Shar from being relegated now!!

With the Easter break behind us, AHC 2s were to face top of the league we had played 21, won 19 and drawn only 2 games so far this season. Three teams were to face definite relegation (12th, 11th and 10th) with us sitting just above them in 9th - only two points separating 9th/12th. Our safety was very much in our own hands against THE hardest opposition in the league.

The team talk before the game was brief, we knew what we had to do and how we needed to play to achieve it. An inspiring start to the game saw Ashford take charge with some very promising passing play. Amersham & Chalfont came strong at the Ashford defence with a number of dangerous short corner drag flicks which were dealt with by Ryan Croxon - who had decided he fancies playing in goal again this week. We gave blood, sweat and breakfast in the boiling heat and went into the halftime break at 0-0 with a man down due - a result of the tough weather conditions. They had scored a massive 113 goals so far this season but our resilience to go down kept their attacking chances at bay.

Amersham & Chalfont began to argue with themselves and the umpires throughout the second half resulting in a number of cautions. Ashford, with everything to play for, remained professional and concentrated on our own game. The extra player and space on the field allowed us to play with more freedom as our midfield began splitting the Amersham & Chalfont defence on a number of occasions. Our play was rewarded when Paul Neyton (Shar) played the ball into young man Pavi Aulakh within the D who comfortably finished into the far corner - despite a tempted Rob Grant sitting on the far post who could have stole the goal. The tempo of the game began to raise like the midday heat as did the oppositions short corner count. The only drag flick that beat the Ashford goalkeeper found its way onto Paul Neyton's foot as a penalty stroke was justly given. The flick cannoned off the inside of the right post and out to maintain the Ashford clean sheet. Later in the game, another ball fired into our D was deflected off an attacker, off Ryan Croxon in the goal and onto the post. As a side we were due some luck and finally it appeared that we might be getting some! The MoM vote was shared between David Baker (pictured) and Sam Betts.

The game was finished off with another penetrating ball into the D by Shar to find young talisman Sam Betts, who smashed the ball over the advancing Amersham & Chalfont keeper into the roof of the net! The final whistle came well before an Ashford trench was required which shows the control displayed despite our league superior opposition. The game ended as a 2-0 win to the home side which puts us in the best possible position to remain in the MBBO Division 1 league next season. A season of drastic up and downs but with a thoroughly enjoyed, and well deserved finish. A big thank you to everyone (including the parents) for your efforts this season including the AHC committee, everyone who umpired and with a special mention to Patrick Fisher for coaching the lower men's and Tracey Holland for tirelessly sorting out fixtures and umpires. Enjoy the summer break