Opening day win dedicated to memory of tragic Owen

Youth football

Ashford United’s under-16s dedicated their 4-0 opening day win over Tonbridge Angels to the memory of schoolboy footballer Owen Kinghorn who died earlier this month.

Owen 15, was known by many of the Ashford team who had played with or against him on the pitch many times. A minute’s silence was observed before the Kent Youth League (Central) game at Homelands and the team and club were delighted and humbled that members of Owen’s family joined them as they paid their respects. United, the reigning Kent champions, marked the occasion by producing a display of such control that the scoreline could have been considerably higher and Tonbridge rarely looked like causing problems.

United opened the scoring on 12 minutes with a goal from a corner accredited to Harry Sikirwayi, and within two minutes they had doubled their lead, courtesy of a solo effort by Jayden Wilson. Captain Alfie Prior made it 3-0 in the 22nd minute, following-up a save by the Tonbridge keeper and the scoring was completed on 32 minutes with another individual effort, this time by Jeremiah Bamgbose.

■ Ashford’s East Kent Youth League side started the season with a 6-1 home defeat to Woodnesborough on a difficult day when the team held a minute’s silence for their former teammate and school friend Owen Kinghorn. Ashford played well in the opening 20 minutes only to find themselves 2-0 down after silly defensive errors.

Ashford pulled a goal back through Jos Award but they were unable to find another despite the best efforts of Owen Smith who was denied several times by the Boro keeper.

In the second half the visitors played some lovely football and Ashford were left chasing the game.

Max Draggan Cherry and Charlie Yaxley both put in good shifts.

Ashford are at home again this week when they host Snowdown in the first round of the cup.