Kentish Express Ashford & District
Welford sets sights on Zanone record
Shaun Welford has equalled one record and is now eyeing another.
The Ashford United No.2 and top scorer, netted his 38th goal of another prolific season in the 3-1 Southern Counties East League win over Hollands & Blair on Tuesday night.
That matches his best ever total – for Hythe three seasons ago – and leaves him nine shy of the United club record of 47 set by former Homelands marksman Stuart Zanone two years ago.
Welford said: “Any striker loves getting little records along the way and of course I have got my eyes on it. Let’s get to 39 and make sure that one is done and dusted first.
“It’s possible, there are enough games left and I have already got a couple of hat-tricks and plenty of braces this season, so it’s definitely in the back of my mind.
“I still get a buzz from scoring but have been saying for the past few years that I have probably only got one season left.
“The legs are still going, I am still enjoying and loving it, so long may it continue hopefully.
“If we get promotion to the Ryman League it might mean stopping playing.
“I am carrying a bit of extra weight, which is harder to lose. Getting around the pitch recovery times are a bit harder and the extra travelling will probably affect it as well, so I might play a bit part but I will definitely be involved.
He added: “Stuart’s achievement was unbelievable and he scored seven in one game (at Lingfield).
“I think the most I have scored in a game is five in an FA Cup tie for Maidstone at Corinthian.
“It’s a mean feat and not to be sniffed at but beating it is possible and I am going to give it a good shot.”
Welford is also enjoying his role as United’s assistant manager, working with pal Danny Lye.
He said: “It’s different, as a player I am used to getting shouted at and given instructions and it’s different being on the other side of the fence.
“Danny’s younger than me but what a great manager. He has got a great football brain and I am learning a lot from him.
“Whether management is for me I don’t know but I am enjoying the coaching side, taking the training sessions and assisting.
“Danny runs his own firm, so he knows how to look after blokes and is an excellent man-manager.
“You need to be because there are players in the dressing room who need an arm round them and others who need a good rollicking.
“He does it well and understands. He is honest in the way he deals with people and I am sure he will go far.” Goalkeeper Charlie Draper’s penalty save two minutes from time earned South Willesborough a 4-4 draw against Folkestone Invicta Disability in their League Cup Group B tie. Guy Farmer scored twice with Jack Burden and Ruben Ravai adding the others, with Laine Yeomans (2), Elliot Symonds and James Sheppard on target for Invicta. Tenterden Reserves beat Biddenden 14-0 in Group A. Richard Moon scored from the spot as Smarden drew 1-1 in their Group C tie against Kennington Reserves. Andrew Possee netted for Kennington. Hythe Grovellers beat Woodchurch 5-1 in Group D.