Development Match,
Short Lane Stadium
9th December 2009

Just a fortnight after narrowly losing to their neighbours in the Ryman Youth League, Ashford Town welcomed Staines Town back to Short Lane for a fixture designed to give players from both clubs some much needed game time.  Ben Murray took the opportunity to field a young side - so young, in fact that there were four fifteen year olds on the pitch for the Tangerines at the end of the match.

In front of a small but appreciative crowd, both sides looked to play good football and an entertaining match ensued.  The Swans looked likelier to score during the first half, but found their hosts rearguard in resolute mood.  There were no goals before tea, but there had been opportunities at both ends.

The second half saw both sides make changes, but Ashford had more attacking impetus, and eventually took the lead when Taylor Gough drilled a shot into the net from the edge of the penalty area.  Although both sides created opportunities to score further goals, it proved to be the difference between the teams.

After the match, Ben Murray offered his thoughts on the game.  You can either download the interview or play it using the streaming player, below.  

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