Second string make disappointing start

Ashford round-up

Ashford 2nds made a losing start in Kent Division 1, going down 4-0 at home to Cliftonville.

Ashford created several chances in the second half but were denied a way back into the match against strong, well organised opponents.

Matt Clifford scored twice as the 3rds won 4-3 at Old Bordenians in Division 2.

Skipper Matt Carter and Alfie Miller, on his debut, were the other scorers

The home side took the lead before Clifford swept home the equaliser, finishing off a move involving Matt Goodwin and Carter.

OBs went 2-1 up, but Miller levelled again, slotting home at the back post, following an impressive Ashford counter-attack.

Carter’s reverse-stick finish then put Ashford ahead for the first time in the match, Clifford adding the fourth before half-time after another debutant, Jack ManningPress, had chipped past the keeper.

Bords reduced the arrears with a penalty corner, but Ashford defended well to claim their first win of the season

Jamie Horton and Roger Lightfoot were the scorers as the 4ths lost 5-2 at home to Sutton Valence in Outdoor Premier A.

The Crusaders were 3-1 winners at Gravesham & Wellcome in Division 2, while the 6ths won 4-2 at home to the same opponents in Division 4.

Former skipper Kim Cameron was among the scorers as Ashford Ladies claimed their second East Womens League Division 2 South East win of the season, with a 3-1 success at Redbridge & Ilford.

Cameron netted with a finish from a tight angle, Caroline Hardy got the second and Emily Jakeman added the third with a deflection from a penalty corner.

Hayley Smith, Sophie Pinney, Dee Lulham and Emily Whitaker were the scorers as Ashford 2nds won 4-2 at Folkestone in Kent Division 1

They led 2-0, before Em Pullen pulled one back for Folkestone

Ashford went 3-1 up after the break. Bea Allison then got Folkestone’s second before the visitors added their fourth after a breakaway.

The 3rds got off to a terrible start to their season, going down 3-0 at home to Herne Bay in the same division.