Chipstead 0 Ashford 3

Ashford probably needed a result for their self-confidence, if nothing else, following three successive defeats so a 3-0 win at hitherto unbeaten Chipstead will have gone a long way to assuage any doubts as to the quality of this Ashford squad when they are on song.

Without going overboard, it is probably fair to say that Ashford dominated much of the proceedings throughout as they tore into a strangely lethargic Chipstead side, who just a few days ago had won comfortably against Ryman Prem side Cray Wanderers.

In the early stages, Kofi Lockhart-Adams was prominent and with more luck he might have had a very early hatrick.  Sadly all three efforts were just off target but it did not take too long for Ashford to take the lead courtesy of Dan Brown (pictured) who unleashed an unstoppable volley from Mark Bitmead’s purposeful cross, the whole move having been a delight to behold.

Kofi then had to leave the field following a clash of heads, to allow Joe Bennett a further opportunity to impress, but the home side enjoyed their best period just before half-time.  They could not make a break through though and just before the hour mark, it was another volley, this time from Ashley Lodge who took full advantage of a weak clearance from a Bitmead corner.

Chipstead had one excellent opportunity to reduce the arrears but a woeful effort preserved Ashford’s cushion and the match was put beyond doubt when the third goal came near the end as substitute Samad Kazi looking very lively indeed down the right flank, exchanged a 1-2 with Joe Bennett before slipping the ball past a bemused keeper who had no chance.

Ashford will now entertain their tenants, Staines Lammas, in a further friendly on Tuesday evening (7.45 p.m.) and then conclude their pre-season schedule with a visit to Tooting & Mitcham next Saturday.