Although the final scoreline did not look that impressive from Ashford’s point of view, there were plenty of positives, with some evidence that the squad are no longer a bunch of newcomers but gradually moulding into what could be a very decent team indeed, some of the passing looking impressive at times.

On the debit side though, after looking comfortable for long periods, the Short Lane side allowed Fleet, to score three second half goals all of which looked preventable, even though the visitors had one or two classy players in their ranks.

Ashford started well and it was the now free scoring Jones Awuah who opened his tally after 20 minutes.  This heralded Ashford’s best part of the match and Fleet’s equaliser out of the blue from the penalty spot for a handball offence came against the run of play.  That galvanized the visitors but it was Ashford who took the lead again, the goal once more coming from Awuah, on the stroke of half time.

Ashford were effectively undone though in a sloppy five minute spell just five minutes after half-time when two goals in as many minutes for the visitors turned the match in their favour.  Ashford then missed a penalty of their own. Awuah was given the opportunity to clinch a hatrick but the visiting keeper was up to it and made a fine save.  The home side then hit the woodwork but it was Fleet who made sure with a fourth goal on 71 minutes.

Despite the scoreline, this was a good test against opponents from the same level who could well be challenging for honours at the end of the season.

A second Ashford squad, including thee first year Under-18’s, made the short trip to Virginia Water and came away with a 1-0 win, courtesy of youngster Connor Moody.

Ashford now go on to entertain Whyteleafe FC at Short Lane on Tuesday evening (7.45 p.m.) in their final friendly prior to the big kick-off next Saturday at home to Leighton Town.  There is also a reserve match during the week, which will also be at Short Lane on Wednesday evening, against Southall FC, kick-off 6.45 p.m.