Kent County League

Steamers’ title glory

Defender Jamie Hurst scored from the penalty spot with the last kick of the game as Ashford beat West Farleigh 2-1 to land the Division 2 Central & East title, for their first ever piece of silverware.

Ashford were being held at 1-1 going into injury-time on Saturday until Shqipron Ahmetaj was bundled over in the box earning a penalty, which Hurst smashed home, sparking jubilant scenes at the Pound Lees Sports Ground.

It was Hurst who had put the Steamers ahead, scoring midway through the first half thanks to his deflected freekick, but West Farleigh levelled from the spot in the second half to spoil the party atmosphere.

Despite the introduction of Luke Burdon, making his debut off the bench to partner the prolific Riley Alford in attack, Ashford were denied that crucial second goal until right at the end.

Burdon headed just over the bar, before Alford headed wide from one of several corners.

At the other end, West Farleigh started to push the Ashford midfield backwards and began to enjoy some spells of possession.

With just over 20 minutes left, defender Ahmetaj was adjudged to have fouled a West Farleigh player in his own penalty area and the Maidstone side levelled from the spot.

The visitors could have taken the lead with two minutes remaining only for teenage keeper Wayne Everest to pull off an outstanding save.

However in the 92nd minute, Ahmetaj was fouled leaving the referee no choice other than to point to the spot. Hurst put himself forward but had to wait as the referee dished out three yellow cards and a red to the visitors following protests that followed the foul, but that didn’t seem to put off the defender who smashed the penalty to the keeper’s right.

Assistant manager Ryan Mills said: “You couldn’t have scripted that. The boys didn’t give up and were in danger of not getting the result their performance and hard work deserved.

“Maybe there were a few nerves out there, something you would expect from a young team with so much to play for, but full credit to the lads and they deserve to be able to win the league at home in front of the committee and our supporters.”

Ashford: Everest, Annand, S. Ahmetaj, Hurst,

Prior (Argar 59), B. Ahmetaj, Cowell (Howells 46), Haynes, Griffin (Burdon 43), Alford, Forster.

Goals from Harry Carr and Ray Godden gave New Romney a 2-0 win at Metrogas in the Premier Division.

Sam Lancaster hit a brace to help Lydd Town Reserves to a 3-1 win over Hollands & Blair Reserves in Division 1 Central & East. Shaunon Hodson scored Town’s other goal.