KENT COUNTY LEAGUE: ASHFORD IN LAST EIGHT

Man-of-the-match Riley Alford scored twice to help Ashford FC progress to the quarter-finals of the Kent Intermediate Challenge Shield.

The Division 1 side beat local rivals New Romney 4-1 at Station Road. Alford’s brace, an own-goal and a late James Haylock strike saw Ashford stun their Premier Division opponents and claim yet another cup scalp to extend their 100% winning start to the season to eight games in all competitions.

New Romney had lost their previous two home fixtures without scoring, but they ended their mini goal drought early on.

Winger Jack Negus found Roy Godden and the big No.9 rode two challenges before slotting the ball home to score after just two minutes.

Godden headed over soon after and then Ashford keeper Louis Burton, under pressure on the goalline, bravely took the ball from Liam Gear.

Four minutes before half-time Alford equalised with a great finish from the left-hand side of the penalty area.

Just after the break it was

2-1. Cowell released Joey Wealthyland, who drove forward before pulling the ball back only to see a home defender turn the ball into their own goal.

The third goal came from a corner. Haylock’s set piece evaded everyone and Alford ghosted in at the far post to tap home unmarked.

New Romney came back into the game and Burton was called into action to deny the hosts but Haylock sealed the victory by adding the fourth goal of the afternoon in the 90th minute.

Ashford hit their hosts on the counter attack after defending a late corner, Shqipron Ahmetaj quickly played to ball up to Alford who in turn played in Haylock to run onto the ball and fire home.

New Romney: Egan, Binder, Harding, Prowse, Rogers, Carr, C Negus, Abel, Godden, Gear, J

Negus. Substitutes: Berger, Harvey, White, Sotiris. Ashford: Burton, Cowley, Deverson, Hurst, Annand, S Ahmetaj, Cowell, B Ahmetaj, Wealthyland, Alford, Haylock. Substitutes: Santo, Smith.