Kentish Express Ashford & District
Five-star United break home duck
Ashford kept visitors Deal at arm’s length to record a first win on their 3G pitch ASHFORD DEAL Ashford United celebrated the first victory on their new 3G pitch after beating Deal Town 5-3 in the South East Counties League clash at Homelands on Tuesday night.
Shaun Welford and Ryan Palmer both scored twice, while player-manager Danny Lye got the other as his side moved two places up to fifth.
Welford opened the scoring in the seventh minute after he intercepted Sam Short’s poor back pass.
Deal equalised 30 minutes later when Ryan Philpott’s cross was hit home on the half-volley by Connor Coyne.
Coyne struck again two minutes later when United goalkeeper Dan Eason, who was under no pressure, dropped Charlie Dickens’s cross at the feet of the striker.
The lead proved to be shortlived for the visitors, with United equalising a minute before half-time.
Deal goalkeeper Chris Waymark denied Lye but United scored from the resulting corner when Lye headed home Palmer’s kick.
Palmer put United ahead in the 61st minute, beating Waymark from just outside the box after an impressive run.
Welford made it 4-2 six minutes later, firing home following a great lay-off by Paul Booth.
Deal pulled one back in the 75th minute when Rene Rivera converted substitute Joe Anderson’s cross.
P a l me r restored United’s two-goal advantage three minutes later, firing home following Lye’s headed flick-on.
Michael Phillips twice went close to extending United’s lead, although the best chance fell to Booth, who could only head Ellis Green’s cross straight at Waymark.