| Ashford Town lost their 100% Suburban League record but remain unbeaten after a 2-2 draw away to Suburban League big guns AFC Wimbledon. Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Lee Elliott continued in goal and 16 year old left back Jacob Joseph made his full debut. Trialists Ed Joyce and Delando Smith also made starts. Ashford again started the game stronger than their opponents and almost straight away, debutant Smith found himself clean through on goal only to hit his shot straight at the keeper. The Ash Trees then allowed the Dons to create their own clear chance but young Elliot put off a fine save to keep the scores level. The ever reliable goal machine Munir Dar then uncharacteristically missed another one on one, then completely missed the target again minutes later when it seemed easier to score. Fortunately, Ashford did eventually score when after a fine save from the AFC Wimbledon keeper, Jon Palmer pounced on the rebound to hit a left foot strike in the roof of the goal, this was no more than the Ash Trees deserved. The second was a different affair with AFC Wimbledon dominating possession with some eye catching football that was aided by some sloppy play by Ashford and after another careless pass in midfield, the Wombles broke and struck a shot that Elliot palmed away then claimed with both hands only for a Wimbledon forward to poke the ball out of his hands and roll the ball in the net. After several complaints from the Ashford players to the referee, the goal stood and George Baldock was sent off for apparent use of foul language. The Tangerines were now hanging on with Wimbledon continuing to pile on the pressure and with seconds of normal time left, sloppy marking from a throw in allowed them in at the back post to slot the ball home and take the lead. There seemed to be no way back for Ashford who now threw defender Ike Chuckwudum up top. However, with only seconds left, a dead ball from Elliot was flicked on by Chuckwudum into the path of deadly Dar who cooled slotted a left foot shot past their outstanding goalkeeper. After the final whistle, there was an air of disappointment from the players as we didn't play anywhere as well as we have done in previous games, but in reflection it was a point won against several players who are full time and have Conference League experience, so overall we cannot be too disappointed with the result. Team. 1. Lee Elliot, 2. Nick Hardy, 3. Jacob Joseph, 4. Ed Doyle (Daniel Crockett 60min), 5.Guy Hollis,6. Ike Chuckwudum, 7.Delando Smith (George Baldock HT), 8. Danny Byron (capt,) 9. Munir Dar, 10. John Palmer,11. Ivo Ginev (Steven Collins 80mins) Subs not used: Harry Wheeler, Ben Jones.
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Thursday, 09 September 2010
