A thrilling victory against an equally committed Hayes & Yeading side saw Ashford’s Under-18s into the last sixteen of the Lucas-Fettes Youth Cup (League Cup) last night by the unusual scoreline of six goals to four.

Hayes & Yeading are one of the best youth sides in the area and had already knocked Ashford out of the County Youth Cup earlier in the season.  There was a determination therefore from the Short Lane side to do better in this game and they certainly took the match to their opponents in the opening half hour, scoring twice through Jack Taylor from the penalty spot, and leading scorer Mark Bitmead.

Ashford looked good value at that point for the two goal lead but H & Y always looked dangerous when they broke and they pulled a goal back just before half time though the dangerous George Isaac.

Within two minutes of the re-start, Isaac had restored parity for the visitors and it was anyone’s game.  It was end to end stuff but it was Ashford’s Lewis Wombwell who stepped up on the hour mark with two goals in a minute to give Ashford a two goal cushion for the second time in the match.  H & Y were far from done though and within three minutes they reduced the arrears again, through Isaac Bonket.

Goals continued to look likely though and five minutes later Bairoh Conteh’s imperious header made it 5-3 and just three minutes later another penalty kick gave Lewis Wombwell the opportunity to complete his hatrick and give Ashford a three goal lead.