Ashford miss chance to go top

Ashford men’s 1st XI were away against Wallingford this week, looking to bounce back after their first loss against Oxford the week before.

The hosts started the brighter, as Ashford looked anxious at the beginning of the match. The Red & Black were defending well, limiting their opponents to a couple of shots from tight angles. A change in formation halfway through the half settled Ashford down and they began making inroads going forward, winning the first short corner of the match. The Wallingford goalkeeper made a good save to keep the score level, but Ashford had started to seize control of the match. Chances were hard to come by for both teams, as both defended deep and with numbers, meaning the score remained goalless at half time.

Ashford pressed higher up the pitch to try and get a breakthrough, but in doing so, left Wallingford with a vast amount of space in behind, which they took advantage of to opening the scoring. Once again Ashford were forced to push even higher up the pitch, but Wallingford remained compact and were making life difficult for the Ashford attack. Eventually, after a number of missed opportunities and good work by the home sides keeper, Ashford managed to equalise through Jamie Hemphrey with 5 minutes left in the game. Ashford went for broke, but again left themselves too exposed at the back, allowing a Wallingford attacker to break in to the D and cross to an unmarked attacker, who put the ball away from a few yards out. Ashford fought to get another equaliser, but the home side held strong, and dealt the Red & Blacks their second loss of the season.

Ashford remain second in the league, two points off Eastcote, with 4 games to play.