Fielding a stronger team than envisaged by the writer, Ashford took the opportunity to enjoy a far less pressurised match yesterday evening down the road at Staines Lammas, who had kindly agreed to put the game on at very short notice, especially as they have another one this evening against a Staines Town XI and had to split their squad accordingly.  Included in the line up against Ashford were ex-Ashford players Taylor Gough and Daryl Burgess, son of Assistant Manager Paul Burgess.

Ashford won by six goals to two against brave opponents and also hit the woodwork three times but the fact that they conceded two, both rather sloppily, showed that there is still some defensive work to be done.  Overall though, on a bone hard pitch with a stiff breeze blowing, it was mostly one way traffic, a major plus for Ashford being the pairing of Chamal Fenelon (pictured) and Kane Louis up front for the first time, with Jones Awuah playing down the left.  It looks a partnership full of potential.

The goals came at regular intervals, as follows:  Jones Awuah (5), Guy Hollis (11), Chamal Fenelon (37), Jordan Kiffin (56, pen), Fenelon (76), Mann (87)

There were several decent finishes amongst them, the pick probably being Chamal’s second, which was a real net buster but the final goal was also notable with central defender Jim Mann bringing the ball forward from his own half before playing a one-two with Mark Bitmead before notching his first in Ashford colours.  Scoring his second penalty for the Club, Jordan Kiffin made it look easy and after missing so many crucial spot kicks last season, Ashford will hope they have solved that particular problem.

There is another match this evening (Wednesday) when an Ashford XI will be taking on a Chipstead XI at Short Lane, kicking off at 6.45 p.m.