After winning the competition three seasons ago, and reaching the semi-final last season, Ashford bowed out of the League Cup, now known as the Championship Manager Cup, at the first attempt this time round, losing by the only goal of the game at Fleet Town.

Still beset by injuries and unavailabilities, Ashford were again forced to field something of a thread bare squad, debuts being given to William Joseph, no relation to the unavailable Ricardo Joseph, and to Abdulla Nsubuga in midfield.

Playing down the notorious slope in the first half, Fleet always looked dangerous and Ashford were indebted to Craig Ross on several occasions.  The home side were only able to penetrate once though and it seemed Ashford had it all to play for in the second period.  There was no lack of endeavour but despite plenty of possession, Fleet continued to look comfortable and it was not until the final frantic few minutes that Ashford really looked as if they might conjure up an equaliser.  The best chance fell to Scott Weight but, partly impeded by a colleague, his effort went wide with seemingly the goal at his mercy.