Two in a row for 1sts

Ashford men’s 1sts made it back-to-back wins with a 5-3 victory over BBHC.

Frankie Andrews scored at the near post in open play to give Ashford the advantage and Tom Lightfoot increased the lead with a deflected wellworked short-corner routine before the opponents replied with a drag-flick.

The visitors levelled straight from the push-back in the second half and Ashford had to absorb pressure before responding with a shortcorner goal, Matt Cooper the man on target flicking from the top of the D through Jack Manning-Press’ screen. BBHC equalised again on the counter attack but back came Ashford once more, with Rob Playford and Lightfoot building phases from the baseline for Will Elgar and then Cooper to score and ensure the victory.

The men’s 2nds defeated Canterbury 3-2, Oli Kent, Sam Handley and Luke Wicken the scorers, while the 4ths went top of the league with a 2-0 victory against Canterbury Griffins.

Ashford’s passing hockey created some good chances and they led at the half-time interval through Gary Maryan’s effort.

Man-of-the-match Jude Smythe and goalkeeper Jack Taylor defended second-half short corners before Ashford added their second courtesy of a deflection.

Ashford ladies’ 3rds continued their winning streak, this time beating Dartford in a five-goal thriller.

Linda Charlton lifted the ball over the goalkeeper for the Ashford opener and while Dartford hit straight back, Freya Stimson made it 2-1 at half-time following a short corner.

Ashford dominated the second half with strong leads up the wings by Caroline Lawton and Elysia Bridges creating chances, and Amelia Jacobs clinched the points on her reverse stick. Player-of-the-match Ellie Jones was a force in central midfield, making great runs and superb tackles.