Thoughts are with rivals

Ashford United’s match away to Whyteleafe on Saturday was postponed due to what was described at the time as a ‘medical emergency.’ However, the Surrey club announced on Tuesday morning that the woman involved in the incident had passed away.

An air ambulance arrived at the Isthmian South

East fixture just prior to the match’s 3pm kick-off, however the match was postponed before any football took place. A statement from Whyteleafe general manager Clive Davis was released on the club’s website on Saturday, prior to the announcement of the woman’s death.

It read: “It became apparent very quickly that the incident was of a serious nature.

“This required a quick response from the medical staff of both teams inside Church Road at the time. “What we do want to say is that everyone connected to both clubs have acted in an impeccable manner, showing the community spirit and togetherness that was required, as well as showing understanding as to why the game was postponed.” Whyteleafe released a further statement on

Tuesday morning, stating that their fixture against Burgess Hill was also to not take place later that day. Ashford United owner Don Crosbie added: “While we were there, the paramedics, physios and the local doctor as well as everybody involved worked incredibly hard, so it was extremely sad to hear of her passing.

“Something like this puts everything into perspective about life.

“Our condolences and best wishes go out to Whyteleafe.” Whyteleafe’s next fixture is due to be this Saturday against Moneyfields in the FA Cup second qualifying round, however it is not yet known whether the tie will go ahead. Ashford United scored an injurytime winner at Homelands on Tuesday to make it four wins out of four in Isthmian SouthEast writes Joe Harbert.

Two goals from top scorer David Smith were enough to see off a spirited performance from their Kent rivals, and move United up to fourth with two games still in hand.

Boss Tommy Warrilow believes United will fail to maintain their winning start if they produce similar performances going forward.

He said: “Generally, I don’t think anyone individually had a great game, but Sittingbourne played well with a free spirit because we were obviously the ones that had more pressure on us. We flew out of the blocks