In last week’s Camberley Town Tournament both our U-14 sides easily progressed through to the group and quarter final stages to reach the semi finals.

With only 10 minutes to secure victory the Ashford sides were dealt a serious blow and conceded early (The A’s conceding for the first time in the competition). However, that winning habit is a good habit to have and both teams progressed with the B’s reaching the final first and cheering on their team mates who were made to work hard for a good victory.

As is so often the case both the A’s and B’s cancelled each other out, the B’s soaked up a lot of pressure and then went ahead with a fine Louie Hedges strike, which they held onto until the final seconds of the game when Tyler Tobin (GK) went up for a corner and cheekily back healed it into Jordan’s Poulter’s path who managed to squeeze in the equaliser. Extra time didn’t produce any goals and then a sudden death 3 v 3 (No GKS) was introduced.

The A’s can count themselves unfortunate as a clear penalty was awarded by the young referee who was then over ruled by the even younger linesman. A penalty with a goalkeeper not allowed to use his hands was going to be interesting. On the stroke of half time Ryan Marklew, also playing for the A’s, chipped the defenders and as he struck the ball which was travelling into the net the ref blew, harsh indeed. With penalties looming Jake Newbury who had battled well in defence throughout the tournament found himself in a good position to slot the ball home and secure victory for the B side.

In all tournament football there is an element of luck not least missing each other in the knock out stages, which has happened far too often in previous years. However this young Ashford Town side have dominated tournaments this season having contested the final amongst themselves in 3 of the 4 entered.

A’s Ryan Marklew, Lee Worley, James McKenna, Jordan Poulter, Tyler Tobin, Josh Eveleigh, Luke Maxfield - Played 7 Won 6 Lost 1 Goals Scored 15 Goals Against 2

B’s Louie Hedges, Tyler Henderson, Joe Lynch, Jake Newbury, Liam Harper, Albert Usher, Bobby Dormer – Played 7 Won 6 Lost 1 Goals Scored 10 Goals Against 3