After all the anticipation of the new season, it turned into a damp squib for Ashford as they succumbed by three goals to nil at the hands of visiting Leighton Town.

Ashford, still without Billy Jeffreys, also found themselves without Kane Louis due to personal circumstances, but still gave a debut to no less than six players, many of whom have arrived at the Club with impressive backgrounds.  Three of last season’s Under-18’s, namely Mark Bitmead, Lewis Wombwell and Rob Curtis were on the bench.

It started well enough, with big Chamal Fenelon creating some early havoc and Ashford might have scored twice in the opening minutes.  The visitors gradually weathered the storm though and defensive frailities once again showed up, to the extent that Leighton built up a three goal lead by half-time, the first an o.g. by Jim Mann, and the third goal a blunder by keeper Pearce, who at least did not let it affect him for the remainder of the match.

Ashford came out fighting in the second half but the damage was done and rarely, in all honesty, was the visiting keeper threatened as the match meandered towards a comfortable win for the Bedfordshire team.

It was disappointing without a doubt but one swallow does not make a summer and Ashford surely have sufficient talent within their ranks to do well in this division.  Positives yesterday were an exciting first half performance from Jordan Kiffin and a comfortable debut for Rob Curtis, on at half-time.  There is an early opportunity for Ashford to get their season going when they visit Beaconsfield Sycob on Monday evening, kick-off 7.45 p.m.

Full report to come from Terry Ryan