| Twenty-four hours after masterminding the scintillating win over Bedfont Green, Tangerines boss Mark Butler fielded a very different, but equally strong side at Feltham. On a lush surface that made the rapid passing of the previous evening more difficult, both Bamford brothers came through the match after their holidays and Gavin Smith marked his return with a goal. Ashford were in control of this game from the start and Scott Harris had an early chance which was well saved, although the Ashford target man did find the net in the eighth minute when a good passing manoeuvre allowed Brett Cooper to drive in a low cross for Harris to finish neatly. That set the tone for the rest of the evening, which saw wave after wave of Ashford attacks. Ricky Wellard, Harris and Gavin Smith all had good chances to increase Ashford's lead before the second goal came on the half-hour mark. The Tangerines were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal and although the home 'keeper got a touch, Ricky Wellard's drive was too powerful and hit the back of the net. A mere five minutes later, it was 3-0. A Harris pass sent Symon James racing towards goal and the pacy winger slipped past three defenders before finishing with some aplomb. Moments after that, Fetham were claiming a penalty after Ashford 'keeper Dan Cox knocked the ball away from an onrushing striker's feet. The young custodian was deemed to have played the ball and the subsequent corner was dealt with well by the Town defence. In the final minute of the first half, Smith was denied by a good save after he went one-on-one with the Feltham goalkeeper. The onslaught continued after half time, and six minutes after the break Ashford scored their fourth goal when Gavin Smith beat the home stopper to a long ball ran beyond him and tapped in. That turned out to be the final goal of the evening, as the Blues net enjoyed something of a charmed life. Harris and Cooper both had chances before Ashford put together the move of the match in the 56th minute. Some good passing allowed James the time and space to fire in a terrific cross from the right flank, which Harris headed against the bar. The rebound fell to Smith, whose volley went wide. Gavin Bamford shot over the bar, Ted Day also shot too high and defender Adam Logie had a shot cleared off the line as the Tangerines went looking for more goals. With twenty four minutes to go, Harris and Smith were withdrawn, to Smith's obvious displeasure, although substitute Matt Baxter again looked lively up front. Ross Bennett replaced Symon James with eleven minutes remaining and just after that Feltham registered their only shot of the game, when a low volley was well stopped by Cox. The game rather fizzled out after that, although both Baxter and Logie missed the target from decent chances. All in all, though this was a good workout for the players as the season draws nearer. | 
Saturday, 04 February 2012
