Piers puts Du Boul in the back of the net as AHC continue good form

Ashford Men’s 1st XI were away at Old Merchant Taylors this past weekend looking to continue their good run of form.

The game started at a frenetic pace, with Ashford struggling to keep hold of the ball, OMT’s had much of the early running. Ashford remained resolute in defence, and were able to limit the number of chances for OMT’s in front of goal. This lead to Ashford scoring the opener mid way through the first half, winning the ball deep, before breaking quickly, with a well executed move being finished off by Piers Du Boulay, who scored his first of the season with a cheeky disguised shot into the near post. OMT’s still had the territorial advantage and were able to force a couple of short corners, the first was flicked wide, but the second was drag flicked powerfully into the bottom corner, giving the home side an equaliser shortly before half time. After the goal, OMT’s retreated and allowed Ashford to work the ball into their opponents 25, after a succession of fouls by the home side, Ashford were awarded a short corner on the whistle of half time. After have one dragflick charged down earlier in the game, Shujah Ur Rehman was able to get this flick away and the ball rocketed into the roof of the goal, giving Ashford a 2-1 lead at half time.

Coach Ravi Verdi was unhappy with his team first half performance, demanding better from his team in the second half. A change of tact by Verdi meant Ashford would sit back, let the opposition have the ball in their half and try and force try a nick the ball when they tried to play it forward. The change in style paid dividends, with Ashford regularly forcing the errors and creating numerous chances to extend their lead. Had it not been for the opposition keeper making two world-class saves, Ashford could have ran out comfortable winners. As it was, they were unable to find crucial third goal, and OMT’s were really applying the pressure in the last ten minutes. Unfortunately for them, their upturn in aggression lead to a couple of their players getting sin binned which allowed Ashford to control the ball and kill off the game.

Ashford, who next face Oxford 2’s at home, are still unbeaten in the league this season and remain only 2 point behind the league leaders in their hunt for promotion.