Opening day defeat

Rugby Town underlined their promotion credentials with a dominant win over a lacklustre Ashford side. The visitors started the game well, but went behind against the run of play when Kofi Lockhart-Adams tapped in a sharp cross from Ashley Lodge.  However, within four minutes, the Valley had turned the game around as Seb Lake-Gaskin and Richard Blythe each scored well-worked goals.

 The home side’s defence uncharacteristically allowed Blythe acres of space as he put Rugby two goals ahead within seconds of the restart, and a thumping finish from Seb Gaskin-Lake in the 62^nd minute put the result beyond all doubt. The final half-hour saw Ashford improve, but the Tangerines never looked like turning the game around.

The full match report is now online.

Meanwhile, Mick Snowden’s completely new Suburban League side kicked off their campaign with a 2-2 draw at Berkhamstead.  The hosts took advantage of Ashford’s lack of understanding by opening up a two goal lead at half-time.  However, the Ash Trees grew into the game and earned a point thanks to two goals from Tom Mooney.  The mood among those who returned to the club from Berkhamstead was very positive, which bodes well for the challenges that lie ahead.