Kentish Express Ashford & District
Midweek win earns Market title again
Ashford & District Sunday League
Two goals each from defender Tom Ripley and top scorer Gary Lockyer helped Market Hotel to a 4-1 victory at landlords Hamstreet on Tuesday evening to finish the season as Premier Division champions for the 21st time in their history.
The win for Liam Smith’s team moved them three points clear of nearest rivals AFC Locomotive to secure a third successive title, and Smith’s 10th piece of silverware in the past three seasons since taking charge.
Hamstreet went into the game knowing a victory would have guaranteed second place, while a win by eight goals or more would have seen the villagers win the title themselves, but Market went for the kill straight from the kick off with Ripley scoring twice inside the opening five minutes.
Adam Mercer pulled a goal back for Hamstreet on 17 minutes but striker Gary Lockyer restored Market’s two goal cushion just before half-time with his 36th goal of the season
Market suffered a blow midway through the secondhalf when forward Kyle Anderson suffered a nasty injury reducing them to 10, but Lockyer’s second goal of the night, on 78 minutes, sealed victory and the title.
Market had struck twice in the final three minutes to beat Brewmaster 2-1 on Sunday, Lockyer and Chris Wyles getting the goals after Matt Clarke had struck first for the Brews.
Ashford Cavaliers will secure the Division 2 title if they win at Red Heathens on Sunday.
Jack Bundock’s hat-trick inspired the come-frombehind 5-1 win over leaders Appledore.
Steve Ward and top scorer Matt Moon’s penalty added Cavaliers’ other goals, before Appledore had Jim Brazil sent off late on.
Craig Haynes scored twice as Heathens won 5-2 at New Romney in their penultimate game. Radislav Davidov, Stuart Wilson and Danny O’Neil completed the victory.
Joe Lehmann and Tom Cullen netted for New Romney who look set to quit the league at the end of the season.
Kevin Ruane scored four as Aldington clinched the runners-up spot in Division 3 with a 10-3 win over Stour Valley.