Slow start leads to heavy defeat

Three goals in the opening 11 minutes saw Ashford slip to their heaviest Southern Counties East League Premier Division defeat of the season at Greatness Park on Saturday. Another unwanted statistic was midfielder Ben Davisson’s dismissal for two late yellow cards – United’s 13th sending off of the season. While Ashford were struggling against third-placed Oaks, title rivals Crowborough missed a penalty on their way to a 1-1 draw at AFC Croydon Athletic. It means leaders United are only above the East Sussex side on goal difference ahead of their clash at Homelands on Saturday. New Ashford goalkeeper Adam Highsted suffered a difficult start against one of his old clubs, picking the ball out of the net inside the first 50 seconds as Keiron McCann SEVENOAKS ASHFORD UTD tucked away the opener. Joe Bingham added the second four minutes later, before Harrison Carnegie got the third. It could have been worse for Ashford as Andy Irvine, who scored the winner for Bearsted against United a fortnight ago, before moving to Oaks, fired a great chance over after 15 minutes. United took half an hour to create their first chance, Shaun Welford seeing an effort cleared off the line before Adrian Stone went close twice. Highsted then raced off his line to block another Bingham effort with his chest on the edge of the box. United were a different proposition in the second half, Welford seeing an early chance tipped over by home keeper Rob French. Richard Avery then saw an effort deflected over, before Welford was denied again by a block on the edge of the area. Stone and Welford went close again before the home side added their fourth with a penalty 11 minutes from time. Bingham converted the kick after Highsted earned himself a booking after pulling down substitute Byron Walker. Palmer saw his shot saved at the other end before Highsted foiled Walker in a one-on-one, after looking set to score a fifth in stoppage time. Davisson then saw red to cap a disappointing afternoon.

Highsted, Savage (Eldridge 60 mins), Walker, Avery, Vines, Kingwell, Palmer, Davisson, Welford, Stone, Goodchild. Subs not used: LeeWharton, Howard, Lye, Botterill. 166