A remarkably strong Ashford Town XI marked the 21st birthday of midfielder Ricky Wellard by beating a Supporters XI 14-5 at Short Lane on Friday evening.

Only the first three shirt numbers offered any concessions to the fans as Pat Munns lined up in goal, with Craig Ross and Mark Butler as his full backs.  Otherwise, the spine of the side that defeated Woking was on show and simply had too much power for the fans.

The Harris brothers were in particularly clinical form, scoring five goals apiece, while Billy Jeffreys scored twice (one of which he stole from the luckless Craig Ross!) and George Baldock also chipping in, with the final score being an own goal.  Sadly, the birthday boy didn't find the net, although he did almost snap the crossbar with a fierce drive that immediately brought back memories of Imber Court!

The supporters mixture of youth and experience rallied well though, particularly in the second half, which they began 10-2 behind.  Their goals came from Luca Wood, Tom Harris, Alan Hill, who scored twice and Jake Bessent.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable evening and there is talk of it becoming an annual event, with perhaps a place in the First Team being raffled as a fundraiser.