Ashford United got their 2016/17 SCEFL campaign off to the perfect start with two late goals from Shaun Welford and Rory Hill at Eden Park Avenue to see off hosts Beckenham Town.
On a gloriously sunny August summers day to see in the new season both sides came into the league opener on the back of FA Cup wins the week before against Corinthian (Ashford) and Lancing (replay, Beckenham) respectively.
The visitor’s, buoyed by reports in favour of them pushing for title honours this season, started well with Welford registering the first effort on goal but his header failed to trouble or really test home custodian Rilwan Anibada.
The Becks’ response was rapid as the ‘keeper released the ball long to Jamie Humphries but Anibada’s opposite number George Kamurasi saved well low and with his feet – The resulting corner was cleared – and moments later The Becks’ Omari Delgado found himself in a similar position with Kamurasi again equal to it.
Ashford thought they had broken the deadlock just after the fifteen minute mark however the officials deemed Anibada had done enough to stop the whole of the ball crossing the line.
And Anibada’s quick thinking again almost caught out the visitors’ back line but Kamurasi was alert to the danger beating the advancing Marvin Alebilosu to the loose ball.
Anibada produced a fine save from Welford as the Ashford front-man sent a diving header towards the bottom right-had corner, Anibada pushing the goal-bound effort round the post and from the resulting corner Hill saw a long range effort fall just wide of the right-hand post.
The Becks continued to ask questions of their visitors as Humphries ran towards goal but for good work at the back forcing him wide to the left of goal and unable to trouble Kamurasi.
Anibada continued his fine form as Paul Booth tested him from range but his well struck effort was seen all the way and tipped over the bar with relative ease.
On the brink of half-time The Becks’ Delgado brought a cross-field ball down well on the left-corner of the penalty area but saw his well struck half-volley go wide of the target.
Half time 0-0
The Becks continued where they left off after the interval catching the visitors napping and should really have scored as Humphries (twice) and Alebilosu both missed very good opportunities but failed to test Kamurasi.
As the second period wore on the visitors began to take control, perhaps the heat and midweek FA Cup replay exertions were taking a toll on the home side’s fitness levels but remained resolute at the back and committed to the cause getting any kind of block in – Pat Kingwell having a double effort blocked.
The Becks’ speedy counter-attacking play remained a danger to Ashford and only seconds after coming on as a substitute Hassan Jalloh shot from range with home fans, players and the bench up in arms claiming a handball in the box – The claims waved away.
But counter-attacking themselves the visitors took the lead as Welford was left unmarked in front of goal and with the ball played across the box he had the simplest of tasks to slot the ball home (73).
Welford was unlucky not to double the lead and his own tally heading wide from close range, getting injuring in the process colliding with Anibada, and moments later was substituted as a result.
With the game coming to a close Hill mustered up enough energy for a mazy run at The Becks’ defence, finding space on the left and shooting across the out-stretched arm of Anibada, the ball settling into the bottom left-hand corner (87).
Full time 0-2
Beckenham Town: Anibada, Akers (Ogboe, 78), Whorms, Wadmore (Slade, 41), Williams, Fitzgerald, Draper, Warren, Delgado (Jalloh, 71), Humphries ©, Alebilosu
Subs not used: Marshall, Turner
Ashford United: Kamurasi, Savage, Dickens, Michelson, West ©, Kingwell, Dalton (McCloud, 53), Davison, Welford (Phillips, 84), Booth, Hill
Subs not used: Eloriole, Lye, Fage
Goals: Welford (73), Hill (87)
Att: 110