tuesday night.
A torrential 45-minute downpour an hour before kick-off produced a slick pitch, with surface water lying on top throughout, as United enjoyed a good night against their Southern Counties East League rivals.
Boss Paul Chambers included several new faces in his starting line- up, including ex- Deal pair, goalkeeper Jon Sparks and defender Jordan Miller, plus Jordan Hill, a prolific scorer in local football.
Hill caught the eye, being involved in two of the goals and also hitting a post.
Scorer put United in front just two minutes in, after being put through by defender Ben Jordan, despite efforts by City defenders to keep the ball out.
He doubled their lead 25 minutes later, finishing off a fine move to fire home from 12 yards and converting Sam Conlon’s lay-off after Hill had started the move.
The same two players combined three minutes later for Keiran Byrne to make it 3-0 as he curled home to cap a first half dominated by United.
City made several changes and proved the better side in the second half, pulling one back after 64 minutes with a fine individual strike by their left winger.
Hill then hit the post before Scorer rounded things off with a 90th minute penalty.
Match information provided by Kevin Hall.
United drew 0- 0 at home against new Ryman League, Division 1 North side VCD on Saturday.
They visit Hythe Town on Saturday (3pm) and travel to Ramsgate next Tuesday.
United will host Sevenoaks on the opening day of the Southern Counties East League season, on Saturday August 10.