| On the day Ashford Town reached the top of the Isthmian League, a strong Reserve Team secured their first win of the Suburban League campaign. Glynn Stephens again had Club Captain Gavin Bamford and the mercurial Scott Todd in his starting line-up, as well as welcoming back Symon James. On a surface that featured at least four different lengths of grass, Ashford struggled to find any rhythm in the opening twenty minutes and 'Leafe's Steve Hindson and Dan McGoldrick both had chances to put their side in front before Ross Bennett had to head a lob from Jaydon Gibbs off the line, the winger given the opportunity by a mis-kicked clearance from Dan Cox. However, with Todd at the forefront, Ashford began to establish a grip on the game as the home side struggled to cope with the talismanic frontman. In the 26th minute, it was a Todd cross from the byline that allowed Symon James to head the Tangerines into the lead. Ashford continued to dominate and doubled their advantage ten minutes later when a Russell Canderton throw-in bounced over a defender's head and George Baldock flicked a header beyond both his marker and home 'keeper Gavin Dilley.  A minute before the interval, Ashford should have gone 3-0 ahead when the defence again had no response to Todd's skills and he cut the ball back for Baldock, only for the youngster's goalbound shot to strike Todd and bounce to safety.
Although the home side rallied briefly at the start of the second half, Ashford were soon back on top of the game but failing to make the most of their dominance, with George Baldock and Gavin Bamford (pictured) both hitting long-distance shots. Both sides made changes, but Ashford continued to look the better side, although Cox was forced into a 73rd minute save from a Dean Eaton shot. Moments later, Ashford substitute Gareth Teuten and Scott Todd combined well as the hosts defended desperately, with one shot hacked off the line and a follow-up effort cannoning off the crossbar. Baldock had an effort cleared off the line before being replaced by Reece Jackson, who was cautioned almost immediately for charging into Dilley. With five minutes remaining, a collective loss of concentration saw the visiting defence leave substitute Marcus Kempster unmarked and he duly lashed a shot into the back of the net. This gave Whyteleafe a new sense of belief and they surged forward in search of an equaliser. In the 87th minute, the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty for shirt-pulling, despite Adam Foulser having been wrestled to the ground seconds earlier. Fortunately for the Tangerines, Dan Cox made a fine save to secure the points for his side. League leaders Wealdstone make the journey to Short Lane on Tuesday evening and will provide a stern test for Ashford's increasingly resilient side. | 
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
