Welford’s goal run continues

Shaun Welford seems to enjoy facing Deal.

The Ashford striker followed up his hat-trick – his third in matches between the sides – in the reverse fixture in October, with another two goals as United made it nine wins in the last 10 matches against the Hoops, at the Charles Ground on Saturday.

That makes it 28 goals for him this season and 13 in the last nine games, as he again targets the Southern Counties East League Golden Boot.

This latest victory also maintained United’s dominance over Deal, having now scored 19 goals against them in the last four matches.

United enjoyed themselves on a good surface which easily passed a morning pitch inspection. They were DEAL TOWN ASHFORD boosted by a 20th-minute opener from defender Pat Kingwell, his second goal in two games. He latched onto Welford’s longthrow, firing home into the top right-hand corner.

Ryan James was denied twice by home goalkeeper James Tonkin, either side of setting up Welford, who scored with a neat glancing header.

The introduction of Ryan Palmer, early in the second half, provided Deal with more problems. The winger won several free-kicks but was booked himself after only five minutes on the pitch.

Deal midfielder Anderson pulled Joe one back for Deal just after the hour, before being forced off injured with 15 minutes left, reducing the home side to 10 men, having used all three substitutes.

United made the most of the advantage, Welford making it 3-1 with 13 minutes left, heading in George Savage’s cross, his ninth goal in four games against Deal.

Palmer netted the fourth goal in the last minute, escaping the close attention of his markers to score with an unstoppable finish.

Kamurasi, Savage, Eldridge, James, Botterill, West, Kingwell (Palmer 54 mins), Goodchild, Welford, Stone, (Phillips 67mins), Hill, (Walker 80mins). Subs not used: Davisson. Fagg. 154