Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

This years Dinner Dance will be at the Manor Hotel in Datchet on Saturday 28th April from 7pm onwards.
Slightly different this year, you get to pick your food choice from the menu below. AND if you pre-order your wine, there’s a 10% discount. What with tickets being a bargainous £32.50 and special room rates of £99 for a double bed & breakfast (quote Ashford hockey when booking), hopefully we’ll all have a grand time and have some pennies left for raffle tickets!

I NEED TO HAVE ALL NUMBERS, MONEY & MENU CHOICES BY APRIL 1ST PLEASE!

thanks

Wendy

DATE: SAT 28th APRIL
TIME: 7pm onwards
VENUE: The Manor Hotel, Datchet
TICKET PRICE: £32.50

MENU

Starter

Atlantic prawns and chorizo cocktail with buttered brown bread
Pressed game and wild mushroom terrine with sesame and spring onion dressing
Olive and sun-dried tomato bruschetta with parmesan cheese and pesto sauce (v)

Main

Baked brie and red onion parcel with Cumberland sauce (v)
Pan-fried Scottish salmon supreme with creamy leek and chive sauce
Roasted breast of free-range chicken with bacon scrolls and a thyme and red wine sauce
All main courses are served with thyme roasted potatoes or boiled new potatoes and steamed seasonal vegetables

Dessert

Dark chocolate tart with clotted cream berry pressing
Fresh tropical fruit salad with lemon sorbet
Selection of English cheeses and biscuits

WINES – see attachment

Ashford Ladies 1st XI returned to league hockey with a 2-3 away victory against Hendon and Mill Hill on Sat 21st January.

Ashford started off with great enthusiasm and it paid off within two mins as neat passing between the new partnership of Lucy Uttley and Nicky Benedict up front led Nicky into netting her first goal.

Ashford continued to hold possession with great distribution from midfielders Claire Emmerton and Emma Hynes feeding to Rasna Sandhu who had some great runs down the right.

Ashford’s second goal came from fantastic linking play between Jacqui Bashford, Kim Downs and Lucy Uttley who slipped to Nicky Benedict for her to score her second goal.

Hendon and Mill Hill had a few chances but were tharwted by outstanding saves from GK Sam Grant which led to the score remaining 2-0 at half time.

The second half saw the oppo come out strong and secure a short corner. Their well worked routine saw the ball hammered onto the black board.

Ashford hit straight back following a slick move from Kim Downs to Jacqui Bashford who fed the ball to striker Lucy who skilfully beat two defenders and reverse sticked the ball into the net.

Ashford were unfortunate to let a Hendon And Mill Hill player slip through unmarked to score another goal for the oppo.

With Kath Evans making her debut along with regular defenders Sophie Smart, Kim Fry and Tracey Holland, Ashford tightened up in defence and deservedly held onto their 3-2 win.

Team: Sam Grant, Sophie Smith, Kim Fry, Tracey Holland, Kath Evans, Claire Emmerton, Emma Hynes, Jacqui Bashford, Nicky Benedict, Rasna Sandhu, Lucy Uttley, Kim Downs,

Ashford 3 Henley 3

A game full of incident to bring the curtain down on the first half of the
league programme.
Three down at the interval, the ‘Ford staged a remarkable comeback but just
as goals from Matt Emmerton, Jas Nijhar and Alex Betts brought them level, a
rash of temporary suspensions left them with eight men for the closing
stages threatening to undo all the good work. However, Dave Baker got on
the ball deep in his own half and winning free hit after free hit ran down
the clock and all things considered it was in the circumstances a point
salvaged rather than two dropped.

For the third home game running the ‘Ford began sluggishly and conceded an
early goal. This time, however, the visitors were allowed to go further in
front and when they scored a third from a corner just on half time it
looked a long way back.

The interval gave the ‘Ford the opportunity to regroup and change their
formation and they seized back the initiatve from the restart.
Scarcely allowing Henley a touch, the ‘Ford passed the ball aound with
purpose and goal by goal the deficit was erased.
Matt Emmerton got the first with a sumptuous deflection and then  Jas
Nijhar worked his way through the Henley defence to shoot under the keeper.

When Alex Betts finished off a well worked corner move with eight minutes
remaining it seemed that the ‘Ford might just be able to push on and snatch
a famous victory. However, as Henley rallied and managed to stage their
first real attack of the second half, Luke Cottrell found himself
outnumbered and a last ditch tackle brought a temporary suspension. Further
cards for Nijhar and Chris Bolton gave Henley a three man advantage for the
last few minutes but the ‘Ford, or what was left of them held firm and they
settled for a point which looked distinctly unlikely 35 minutes earlier.

Maybe it is a little frustrating to lose top spot but the ‘Ford can be
satisfied with their work so far in 2011/12. They are very much in touch
with the leaders and have also successfully negotiated three rounds of the
EHB Trophy so there is plenty to play for after the Christmas break

A 10.30am start in deepest Berkshire meant leaving Stanwell at 8.30am but
the ‘Ford did not seem troubled by the earlier than normal push back and
were a goal up inside two minutes, courtesy of a Phil Lewis penalty corner.
Moving the ball around with assurance, the ‘ Ford controlled the rest of
the half allowing Sonning not even a sniff of keeper Adam Smith’s pads.
The game was effectively put to bed just after the break. Ryan Holland had
caused problems from the start and in trying to stop him, the Sonning
defence left plenty of room for Jas Nijhar to exploit and he set up the
‘Ford’s decisive second and third goals . First, The Wizard of the Dribble
mesmerised the home defence before firing an adroit pass to the left post
where Chris Bolton controlled and fired home with clinical precision. Then
the veteran stickmeister weaved his trademark brand of magic to suck in at
least four defenders before laying it off for skipper Luke Cotrell to scoop
home.
The one blemish on a fine team performance was a collective lack of
concentration which allowed Sonning a very late consolation.

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thank you

Plans have been finalised so….

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER

Ashford Ladies are obvioulsy classy ladies so get you party frocks and celebrate Christmas in style at Soiree (did you like my little play on words in the title?!)

TIME: 8pm at Soiree or maybe a bit earlier for a cheeky one somewhere before? Food served at 8.30pm
PLACE: Soiree, Staines (just up from pizza express, before roshni’s)
DRESS CODE: Dress to Impress!! (think people are thinking dresses/similar to last year!)
COST: £20 to include own area with delicious buffett including hot and cold selection, disco and dancing the night away!

I know its not far away, so need to know numbers pretty quickly, and £10 deposit asap. If you definately want to come, but not going to be at club to pay deposit before the 9th Dec, just let me know!

The more the merrier and if you want to bring a friend thats great, just let me know for numbers!

Please can you give your deposits to captains on sat (or let them know you definately want to come)

Thanks
Em

 For the second time in three games the ‘Ford beat the league leaders 3-2 after going behind early on. Three weeks ago Eastcote were the victims  and on Saturday it was newly promoted Marlow who suffered the same fate.

 Hoping to be at full strength for the first time this season, the ‘Ford’s plans were dealt a double blow when first, Joe Siman was told he would need surgery on a hernia and then leading scorer Phil Lewis found out he could not re-schedule his first aid course.

 Full of confidence after running away with Division 2 last season and an impressive start to this, Marlow forced their way into the ‘Ford’s circle straight from the opening whistle. Taking full advantage of some poor tackling they won a penalty corner which was converted a little too easily. The ‘Ford regrouped and slowly took control and with Luke Cottrell dominating the midfield and Ryan Holland once again prving to be a real handful, they started creating openings so it was no surprise when Jas Nijhar scored a fine equaliser with a crisp finish.

 The game was effectively decided in the ten minutes after half time when Ryan Holland broke through to find himself on on one with the visiting keeper and finished with aplomb and then Alex Betts fired home a penalty corner.

 Marlow did manage to reduce the deficit with 15 minutes left from another penalty corner but the ‘Ford held their collective nerve and if anything looked the more likely to score in the closing stages.

Police are scouring Middx, Berks, Bucks and Oxon on the the lookout for 11 men dressed in Red-and-Black. They are accused (and profoundly guilty) of stealing a point from poor old OMT’s! There have been various sightings of them in back gardens looking for more draws to steal…

The 3rd-personed Gordo was looking after the team and was conscious he needed to be a role model and example to the team, unfortunately he forgot about the positive and good bit. The first half was a bit tough as the oppo had a goal disallowed, numerous chances and short corners and keeper Ritchie had several chances to impress his fan on the touchline. We did compete and had OMTs on the backfoot at times though didn’t look threatening. Little did we know but that was our good half!

We did not start the second half well and I didn’t realise how long it went on, Jimmy B in midfield performed wonders and we worked very hard but were close to being overrun. Their umpire blew for a shortie as their forward finished brilliantly and they then managed to stop 2 goal-bound shots on the line – I have seen this happen once very occasionally but twice!!!! The second was very amusing as their guy flicked the ball through our last defender only for another forward to stop and keep it out with his gut! And of course, with 4 minutes to go their defender miscontrolled and our goal machine, Rishi G, made some space and smacked it through their keepers legs. One shot, one goal, one all!! 5 draws in 6 and a big game against fellow strugglers, Slough, awaits this Sat as long as we can avoid the rozzers!

Sat 12th November, Men’s 1s away – Eastcote 2 Ashford 3

With a neat deflection from Matt Emmerton and a brace of penalty corner strikes from Phil Lewis, the ‘Ford completed a league and cup double over Middlesex rivals Eastcote on Saturday.
After five successive wins, Eastcote were riding high at the top of the table and brimming with confidence, they went ahead after ten minutes. However, the ‘Ford regrouped and managed to keep Eastcote at arms length for the rest of the half. As they started to gain more possession, the ‘Ford began to look more dangerous and they equalised when Emmerton timed his run perfectly to meet a cross from the right and divert neatly past a bemused keeper.
Just before the interval, Ryan Holland whose stick skills and direct running caused Eastcote problems all afternoon, won a penalty corner which Lewis fired home.
Eastcote emerged from their half time team talk with the clear intention of pressing the ‘Ford and forcing them into errors. However, the ‘Ford defence, well marshalled by keeper Adam Smith and stopper Andy Barnes and midfield led by the outstanding Luke Cottrell, kept their composure and frustrated by the inability to create any worthwhile openings, it was Eastcote who made the mistakes.
As a result, he ‘Ford had several chances to capitlaise and increase their lead but Emmerton pulled his attempt wide of an empty goal after Holland put the chance on a plate and a couple of penalty corners were wasted. When the routine did click however, Lewis claimed his second to make the lead a little more comfortable. Eastcote did manage to pull one back with five minutes left but it proved a mere consolation as the ‘Ford held on to the ball for the remainder of the match to run down the clock.
Manager Lee Pettifer was satisfied with the team’s performance. “It was pleasing to see us take control after going behind so early and how we held firm when Eastcote tried everything to disrupt our rhythm in the second half. Although it is good to beat the league leaders on their own ground, we must not get carried away as we don’t yet have quite enough points in the bag to stay up”
Next week it’s a double header at the Lane. On Saturday, the ‘Ford entertain Maidenhead in the League, 12noon, and on Sunday at 1pm it’s the 3rd Round of the EHB Trophy against Bexleyheath and Belvedere of the Kent, Sussex Regional League.

Sat 12th Nov, Ladies 1s 4-0 Eastcote

Ashford ladies 1’s faced Eastcote 2’s on Saturday anxious to get there first win of the season. With a team of 14 and a return to a formation that proved effective last season hopes were high. Ashford dominated play from the whistle, passing effectively through the midfield and creating opportunities for forward Maria Cavilla to run at the Eastcote defence. With ten minutes gone captain Lucy Uttley picked up the ball in midfield and drove down the left slipping the ball to Maria who took it past the Eastcote goalkeeper to put Ashford 1-0 up.
Eastcote came back strongly but Ashford’s experienced defence of Kim Fry, Tracey Holland and Sophie Smart, together with returning sweeper Jackie Parsons kept them from creating any chances. Once again the midfield unit linked well, with Clare Emmerton and Nicky Benedict creating more chances for the forwards to put pressure on the Eastcote defence. With the end of the first half drawing near Jacqui Bashford drove the ball down the right and into the D forcing a short corner. After failing play the ball to a team-mate at the first short corner Bashford took the short option to Maria whose shot at goal hit an Eastcote foot. Short corner number two went to Jackie Parsons and once again the ball came off a foot, as the whistle went for half time Ashford were awarded a 3rd. This time Ashford all pushed up to ensure the ball didn’t leave the D without an attempt on goal. The corner ended up on the stick of Club captain Emma Hynes whose clean and powerful strike lead to her first goal and Ashford taking a 2-0 lead into the second half.
As Ashford expected Eastcote come out strongly in the second half creating scoring opportunities, keeper Sam Grant maintaining Ashford’s lead with some fine saves. Coach Jeremy Clarke rotated players to keep fresh legs on the pitch, Elize Browne slotted into a defensive role she is relishing playing and Kim Downs proved to be a threat in and around the D in attack. Ashford increased pressure on Eastcote when Lucy Uttley beat both their midfield and defensive units to switch the ball selflessly through to Maria to put away. At 3-0 up Ashford’s confidence grew and they found themselves “double teaming” the Eastcote players successfully dispossessing them on numerous occasions. Ashford then enjoyed a sequence of play that can only be described as sublime! The ball was played from Fry to Bashford across to Hynes who forced the ball to the far left of the pitch onto the ever running player of the match Emmerton who laid the ball quite perfectly on the stick of Uttley to put away quite superbly. A result of 4-0 to Ashford was a fitting end to an all round strong performance from the team.
Next week sees Ashford facing newly promoted Aces away.

14/11/11
Ashford 2s vs Winchmore Hill and Enfield 2s
Away
3-1
The Ladies 2s travelled through the depths of London to play Winchmore and Enfield 2s. For such a long journey and having the game played in the afternoon the energy was somewhat lacking in the Ashford side. With our usual 2s goalie Dyson unavailable Charlie Poulter stepped in to guide our team from the back. Ashford were slow to get off the mark and for the first part of the game the oppo took control and in quick succession scored their first two goals. The Ashford side struggled to make the attacking runs desired and failed to capitalize on many short and long corner opportunities to make a comeback. After half time Ashford were still struggling to play on the 3G ‘beach like’ pitch with most hits being slowed to a stop but showed determination. With some brilliant play from Jules Steer, Sam Clarey, Beth Jefferies, Molly Davis and Cath Evans we finally got into our rhythm and started to worry the oppo so much the a couple of physical shoulder barges were seen. In one instance though this was not enough and the oppo sneaked in a goal in the right corner. With the final whistle imminent Ashford kept pushing on and with some great attacking play down the left Beth Jefferies soon hit home from an impossible angle.
For what was a hard match for the Ladies 2s the determination and spirit the team showed soon pulled through but unfortunately came too late in the match. Let’s hope next week we can see a winning result.

Its party time at Ashford on Sat 26th November – some club members are reaching landmark birthdays, and november appears to be a generally happy birthday time! So we’re celebrating for them…and hopefully with them!

£5 a ticket to include Disco, party games and food. 7pm ish til midnight.

Bring your friends to increase the party spirit!

RSVP on our facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=283499175015895

Saturday 5th Nov: Newbury & Thatcham 3s 0 – 0 Ashford 3s

This Bonfire Night saw Ashford’s 3rd XI battle to a deserved goalless draw against Newbury & Thatcham. Given their poor results so far this season, Saturday’s match saw the team turn in a performance that was less about explosions of individual colour and brilliance and instead embodied the dogged and intense fire of team spirit and work ethic.

For much of the game both teams cancelled each other out: chances were few and far between as the battle in the middle of the pitch burned relentlessly. The game sparked inconsistently but, as the second period wore on, Ashford began to dominate in central midfield and there were some strong forays forward from these areas that heralded pleasing and fluid positional interchange from the forwards. These resulted in a number of short corners that Ashford were unfortunate not to capitalize on and special mention must go to the Newbury & Thatcham captain who gamely took a powerful Bhamra drive to the forehead via a vicious deflection off his stick!

The plaudits for only their second points of the season, however, must go to Ashford’s defensive players. Trialing a new-look back line and defensive-midfield partnership, Ashford were resilient, combative and increasingly communicative, ultimately deserving of their first clean sheet of the season. Let them feed this newfound fire with similar levels of desire and commitment as they go into November!

Saturday 5th Nov: Men’s 1s 4 (Digger, Jas, Luke & Alex) – Wycombe 0

After a draw and a defeat, the ‘Ford got back to winning ways beating Wycombe II 4-0 at the Lane on Saturday with goals from Andy Barnes, Jas Nijhar, Luke Cottrell and Alex Betts.

The win lifts them up from eighth to fourth in the table and illustrates just how close things are this year in Middx, Berks, Bucks, Oxon Regional 1.

The ‘Ford have now won more points in their six games so far this season than in their previous 44, which were admittedly at a higher level but hopefully, it does show that the tide is turning and that a revival is underway.