Ashford United are in the middle of a cup run, but with only four games until a potential game at Wembley they needed to cement their place at the top of the Southern Counties East League.

The nuts and bolt’s top scorer, Sam Conlon was rested, he started on the bench with Buster Smisson and Gary Mickleborough starting up front together for the first time since the start of November but this was the only major change for the hosts from their only loss of the season against Erith in midweek.

Ashford, who have only lost three games in all competitions this season looked dangerous from the first whistle, a weak pass back to the Holmesdale goalkeeper gave Mickleborough time to chase it, the striker’s efforts came to nothing after the clearance hit him, only for the ball to go out for a goal kick.

The hosts continued to pressure the Daler’s defence, leading to mistakes which none of their attacking players were able to convert.

Ashford continued to apply pressure to their visitors, after some good work on the left wing Mickleborough slipped, the ball fell to Tom Scorer but the attacking midfielder’s effort flew just over Alex Hyde’s goal.

After recent rain, the pitch at homelands was not allowing any quick passes, meaning neather team were able to build up any momentum going forward. Luckily for Ashford though, the first goal of the game did not need to come from a good attacking move.

After a solo run down the left wing Gary Mickleborough was surrounded by defenders, he was able to hold up play well until Holmesdale’s Zak Henry needlessly flung his arm into the face of Mickleborough, after the referee awarded a penalty he went to his pocket to send off Henry, forcing the visitors to rearrange their line-up. Adam Cuthbert stepped up to take the penalty and easily put it away, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Ashford had a chance soon after to double their lead before half time, but after Tom Scorer’s corner was headed away Liam Whiting’s powerful effort shook the crossbar, sending Ashford into half time with a 1-0 lead.

Whiting was influential for Ashford on the left side, he was able to push forward from his defensive position to send crosses for the eager strikers in the penalty box. He nearly forced an own goal from a low cross, but Jamie Fernandes was able to scramble the ball out of his feet and over the bar.

The league leaders continued to pressure and it took a great save from Alex Hyde to deny Sam Fisher his first goal of the season. Hyde needed another outstanding save to deny Kieran Byrne, after another corner from Tom Scorer sailed towards the far post Jimmy Dryden was able to header the ball back into the crowd of players, Byrne was able to jump highest but the game was kept at 1-0 through a perfect reflex save from Hyde who tipped the ball over the bar.

Ashford left it late to score a second, Dryden was given enough time on the left wing to put a cross into the area, the ball fell perfectly to the feet of Gary Clarke who was able to slide the ball past Hyde to give Ashford their 13th

Ashford have now not lost a game in the league since 10th continue on their road to Wembley by travelling to face Hanwell Town next Saturday. win in 14 league matches.

Ashford United: Mant, L Cuthbert, Whiting, Clarke, Wallace, Jordan, Fisher (Conlon), A Cuthbert, Smisson (Dryden), Scorer, Mickleborough (Byrne)

Booked: Whiting

Subs not used: Sparkes, Finch

Holmesdale: Hyde, Ranks (Wheeler), Fernandes, Wilfort, Presscott- Kerr, Collier, Stewart, Axell, Coleman (Ogunsey), Guthrie (Wybrow), Henry

Booked: Wilfort, Axell

Sent off: Henry

Subs not used: Hollis, Verli

Attendance: 253