Ashford (Middlesex) Hockey Club

Ladies 1/2s Home to Brunel University, won 3-0

Ashford Ladies opened their preseason games with a 1/2s squad facing the students from Brunel University. In the midst of University ladies was home grown talent Kelly Taylor! But we moved on the game. Ashford dominated the first half, with Nicky Benedict, Clare Emmerton and Club Captain Emma Hynes controlling the midfield, and Sophie Smart, Tracey Holland and Captain Jacqui Bashford (returning from injury) easily repelling the few student attacks that did make it through the midfield. However, with Maria Cavilla back from a season out with injury, Ashford were in charge up front, with positive play from Gillian Clegg and youngster Rasna sending them into half time 2-0 up. Brunel’s coach clearly had words in the half time talk, and they reemerged more determimed and came back in to the game, creating chances which Ashford kept out thanks to young Chris Taylor standing in to help out the ladies at the last minute. Not much sibling rivalry there Ashford went on to win a number of short corners, but on this occaision failed to convert them. There were a few more near misses from the Ashford forwards before Cavilla clinched the game with her hat trick goal.

Young goalkeeping talent Chris Taylor proved to be a shining light in an otherwise dreary affair. His stubborn resistance between the sticks kept the scoreline reasonably respectable – one particular save saw a solid block from a stinging effort, followed immediately by ‘the splits’ and then the balance and foresight to fling his free hand round behind his body and flick the ball away from between his legs. Some things, it seems, are impossible to teach. Last and by no means least, Ashford’s team included three talented young lads from a local school who demonstrated both aptitude and considerable promise. Hopefully, as Ashford looks to cement its links with surrounding schools, their presence will set a precedent for new young players joining the club.

Ashford IV & Vs  1 – 3  Staines Veterans
(17^th September, 2011)

 This week’s pre-season friendly between two local rivals saw a combined team of 4^th and 5^th XI Ashford players narrowly defeated by a team of hockey veterans from Staines. In a game that dashing debutant captain Shane Smith used to gauge his potential line-up for the new season and trial a new formation – a daring attempt, in case you were wondering, to flood the midfield when defending and encourage ball retention, width and pace in attack – Ashford were unfortunate to come up against a team of, for the most part, technically superior players, many of whom had, in their glory days, played at a higher level than Ashford’s predominantly youthful squad. Staines’ experience and guile would serve them well throughout the match, but it was Ashford who started the strongest; their energy from the off putting their visitors under consistent pressure and breaking with pace from midfield. Indeed, Ashford were the first to score: persistent and aggressive hounding by their captain led him to steal possession near the opposition byline before breaking into the ‘D’ and cutting the ball back for fellow debutant Sam Betts to finish with a calm confidence that defied his tender age.

For the most part the new tactical plan paid dividends and, aside from a soft goal at the beginning of the second half, Ashford only conceded when they lost their shape. In retrospect, this was the result of a lack of physical fitness leading to mental fatigue and the unfamiliarity of a new formation. One would expect both fitness and tactical awareness to increase tenfold as the season progresses, making this weekend’s loss no cause for immediate concern. In fact there are plenty of positives for Ashford to take from the game and, in particular, they demonstrated an encouraging blend of astute experience and youthful vigour.

If you’d like to try your hand at hockey or perhaps take up your stick again after a period away from the game, Ashford Hockey Club has the facilities and personnel to offer a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to fulfil your social and sporting needs. Please feel free to contact Club President Lynne Morgan (president@ashfordhockeyclub.co.uk), or simply turn up to Men’s training on a Tuesday night.

Shane Smith, 4^th XI Captain.

Ashford’s programme of pre-season matches continued with a midweek fixture under the lights at the Lane against Henley and a trip to play the second string of England Hockey Leaguers, Wimbledon.

Missing several key players, Ashford put together a series of dazzling moves against Henley but could not find the finishing touch until Elliott Symes popped up at the far post with five minutes left. It was really only a consolation as by then, Henley had made the most of their limited number of chances and were leading 3-0 .

Ashford Antiques 4 v Windsor Royalists 1
2/4/2011
The Ashford Antiques (AAs) were playing their first and last game of the season on Saturday at Short Lane, due to their annual Christmas fixture being cancelled due to heavy snow. After starting off with a large squad, the AAs lost players steadily during the week and even on the day of the match due to illness and injury, but were able to field eleven players for the start of the game. However, the visitors Windsor Royalists also had problems and arrived with only ten players. In warm conditions and in front of a boisterous Ashford crowd, which included former Ladies coach Mandy Wain, the AAs took the game on and dominated play to start with, but were unable to find the back of the net, despite numerous short corners. Having soaked up the pressure the visitors started to combine a little better, but didn’t really threaten the Ashford defence where the back line of Holly Busby, Doreen Brown, Alex Saunders, Ali Donelan soaked up all the attacks confidently and left goalkeeper Ali Boxell with little to do. Eventually the AAs pressure told and virgin AA Holly Busby shot home to score on her debut. The breakthrough gave Ashford a bit more confidence and after skipper Lynne Morgan just went wide with a hard strike, Tracey (Luvvy) Holland found the net from close in. Although Ashford remained on top, despite some clever player from the Royalists fowards’, they were unable to add to their goal tally despite some fine runs down the right by Hilary Hull and determined play by Jane English and the hard working Jacqui Bashford. The score thus remained at 2-0 until the half time break.
The second half saw Ashford youngster Kelly Taylor coming onto play for the visitors to bring them up to a full team. Kelly’s stick skills and speedy running helped the Royalist s team, but ice cool play by AAs stalwart defender Doreen Brown saw her take the ball of Kelly on two vital occasions. It wasn’t enough though as the Royalists opened their goal tally shortly after to make the score 2-1 and open up the game once more. The AAs upped their game in response with some good following moves and powerful crosses, which eventually saw the AAs score a third goal when Sue Westlake scrambled the ball in by the far post. Sue got a second not long after as the AAs saw the game out with some more good team work and constructive hockey, which resulted in a convincing 4-1 win.
Ali Boxell (GK), Holly Busby, Alex Saunders, Doreen Brown, Ali Donelan, Tracey Holland, Lynne Morgan (Skipper), Hilary Hull, Sue Westlake, Jacqui Bashford, Jane English
Umpire: Lesley Mitchell

Ladies League Hockey 19/3/11
Middlesex Premier
WEST HAMPSTEAD 2nd XI 0 v ASHFORD 1st XI 6
For their last game of the season, Ashford Ladies were able to take their full squad to Brent Cross on Saturday to face West Hampstead 2nd team, in a game Ashford needed to win to ensure they finished out of the relegation zone. The morning start and sunny weather seemed to suit the Red & Blacks as they attacked from the start. Firstly NICKY BENEDICT made a good attack on goal, followed shortly after by a similar mazy run and shot by KELLY TAYLOR. The Ashford forwards were really linking well and CLAIRE EMMERTON and NICKY BENEDICT were involved in another good flowing Ashford move. The Red & Blacks pressure resulted in a goal not long after when good midfield play saw KELLY TAYLOR opening the scoring. The home team retaliated with some of their own sweeping moves, but no real threats on goal resulted. Ashford then extended their lead when youngsters LUCY UTTLEY and KELLY TAYLOR combined well for KELLY to hit home her, and Ashford’s second goal of the game. Midway through the half the hard working NICKY BENEDICT went over on her right ankle and wasn’t able to take any further part in the game. KIM DOWNS came on to replace her and she was soon involved in a good move with the versatile WENDY BAKER which resulted in Ashford gaining a penalty corner. Although it wasn’t converted, another corner followed shortly after and an interchange of passes between KELLY TAYLOR and LUCY UTTLEY saw the latter getting her first, and Ashford’s third, goal of the game. The Red & Blacks scored another shortly after, when a good defence splitting ball by WENDY BAKER put KELLY TAYLOR through, and she slipped the ball through to LUCY UTTLEY, who slotted the ball home to give Ashford a fairly unassailable 4-0 lead. Just before the break, an Ashford defender rather harshly received a yellow card for a somewhat innocuous foul and so the Red & Blacks played the last few minutes of the first half with only ten players.

The second half started off in rather a messy fashion with a lot of free hits being awarded to both sides. Once the Red & blacks were back to their full complement of players though, the game settled down a little, only for one of the West Hampstead players to get a nasty hit on the leg inflicted by one of her own team mates. Ashford then lost stalwart full back SOPHIE SMART who was suffering with a knee injury, and she was replaced by Kiwi KIM FRY. Ashford continued to attack and a good run by CLAIRE EMMERTON saw her shoot just wide. Shortly after another decisive through ball by WENDY BAKER put LUCY UTTLEY clear and LUCY dully completed her hat trick with a fine shot, to put the Red & Blacks 5-0 ahead. The home team fought back though and pressurised Ashford’s defence with some good moves, but they remained firm under attack, and the home team remained goalless. With ten minutes of the game remaining WENDY BAKER again linked well with LUCY UTTLEY, who scored her fourth and the Red & Blacks sixth, goal of the game. No further goals were scored despite the home team efforts, and so Ashford finished off their season with a fine 6-0 win in the sun. Coach JEREMY CLARKE was pleased with the style of the Red & Blacks victory in what was Kiwi HOLLY BUSBY’S last first team game for the Club, as she is returning down under in the summer. Not surprisingly four goal girl LUCY UTTLEY was voted player of the match. Ashford’s win saw them finished seventh out of the ten teams in the Premier league and clear of the relegation spots, after struggling for a while in the second part of the season. They will be aiming to finish higher next season, but can look back with some satisfaction with this, their last game of the season
Team: S. Grant (GK), P. Worsfold (Skipper), S. Smart, E. Hynes, J. Bashford , W. Baker, K. Downs, H. Busby, L. Uttley, K. Fry, N. Benedict, C. Emmerton, K. Taylor, P.Shoebridge,

Nuggets of good news across the last 2 weeks…the 4′s gave themselves a reasonable chance of staying up by beating Maidenhead Magicians 3 goals to 2,  a late goal by Big Ad gave us the points, believe Shane and Adam got the others. The 5′s won this week beating Amersham & Chalfont 4-1, Jonathan from Luxembourg guested and scored from 1 yard (as ever) from a mis-hit shot by Ram who managed not to get sent off this week – and the 5′s have now won 4 games and sit in the lofty climes of lower middle! The 3′s played the league leaders and almost certain champions, OMT’s, last week and played some really good stuff. We really should have scored to make it 2-1 but didn’t and they got a late goal but a good performance and game. This week, they got a welcome point against City of Oxford who equalised in the last minute, mind you, we went in the lead with 3 mins to go from a MattSam p-flick.  He was going for top left, cocked it up and it dribbled along – fortunately the keeper had dived athletically to his right and could only watch the ball creep over the line! The 2′s had a really good game against Maidenhead 2′s equalising from an overtime short corner at the end of the first half, Gordo playing his first game in the 2′s for 13/14 years deflected it in and got very very excited! When Karan scored from close range, we were in Nirvana but a soft equaliser put the home teams tails up and they eventually won 4-2 but considering we wonly had 4 2nd team players, we should be both pleased with our performance as well as disappointed with the result.

Ladies League Hockey 12/3/11
Middlesex Premier

HAMPSTEAD & WESTMINSTER 4th XI 3 v ASHFORD 1st XI 1
Ashford had to travel to Paddington for their penultimate league game of the season on Saturday, where they faced fourth in the league side Hampstead & Westminster 4th XI. Injuries and unavailability left Ashford Coach JEREMY CLARKE with only eleven regular squad players to chose from and so HANNAH’S STOKES and GALLAGHER were taken along after their second team game as bench players. In addition, stalwart defender SOPHIE SMART was feeling unwell, but stoutly took the field to play, whilst EMMA HYNES amongst others, played despite carrying an injury. On the recently re laid water based pitch both teams had a few problems with the slightly bouncy surface and play in the first fifteen minutes was fairly muted and even. The home team then started to up their pace and following a run down the right, they opened the scoring with a strike from just inside the circle. A second goal for the home team followed not long after when Ashford rather tamely allowed their forwards to run through. Further attacks followed and Red & Blacks defender KIM FRY managed to stop a third goal when she cleared the ball of the goal line, with the Ashford keeper SAM GRANT well beaten. The Red & Blacks then had a few attacks of their own and secured several short corners, but were unable to convert any. A nasty finger injury to full back KIM FRY caused her to leave the field and HANNAH GALLAGHER came onto replace her. A few good runs by LUCY UTTLEY gave the Red & Blacks encouragement, but they weren’t able to find the back of the net and the score remained at 2-0 to the home side until half time.
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The second half followed a similar pattern to the first and despite a lot of hard work by Ashford midfielders WENDY BAKER, EMMA HYNES and NICKY BENEDICT, they were unable to spark Ashford into top gear. Although she had done her best, Ashford full back SOPHIE SMART had to come off due to sickness and with her damaged finger strapped up Kiwi KIM FRY bravely came back onto replace SOPHIE. To add to the Ashford woes, shortly after the hard running midfielder JACQUI BASHFORD tweaked a hamstring and also had to go off so HANNAH STOKES was also thrown into the fray and she nearly scored from close in by the left post. The Red & Blacks nearly opened their goal tally not long after when HOLLY BUSBY had a good strike from a short corner. However, another good move by the home team saw them score a third and once again not long after, KIM FRY cleared off the goal line once more to prevent another goal for the home team. The battle worn Red & Blacks didn’t give up though and a good link move between KIM DOWNS and LUCY UTTLEY saw the latter hit the ball home from an acute angle to make the score 3-1 to Hampstead and Westminster. The goal lifted Ashford’s spirits and they tried to get another but time and their energy ran out and the game was lost by three goals to one. WENDY BAKER was deservedly the Red & Blacks player of the match.

Next week for their last league game of the season, Ashford travel north again, this time it is to Brent Cross to play West Hampstead second team. Ashford will be hoping that some of the injured players will have recovered sufficiently have to play against the team one place below the Red & Blacks, and whom they beat 4-0 in the opposite fixture before Christmas.

Team: S. Grant (GK), P. Worsfold (Skipper), S. Smart, E. Hynes, J. Bashford , W. Baker, K. Downs, H. Busby, L. Uttley, K. Fry, N. Benedict, H. Stokes (bench0, H. Gallagher (bench),

Ladies League Hockey 5/3/11
Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 1 v PHC CHISWICK 1st XI 3
After a one week break away from league action, Ashford Ladies first team were at home to the League leaders PHC Chiswick 1st, who are undefeated so far this season on Saturday. Once again Ashford were without a few of their regular squad players, and with the second team having a vital relegation game to play, versatile forward KIM DOWNS again bravely donned the goalkeeping gear and stood between the sticks for the Red & Blacks. Although Coach JEREMY CLARKE had Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD returning to action, along with regulars LUCY UTTLEY, CLAIRE EMMERTON and SOPHIE SMART, he also brought in the ever improving youngster RASNA SANDHU to bench for the team and have her first, short taste of Premier League hockey. In cold conditions, the Red & Blacks started well and took the game to the League leaders, by playing some decisive, attacking hockey and after fifteen minutes of play they deservedly won a short corner. Using one of their many practiced routines, JACQUI BASHFORD, HOLLY BUSBY and LUCY UTTLEY combined well to enable LUCY to slot the ball home and put Ashford deservedly 1-0 ahead. The goal seemed to spur the opposition in to action and they hit back with numerous attacks on the Ashford goal. Stand in Red & Blacks keeper KIM DOWNS coped well though and in fact Ashford went close again following another short corner, which saw EMMA HYNES shot saved. Shortly after following more pressure from the visitors, a brilliant stop on the line by the ever reliable Ashford full back WENDY BAKER helped to keep Ashford just ahead. However, further pressure from PHC Chiswick saw them equalise with a hard shot from a short corner. The fine hockey continued to flow from end to end until half time, with the score remaining at one goal apiece.

After the turn round, the Red & Blacks remained resolute in defence against some fine early attacking play from the visitors. Ashford also penetrated the visitors half though and looked to score a second with a strong run from KELLY TAYLOR down the right, but no shot or goal resulted. PHC Chiswick hit back almost immediately and scored a second goal following a bit of a muddle in the Ashford goalmouth. Once again Ashford attempted to equalise, when a good cross from EMMA HYNES went menacingly across the visitor’s goalmouth, but wasn’t converted. Both sides continued to press and play constructive hockey as the game flowed from end to end. Ten minutes from the end, the visitors struck again following a good break down the right flank and strong cross, which was well struck home by an incoming forward on the left, to take a slightly undeserved 3-1 lead. The Red & Blacks still strived to get back into the game and some good runs by LUCY UTTLEY threatened the PHC Chiswick defence, but despite all the very creditable Ashford efforts the final score remained at 3-1 to the League leaders.

KIM DOWNS was voted player of the match for another heroic performance in goal, and the result leaves Ashford in seventh place and with two matches remaining, they are still hopeful of finishing in fifth position. Next week for their penultimate game of the season, Ashford travel to Paddington to face fourth placed Hampstead & Westminster fourth team, and the Red & Blacks will be looking to avenge the heavy defeat they suffered in the reverse fixture last December.

Team: K Downs (GK), P. Worsfold (Skipper), S. Smart, E. Hynes, J. Bashford , W. Baker, P. Shoebridge, H. Busby, L. Uttley, K. Fry, K. Taylor, C. Emmerton, R. Sandhu

I’m going to concentrate on the positive here covering the last 2 weeks. The 4’s got a very creditable 2-all draw against West Hampstead 6’s, which gives them real hope they could beat the drop (big game against Maidenhead this week), but played poorly this week against Leighton Buzzard. The 5’s won 4-2 against LB 3’s, weapon X getting a hat trick and I believe Kulvir, but lost the previous week 5-1 against WH 8’s. The 3’s finally got back to some decent form this week against league leaders, OMT’s 2’s. We lost 3-0 but really gave them a game and we enjoyed the contest…unlike the previous weekend where we lost 5-1 to LB 2’s, Adam H scoring and 4-1 (Frypot)  to Harrow 1’s on the Sunday to cement 11^th spot in the league!!!

While the 1’s unfortunately suffered heavy defeats, the 2’s have really picked up with another win over basement team Amershame & Chalfont by 4 goals to 1 (mind you, we lost to them the last time), Stewpot got a hat-trick and Chris B the other.

Ladies League Hockey 19/2/11
Middlesex Premier

WINCHMORE HILL & ENFIELD 1st XI 7 v ASHFORD 1st XI 0

It was a much changed Ashford Ladies first team squad who travelled to north London to face Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1st team on Saturday. The Red & Blacks had for various reasons five players missing from last week’s squad and two of the regulars were carrying niggling injuries, but bravely turned out. Regular keeper SAM GRANT returned after injury and second team players GILLIAN CLEGG and KAREN FOWLER were called up, the latter making her first team debut and MEL CARRIER made only her second appearance of the season, In addition, due to work commitments, coach JEREMY CLARKE was also absent and injured Skipper PHIL WORSFOLD took charge from the sidelines in his absence. In wet, grey conditions, the Red & Blacks initially combined well and attacked the Winchmore Hill & Enfield goal in the opening minutes of the game, but the good cross from the flank was not converted. The home team then showed how it was done when they combined well through the midfield and forwards and opened the scoring with a hard shot a few minutes later. The goal boosted the confidence of the home team and they were all getting to the ball a little quicker than a rather lethargic looking Ashford. Another swift move saw an excellent, defence splitting cross from the right from Winchmore somehow being missed by their two free forwards who were positioned in front of the Ashford goal. They swiftly corrected their errors though when they scored another well worked goal to go 2-0 up. As the Red & Blacks tried to get out of their own half, another home team attack was only thwarted when the ball broke in half. This seemed to spur Ashford on and they attacked the Winchmore goalmouth and secured their first short corner of the game. The new routine saw a good combination between injector JACQUI BASHFORD and EMMA HYNES to set up HOLLY BUSBY, but she was unable to get a good shot in. Once again the home team took control and showed some neat first touches on the ball and fast swift play, combined with another excellent cross from the right, was once again missed by the waiting forwards. As before, they followed it up with another well worked goal to go three nil up. Ashford then rearranged their defence and all stuck to their tasks as best they could, with goalkeeper SAM GRANT playing well under all the pressure.

The second half saw Ashford being dominated from the start and although defenders HOLLY BUSBY and WENDY BAKER amongst others worked hard, the home team were now well on top and in control. A fourth goal soon came, when the Ashford keeper SAM GRANT saved well from a short corner, but a Winchmore forward followed up quickly and flicked the ball into the net. Their fifth goal came shortly after following some more swift play. Ashford’s confidence was now down and with NICKY BENEDICT struggling with her injury the midfield was not functioning fully. The Red & Blacks did however get down into the home team’s goalmouth and JACQUI BASHFORD got a shot on goal. Winchmore then once more swopped on the Ashford defence and their solid, fast play saw them get a sixth goal. As the Red & Blacks tired, the home team got probably their best goal of the game when they exchanged passes unselfishly in the Ashford half and goalmouth to score their seventh and last goal. The Red & Blacks now have to put this game out of their minds and with no league game next week, they have two training sessions to get things right for their three remaining league games of the season.

Next week Ashford
Team: S. Grant (GK), K. Fowler, E. Hynes, J. Bashford (Skipper), W. Baker, P. Shoebridge, N. Benedict, H. Busby, K. Downs, K. Taylor, G. Clegg, M. Carrier, L. Morgan

The hardy Boys u10′s jetted off to the exotic climes of Wimbledon for an early start – though hardy boys were thin on the ground and 4 of our girls (Jess Jacob, Steph Botwell, Amber O as goalie and Emily Bashford) and their parents were good enough to help us out and ensure all had a good if bracing day’s hockey. We had 3 games and lost the first to Wimbledon 1-0 as we got the journey out of our legs, Nathan Bridger played particularly well. The second game against the home side we were much better and dominated the game – a lovely move involving Nathan, Reece (who had a very strong game in midfield) and a James Bashford cross/shot set up Nathan for the winner. We then played Trinity who were a good team and big with it though their best player was a young girl and they were a bit too strong for us and we lost 2-0. All in all a good effort by a young team, all bar one can play next season..

The ones continue to play some decent hockey but need to achieve more from their periods of fluency and pressure. Lewes made us pay and although they deserved to win, 4-1 (our goal from a The Lip drag-flick) was harsh.

The important thing about the 2’s was they won and 3 more points away from the bottom 3, the performance though left a lot to be desired (according to my unnamed Podge-like source) against a 10-man GX side that were deservedly 1-up at the break. Karan and I believe Jas scored the goals.

The 3’s Gordon Bennett if you are squeamish, look away now, I wish I had cos I watched the whole thing as we conspired to hand GX 2’s their first and almost certainly only points this season. I almost hope we were bribed to lose…all we can do is ensure we learn from the game and apply the lessons to this coming week. We are playing Leighton Buzzard who are just above us so I will hopefully be a happier bunny next week.

The 4’s did very well against the top team in the league, Brunel University who are leagues below where they should be. They breezed into a 3-0 lead before a nice move involving Jim B, me and Chris Lunn set up Shane Smith who still had a bit to do but reverse-sticked home. Soon after, a similar nice team move gave Adesh a chance and his zippy flick was clawed away brilliantly by their keeper. 2^nd half we were under a lot of pressure but coped very well with it, Doggers did very well but Dom Hillman had a barnstormer (?)of a game, absolutely fantastic…and it was a real team achievement to keep it at 3-1…

Again 5’s played well against a decent Marlow team and lost 4-0 – good to Mark Bell back in action Ding Dong!!!

Ladies League Hockey 12/2/11
Middlesex Premier
ASHFORD 1st XI 2 v STAINES 3rd XI 2
Sunshine greeted both teams for the local derby between Ashford Ladies first team and Staines third’s at Short Lane on Saturday. Once again the Red & Blacks had to make changes as regular goalkeeper SAM GRANT was still injured, and with the Ashford two’s having an important relegation game, outfield player and part time goalkeeper, KIM DOWNS bravely donned the pads, kickers and helmet. Regular squad players POLLY SHOEBRIDGE, LUCY UTTLEY and KELLY TAYLOR returned to the squad, but skipper PHIL WORSFOLD was absent due to overseas business commitments. The start of the match was delayed due to the men’s game before it, and it was the visitors Staines who started a lot the better of the two teams. They put the Red & Blacks defence under pressure from the start and obtained a short corner within the first two minutes of play. Ashford kept them at bay though when WENDY BAKER deflected one shot by the near post whilst deputy goalkeeper KIM DOWNS did well to smother the visitors other shots on goal. KIM also delivered some good, strong clearance kicks. After the early pressure by Staines, Ashford exerted some of their own and a good run by the ever dangerous LUCY UTTLEY, saw her shot go across the face of the Staines goal. Evergreen Red & Blacks forward JACKIE PARSONS also harassed the visitor’s defence and secured a couple of short corners, but none were converted as Ashford still weren’t really firing on all cylinders. Another Staines attack resulted in one of their forwards having a contretemp with an Ashford defender on the edge of the Red & Blacks circle. Some pushing and shoving followed and as result, both players were shown a yellow card and banished to the sidelines for 10-20 minutes cooling off period.

The sending offs changed the nature of the game and although NICKY BENEDICT went close for Ashford, the scoring was opened by Staines following a good run on the right. A straight strike from another short corner not long after saw the visitors go further ahead by 2 goals to 0. As both sides returned to a full complement of players before half time, Ashford secured another short corner, but were unable to find their true rhythm or the flowing team work of the previous few league games and went into the break two goals down.

Not surprisingly, Coach JEREMY CARTER gave the Ashford squad a strong talking to at half time and they came out a lot more determined in the second half. Despite playing better, the Red & Blacks were not able to penetrate the solid Staines defence in the third quarter of the game. They kept at it though and eventually JACKIE PARSONS was able to find the back of the net and pull back the score to 1-2. Further Ashford pressure saw a Staines foot stopping an Ashford shot on the line and sweeper HOLLY BUSBY confidently strode up to convert it to make the scores even at 2-2. The Red & Blacks were now well into their stride and a similar incident in the Staines goalmouth a few minutes later, saw the Red & Blacks being awarded a second penalty flick. Once again Kiwi HOLLY BUSBY took it, but this time she was unable to get as much force into her flick and the veteran Staines keeper saved it. The game then rather petered out and the score remained at 2-2.

Next week Ashford have a long trip to North London to face Winchmore Hill & Enfield 1st XI, who are one place above the Red & Blacks in the league. It will be a tough game, with all to play for, as Ashford strives to move up to fourth place i.e. above their north London opposition.

Team: K. Downs (GK), S. Smart, E. Hynes, J. Bashford (Skipper), W. Baker, P. Shoebridge, N. Benedict, H. Busby, C.Emmerton, J. Parsons, K. Taylor, L. Uttley