Ashford are due to cross to the other side of the airport tomorrow to meet Uxbridge but the home club has reported that the match is in severe doubt due to the pitch being frozen, a situation that will probably result in a huge number of postponements across the country tomorrow.  If the game is off, it will preserve an unusual record in that every single one of Ashford’s matches at Uxbridge over the years, mostly in cup ties, have always taken place in midweek.  The writer cannot recall a single occasion when we have played at Uxbridge on a Saturday. 

If the match does go ahead, the home side will start as favourites, coming into the match with a four place and seven point advantage over Ashford.  Uxbridge have enjoyed a decent season although their January results have been mixed with defeats against AFC Hayes, Slough Town and St. Neots being balanced (almost) by wins over North Greenford United and Fleet Town, plus a one-all draw against Burnham.  In Michael Murray they have the Division’s top scorer with 23 goals.

The Under-18’s were unable to make the Final of the County Senior Youth Cup on Thursday, losing 0-4 to a strong Enfield Town side.  Ashford travelled with great expectations, having suffered just one previous loss all season, but the home side deserved the victory, even though the final scoreline was a little harsh.  We wish Enfield all the best in the Final.

There is a change of Under-18 fixture on Monday 13 February.  Instead of playing at home to Northwood in the League, Ben Murray’s side will now entertain Chipstead U18 in the Lucas-Fettes Cup instead.  This coming Monday, the 6^th, the lads are due to be at home to Staines Town U18 (1^st v 2^nd) but obviously the weather may play a part.

If the 1^st Team match is off tomorrow, why not come along to the Club for a swift half or more.  Lammas are due to be at home to Bookham but even if that is off, the Club will be open as usual and the Club wil be pleased to see you.

Again there is a major doubt that they will go ahead but the scheduled junior fixtures on Sunday are:

ASC (Larger Pitch)

Hatton FC – Home (Not Ashford Town) KO 10:30
Under 14s v Barnes Eagles (Chris) KO 12:30
Under 13s v Frimley Green (Mick) (SPL) KO 13:45

ASC Mini Soccer 7-a-side Pitch
Under 10s v Kew (Glen\Julie) KO 11:30am

ATFC
Under 11s v Mayford (Kevin\Steve) (SPL) KO 11:30
Under 11s v Manorcroft (Marco\Richard) KO 12:30

Away
Under 10s v SCR Colts Blades (Scott\Jackie)
Under 11s v Moormead (Conor\Lee)
Under 13s v no Fixture (Nick\Mark)
Under 15s v Farnham (Dave\Phil) (SPL)
Under 18s v Carshalton Athletic (Kelv\Mark)

Anyone with an interest will now be aware that last night’s Capital League fixture at Staines Town was called off by the match referee at the last moment, after he had firstly said there was no problem.  We won’t accuse him of dithering, or coming under pressure, as it must have been that the conditions changed over the course of about 20 minutes. 

We are told that this evening’s County Youth Cup semi-final is on, so the team has travelled.  Let’s hope it’s not the same story as it’s a bit longer back to Ashford from Enfield than it is from Staines!

Dates have now been fixed for the matches against Farnham Town and Enfield Town.  We will entertain Enfield Town in the Middlesex Charity Cup Quarter Final on Tuesday 6 March.  All being well, we will then welcome Farnham Town to Short Lane on Tuesday 13 March in the semi-final of the Aldershot Senior Cup with the winners due to play either Badshot Lea or Farnborough in the Final.