Kentish Express Ashford & District
Luke’s stunner helps ensure winning return
Ashford & District Saturday League
Charing marked their first game back in the league with 2-1 away win over Smarden in the Premier Division.
The away side took a lead their passing football deserved in the 25th minute, when a fine run and cross from Adam Luke found Oli Prior at the back post to head home.
Luke then turned scorer to double the lead, firing home from 25 yards.
Smarden pulled one back five minutes before half-time from the penalty spot and pushed for an equaliser in the second half but Charing stood firm and had chances to increase their lead themselves, with keepers at either end in good form to keep the scores down.
Folkestone Invicta opened up with a 6-1 win over Tenterden Reserves.
Despite only having 10 men, Tenterden started well and took the lead when Invicta keeper Froud cleared the ball into one of his own defenders before rebounding into the net.
Invicta then took the game to their opponents but were denied until just before the break when man-of-the-match Chris Prebble equalised from a corner.
The second half was one-way traffic, with Prebble doubling the lead within minutes of the restart.
Lee Baker then stole the show, scoring three well-taken goals as Invicta took control before Joe Bennett added a sixth with the final kick of the game.
Elsewhere in the division, Hythe Grovellers Woodchurch the points draw.
In Division 1, Lydd Marsh under-21s opened up their account with a fine away win at Biddenden.
Marsh dominated the opening half, going 2-0 up through Matthew Sayer and Daniel Baldwin.
Biddenden pulled one back but Marsh went into the break 3-1 ahead thanks to captain Patrick Robbins.
Marsh continued to press in the second half but couldn’t find the net again but held out for the win despite a late goal from the hosts.
South Willesborough also started with an away win, beating Smeeth 4-2, while Towersview won 6-3 against Lydd Town 3rds. after and shared a 2-2