Kentish Express Ashford & District
Late goals add gloss to victory
Ashford United edged closer to a place in the Bostik South East play-offs after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ramsgate at a blustery Homelands on Saturday.
Second-half goals from Toby Ajala and a brace by Danny Parish were enough to secure another valuable three points for the Nuts & Bolts in the race for promotion.
Boss Tommy Warrilow said: “I thought the first half we didn’t have enough energy, we were too lethargic.
“I wanted more energy but it was difficult with the conditions and with them coming to frustrate.
“We played some good football but didn’t push them enough.
“The second half, though, the boys have gone out and really dug in.
“We had to be careful we didn’t get caught on the counter attack once we got the first goal, because it was one of those games we’ve all played in that was a bit of a nightmare.
“We were worthy winners, and overall the better side. The most important thing with games running out is to get the three points, and 3-0 sends a good message out with all three goals very good goals too.”
After a cautious first half, United came out firing after the break and took the lead in the 53rd minute.
Captain Sam Corne put Parish through on goal and the striker confidently blasted the ball past Ramsgate keeper Luke Watkins.
United’s No.9 then doubled the lead with three minutes to go with his 19th of the season, another terrific assist by Corne put Parish through on goal and he produced a brilliant lob that capped off a great man-of-thematch performance.
There was even time for United to grab a third with the last kick of the game, as great pressing by Trey Williams on the Ramsgate keeper left Ajala with an open goal and he duly produced the icing on the cake with a tap-in.
The result moves United up to third in the table and 11 points clear of sixth-placed Hythe who sit just outside the play-off places.
The team will hope to continue this momentum when they host East Grinstead Town on Saturday.
Ashford United: Mott, Aboagye, Wisson, Anidugbe, Coker, Kamara (Cox 90mins), Corne, Ajala, Parish, May (Williams 28mins), Hasler (Woodcock 40mins). Subs not used: Munyama, Wealands. Attendance: 333.