Ashford Scorers:
Anthony Sheard
First game in a new league and despite the best efforts of the captain the 6s were only able to put together 8 players for this match and even though the opposition lent us a player the depleted team that took the field faring the worst.
Swans were soon into the attack and it took some heroic tackling from Bob Evans, Howard Nicholson and young Ian Doggett to keep them at bay. In goal Tom Johnston looked solid and in control and up front the treble strike-force of Shaun and Craig Smith and Anthony Sheard caused the home side some problems as the Ashford team passed the ball around well. After 15 mins Swans went ahead from a short corner with Johnston in goal not quite reaching the strike. Ashford had one really good chance in the half with Craig Smith not quite connecting with a perceptive Evan’s through ball.
Half-time 1-0 to Swans.
The second half saw Ashford upping the effort and a number of good breakaways occurred. Craig Smith had the ball in the net but was outside the D and Shaun Smith went close a couple of times. There was still some sturdy defensive play from the Ashford backs with the guest player performing well against his colleagues. With five minutes to go Ashford mounted an attack on the Swans goal and Anthony Sheard slotted home for the visitors. Although Swans came back hard the grizzled veterans of the Ashford defence held firm.
A great display by all the players and it proves that when things are difficult Ashford sides can rise to the challenge.
Thanks to Surinder Jhas for his umpiring.
