Three-goal burst moves United back to the top

Three goals in 23 minutes proved the perfect platform for Ashford United as they returned to the top of the Southern Counties East League, Premier Division.

Rory Hill, with his 15th of the season, Ben Davisson two minutes later and Jason Goodchild four minutes before half-time – his first goal for the club – did the damage at Homelands on Tuesday night.

It was United’s fourth win of the campaign against the Fawkham-based club, with the match delayed 10 days due to the visitors’ involvement in the FA Vase.

However, United’s place at the top could be shortlived, with rivals Crowborough due at struggling Beckenham last night (Wednesday).

Boss Danny Lye said “We were a little bit sluggish out of the blocks but once we went 3-0 up, we were in control.

“I am telling the boys to tick off each half as we go and we needed the win to keep the pressure on Crowborough and Sevenoaks.

“The only disappointment conceding another sloppy goal.”

Hill fired United in front with a powerful finish before Davisson made it 2-0 with another stylish effort, his was ASHFORD UNITED CORINTHIAN left-footed strike right-hand corner.

Shaun Welford failed to add to his 28-goal tally but laid on the third for Goodchild who scored in the bottom corner.

Goalkeeper George Kamurasi made two important saves either side of half-time before Louis Clark pulled one back 10 minutes after the break, giving Corinthian a hold in the game. It lead to their best spell of the match.

United duo Hill and Dave Botterill missed two other chances before the visitors hit a post.

Welford was denied by visiting goalkeeper Joe Hagan and then fired over the bar soon after.

Substitute Tom Fagg added the fourth with four minutes left, Hagan unable to keep out the effort from the edge of the box, despite getting two hands on the ball. finding the top Kamurasi, Savage, James (Walker 49mins), Botterill, West, Kingwell, Palmer (Fagg 70 mins), Davisson. Welford (Ince 90mins), Goodchild, Hill. Subs not used: Stone, Lye 160

Picture: Chris Davey FM4644045 Ashford United forward Shaun Welford pressurises Deal during Saturday’s match at the Charles Ground