Kentish Express Ashford & District
United step up pressure
Ashford continued their remarkable rise in Bostik South East with their first home win under Tommy Warrilow’s management.
Goals from Trey Williams and Danny Parish on Saturday lifted the Nuts & Bolts to fourth in the table.
After a goalless first half they showed their quality in the second period to open up Scott Porter’s side.
Warrilow admitted: “In the first half we weren’t at the races. I had a little dig at the boys at half-time.
“They were there to frustrate us but once we got our goal, we kicked on a gear and totally dominated the second half.
“All the time it was 1-0 and we were missing chances, because they’re strong with set-pieces, you’re dreading coming unstuck.
“But we defended brilliantly again, kept another clean sheet and overall it was well deserved.
“It could have been more than two, to be honest.”
Ashford had nine corners in the first half but didn’t force a single save from Dan Eason in the Town goal.
However, the deadlock was broken in the 57th minute when a well-worked move was finished off by new signing Williams.
Eason made several good saves to keep the Oystermen in the game and the match was settled in added time when Parish broke away down the right and finished well.
Warrilow said: “Everyone will have a game plan and if you don’t keep your discipline, you’re going to come unstuck.
“We knew what to expect from Whitstable but it was up to us to break them down – and in the second half we did it on numerous occasions.
“Each game brings a different challenge.
“If they’re getting bodies behind the ball, you’ve got to move the ball quickly, switch play and open teams up to make those gaps rather than just shelling it down the middle.
“It just depends which team turns up on the day.”
Ashford: Mott, Aboagye, Carlse, Wisson, Coker, Kamara, Corne, Ajala, Parish (Munyama 90min),
Adeniji (Woodcock 71), Fairweather-Johnson (Williams 36). Subs not used: Oladipupo, Wealands. Att: 333.