The first home game of the campaign, first win and a big one at that. Ashford were keeper less for the this one - kudos to Toby to willingly agreeing to don the pads! As it turned out he didn’t have too much to do! Welcome to, to Danny - his first fixture for the 18s.

Things started off at a rapid pace and Dan B had the ball in the goal, before this correspondent had his notes open! Lots of positives on the attack from Ashford - Ryan S skillfully dribbling up to the Wayfarers D on numerous occasions, then plenty of give and go passing creating lots of opportunities. Fraser, playing slightly out of position at the back on the right, linked up well with Josh J and others to create down the other wing. In fact Fraser was definitely involved in lots of the build up play pinging passes all over the show. Josh K was also solid the middle. The goals were going in with regular aplomb, throughout the first half. Josh J on the end of one, Benas finished nicely and Sam R made his goal all his own, with some lovely 3D to get into the box and just as everyone thought it was over, Sam thought otherwise to finish into the net! Dan and Ryan S were both on the scoresheet multiple times. Dan’s nearly hatrick was actually a rebound off the keeper, although the ball had already crossed the line from Fraser’s shot. 7 nil came up with about 10 to go and this was the point that Pete started taking players off. The first half finished 8-0 with Ashford playing with 9.

The second half started off in more cage fashion, perhaps LW were going to start to take the opportunities, now that they had more outfielders. It seemed not. Ryan’s hatrick quickly came up, not to be outdone by Josh J, who grabbed 2 in quick succession to secure his. As more goals went in, more Ashford players came off. (played with the minimum 6 players for about half of the 2nd half!) This is where Henry and Zach began to make their mark. Both had been solid all game and Zach has his chance, running with the ball at speed, towards the Wayfarers goal, takes his strike and clears the back fence! Ball comes down with snow on it, into the trees behind the goal! Ryan S added to his tally - and with it the leading scorer in this game. Henry nabbed a couple of late ones - the first from a penalty corner that was text book (albeit with 3 Ashford players in the set up!) and the final one was the last play of the game! In there somewhere Wayfarers grabbed a consolation, giving Toby at least something to do!!
Special mention to our defence! Ryan Hutt - got an advancing Ashford out of trouble aon several occasions - Zach and Henry also doing some great recovery runs as the remaining Ashford outfielders got fewer and fewer! Gotta track back lads!

Great result 14-1. On to the next one!