Kentish Express Ashford & District
Glass goal no consolation
Ashford men
Aaron Glass suffered a disappointing return to old club Gore Court on Saturday as Ashford lost 5-3 defeat at the new Kent/ Sussex Regional 1 leaders.
The Australian scored on his first return to the Sittingbourne club after leaving two years ago, with skipper Sam Handley getting the other two.
The 2nds maintained their unbeaten Kent Division 1 record in Kent Division 1 with a 3-1 home win against newcomers Sutton Valence.
Both sides played at a quick tempo, Stuart Wise putting Ashford ahead, with Simon Cowling doubling the lead soon after.
Valence pulled a goal back, before Sam Hunt added his side’s third as Ashford completed their fifth successive win, leaving them three points clear of the Maidstone villagers.
The 3rds are still looking for their first Division 2 win after a 4-2 defeat at leaders Old Bordenian.
Jon Barrett’s deflected effort put Ashford in front, slightly against the run of the play, only for the home side to level minutes later, with a similar finish from a short corner. Despite the visitors’ excellent work rate, they conceded a second goal before half-time.
Bords added a third soon after the interval when Josh Houston was harshly penalised, with the same player then yellow carded after a mistimed tackle.
The home side made it 4-1 before skipper Matt Carter missed a good chance, rushing his shot and putting wide. Ashford upped their intensity in the final 10 minutes, Carter getting their second goal, firing home from eight yards, finishing off Piers Anderson’s drive into the circle.
Debutant Benjamin MannigPress had an excellent game, with Houston named man-of-the-match
The 4ths went down 4-1 against a strong Folkestone team in Kent Premier A, while Andy Pitt claimed his first hat-trick of the season as the 6ths beat BBHC 3-0.
The Antiques lost 11-0 against a young Burnt Ash side at Sidcup.