After a weeks break Ashford recommenced their Premier league programme with an away fixture at Harrow, the club one place above them in the league. Due to work commitments, coach MANDY WAIN wasn’t able to travel with the team and things were became even more disruptive before the game for the Red & Blacks, when it was discovered that goalkeeper SAM GRANT had left a vital personal part of her equipment back in her car at Ashford. Thus one of the squad was dispatched back to collect it, whilst the rest of the team and SAM warmed up as best they could.
The set backs did not seem to affect Ashford too much though as they played some good flowing hockey in the first quarter of what was a very open game. The return of youngster LIV YOUNG up front brought a bit more punch to the Red & Blacks front line, whilst the experienced JACKIE PARSONS was having her best game of the season at the back. In the second part of the first half, Ashford kept the momentum up and created numerous chances and were unlucky not to convert any into goals. Unfortunately their concentration lapsed a little just before the break, and they allowed the visitors in to score the opening goal of the game. Thus it was somewhat disappointing that the Red & Blacks went into half time 1-0 down.
The second half started similar to the first and Ashford were once again putting the Harrow goal under pressure and they secured several short corners as a result. The newly practiced corner routines were working well for the Red & Blacks though and after a first time shot was saved, left midfielder STACEY KENWARD followed up well to score her first goal of the season and more importantly, secure the equaliser for Ashford. Things then got even better for the Red & Blacks, when continued pressure resulted in another short corner from which sweeper JACKIE PARSONS hammered home on of her trademark, thunderbolt strikes to put Ashford deservedly 2-1 ahead. Unfortunately shortly after scoring the Ashford Player of the Match JACKIE PARSONS got a nasty blow on her ankle and had to leave the pitch. As the game came to a close skipper LAURA SAMOUEL was all ready to celebrate their first away victory of the season. Alas with only three minutes of the game left, Ashford unfortunately conceded a penalty flick, which Harrow duly converted to snatch a late equaliser and leave the Red & Blacks disappointed.
Next week Ashford have to travel to nearby Teddington to take on their 2nd XI who are currently top of the league. Coach MANDY WAIN will be back to help direct operations though and if they can maintain their good team work and keep working for each other, Ashford will be aiming to gain at least another point.
Team:
S. Grant (GK), S. Smart, K. Fry, E. Hynes, A. Protheroe, E., T. Holland, J. Parsons, J. Bashford, S McGlinley, L Samouel (Captain), S. Kenward, O. Young
