Both sides contributed to an interesting match, with no shortage of action and plenty of goals.  AFC Hayes, managed by ex-Ashford player Dale Welch, were quicker out of the blocks and with Ashford having allowed the opposition to go two goals up in every league match they have played so far this season, there were groans when the visitors took the lead within three minutes, with a good finish from Dennys Mahajaron.

Things were different on this occasion though,  with Ashford finding the equaliser within two minutes, when man of the match Scott Weight rose powerfully to head home Jordan Kiffin’s corner.

That lead to Ashford’s best period of the match, with further goals coming in the 17^th and 18^th minutes repectively.  The first of these saw Jordan Kiffin benefit from a sublime dummy from Jamie Lawrence and he gave visiting keeper Grant no chance with his finish.  The next one saw Jones Awuah who has been prolific this season so far, score for the fourth consecutive match.

Ashford seemed to be cruising but a stoppage for a hold-up for an injury to keeper Pearce seemed to knock them out of their rhythm.  Pearce resumed and soon afterwards denied the visitors a lifeline back into the match with a superb penalty save.

Hal-time came and the AFC Hayes players were obliged to remain on the field to hear the thoughts of their manager over the first period.  They must have paid attention because within fifteen seconds of the re-start, Ashford kicked off, lost the ball and Danilson Vicente scored a good goal.   There was a hint of a foul that lead to him retaining the ball, but referee Gillett was not interested.  They almost scored again a minute later, a fierce effort rebounding from the woodwork.

Shortly afterwards, Ashford suffered a double hit when Pearce landed heavily upon his already damaged leg and had to be carried off, no easy task.  On came 16 year old Jordan Dawson and when he dropped his first catch, AFC were sniffing blood.  Well assisted by the likes of Russ Canderton and Jim Mann though, Dawson grew in confidence and Ashford gradually weathered the storm.  Chamal Fenelon, on as a sub following an enforced period of absence, looked powerful and one great run almost produced a goal but Grant dived bravely at the big striker’s feet.  Awuah then almost broke the bar with another effort and as the match reached its conclusion, the points were in the bag, a win over decent opposition, that sees Ashford up to eighth place in the table.