Chiswick Bowelled Over by Reds

Ashford Men’s first XI’s first game back after the Christmas break was at home against one of the two sides to take points off the Red & Blacks this season, PHC Chiswick.

Ashford were determined the appease the opening day draw, and started the game strongly, against a very defensive Chiswick outfit. Ashford knew they would have to remain patient in their build up, and maintained possession through the midfield and the back line. Eventually, Ashford were able to break through the Chiswick line of defence and force a short corner. Hit man Shujah Ur Rehman showed no signs of the festive break, rocketing the ball into the top corner for a 1 nil lead for the home side. Shortly after taking the lead, Ashford scored one of their best team goals in the season, with every player getting a touch of the ball, Luke Cottrell was released inside the D, he fed Rehman on the base line, who coolly squared the ball to Andy Bowell who turned the ball in first time. Ashford were growing in confidence, and continued to dominate the ball and create openings. Then, shortly before half time, influential Joe Lewis released Bowell down the left wing, who turned his defender, got into the D, and after trying to square the ball to the on rushing Rehman, the ball bounced off the defender and back into Bowell’s path, and he managed to squeeze the ball past the keeper to give the Red & Blacks a deserved 3 nil lead at half time.

Ashford started as they finished the first half, in possession and threatening the Chiswick defence. It did not take long for Rehman to turn his defender inside out, winning another short corner. Rehman again stepped up and slammed the ball into the top corner, delighting the home crowd that came out to support. A lapse at the back allowed Chiswick a short corner of their own, which they converted to make the scoreline 4-1 with twenty minutes to go. Ashford were not disheartened by this, and continued to hunt for a fifth. Midfield general and Coach, Ravi Virdi sliced a powerful ball through the Chiswick defence to find Rehman in the D, he beat his man and saw his shot saved by the busy Chiswick keeper, the ball though, dropped to skipper Luke Cottrell who, after some very agricultural defending, manage to flick the ball in to the corner of the goal to give Ashford a 5-1 lead. Ashford had another couple of chances to extend their lead, but could find the final touches to round off what was a very good return by the team.

With the win, Ashford moved to the top of league, with Eastcote drawing with Ashford’s next opponents Wycombe.