A second half goal from James Dryden was enough for Ashford as they beat Tunbridge Wells 1-0 at Homelands.
The Nuts And Bolts needed to win in order to keep up with Whyteleafe at the top of the southern counties east league but after Tunbridge’s draw with Holmesdale during the week, they were unable to reach first this season.
Ashford came into the game in second position with 66 points, just 5 points away from Whyteleafe in first whilst Tunbridge came to Homelands in third place with 61 points, Paul Chambers only made one change to his team who lost 2-0 to Erith Town, this was Jordon Miler, who came in for Pat Kingwell, however, he brought Tom Scorer back into midfield, meaning that Ronnie Dolan was able to push forward into an attacking role.
In comparison, martin Larkin also made one change from his side’s 2-2 draw at Holmesdale, these came in the form of Jack Funnel as he replaced Elliot Everson.
Tunbridge’s first chance came within four minutes and it fell to Jon Pilbeam, after a long clearance which Liam Whiting was unable to clear, the ball looped over the full back’s head into the path of Pilbeam, despite the attacker being able to chip the ball over Joe Mant, the ball went agonisingly wide.
Ashford came straight back and had their own chance as a result of some strong play from Gary Micklebobrough, the striker was given the ball twenty yards from the goal before he was able to get past Scott Whibley, but after being able to slide his shot past Chris Oladogba, Jason Bourne was able to get across the goalmouth and hook the shot off the line.
After a slow period of play it was Ashford who had the next opportunity to score the opener, after a quick throw in was taken by Jimmy Dryden who found a pass down the right wing to Mickleborough who took the ball into the area before cutting inside and putting a left footed shot straight at Oladogba.
The pressure from Ashford continued, but they were unable to get good shots away, the best came from Gary Mickleborough who, after a good run from the left wing, was only able to steer his shot wide before Tunbridge’s Chris Seenan put a long shot over Joe Mant’s goal.
Just before half time Tunbridge had their final chance to attack, but after Ian Parsons was given the ball by Jon Pilbeam Parsons’ shot was saved by Mant.
The second half started very similarly to the first, Ashford continued to create chances but they were unable to score, this attacking style of play left gaps in defence, meaning that Tunbridge were able to were able to counter, early in the second half Pilbeam was left one- on one with Mant, but the young goalkeeper was able to keep the ball out.
Ashford continued to apply pressure to Tunbridge and in the 54th minute they were finally given their reward, after a long corner kick fell to the left post, Ronnie Dolan but it back into the six yard box, despite Tunbridge Wells’ desperate efforts to clear the pressure, the ball fell onto James Dryden’s head before looping into the top corner to give Ashford a 1-0 lead.
The hosts refused to sit back and keep a clean sheet, they continued to push forwards and they nearly made it 2-0 if it wasn’t for an outstanding save from substitute goalkeeper Steve Lawrence, Gary Mickleborough found himself in a lot of space on the right wing but needed to wait for support from Sam Conlon, however, the substitutes powerful shot was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar before the ball was cleared away.
Despite the constant pressure on their goal, Tunbridge were able to push forward, after a free kick fell into the six yard box wasn’t fully cleared by Ashford, leaving Ian Parsons with a chance to equalise, but his shot rolled wide of the goal.
The game was stopped temporarily stopped after a mid-air collision between Chris Seenan and Ben Jordon which left both players injured and needing stitches.
After a long break of around 5 minutes the game never really got going again, Ashford were able to retain possession until the final whistle to give them the victory to give them the best opportunity to go to Whyteleafe on Monday, however, their task has been made more difficult as Whyteleafe won 3-0 against Corinthian.
Ashford remain 5 points away from first place, meaning they need to win on Monday if they want to continue their hunt for the title. Tunbridge wells sit comfortably in 3rd position with 61 points, their next game is also on Monday as they travel to Sevenoaks town.
Ashford United: Mant, Cuthbert, Whiting, Clarke, Miller, Jordon Fisher, T Scorer (Conlon), A Cuthbert, Mickleborough, Dryden (Jackson), Dolan
Subs not used: D Scorer, Miller
Tunbridge Wells: Oladogba (Lawrence), Bourne, Mingle, Beercroft, Whibley, Davey, Funnell (Sinden), Fuller, Pilbeam, Seenan (Irvine), Parsons
Subs not used: Everson, Werner