QUICK AS A FLASH
Samcompleteshat-trickofdebutgoalswith whirlwindstartbutregretsnotbaggingtwo
HAMILTON ............................... ................................... 1 AYR UNITED ................................................................ 1 Super Sam Ashford continued his habit of instant success after another debut goal in the colours of Ayr United.
The English striker topped a whirlwind start to his Somerset career by hitting the target at Hamilton just seven minutes after stepping off the bench.
And it brought up a hat trick of debut goals for the frontman, who also struck on his first appearance for former clubs Crawley and Woking.
Ashford, whose goal at Accies claimed a vital point, revealed: “I’ve now got this mad stat about scoring on debut, which is obviously nice.
“But I’m frustrated about the second chance I had late on in the game. That was more my kind of chance because I like to go in behind and one-onone with the keeper.
“The ball just held up a little bit and I couldn’t get it out my feet.
“I reckon the fact I haven’t played a lot recently also came into it.”
Ashford had a huge impact as he rescued the point just hours after driving seven hours north to sign on the dotted line.
The 26-year-old – a former Tottenham youth Academy prospect – has been working hard to come back up through the ranks since his initial rejection as a teenager.
He has penned an 18 month deal at Somerset. Ashford smiled: “It definitely made the long drive up worth it.
“I see this as really big opportunity and want to make the most of it. I’d spoken to some guys who came up to Scotland before and they thoroughly recommended it.
“The team will hopefully start to turn and go on a little run now.
“I think they just needed a bit of belief and hopefully I can help with that whether it’s goals, assists or working really hard.”
United head coach Lee Bullen was thrilled with his new signing’s contribution and reckons he’ll bring plenty to his squad.
He said: “Sam’s got energy and he’s direct so he’ll be a good addition.
“There are a few similarities between Sam and myself.
“I wasn’t a full-time professional footballer until I was in my mid20s so I get where he’s coming from.I think
you appreciate it more. The desire to leave England and come up to Scotland to a relegation battle shows all the traits of the signing I want at the club.”
Ashford’s second-half equaliser cancelled out Kai Kennedy’s early opener for the hosts.
The Accies midfielder pounced when slack play at the back from Ayr presented the chance.
The hosts could have extended their lead when Sean McGinty conceded a penalty just before half time but Ronan Hughes smacked the award off the bar.
And Ayr took the most of their second chance when Ashford collected a clever backheel from fellow sub James Maxwell before ramming home a low left-foot finish from the edge of the box.
And the striker could have won it at the death when racing clear on goal but he just failed to get his shot away as Accies got back to clear the danger.