Kentish Express Ashford & District
Lye: Performance not up to scratch
Danny Lye offered an honest assessment of this Southern Counties League defeat, spoiling all the pre-match positivity surrounding the new 3G pitch at Homelands.
The player-boss, in his first home match in charge since replacing Paul Chambers last month, said: “We didn’t perform.
“Too many didn’t have good games, a couple of people were not fit enough after being away for a couple of weeks and hadn’t done a bit themselves. Words were said about that.
“There’s no panic but it’s win-one-lose-one at the moment. We want to stick a run together.”
He added: “We wanted things to click quickly but it won’t happen overnight. It will take a bit of time to gel.”
United made a good start with both Paul Booth and Darren Marsden prominent while Lye, playing himself just in front of the back four, saw an effort bounce off the bar.
Youngster Josh
Woolley, ASHFORD UTD ERITH TOWN one of nine home debutants in the 16-man squad, missed the target with an effort and Booth, who had a frustrating first half, fired just wide of the far post.
Ben Mundele put Erith in front 11 minutes after the break before Marden limped off, replaced by Shaun Welford.
United levelled with 18 minutes left, Booth converting his third penalty of the season after skipper Michael Phillips was fouled by Willis.
However, Erith’s quick break led to their second five minutes later, Tom Garrick scoring into an empty net after United had failed to clear.
Eason, Browne, Paul, Kingwell, Elliott, Lye, Collado (Palmer 53mins), Phillips, Marsden (Welford 60mins), Booth, Woolley (Bosio 53 mins). Subs not used: A. Cuthbert, Sprosen. 265.
Ashford under-18s beat Eastbourne Borough 2-1 in the Ryman Youth League Cup on Thursday night.