Southern Youth League West Division,
The Warren, Hayes
9th April 2009

This third meeting of the season between Hayes & Yeading and Ashford Town resulted in a first victory for the Tangerines, although it has to be said that the home line-up was markedly different to the previous matches, which were contested against the United side that competes in the Allied Counties League.  However, the United Academy set-up is not designed for poor players and the hosts dominated the first twenty minutes, although for all their possession they failed to muster a single shot on target.

Having taken some time to hit their stride, the Teenage Tangerines had a good spell of their own, with Jimmy Stanford hitting two venomous shots off target, although the second shot also saw the lively forward twist his knee and have to be replaced by Lewis Wombwell.  Just before the half hour, United's Josh Andrew had a shot charged down by the Ashford defence and moments later Ashford's George Baldock was clean through on goal, only to be denied by Bourne Pickford in the home goal.

In the thirty-third minute, Ashford took the lead with a stunning goal when Samad Kazi hit a venomous strike from fully 40 yards into the top corner.  Just two minutes before the break, Dean Worman broke through for the home side and, while the striker looked offside, no flag was raised and Dane Buss was forced into a smart save.  At the other end, a good move saw Baldock get a sight of goal in the second minute of first half stoppage time, but the forward's shot went over the crossbar.

Ashford started the second half well, with Danny Byron curling a shot just over the crossbar in the opening minute and Darryl Loates also narrowly missing the target with a free kick in the fifty-third minute.  Although the home side had a couple of deflected efforts on goal, Ashford were much the better side and Baldock hit the crossbar with a shot from twenty yards.  In the 69th minute, Ashford doubled their advantage when a rapid counter attack released Daryl Loates on the left flank and his incisive shot went across the goal and into the net.

The Tangerines continued to enjoy the bulk of possession and Baldock headed at Pickford before Adam Fearn and the goalkeeper clashed in a 75th minute one-on-one, which saw both players hurt.  Pickford carried on, Fearn was unable to and gave way for Stuart Luwawa.

The final minutes saw the home side stage a late rally, but Ashford's defence remained resolute to ensure the visitors took the points and maintained their championship challenge.