The Men’s First Team make a quick return to action following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Littlehampton Town with a difficult trip to AFC Stoneham on Tuesday evening. The Purps were, like Ashford, promoted as Champions last season, winning the Wessex League after finishing fifth, third, then runners-up twice. They are also the current holders of the FA Vase.
This season, AFC Stoneham have continued to enjoy success in the FA Competitions and next Saturday will travel to former EFL club Torquay United in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Their trip to Plainmoor will be their sixth match in the competition, having required replays to defeat Badshot Lea and Basingstoke Town. Add in three FA Trophy fixtures – AFC Stoneham lost 4-0 at home to Didcot Town on Saturday – and there has been barely any room for League matches, meaning that the Tangerines are the first side to visit them for a Step 4 league fixture.
Having lost the two Isthmian League matches they have played – at Winchester City and AFC Portchester, both of whom are expected to challenge for promotion – the Purps will be looking to put down a marker on their own patch. Yet the Tangerines can be optimistic as they head down the M3. Although Ashford have not won any of their last four matches, there have been positives to build on in all of them. Having pushed Hendon all the way in the Velocity Cup, the Ash Trees produced a sparkling first half on Saturday and even after Reuben Collins had been sent off they still had opportunities to win.
While manager Luke Morgan-Tuffs has concerns at the back – Ashford have kept only one clean sheet so far this season – his squad has scored in all seven previous matches during 2026-27 and Arif Bala’s spectacular double on Saturday simply underlines the attacking potential within the group. By contrast, Stoneham have scored only one goal in their last four matches and have defensive frailties of their own, having conceded 14 goals in their last nine matches.
The match will take place at the Stoneham Lane Football Complex, which is managed by the Hampshire FA and has multiple pitches. For more information check Tangerines on Tour: AFC Stoneham.
Supporters who make the journey to Southampton will be charged £10 for adults, £6 for concessions or £4 for children under 16. However, if you can’t be at the match, the Match Centre will include a live data feed of all the key match incidents. The match programme is below.
