The Nuts & Bolts maintained their 100% league record with late strike.
Ashford came into this Isthmian South East Division match with a mixed form table following three wins out of three in the league being followed up by back to back cup defeats and a postponed fixture last weekend against Whyteleafe.
Their opponents Sittingbourne FC have had a tougher start to the season, only picking up five points in five games. Their sole victory coming in the form of a 2-1 victory over bottom club Ramsgate.
Given the difference in form of the two sides, it was no surprise to see Ashford United come out of the block a little quicker than their opponents. Consistent Ashford pressure down the right hand side of the pitch led to several half chances but nothing to get Benham in the Sittingbourne goal too worried. Aboagye at right back for Ashford with fifteen to twenty yards ahead of him consistently and Sittingbourne struggled to deal with his powerful runs into the attacking half.
On the seventh minute one of these runs from Aboagye drew several Sittingbourne defenders wide and allowed Ashford’s midfield space to push forward and play a simple through ball to the on running Smith whom beats the offside trap and calmly slots the ball past Benham for his seventh goal of the season. (Smith 7’ AUFC 1-0 SFC)
The goal didn’t change the flow of the game with Ashford creating the majority of the chances but neither forward line caused the defences any problems. Sittingbourne in particular were defending well and breaking up Ashford attacks before they had built up any momentum.
Just after the half hour Sittingbourne created their best chance of the half as Allan won the ball in the centre circle before spraying a low ball out to the left wing. The Sittingbourne winger cut inside, attacked the box and hit the deck under pressure from two defenders. The contact appeared minimal but the referee was well placed and saw enough to point to the spot. Up stepped Caney-Bryan to slot home the equaliser. (Caney-Bryan 31’ AUFC 1-1 SFC)
The complexion of the game had now changed and after the goal Sittingbourne had the bit between their teeth and were looking full of confidence. With five minutes to go in the half a clumsy challenge on the edge of the box game Sittingbourne a nicely angled free kick. Barnard stepped up and swung in a pacey ball to the back post, missed by three on rushing Sittingbourne players. The ball falls inches wide of Mott’s far post and the relief is clear to see.
Sittingbourne now looking the better side but fail to make any significant chances before the whistle and the sides go in all square at the break.
Half Time: Ashford United 1-1 Sittingbourne
The second half started just as the first had done with Ashford looking refreshed from the break and controlling the game from midfield. On fifty one minutes McIntyre rocketed the best chance over the bar and stand after Sittingbourne failed to clear a low cross from the right.
The game had settled into a rythem with Ashford controlling the ball for large periods. Despite having less of the ball, it was Sittingbourne whom looked the more likely to score from the counter with Caney-Bryan and Barnard looking to run in behind whenever possible with the former coming close to getting on the end of a few long balls from the Sittingbourne defence.
The 30 or so Sittingbourne fans that made the journey to the Homelands Stadium were certainly appreciative of their side’s efforts and were in full voice throughout the second half.
With fifteen minutes to go Ashford created the best chance of the second half as Ibahiym exploited the space still afforded them on the right wing, beat one defender and whipped in a ball across the six yard box. The midfield couldn’t react quickly enough to the cross and the Sittingbourne defence allowed the ball to roll out for a goal kick. Sittingbourne are noticeably taking their time with all stoppages now.
Sittingbourne’s game management slowed the game down in the last ten minutes and when Ashford could get the ball down and create any attacking moves the Sittingbourne defence were there to clear long and frustrate the home crowd.
Into the fourth of five minute of stoppage time, with the game heading towards a draw Ashford up the pace one last time. With Smith lurking on the last man, Ashford play a through ball into the box. A Sittingbourne defender got a foot on it but could only clear it as far as the eighteen yard box where an oncoming Ashford player touches it in to Smith who smashes it home. (Smith 94’ AUFC 2-1 Sittingbourne)
Full Time: Ashford United 2-1 Sittingbourne
MoM: David Smith
Attendance: 225
Despite The Brickies defending well throughout this was a deserved victory for Tommy Warrilow’s men. They now travel to East Grinstead on Saturday looking to make it five wins from five and improve on fourth position in the table.
Sittingbourne are at home to Guernsey on Saturday.
Ashford: Mott, Aboagye, McIntyre, Walder, Wisson, Kamara, Ibrahiym, Prescott, May, SMITH, Kwayie. Subs: Henry, Gold, Osinfolarin, Lake, Hook.
Sittingbourne: Benham, Fitchett, Fregene, Chambers, Walters-Wright, Allan, N’Daw, Fagg, Caney-Bryan, Barnard, Phillip. Subs: West, Middleton, Ako-Adjei, Oliver, Lori