| Ashford Town (Middlesex) could have few complaints after Hayes & Yeading United lifted the Jeff Ritson Cup at Northwood FC. The United Academy side were more fluent than the Tangerines throughout the match, although they were made to work hard for their win by Mick Snowden's side. The tone for the evening was set in the opening moments, as United surged down the slope, hitting the bar and missing the target twice early on. Daniel Wishart also fired wide for United in the 20th minute as Ashford struggled to find their rhythm. The impressive Josh Andrew also hit the post for the full-time side as they dominated the match. Ashford had a good spell towards the end of the first half, with Dwayne Lowe-Simms splitting the back line but not being able to get a shot away. Just before the interval, Ryan Bona was cautioned for persistent infringement but the Teenage Tangerines would have been pleased to reach the break with the scoreline level. Lowe-Simms made way for Lewis Wombwel at half-time and playing down the slope, Ashford did look more fluent without testing United keeper Simon Grant. Danny Byron was replaced by Josh Finch as Ashford tried to break the deadlock. George Baldock and Daryl Loates both had shots on goal, with Loates forcing a save from Grant, who then struggled to deal with a corner. In the 67th minute, Ryan Bona received a second caution, possibly for dissent, reducing his side to ten men. Hayes & Yeading began to stretch the shorthanded defence almost immediately, with Wishart firing wide before his side made the breakthrough in the 72nd minute. Andrew, who was awarded the Man of the Match trophy, sprinted clear of the defence and fired low past Dan Kennard. Ashford toiled in search of an equaliser but neither side went close to scoring until Jake Lovell forced Kennard to save his free kick in the 90th minute. Two minutes later, United got the goal that secured them their trophy. Kennard spilled a shot from Wishart and was then adjudged to have fouled Lovell as the two players competed for the rebound. The Ashford stopper saved Lovell's penalty, but the rebound was worked back to the highly rated striker, whose finish was celebrated raucously by the substantial United support. Ashford can be proud of their achievement in reaching this final but need to continue to push on if they are to reach the levels attained by United. | 
Wednesday, 08 February 2012
