Kentish Express Ashford & District
LADIES UNABLE TO BUILD ON THE PROMISE OF OPENING WIN
Ashford ladies’ 1sts went down to a 5-1 defeat at Southend on Saturday following the previous week’s 7-2 win against Folkestone in Division 2 South East .
After a shaky start when they conceded two quick goals, Ashford rallied and enjoyed some good passages of play.
Amy Thomas pounced on the ball off the goalkeeper’s pads for an equaliser.
Southend came back strongly but Ashford defended well and Mollie Smith made some excellent saves.
The hosts increased their goal tally at the start of the second half, but Ashford responded with a series of short corners. Each routine was well worked but the Southend defensive line couldn’t be penetrated.
The ladies’ 2nds were held 1-1 by Canterbury 3rds in Kent Division 1, both goals coming in the first two minutes.
Ashford were caught off guard right at the start when Canterbury’s push-back put immediate pressure on the home defence. Canterbury found an unmarked striker who scored within 30 seconds of the whistle. Ashford’s heads did not go down, they went straight back at Canterbury with a similar attack culminating with captain Emma Bains, one on one with the keeper, slotting home. Canterbury had a shot at goal which Kate Horton saved on the line, but an unlucky bounce resulted in a penalty flick. Katie McDonnell made the save, keeping the score level going into half time.
No goals were scored in the second half, despite some excellent runs by strikers Tess Palmer and Liv Phillips. In the same division, Ashford 3rds went down to a 5-2 defeat at Gravesend.
Ashford scored in each half, through Sarah Andrews with a penalty flick and then through Jodie Grima, who deflected in a short corner from Olivia Cowell. Gravesend, 2-1 up at the break, scored three quick goals in the second half.
Ashford 4ths defeated Gillingham Anchorians 3rds 1-0 in Kent Division 4.
A continuous tight press from Ashford kept the ball in the opposition’s half which led to many opportunities at goal but these were intercepted by some excellent saves by the Gillingham keeper.
In the second half Ashford were rewarded when a hit from Rosa Bowden resulted in what proved to be the winning goal from Linda Charlton.