Kentish Express Ashford & District
United hit by sucker punch
Missed chances came back to haunt Ashford as they conceded a late winner at home to Molesey on Saturday. There were four more debutants in the Nuts & Bolts side, taking the number of players used already this season past 40, although this was a more cohesive display by Jason Whitmore’s men. Ashford went close early on when Tyrell RichardsonBrown volleyed over before former England schoolboy Max Watters was denied by Molesey keeper Liam Allen. Ashby Charles should have done better with a header for the visitors but Pat Kingwell and Jon Difford looked solid at the back for United. Allen thwarted Ben Davisson after some fine midfield play by Michael Phillips and Matt Day had an effort blocked after half-time. New signing Caleb ASHFORD MOLESEY Afoke replaced the injured Brandon Williams and the hosts were twice indebted to Lee-Wharton for good saves to deny Ross Chalke and Dre Grobler. But Molesey made the breakthrough 14 minutes from time when Ronald Sobowale picked out the top corner from distance. Boss Whitmore said: “We were unlucky, we were the better team. It was harsh but that’s football. “If you don’t take your chances, at any level, you can get caught with a suckerpunch and that’s exactly what happened. “We had five clear-cut chances and should have scored one or two of them. “We need more experience up top. We need a physical presence and we’re working hard on that behind the scenes but overall, I was pleased. “We’re still not exactly where we want to be and the fitness levels of the players aren’t where they should be. “We’re changing that but it’s not easy to get fitness training in when you’re doing SaturdayTuesday – you’ve only got Thursday and you’ve got to work on shape. “It’s no pre-season, basically, for us, just bringing in players and trying to get them matchfit. But I’m not complaining because all the boys are working hard together and the unity in the team is good.”