Kentish Express Ashford & District
Double injury woe on return
Ashford Ladies suffered a double injury blow as they resumed their East Women’s League Division 2 South East programme on Saturday with a 3-0 home defeat by unbeaten leaders Brentwood.
Charlotte Jenner sustained a fractured cheekbone after being hit by a stick, while Becky Hover was carried off with a suspected torn calf muscle.
The Essex side went in front, punishing a defensive error, and doubled their lead with a deflected effort.
Skipper Kim Cameron missed out on pulling one back before half-time, when Ashford were left two-on-one against the visitors. She saw her first attempt blocked by the keeper, before a defender stopped the rebound on the line with her stick.
Ashford created several more chances with Anni White and Cameron going close, only for Brentwood to get a third via a penalty corner.
Anna Graham started the year in style with her first 2nd Xl hat-trick in a 3-0 Kent Division 1 win over Burnt Ash. Graham slotted home the opener, set up by Emma Jakeman, for a 1-0 half-time lead.
She added her second following good work at the top of the shooting circle, before completing her treble.
Livvy Palmer and Rebecca Voice netted as the 3rd XI beat Sevenoaks 2-0 in Division 2.
Palmer flicked home a rebound for the first, while Voice converted the second with a strong finish.
Mark Rooney was another hat-trick scorer as skipper Harry Pickering celebrated his 70th birthday by guiding Antiques to 5- 3 win over Maidstone in Kent Division 4.
They did it the hard way, coming from behind three times to clinch the victory, having trailed 3-2 at the break.
Rooney struck twice in both halves before Matt Goodwin’s reverse flick added the fifth with 10 minutes left.