Kentish Express Ashford & District
HOCKEY: PROMOTION MOMENTUM DISRUPTED BY LEADERS’ FIRST LOSS
South Saxons, the only side to have dented Ashford men’s 100 per cent record in Kent/ Sussex Regional 2 during the first part of the season, inflicted a 3-1 on the leaders on Saturday.
The earlier encounter had ended in a 2-2 draw in East Sussex and Hastings started the stronger side when battle resumed at Ball Lane.
Ashford, though, did have some clear chances – Sam Handley putting wide from close range and Richard Johnston forcing the Saxons keeper to make a couple of good saves early on.
Ashford’s best chance of the half fell to Simon Cowling through a well-worked short corner routine, but his deflected effort was saved by the Saxons keeper. Saxons too had their opportunities, firing over from close range and Rob Allan coming to the rescue of the defence on more than one occasion.
During the second half the umpires struggled to maintain control as challenges were heavy and ill-timed. This culminated in several early cards for both sides.
Ashford found an equaliser through captain James Chamberlain. A well-worked short corner was fired into the D by Andrew Hill and Chamberlain deflected the ball high into the goal to make it 1-1.
Ashford pressed hard hoping to steal the lead, Chris Spain and the industrious Johnston were at the heart of Ashford’s midfield, however chances were few and far between. It was Saxons who broke the deadlock, their second short corner of the game, neatly finished off.
Ashford, now pressing high, left themselves vulnerable at the back, and a breakaway goal sealed Saxons’ victory and dented Ashford’s charge for promotion.
They still top the table, but second-placed Marden Russets are just a point behind with a game in hand. On Saturday Ashford travel to bottom side Hailsham.
Ashford men’s 2nds defeated Gore Court 2nds 6-3 in Kent Area Division 1.
In Kent Open Premier A, Ashford 3rds were 5-0 winners at Sevenoaks 5ths.
Matt Goodwin had an early drag flick saved by the Sevenoaks keeper and then had another effort that pinged off the post.
Meanwhile, Nathan Morris, Alex Deacon, George Simm, Jack Cunningham and goalkeeper Ethan Pierce prevented any sign of the home side scoring as the first half ended goalless.
At the start of the second half Simm fired a ball to Matt Carter at the top of the circle and he lifted the ball up with his first touch and nailed a volley into the corner.
Will Clayson made it 2-0 after robbing a Sevenoaks defender and Goodwin added another goal when he placed a pinpoint drag flick into the corner. Carter soon made it 4-0 following excellent work from Callum Warner and completed his hat-trick when he rocketed home a short corner.
Ashford 4ths remain second in Kent Open Premier C following a 5-2 win against Deal 2nds.
Ashford ladies’ 1sts resumed their East League Division 1 South campaign with a 4-2 defeat at Crostyx.
It’s as you were at the top of Kent League Division 2 with both Ashford clubs winning well.
The 2nds defeated Old Williamsonians 2nds 9-0, while the second-placed 3rds were 3-0 victors over Tunbridge Wells 3rds at Ball Lane.
Ashford 3rds started strongly and broke through the middle resulting in a quick first goal, Tess Palmer making sure following a strike from Kate Horton.
Lisa Riddle scored Ashford’s second goal, set up from a shot by Bella Bowden as the first half ended 2-0.
The second half saw a few near misses from Tunbridge Wells including two short corners that keeper Katie McDonnell saved with confidence. The third goal for Ashford came when Sarah Andrews, passed the ball through to Linda Charlton to finish off.