Kentish Express Ashford & District
Shield defeat follows bright start
Joe Lakin was sent off as Ashford went out of the Shepherd Neame Kent Shield to Folkestone.
He was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident with his side leading 12-10 in Saturday’s first-round tie.
Folkestone, who play a division below in London 3 South East, took advantage of the extra man to reach round two.
Ashford captain Rhys Fussell said: “It was difficult to lose at home in the first round of the cup to our local rivals but these things happen.
“The boys played well but it was tough going down to 14 men.
“I didn’t see what happened with the red card but we were 12-10 up at the time.
“I don’t think we can blame that one incident for losing. A bit of indiscipline in general was the reason we lost.”
Ashford trailed to an early penalty but went 7-3 up through a classy try from Peter Walsh, converted by Henry Hall.
Folkestone were punished for a mistake after the break as Shane Redman crossed the line for a nine-point cushion.
A converted try gave Folkestone hope and they completed the comeback with another seven points in injury time. ASHFORD FOLKESTONE
Fussell said: “It’s a game we could have won. We were brilliant in open play but Folkestone beat us up front and we didn’t take our chances when they came along.”
Ashford are in Intermediate Cup first round action at Horsham on Saturday and open their league campaign at Old Colfeians on September 19.
Fussell said: “We’re pleased to have another cup game before the league starts. It will be good to get another 80 minutes and I’ve got faith we’ll bounce back.”
‘We were brilliant in open play but Folkestone
beat us up front’