Kentish Express Ashford & District
Noden’s the No.1 hero again
Ashford & District Sunday League
Goalkeeper Dan Noden emerged as the hero once again as Fox Sunday reached the semi-finals of the Sheber Trophy, beating Biddenden on penalties after a 3-3 draw.
Noden scored direct from a goal kick in extra-time, saved a spot-kick in the shoot-out and converted the winning penalty as Fox won on penalties for the third time this season.
Fox had to come back from going behind twice as Harry Stow’s first-half penalty gave Biddenden a 1-0 lead at the break before Peter Povey latched on to Dave Gray’s pass to round the home keeper in the second period to make it 1-1.
George Large then restored Biddenden’s lead only for Tom Wilmshurst to level again and send the tie to extra-time, where Noden’s huge upfield punt found the back of the net to put Fox ahead for the first time.
But the Den responded immediately when Ben Dengate made it 3-3 to set up a thrilling penalty shoot-out, from which Fox emerged victorious thanks to successful spot-kicks by Wilmshurst, Mike Aglony, Adam Ready and goalkeeper Noden.
They now face in-form South Willesborough in the last-four as Brad Horne’s side avoided a cup upset by beating Division 3 side Singleton Barn 6-3 after extra-time.
Mike Norris hit a hat-trick for South Willesborough, with the side’s other goals coming from Jake Horne, Tom Wadman and Rhys Pryor.
Singleton Barn responded with two goals from skipper Paul Halliday and one by Ben Bromley.
Market Hotel brushed aside hosts Nailbox 8-2 to move another step closer to the toptwo in the Premier Division.
Forward Bradley Baker added another four goals to his tally, having now netted 22 goals in his previous six games for the Market.
Ryan Taylor, Craig Calvert, Reece Mortimer and playermanager Ryan Smith were also on target to move Market Hotel to within eight points of leaders
Brewmaster with two games in hand.
Nailbox’s goals came from Carl Jarrett and Ben Kesby.
Red Heathens triumphed 3-1 at Stanhope & Beaver Rangers.
Goals from Craig Haynes, Radislav Davidov and Barry Chambers saw Red to victory. Luke Walder pulled a goal back for Rangers.
In Division 1, a second-half comeback by Ashford Genclik saw Ali Mehmet’s side recover from going a goal down at the break to knock leaders Sellindge SSC off the top of the table with a 3-1 win.
Sellindge went ahead early on through Josh McCue’s well struck free-kick and should have added to their tally.
Missed chances came back to haunt the visitors as Genclik replied through Luke Hughes, Emin Yalcin and Agid Yalcin.
Aldington went back to the top of the standings for the first time since September. They won 3-2 at Cheriton, with goals from Kevin Ruane (2) and Stephen Cowell, although a Ben Ashton penalty and Jack Taylor set up a tense finale.
James Fraser and Lewis Bagshaw both scored twice to help Charing beat Hythe Royal British Legion 5-3.
Lewis Bagshaw was also on target. Josh Hatcher’s own goal and strikes from Jason Brazier and Dan Arnold made up Hythe RBL’s tally.
Troggs moved to the top of Division 2 following their 3-2 win at 10-man Guildhall.
Goals from Ben Allen, Rob Giles and Sam Lopez were enough to claim maximum points.
Guildhall had to play the entire 90 minutes a man short due to a heavy injury list but gave a good account of themselves with top scorer Nathan Sims claiming both of their goals.
Park Farm Rangers beat Ashford Cavaliers 3-1 with goals from Adam Draper-Lewis, Daniel Marshall and Mark Potten.
Cavaliers replied with a Reece Blyth effort.
Burton Grove won 3-2 at Ashford Spartans through James Ross (2), James Sloan. Tom Wilkes and Daryl Whiffen netted for Spartans.