The most protracted departure ever from the Club was finally concluded today when Byron Harrison signed for Carshalton Athletic, with Ashford having accepted Carshalton’s offer of compensation.  Byron played a total of 108 matches for Ashford, including 19 as substitute, scoring a total of 53 goals and we wish him every success with his new Club.

Ashford in the meantime look forward to receiving visitors Hastings United on Saturday and if recent encounters are anything to go by, there could be a feast of goals, with the two teams drawing four apiece at Hastings earlier in the season whilst last season’s match at Short Lane saw Ashford win by five goals to four after scoring four times in the opening twenty minutes.

After going thirteen matches without defeat, and looking likely play-off candidates, Ashford have now lost three in succession, all by the odd goal, despite playing well in the defeats against Dartford and Sutton United.  The loss at Aveley last Saturday was disappointing but there is no loss of spirit in the camp and Ashford will hope to bounce back against an efficient Hastings side who have been near the top of the table all season and who will arrive in fourth place in the division, despite a solitary goal defeat at Wealdstone on Tuesday evening.

Meanwhile, the Suburban team under the tutelage of Ben Murray will make their third attempt to play away to Bedfont Green, following two previous postponements.  Once again the emphasis is likely to be on youth as Ashford continue preparing several of their Under 18 squad for senior football.

The Under-18’s themselves lost narrowly at Woking on Tuesday evening by a solitary goal scored just after half-time.  A win would have seen Ashford back to the top of the table but they are still well placed to compete for the championship, the next game being away to Hampton & Richmond Borough next Wednesday. 

Club physio Andy Tomkins has provided an update upon Billy Jeffreys and Guy Hollis.  There is good news in respect of Billy who is now back in training and will be re-introduced to contact in the next week or so.  There seems to be every chance now that he will be back in action before the end of the season.  Guy in the meantime is waiting to see the surgeon who operated on his ankle as it is feared the plates put in at the time have moved.  The appointment is w/c 22 March and there will obviously be more information after that.