Seven-up for Burdon in opener

Ashford & District Saturday League

Willesborough Athletic opened their Ashford Saturday League programme in style with a 16-0 thrashing of Rolvenden Reserves. The Millers followed up their successful pre-season campaign, which produced six wins and 46 goals, by powering in seven goals before half-time through Luke Burdon (4), Mickey Doyle, Matt Burdon and Leon Reed. And there was no let-up in the second half as further goals followed through Luke Burdon (3), JJ Jones, Tom Ethrington (2), Johnny Gibbs, Matt Boulden and Steve Rice. Seven-goal Luke Burdon was man-of-the-match with JJ Jones a close second after providing several assists. The Wanderers also went on a goal spree, beating Bromley Green Reserves 7-3. M Dray (2), D Taylor, D Large, D Roberts, G Laws and C Philpott scored for the Wanderers, with Ryan Prior (2) and Dan Churchley on target for Green. In contrast, one goal, scored by Dan Rose, was enough to give Smeeth a 1-0 success over Tenterden Reserves. Smarden and Bethersden fought out a 2-2 draw. Smarden started well and had several chances to take the lead, only for Bethersden to strike first through Ben Ramsden. But Smarden equalised just before the break when Adam Roffey fired home from close range. The second half was a carbon copy of the first. Smarden created more chances but against the run of play, Dan Hills fired into the top left-hand corner. It looked like it was going to be one of those days for last season’s runners-up but with 10 minutes left, Dave Law salvaged a point for Smarden. Ryan Lymn scored both goals for Aldington as they beat Lydd Town A 2-0.