Kentish Express Ashford & District
YOUTH FOOTBALL: HAT-TRICK GUIDES UNITED TO CUP GLORY
Ronald Sithole scored a hat-trick for Ashford United under-15s who defeated Ebbsfleet United 4-1 to lift the Kent County Cup on Sunday.
The Nuts & Bolts boys had got past Welling United, Rainham Kennilworth, Holmesdale, Rochester United and then local rivals Kennington in the semi-final, to reach the showpiece at Faversham’s Salters Lane ground in front of nearly 300 spectators.
During the run to the final Ashford have grown stronger but they knew they faced a tough challenge against Kent Youth League Central Division rivals Ebbsfleet, last season’s winners.
The first goal came in the 12th minute, Sithole scoring with a solo effort, but Ebbsfleet responded just seven minutes later with an equaliser.
From then on Ashford’s defence, holding a high line, managed to keep the opposition out of range of keeper Matt Lane, apart from one long-range shot which he dealt with.
Just before the break, Sithole was again set free, a pass from Gus Barnes putting him in for Ashford’s second goal.
Midway through the second half, Ashford captain Alfie Prior curved a free kick across they face of the goal and George McIroy headed home to make it 3-1.
The victory was sealed with four minutes left when an error by the Ebbsfleet keeper was pounced on by Sithole for his hat-trick goal.
Sithole was voted man-of-the-match by the Kent FA officials.
■ Kennington under-15s consolidated their position as title contenders with a 3-0 win over second- placed team Bredhurst in the South Division of the Kent Youth League.
Kicking against a strong wind, Kennington dominated the first half creating several chances, while at the other end a well-drilled defence, marshalled by Tom Wills and Aryan Pariyar, gave little opportunity to the opponents’ forwards.
Following a goalless first half, Kennington moved into an early second-half lead through a well taken free-kick by Jamie Finlayson. Kennington continued to dominate and further strikes from Callum Austin and Tom Ramsden sealed a comfortable victory.
■ Ashford United’s East Kent Youth League under-15 side continued their winning streak, defeating Chartham Sports 4-1 on Sunday.
Despite the windy conditions Ashford started the game well, putting together a number of good passing moves.
However it was a long ball over the top from Nathan Barker to Josh Batt that broke the deadlock. Batt out-sprinted the Chatham defence and finished neatly. A close range strike from Gift Okolie made it 2-0 and Ben Hopker added a third before half-time with a header from a cross by Owen Smith.
Chartham pulled a goal back just after the kick-off. But a good defensive performance by Max Druggan Cherry ensured that the visitors were restricted to just the single goal.
The scoring was completed by Ed Milloy, who held off two defenders before finishing past the on-rushing Chartham goalkeeper from the edge of the box.