Youth football

Ashford United under-15s drew their opening match of 2019, held 2-2 by Bearsted in the Kent Youth League Central Division on Sunday. United took the lead in the 12th minute through a solo effort from Rowan Shardlow. Six minutes later it was 2-0 when Shardlow made the pass that set up George McIlroy. Ashford seemed to take their foot of the gas and with the last kick of the half Bearsted pulled a goal back against the run of play. The hosts found an equaliser 12 minutes into the second half, and although United created chances they couldn’t find a winning goal.

Kennington’s under-15s’ unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday. They were beaten 3-1 at home by Margate in the South Division. The visitors took a 1-0 lead inside five minutes with a penalty. With Margate having the better of the first half, Kennington finally put a passing move together to create an excellent scoring chance for Sid Hopkins who drove wide. A 25-yard shot from Jamie Finlayson was parried onto the crossbar and with five minutes to go in the first half, Kennington failed to deal with a long free kick and Margate made it 2-0. A change of formation saw Kennington come back into the game in the second half and their efforts were rewarded with a goal from Noah Carney. Kennington pushed for the equaliser, but with five minutes remaining, Margate scored again to seal their victory.

Ashford United under-15s won 2-1 win at Dover in the East Kent Youth League United started strongly with winger Owen Smith causing problems. Against the run of play Dover took the lead from a free kick. Ashford’s good teamwork paid off with Josh Batt netting for a 1-1 half-time scoreline. In the second half, Gift Olkie controlled the game in midfield, with captain Georgie Dedman also performing well. Denied a clear penalty when Smith was brought down in the box, Ashford kept going and Ben Hopker scored the winning goal on the rebound.

Ashford under-15s push on against Bearsted