Suburban League Premier Division,
Short Lane Stadium
3rd October 2009

With the disappointing performance and result against Basingstoke Town still fresh in the minds of the players, Ashford arguably produced their most convincing win of the season against a Wealdstone side that before the game were second in the Suburban League table.

The Ash Trees didn’t start in their usual manner and gave possession away too cheaply in the opening minutes although when Wealdstone had possession they pretty much did the same. It took around 20 minutes for Ashford to realise that the game was there for the taking as long as they kept the ball better and with this realisation the Tangerines created the game's first decent chance when after some good approach play in midfield, Ben Jones broke through to the middle of the penalty area but when he was stopped after a fantastic last ditch tackle, the ball fell to George Baldock who pulled his shot wide of the post. First team regulars Scott Weight and Malachi Bulley were now starting to dictate proceedings and from some more good passing play, the usually reliable Jones found himself in front of goal with only the keeper to beat however his shot sailed over the bar.

The second half carried on in the way first half ended with the Tangerines looking like the only team that would score but when the chances came around, the finishing left a lot to be desired. As the management became more and more frustrated, subs Tommy Hedges, Oliver Blackman Danny Byron were introduced and within minutes of their arrival, Hedges followed an overhit free kick and found some space on the left to swing a tempting cross that Blackman found too good to miss and finally all the endeavour had paid off. More chances were to follow and neat one two play played in Jones who smashed the ball on the inside of the post but unfortunately the ball didn’t cross the line and evaded Munir Dar who followed in for the rebound. That could have been the games turning point especially as Weadstone now had a three man attack.  However, this left even more space for Ashford to exploit on the counter attack and with minutes remaining, the lively Hedges broke free, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home, game over.

A well deserved win that pleased the management team, particularly because of the limited number of chances Ashford allowed Wealdstone to create and for the high number of efforts on goal from the Tangerines in the second half. Tooting and Mitcham now await the Ash Trees next weekend.