Chalfont St Peter 0 – 1 Ashford

Saturday 19 September 2020 | Pitching In Isthmian League

A solid performance from the whole team as Tuffs Tangerines get off to a winning start in the league.

It feels so good to have the league back. Even better when you kick off with an away win on the opening day. So overall it was a great afternoon at a sunny Mill Meadow for Ashford as they opened their league campaign with a very solid 0-1 win.

FIRST HALF

Straight from the kick off Ashford could have taken the lead inside the first minute as Jack French came close with a good effort from just outside the box. His effort going just wide of the post. It was then Chalfont who pushed on and were awarded a penalty in the 6th minute. Dale Burnham clipping Sydney Ibie just outside the six-yard box. The resulting penalty was well saved by Paul McCarthy down to his left with Chalfont then blasting over the bar.

The game then settled in to a more even pattern, with pitch playing a big part as both sides struggled with overhit passes and the sharp bounce. The Tangerines fashioned another chance on 17 minutes, and Chalfont also had half chances and attacking plays thwarted by more over hit passes in the final third. Ashford could have come close again in the 35th minute when a low cross was whipped across goal but it was too quick for Matt Bunyan to make any connection at the far post.

SECOND HALF

Chalfont got the second half underway and almost immediately took the lead. A glorious chance to open the scoring but it was somehow blasted over from six yards out. Six minutes later it was Ashford’s turn to come close to scoring as Dale Burnham headed well but just over from an in-swinging corner. Again the game started to settle with both sides evening things out, until Ashford grabbed the lead on 58 minutes. Good work from Sam Humpreys as he opened up a great curling shot to give the hard working Tangerines the lead.

The home side worked their way back in from there, and fashioned another half cahnce 5 minutes later. this time the effort was high and wide though. chalfont were starting to feel like it was going to be one of those days! They started to enjoy a bit more possession but just couldn’t find that final play to get through the Ashford back lines. Frustration started to show as the clock ticked on.

They did have another great opportunity in the 80th minute but the quickly advancing Paul McCarthy blocked with his body from point blank range to keep them out again. chalfont’s frustration boiled over in the 86th minute when their Assistant Manager was sent off following a running argument with the referee. Two yellow cards in the space of one argument seeing him sent from the dugout. The home side did then add more pressure in attack but still couldn’t find a way through a very well organised and solid Ashford side. The Tangerines all working really hard to keep their lead. As the game moved deep in to added on time it was Chalfont who really should have scored but for Paul McCarthy in the Ashford goal again. his quick reaction save blocking a certain goal down at the foot of the near post after another Chalfont move.

Overall it was an excellent performance from Ashford to head back home with the 3 points. The whole team played their part well, and were solid throughout. Luke Tuffs will be very happy to get things started with a win, and a clean sheet.

Thanks to everyone at chalfont for their great hospitality and warm welcome. We look forward to welcoming you to the RPS later in the season.

Ashford Town (Middlesex) FC 2020
Twitter Templates
Twitter Templates
Twitter Templates
20200919_134710899_iOS

GOALSCORERS:

Sam Humphreys

NEXT GAME:

Hullbridge Sports FC – FA Trophy | Sat 26 September 2020 KO 3:00pm
Venue: Lower Road, SS5 6BJ – VIEW ON MAP
Admission: TBC
N.B. Social Distancing and COVID-19 guidelines in place at all times. Read more on their COVID policy here – HULLBRIDGE COVID-19

 

FOOTBALL WEB PAGES REPORT

You can view more info on both teams and the game stats on Football Web Pages – CLICK HERE