How Ashford saw it (by Ben Murray, ATFC Manager):The first game for the new look Under 18s proved to be a great success with a 3-1 victory over a strong and organised Bracknell Town side. Manager Ben Murray used the game to give some valuable game time to a lot of his squad, with 19 players used on the evening. With the first half ending goalless, the second half saw Ashford put their well earned domination to good effect by scoring three goals in the space of fifteen minutes. The first of the goals coming from defender Ben Corsini who scored a great bullet header from a free kick to cap off a great debut in Tangerine colours, followed shortly by a fantastic thirty yard free kick from Mark Bitmead who executed perfectly into the top corner to already put in a strong contender for goal of the season! The third goal was a well finished phase of play by striker Joe Fleming who showed some great forward movement throughout the second half. Ben Murray added "It was a great evening for all of the squad, we took such a lot out of the game, even more so for the lads to get experience on the Stadium pitch. It was a great atmosphere and would like to thank so many people for coming down to support the lads, its really early days but the signs are encouraging." How Bracknell saw it (by Rob Aston, BTFC Manager):A terrific game of football played on a superb playing surface on Ashford's main pitch in front of an appreciative crowd.
Ashford won their Southern Youth League division last season and look set to be a force again this time, but it was Bracknell that caught the eye in the opening half, with some neat, passing football that surprised an older, more physical home outfit. It was more of a surprise that the opening half ended goalless as chances continued to be made, by both
sides, but spurned.
The second half saw both sides ring the changes, with the Robins fielding four players making their first appearance. Bracknell were slow starting this half and were punished by three goals in quick succession. The first, a bullet header from ten yards from a well-delivered free-kick. The second was a thirty yard free-kick that would have graced any game
anywhere, struck with terrific power over the wall into the top corner. The third was a simple finish as Bracknell's defensive line showed uncertainty in knowing when to push up to catch the striker offside.
Despite these setbacks Bracknell continued to play high quality passing football, that belied a team that has just come together, and only some fine defending kept the scoreline intact. Mark Hayward's driving run down the left flank was ended with a foul inside the box and EJ calmly slotted the penalty to make it 3-1.
In summary, a very useful work-out and lots of positives about the potential of this new-look side. Still time for fine tuning ahead of the season kick-off on 9 Sept.
Many thanks to Gareth (Harry Potter) for organising the fixture - sorry he couldn't be there to watch the game due to other commitments. You missed a cracker! |
Wednesday, 08 February 2012
