Kentish Express Ashford & District
Ladies chalk up third victory
Ashford ladies’ 1sts won for the third time in East League Division 1 South, defeating Canterbury 3A 2-1 at Polo Farm.
The hosts took the lead from a short corner effort, placed precisely into the bottom right corner out of the keeper’s reach.
Ashford were quick to respond, Hayley Smith found Emily Jakeman who then weaved her way through Canterbury’s midfield and defence and calmly placed the ball into the corner.
Ashford started the second half a little shakily but as the half went on they gained in confidence.
With 15 minutes to go Kim Cameron put Ashford 2-1 up following a goalmouth scramble.
With minutes to go, Jakeman again made an individual run, played the ball across the face of goal, finding Jess Smith at the back post who tapped in.
Ashford ladies’ 2nds, already champions of Kent Division 2, made it 18 wins from 19, with a 5-0 victory over Gore Court 2nds.
Second-placed Ashford 3rds were 6-0 winners against Old Williamsonians 2nds.
With three games to go, the 3rds need just four points to secure promotion.
Ashford showed their dominance from the first whistle with an attempt at goal straight away.
They kept their structure and applied pressure throughout the first half, with Lisa Riddle scoring twice.
Shortly into the second half, Becky Reynolds drove into the D and buried a shot into the left hand corner. Tess Palmer got in on the scoring action, hitting two goals to make it 5-0.
With five minutes to go, Linda Charlton cut in from the left and smashed in the final goal.
Palmer was voted player of the match.
Ashford ladies’ 4ths still hold on to top spot in Kent Division 5, but only on goal difference from K Sports 2nds, who emerged 2-1 winners at Ball Lane.
The hosts missed some golden opportunities and K Sports were 1-0 up at the end of the first half.
The visitors increased their lead in the second half but from that point Ashford started to settle down.
They defended better, with player-of-the-match Karen Skelton intercepting well.
An injured Chloe Digby was a loss to Ashford but the battle continued, with Emily Body gaining corners for the home side.
Nina Dhindsa pulled a goal back but despite applying intense pressure Ashford were unable to find an equaliser.
Ashford men’s 1sts maintained their four-point gap at the top of Kent/Sussex Division 2 with a 5-2 victory over Mid-Sussex.
The hosts were 2-1 ahead with goals from Sam Handley and Allan Dawson.
Excellent strikes from Rob Playford and Chris Spain (2) capped an excellent second-half for the Blues.
Mid-Sussex managed to grab a late consolation but never really troubled Keeper Rob Allan.
Ashford ran out eventual 5-2 winners. A win at Gillingham Anchorians on Saturday should see Ashford secure promotion with two games to spare but with the title all to play for in the final two games of the season.