Ashford’s season is up and running, thanks to an exciting away victory at Beaconsfield SYCOB on Monday evening by three goals to two, a win that will dispel a great deal of the criticism floating around after Saturday’s opening day defeat.  There were two changes to the opening line-up with the classy Kane Louis making his debut, and likewise Rico Morris who came in at left back.

One thing seems fairly clear from the opening two matches:  the standard of play in this division looks higher than anticipated.  Leighton were more than competent and Beaconsfield, fielding ex-Tangerine Gavin Bamford, have now been beaten twice but looked a decent team in the opening half, as they ran up a two goal lead.  Both goals came from surging runs through gaps that appeared in the Ashford defence and although Ashford had played a full part in an entertaining first half, having chances of their own, not least a rocket from Chamal Fenelon that smashed against the bar, it was clear that a change of tactic was required and that is exactly what happened.

Luke Hickie came on for manager Jamie Lawrence, the gaps were plugged and Ashford set about the task of rescuing the match with determination, pace and no little skill.  As the half wore on the determination just grew and grew and, although it took some time, the visitors finally reaped a reward when Scott Weight opened Ashford’s account for the new season with a simple header, following a crashing drive from Hickie that had rebounded from the cross bar.

The writing looked on the wall and so it proved when Jones Awuah finished off a flowing movement for the equaliser.  Beaconsfield could just not get back into it and it was Awuah again who scored the winner, put on a plate for him by big Chamal Fenelon, who robbed a defender on the bye line and squared the ball for a simple tap in.

There were lots of positives from last night for Ashford to take into their match at Bedworth on Saturday and a special mention goes to keeper Pearce who made two top class saves in the opening ten minutes to keep Ashford in the match and showed just how good he can be.

There will be a coach travelling to Bedworth on Saturday.  The meet time at Short Lane is 10.45 a.m. to be away by 11.00.  Supporters are welcome and the cost is just £10, with children under 16 travelling free.  OAP’s pay £5.

Looking further ahead, Ashford now know that they will be traveling to Sussex League side Peacehaven & Telscome on the South Coast on Saturday week in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup, the latter having comfortably come through the Extra-Preliminary Round with a 4-0 win at Frimley Green.