Reserve Team Match Reports
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Ashford Town Reserves = 3
Holmesdale Reserves = 1
Kent League Division 2
Tuesday 29th April 2008
The first team had finished their campaign at Worthing on Saturday but the reserves had a few matches left and had a genuine chance of securing second place in the league and promotion to Division One. It was therefore vital that tonights game yielded three points.
This was Holmesdale's first season in this league and they had made a very promising debut. I was told that they had a couple of first team players in the starting line up but so did we and one of them, JIMMY BOTTLE, opened the scoring on 2 minutes when he latched on to a through ball, left the visitor's defence standing, and scored with a low left foot shot from just inside the box. The visitors recovered from this shock and within another few minutes had forced home keeper Neale Manning to tip over a firm shot. Ashford hit back at once when Scott Bouvier crossed to Jimmy Salvage but his header was too high. Then, in the 11th minute, Holmesdale were presented with a soft equaliser when Manning lost control of a slippery ball some ten yards from goal allowing a 'DALE FORWARD to shoot into an empty net. With 20 minutes on the clock the visitors started to look the stronger team but within 5 minutes Ashford nearly scored through Salvage only for 'Dale to force a great save from Manning within 60 seconds. The whole course of the game was to change during a three minute spell. First, on 29 minutes, Ashford were awarded a penalty. Up stepped IAN BATTEN to smash the ball home. Three minutes later Holmesdale were awarded a penalty but Manning more than made up for his earlier goof by making a superb save at the foot of his left hand post.
Conditions were getting worse with a high wind and driving rain but both sides were playing attractive football and it was clear we had a good sensible referee in charge. So half time arrived with the home side holding a slim 2-1 lead.
Into the second half and the weather had slightly improved but there were puddles in some parts of the pitch causing problems. Thankfully, it remained a good clean contest and it was obvious the referee, who was clearly enjoying the game, was going to see it through to the end.
On 51 minutes Manning rescued a tricky situation caused by a poor back pass and at once Salvage chased a long bouncing ball beyond the 'Dale defence but shot straight at their keeper. The Dale hit back and Manning was forced to make another good save. Despite the conditions the pace of the game remained high. On 62 minutes Bottle crossed a wicked ball into the box that eluded everyone Seven minutes later he fed a great pass to James Humphreys but his shot was just wide. The game was finally decided in the 74th minute when SCOTT BOUVIER ran at the 'Dale defence, beat three men and scored with a firm cross shot from the right. There was still time for Manning to make another good save from a dangerous 'Dale free kick but the game ended with a well deserved victory for the home side.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable match that was a credit to both sides and all three officials.
If I had to pick a MOM I would have gone for a player I had not seen before but who impressed all those watching namely Kieran Aldous. The Ashford team was as follows:-
Neale Manning, Greg Smith, Jack Mahoney (Aronn Abbott 65 mins), Kieran Aldous, John Ralph, Jimmy Salvage, Lewis Gransden (Scott Penfold 60 mins), James Humphreys, Scott Bouvier, Ian Batten (Joe Collins 86 mins), Jimmy Bottle. Subs not used = Glen Sheather and Chris Shakali.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Ashford Town Reserves = 1
Dover Athletic Reserves = 1
Kent League Division 2
Saturday 26th April 2008
For the first time this year we arrived at Homelands to be greeted by bright sunshine and a warm temperature. Todays visitors were celebrating winning the Division 2 Championship during the week whilst our lads were still basking in the glow of winning the Division One and two Cup Final seven days ago. A slightly bigger than usual crowd were looking forward to a good game. They were not to be disappointed.
Dover launched the first serious attack in the 5th minute when Jack Tanner burst through only to be closed down by the ever reliable John Ralph. Then, with 10 minutes on the clock, Ashford's JIMMY SALVAGE latched on to a long through ball. He looked offside but the lino's flag stayed down and he ran on to clip the ball over the advancing Robert Lindley. There then followed a fifteen minute period in which most of the play was concentrated in mid-field but at no time did the game get boring. In the 24th minute, Ian Batten fed Scott Penfold but he sliced his shot wide. The next Ashford threat came on 36 minutes when a good move resulted in Scott Bouvier feeding Jack Mahoney only to fall victim of the offside flag. Three minutes later Dover nearly equalised when Jack Tanner picked up a clever back heel, burst into the Ashford box and rounded keeper Manning only to take the ball too wide.
In the 41st minute Dover's Duncan Bishop was booked for a bad tackle but there was no indication that this was going to be a dirty game. A minute later the Dover keeper made a superb save from a deflected shot that he only saw at the last second. So half time arrived with the home team holding a slender one goal advantage.
Into the second half and the high quality was maintained. Almost at once Ashford's Bouvier shot over the bar and Jimmy Salvage saw his header saved. Then, in the 55th minute, Dover equalised with a goal of real class. Receiving the ball to the left of the six yard box, DANNY MILLER spun past a defender and shot into the far corner of the net. Ashford almost went ahead from the kick off when Scott Penfold beat three men but saw his shot deflected for a corner. There then followed another period of mainly mid field action with Dover starting to look the stronger side but the Ashford lads dug in and snuffed out any dangerous moves. They then had a good 5 minute period when first Salvage unleashed an expert volley just wide, Bouvier forced a good save from the keeper and Salvage picked up a good pass from substitute Mike Williams but fired wide. The last clear cut chance for the home side arrived in the 81st minute when Bouvier crossed a dangerous low ball only to see it missed by everyone. The Dover lads tried to raise the tempo in the remaining time but the home side held out for a well deserved draw. So ended a game that was a joy to watch and a credit to both sides. For Dover, centre forward Danny Miller caught the eye but seemed a bit “trappy” at times. For Ashford, John Ralph was his usual dependable self and there were strong performances from Ian Batten and Jimmy Salvage. The Ashford team was as follows:
Neale Manning, Greg Smith, Jack Mahoney, Sam Ingram, John Ralph, Joe Collins, Scott Penfold (Mike Williams 70mins), Jimmy Salvage (Lewis Gransden 89mins), Scott Bouvier,
Ian Batten, Aronn Abbott (Chris Shakali 80 mins).
The impressive Dover side was as follows:- Robert Lindley (Nick Shaw 70 mins), Olle Brown
(Callum Crutchfield 82 mins), Curtis Robinson, Graeme Andrews, Jason White, Kevin Lott (remember him?) Michael Sheridan, Duncan Bishop, Danny Miller, Jack Tanner, Stephen Grant. Sub not used = Dan Allan.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Ashford Town Reserves = 2
Dartford Reserves = 1
Kent League First/Second Divisions Cup Final
Saturday 19th April 2008
At Whitstable F.C.
For the second Saturday running it was off to Whitstable to see an Ashford team in action. Once again we were greeted by rain but this time we saw full game and what a game it turned out to be.
Dartford were 4th in Division One with games in hand and looking at a possible runners up spot. Ashford were 3rd in Division Two also with games in hand and also looking at a possible
second place. Yet again our hosts made us very welcome and it was nice to confirm that the people from Dartford are still as friendly as when we last met.
Dartford launched the first attack at once via their number 11, Reiss St. Hilaire who looked clever and dangerous and proved to be a little sneaky at times though the referee did not twig this until deep in the second half. Ashford responded when John Ralph fed Scott Bouvier but the Dartford keeper, Dean James, smothered his effort. In the 4th minute Dartford conceded a penalty when their Adam Woodward upended aan Ashford player. Nice to see no
complaints at the obvious decision. Up stepped Aaron Abbott but his thunderbolt shot hit the bar and rebounded half way down the pitch. Six minutes later James Hunphreys crossed to Scott Penfold but the resulting shot was wide. On 12 minutes, Ashford has a strong shout for hand ball in the Darts area but the referee waved play on. Ashford were not to be denied much longer and on 16 minutes Aaron Abbott crossed a great ball from the left and SCOTT BOUVIER met it at the near post with a diving header into the opposite corner. There then followed a period of mainly mid-field play with little to choose between the two side. Then in the 27 minute Scott Penfold sent a strong header just over the bar. Four minutes later the Darts number 9, the impressive Tom Bradbrook, headed over from a corner. On 37 minutes, Bradbrook,cleverly controlled a high ball into the Ashford box but shot over. Almost at once the Ashford defence had to deal with another dangerous Dartford attack. Play then swept down the other end and Ashford looked to have gained another penalty for hand ball but were only awarded a corner. Ashford managed another decent attack before half time with James Humphreys heading wide after good work by Abbott and the Darts replied when Daniel Westerman was just wide from some 30 yards.
Into the second half and after 5 minutes Dartford launched a good attack down the right resulting in a wicked low cross into the Ashford box which, somehow, eluded everyone. At about this time the Darts number 9, Bradbrook was booked for dissent but earned some sympathy as the referee was having a bad day at the office and this was getting to the players.
In the 52nd minute Ashford launched a fierce attack that the Darts were very fortunate to clear but they hit back by going straight down the other end and forcing a super save from Ashford keeper Neil Manning. Manning then made another great save from the ensuing corner. Ashford doubled their score in the 54th minute with a classic route one strike. Keeper Manning launched a long ball down field. This was latched on to by SCOTT BOUVIER who smashed the ball past Dean James. The Darts made their first substitution in the 59th minute when Rikki Freeman replaced Chris Wimshurst. A minute later Ashford were denied a further goal when Dean James made a stunning save from Bouvier. Slowly but surely Ashford were looking the better team but the Darts Bradbrook kept them on their toes with a good header that flashed just wide. Ashford's first substitute came on 66 minutes when Chris Shakali replaced Jack Mahoney. Four minutes later Ashford's Bouvier shot over after a lovely move involving 4 players. Another sixty seconds and Scott Penfold beat 3 defenders but could not finish. By now the Darts were pushing forward and leaving gaps in defence but Ashford could not cash in. In the 80th minute, Ashford's Abbott was injured and had to be replaced by Sam Ingram. Almost at once the Darts created an opening but Luke May fired over. With a further minute on the clock Ashford made their final substitution with Penfold being replaced by Mike Williams. Into the final period and it was noticeable that some of the Dartford heads were dropping but not all and Manning rescued an attack with a great catch. With 90 minutes on the clock Dartford's Freeman nearly scored from a lucky rebound. Deep into injury time (I made it 90 +7) RIKKI FREEMAN scored with a good low shot but it was no more than a consolation effort as the referee blew for full time almost at once.
So the Ashford lads secured the club's first silverware for some time in a thoroughly deserved victory. I have seen the lads quite a lot this season but this must count as their best performance. Although they had to work hard to overcome a decent Dartford side their win was more emphatic than the score line indicates.
On a personal note, I decided to wear my Ashford Town F.C. Manager style coat to the game.
I was asked by a member of the Kent League if I would represent the club at half time and was duly presented with a certificate marking our clubs achievement in reaching the final. I was also treated to a cup of tea at half time and allowed to sit in the Director's box to write my match notes. (Just knew that coat would be a good investment). I will be pleased to hand over the certificate on Tuesday evening and hope some of the lads can attend and parade with the cup.
Ashford Man Of The Match? Could be almost anyone from the starting eleven but I must give special praise to John Ralph who was his usual commanding self, Mick Pearce who was outstanding in defence and Scott Bouvier who caused the Dart's defence nightmares.
The Ashford team was as follows:- Neil Manning, Greg Smith, Jack Mahoney (Chris Shakali 66 mins), Mick Pearce, John Ralph, Joe Collins, Glen Sheather, James Humphreys, Scott Bouvier, Scott Penfold (Mike Williams 81 mins), Aaron Abbott (Sam Ingram 80 mins)
Subs not used = Ian Batten & Jimmy Salvage.
Attendance = 105.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Ashford Town Reserves = 3
Deal Town Reserves = 0
Kent League Div II
Saturday 16th February 2008
After an absence of some two months the Reserve Team made a welcome return to Homelands for this Kent League Division II fixture. The one “new” face to the squad was Aron Freeman having a run out at left back to regain match fitness. The first disappointment was to see Deal in plain white shirts instead of their usual unique black and white hoops. Our visitors were to disappoint in other areas as the game progressed.
Deal nearly got off to a flier by mounting a dangerous attack in the first minute which we only just cleared. However, within another two minutes Aron Freeman fed a lovely pass to Chris Shakali. He took the ball on and crossed a perfect pass from the left to James Humphreys who cushioned a header beyond the Deal keeper to open the score. For the next period there was not much to choose between the two sides with chances being few and far between. This changed on 12 minutes when John Ralph broke up an attack, burst through the middle of the Deal defence and fed Scott Penfold. He took the ball on, rounded the keeper and slotted home goal number two. So far so good but after twenty minutes it was plain that Deal had decided that the only way back into the match was by playing rough. Niggling fouls started to appear but the referee chose to ignore them. In a rare attack, Deal brought out a superb save from our keeper, Neil Manning. The resulting corner was cleared comfortably. The referee eventually woke up and booked the Deal number 6 on 38 minutes for a bad foul on Ian Batten that many thought should have been a straight red. Three minutes later he added the Deal number 2 to his list. Time was to prove the irony of these cards as the two players concerned proved to be nowhere near the worse culprits as the game progressed.
Into the second half and we started to dominate but missed chances. Humphreys hit the post on 46 minutes and headed over on 54 minutes. In between, Penfold shot wide. Just short of the hour mark Deal launched a good attack only to be denied by a super saving tackle from Mick Pearce who was having a great game. Within a minute Humphreys was again just wide of the target. Far too many fouls were being “missed” by the ref. and it was starting to spoil the game. Thankfully, despite severe provocation, the Ashford lads kept cool. On 73 minutes, Freeman fed a great pass to Bouvier who was stopped by a superb tackle from a Deal defender. Ashford needed another goal to make the game safe and this arrived in the 70th minute when Ian Batten seized on a loose ball just outside the Deal box, ran clear of the defenders and calmly slotted the ball home. A minute later, Bouvier was brought down in the box by the Deal keeper but the referee decided to give a goal kick instead of what seemed a certain penalty. By the 84th minute manager Ernie Batten had used all three substitutes when son Ian was left in a heap following a truly dreadful high tackle. Ian was unable to continue so Ashford played out the remainder of the game with only 10 men. Apparently, the referee said he thought is was only a mis-timed tackle. However, I saw Ian's injuries afterwards and he had been well and truly “done” by what looked like a boot with blades. There was still time for our keeper to make a good save in the 87th minute and for us to miss another chance two minutes later. So, another deserved victory for our lads in a game that would have benefited from stronger refereeing. As usual, everyone played well underlining the strength and spirit of this team. If I had to pick a MOM I would have gone for Mick Pearce who was outstanding and had more than earned recognition before being substituted with 15 minutes to go following a slight knock. Out line up was as follows:-
Neil Manning, Greg Smith, Aron Freeman, Mick Pearce (Alfie Souter 74 mins), John Ralph,
James Humphreys, Scott Penfold (Lewis Gransden 60 mins), Joe Collins, Scott Bouvier, Ian Batten, Chris Shakali (Aaron Abbott 75 mins). Sub not used = Jack Mahoney.
Reserves Report – 02.02.2008
Cray Wanderers 1
First/Second Division Cup Quarter Final
By Tim Cozens
For anyone who
has not been to the
The first plus, is that there is no admission charge, the first minus is that there is no clubhouse or tearoom, and you have to go into the next door Conservative Club for a drink, something I was unable to bring myself to do. The ground of the “second oldest Association Football Club”, has certainly seen better days! No seats, although a graffiti ridden terrace provided some cover from the wind, I chose to stand behind the goal, acting as an impromptu ball boy on occasion, and trying to engage the young Cray keeper, who looked as though he is soon to reach puberty, in conversation. He did not want to play however, so I just watched the football.
The first half was a really scrappy affair, with no team doing a great deal, but both keepers making one good save, keeping it nil nil at half time. Having watched the ressies both at the Homelands, and in a recent scintillating second half display at Faversham, I was a little upset that there was not the normal highly entertaining football with the ball on the floor, but it was neither the weather nor the pitch, and given that we were playing up hill, without oxygen, ropes or Sherpa’s, I think we had the better of the play overall, certainly we looked the fitter of the two teams.
The second half started much the same as the first had finished, although our guys had to learn to contend with a ball that skipped rapidly away from them down hill, when out of nowhere, came the first goal, when Scott Penfold scored following a rebound. There was a little luck in this, but as it was a quarter final match, I don’t think anyone minded. I tried to tell the goalkeeper he was unlucky, he tried to tell one of his defenders to Eff Off, so I stopped talking and concentrated on the game again. We then played with some real aggression, and a second goal, a simple tap in from James Humphreys following the best move of the game, looked to have sorted the result.
Not so. Cray were given a penalty after our keeper brought an attacker down. The keeper was booked, and there could be no real complaint, however he quickly put it behind him with a fine save. I decided not to mention this to the prepubescent in the Cray goal. Cray then pushed forward with more enthusiasm, and were rewarded with a second penalty. I have no idea what it was for, having given up craning my neck to see into the other penalty area, but Cray scored this time, with a well taken kick. That proved to be the end of the excitement however, as the whistle went shortly after, and our guys ran out two one winners
Overall a very good afternoon. A win in the quarter final of the Division 1/Division 2 cup quarter final, against a team second in the second division (admittedly to our own third), Lee Spiller running for the ninety minutes, and constantly giving advice to the younger players, and a further demonstration of just how bright the future is for Ashford Town, with the strength in this reserve team
I think I have the names right of the scorers, there were also a couple of subs used, I’m sorry I do not know their names, and it was not the sort of ground, or afternoon for team sheets or announcements, just take it from me that the team did well, and will continue to do us proud in the Semi Final also. Well done Ashford Town Reserves.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Faversham Town Reserves = 3
Ashford Town Reserves = 5
Kent League Div II
Saturday 12th January 2008
With the postponement of the first team fixture at Homelands a few of us made the trip to Faversham for this game. I last visited Salters Lane in September 2002 during what was to prove a traumatic season for the home club. At that time the ground was in a very poor state and the writing was on the wall for the team. It was therefore an enormous pleasure to walk into a smart and renewed ground today and to receive a warm welcome from our hosts.
The Ashford lads had not had a game for some five weeks whilst Faversham had played last week being narrowly beaten 1-0 by a strong Dover side. Our lack of match practice soon became apparent and it is fair to say that we did not start to play until the half hour mark by which time we were two goals down. After some early exchanges Faversham took the lead on 11 minutes when an un-marked Dan Butler headed home a cross from Craig Preston. Five minutes later Faversham increased their lead when Dave Read converted a flicked-on header with one of his own. The hosts nearly struck again 5 minutes later but Sam Ingram made a super tackle to clear danger. At this stage I noted that we looked rusty but Faversham looked sharp. However, events were about to change. In the 27th minute Lee Spiller, added to the team to regain match fitness, was just wide with an effort from 30 yards. His moment of glory was to come. Eight minutes later we were back in the game when Joe Collins hit a super low shot from some 35 yards into the bottom corner to make the score 2-1. For the remainder of the half our lads were in control with the home keeper saving well from Scott Penfold and being relieved to see the ball go wide following a mighty goalmouth scramble.
The Ashford faithful were hoping for better things in the second period and did not have to wait very long as on 54 minutes Scott Bouvier latched on to a through ball from Lee Spiller to round the keeper and make the score 2-2. Within a minute Faversham hit back when following a scramble in the Ashford area Dan Butler slotted home his second of the afternoon to make it 3-2. Another minute and another goal, this time to Ashford, as Sam Ingram ran at the home defence, brushed aside three tackles and smacked the ball home to make it 3-3. This was the turning point of the game and Ashford now took control nearly increasing their lead when, on 65 minutes, James Humphries unleashed a great cross shot which hit the far post and was booted clear. A minute later Scott Penfold crossed to Bouvier who just failed to connect. By this time Faversham had used all three of their substitutes but were being out classed in all areas. In the 74th minute Ashford went further ahead when Joe Collins threaded the ball through to Bouvier who made no mistake. A minute later and Lee Spiller added the fifth with a delightful lob from some 20 yards. Ashford maintained control for the remainder of the game and nearly added another goal on 79 minutes when home keeper, Dan Smith, made a great save from Chris Shakali. So, another fine game yielding another fine victory. First Team manager Steve Lovell was watching the first half near me but I don't know if he stayed for the second. If he had he will have noted that Lee Spiller lasted the distance and bossed the mid field for the last half hour. Faversham were no pushovers and their number 9, Craig Preston, caused our defence problems in the first half. The referee was excellent and only had to show one yellow card to a home player for the only poor tackle of the afternoon. This was a nice venue full of very nice people. I estimated the crowd at about 80. After the game manager Ernie Batten was delighted with the result and the style of football played by his lads in the second half. The Ashford team was as follows:-
Neil Manning. Greg Smith, Joe Collins, John Ralph,Sam Ingram, Lee Spiller, James Hunphries, Scott Penfold, Scott Bouvier (Lewis Gransden 77 mins) , Ian Batten, Chris Shakali (Aaron Abbott 79 mins). Subs not used= Jack Mahoney and Alfie Souter. MOM? Don't know but, as usual, John Ralph was superb and Sam Ingram had an impressive game.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Ashford Town Reserves = 2
Hythe Town Reserves = 3
Kent League Div II
Saturday 24th November 2007.
The team comes in at half time trailing by two goals to nil. They draw level only to lose to an opportunist goal. Sound familiar? Well, maybe, but in this case there were no recriminations as, unlike their far more senior counterparts, every player gave 100% and left the field with his head held high.
This was the third time these teams have met this season, the previous games resulting in comfortable wins for Ashford. However, it was quite obvious from the start that this was a far better Hythe side than we had seen before containing, as it doubtless did, key players with first team experience. This was somewhat balanced by the fact that first team squad members Joe Hitchings and Steve Sodge were in the home side albeit playing in strange positions. The pitch was heavy having suffered both torrential rain and heavy frost in the past four days. Ashford's first chance came in the 7th minute when Hitchings picked up a weak clearance but fired over the bar. The Ashford lads were having trouble coming to terms with the pitch with too many passes being hit short. Hythe, on the other hand, seemed to love the conditions and were adapting far better. In the 15th minute home keeper Neale Manning mis kicked a clearance but the Hythe forward hit the ball back tamely into his arms. This was to be Manning's only lapse of the afternoon. Ashford responded two minutes later when Chris Shakali capped a great move with a good shot that took a somewhat lucky deflection for a corner. In the 23rd minute Hythe were unlucky not to open the scoring when a spectacular overhead shot smashed against the Ashford cross bar and was cleared. Within a few minutes Ashford responded when Scott Penfold beat four Hythe defenders but could not find a finishing shot. Then, in the 29th minute, came a key moment in the game. Steve Sodge fouled a Hythe player wide on the left and earned a yellow card. The resulting free kick was hit hard and low into the Ashford box and converted by a Hythe striker. For the period running up to half time there was little to choose between the two teams but Hythe looked the stronger and more accurate and increased their lead four minutes from the break when one of their strikers ran at the heart of the Ashford defence and evaded some half hearted tackles before laying the ball off to a colleague to smash home.
The second half was barely two minutes old when Scott Penfold crashed home a right foot drive following good work by Hitchings. Two minutes later Scott Bouvier fired over the bar. In the 54th minute Ashford won a free kick about 25 yards out. James Humphries hit a screamer but the Hythe keeper made a super save. At about this time I noted that Ashford were starting to dominate and they leveled the score on 59 minutes when Chris Shakali lobbed the Hythe keeper following a great pass from Humphries. For the next ten minutes Ashford dominated and should have taken the lead when Penfold missed from close range. This was to prove costly as on 70 minutes, in a rare attack, a Hythe striker beat the offside trap and rounded Manning to make it 3-2 to the visitors. Still Ashford carried the game to Hythe. Sodge headed over from five yards in the 78th minute but worse was to follow for the home side. Seven minutes later Humphries hit a post with a pile driver. The ball bounced out to Hitchings but his drive hit the other post. Three minutes later Hythe hit a post and saw Manning make a good save from the second shot. In the final minute yet another Ashford attack saw Humphries just wide with another firm shot. So, Ashford suffered a rare setback but manager Ernie Batten was far from upset as he said, quite rightly, that his team had given everything and had created umpteen chances playing positive football. In fact, he looked quite cheerful until he found out his beloved Sunderland had lost 7-1 at Everton!
The Ashford team was as follows:- Neale Manning, Joe Hitchings, Greg Smith, Steve Sodge, John Ralph, Scott Penfold, John Bergeret (Joe Collins 56 mins following injury to Bergeret)
Jame Humphries, Scott Bouvier, Ian Batten, Chris Shakali. Subs not used= Alfie Souter, Aaron Abbott, Jack Mahoney. MOM, don't know but I would have given it to John Ralph who was quite superb in defence and setting up attacks.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Ashford Town Reserves = 4
Sittingbourne Reserves = 1
Kent League Div I/Div II Cup
Saturday 10th November 2007.
For the second time in as many weeks Sittingbourne were the visitors. Last time it was for a league fixture but today it was for the second round of the league cup. The first game caused some controversy but todays game was played in good spirit by both teams and was very well handled by the referee and his assistants.
I did not see the first game but was told that, today, Sittingbourne fielded a much changed side. The visitors got off to a flying start on 3 minutes when, following some inept defending, one of their forwards was upended in the box for a certain penalty. This was put away with confidence and Sittingbourne started to look like a side who could cause Ashford problems. However, not for the first time, the home team took this setback in their stride and started to put together their own good moves. In the 5th and 6th minutes Ashford carved open the Brickies defence but could not apply the finishing touch Four minutes later the home side equalised when John Bergeret outstripped a defender and crossed from the right. Three Ashford players were waiting but it was Chris Shakali who applied the finishing touch. There then followed a period of play when there was little to choose between the two sides as both were serving up attractive football. The turning point came in the 21st minute when Scott Bouvier took on two defenders and muscled his way past them before sliding the ball home to make it 2-1. A minute later the home goalie, Neil Manning, who was most impressive, made a fine save from a good 25 yard free kick. Slowly but surely Ashford started to dominate and nearly scored again when James Hunphries headed over following good work by Chris Shakali. Sittingbourne's main threat came from their number 10 who had a fine game. Ashford's Alfie Souter was taking time to adjust to the pace of the game being short of match practice but was to have a much better second period. In the 35th minute Scott Bouvier beat the defence and the goalie but had his shot charged down but was rewarded for his hard work three minutes later. In a super move James Hunphries fed Chris Shakali who in turn found Bouvier who made no mistake to make it 3-1. Into the second half and after only four minutes Ashford went further ahead with Scott Penfold scoring after great work from that man Bouvier. There were no further goals but much to enjoy in the football. Throughout the game the link-up play between full backs Joe Collins and Aaron Abbott with wide players John Bergeret and Chris Shakali was of the highest order. Shakali was replaced by Greg Smith in the 64th minutes and the final two subs came on 81 minutes when Danny Keen replaced Joe Collins and Louis Wickett-Padgham came on for Ian Batten. These two subs had been “borrowed” from the Under 18 team and are of the highest quality. Keen was very impressive in dealing the the 'Bourne number 10 and L.W-P showed some nice touches following his hat trick for the Under 18s last weekend. It is quite apparent that Ashford have a wonderful well of talent in the reserve and junior teams and I am sure owner Don Crosbie will not let it go to waste. Finally a word of praise for Sittingbourne. Although they were well beaten they did not allow their heads to drop and and played positive football right up until the final whistle.
The Ashford team was as follows:-
Neil Manning, Joe Collins (Danny Keen 81 mins), Aaron Abbott, Alfie Souter, John Ralph, Scott Penfold, John Bergeret , James Humphries, Scott Bouvier, Ian Batten (Louis Wicket-Padgham 81 mins), Chris Shakali (Greg Smith 64 mins). Subs not used = Danny Eason, and Sam Ingram. MOM? Probably Bouvier but, as usual, Ralph a strong contender.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Ashford Town Reserves = 6
Thamesmead Town Reserves = 1
Kent League Div I/Div II Cup
Saturday 13th October 2007.
Our Reserve Team management and players had been looking forward to this game as the visitors were last seasons League and League Cup winners. They also won the Kent Intermediate Cup. It was obvious from comments made before the game that Thamesmead did not expect to lose this match.
Joe Hitchings retained his place in the side despite still having a heavy cold and into the eleven came Nick Barnes, a first team squad player now seeking to recover fitness following an injury.
Mr Barnes announced his arrival in the first minute by unleashing a 25 yard pile driver which sailed just wide. Almost immediately Thamesmead responded forcing a good save from Danny Eason who was to have a fine game. In the 11th minute Ian Batten shot wide from 20 yards and eight minutes later Scott Bouvier burst through the defence, went wide of the keeper but could not apply the finishing touch. With half an hour gone Ashford looked the better team and within a couple of minutes opened their account when, following a corner, John Ralph seized on a loose ball to score. Seven minutes later Joe Hitchings fired narrowly over from 25 yards but his moments of glory were to come later in the match. As half time approached some of the Thamesmead players were running out of puff and their keeper got them out of trouble by making a good save following a super Ashford attack involving James Humphries, Chris Shakali and Scott Penfold. At this stage the Thamesmead manager had walked round the pitch and was standing near the tunnel screaming abuse at his own team despite the fact that they were only losing by the odd goal. When someone complained he aimed a foul mouthed tirade at several female spectators and a female steward. He may have looked smart in his suit and tie but displayed all the charm of a dead sewer rat. The second half was to prove a variation of the old adage namely, “Like Manager – Like team”.
With the second half barely 5 minutes old Thamesmead grabbed an unlikely equaliser when Ashford failed to clear a routine corner and were punished by an un-marked attacker only a few yards out. This was a game Ashford wanted to win but after the half time nonsense and the rapidly declining behaviour of the Thamesmead team we were all hoping for a crushing win. We were not to be disappointed. On 58 minutes Scott Penfold threaded a glorious pass through to Joe Hitchings who smashed the ball home much to the delight of his attending fan club. Eight minutes later Scott Penfold rapped a shot against the post and Joe Hitchings banged in the rebound to make it 3-1. Ashford were now completely outplaying the visitors with lovely on the ground football despite being the victims to some cynical tackles which demanded stronger refereeing. Goal number four arrived on 70 minutes when Scott Bouvier fed Ian Batten. Two minutes later Danny Eason made a great save. Thamesmead were now running out of spirit and fitness as they started to chase shadows. In the 73rd minute Aitken Thomas replaced the hard working Scott Penfold and shortly afterwards Joe Collins replaced Ian Batten. Almost at once another fine move saw Joe Hitchings feed Scott Bouvier who in turn found Aitken Thomas who banged home number five. Ashford's final substitution came on 81 minutes when Sam Phillips came on for Chris Shakali. Into the last minute and Thomas scuffed a shot against the post and Bouvier banged home number six.
After the game manager Ernie Batten said it had been the most satisfying victory so far as his team had played high quality football for ninety minutes. I don't think anyone present would disagree with that statement. One final comment, we hear a lot of talk about goal of the month/season etc. but today we saw a candidate for tackle of the season when, a few minutes from half time, Micky Pearce raced twenty yards across field to rob an attacking left winger. It reminded me a another more well known Pearce in his prime. Our line up was as follows:-
Danny Eason, Nick Barnes, Greg Smith, Mick Pearce, John Ralph. James Humphries, Joe Hitchings, Scott Bouvier, Scott Penfold (Aitken Thomas 73 mins), Ian Batten (Joe Collins 76 mins), Chris Shakali (Sam Phillips 81 mins) Subs not used = Aaron Abbott and Neil Manning.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Ashford Town Reserves = 5
Greenwich Boro' Reserves = 3
Kent League Div. II
6th October 2007.
My doctor told me to avoid too much excitement at my age so perhaps I should stop watching the reserves. This was a match that had everything and a crowd of about 50 left Homelands feeling well pleased.
Now that we have a good reserve team it can be used in a proper manner so into the starting line-up came Graham Porter and Joe Hitchings. Graham did not think he would last 90 minutes as he had a calf problem and Joe was nursing a heavy cold but both stayed the course.
The reserves usually take 20 minutes to get into their stride but after a couple of attacks they opened the scoring in the fifth minute through John Bergeret following good work by Scott Penfold. For the next quarter of an hour Ashford continued to dominate without adding to the score. Then, in the 22nd minute, John Bergeret pulled up with a tight hamstring. He was replaced by Scott Bouvier. Scott's first touch was to hit a shot against the post and his second was to collect the rebound and tuck it away to make the score 2-0. Further chances came and went for Ashford with both Joe Hitchings and Scott Penfold missing the target. Both sides were playing some neat football and both Porter and Hitchings showed their experience at a higher level but seeming to have all the time in the world on the ball. Our keeper did not have to make a save until the 29th minute but the visitors hit back with a good goal on the stroke of half time.
Into the second half and although Greenwich started to look stronger it was Ashford who were creating the chances. Some were wasted but the Greenwich keeper made a great save from Bouvier in the 60th minute. Four minutes later Greenwich leveled the scores following a mix up between our keeper and his defence. Now it was game on as Greenwich suddenly looked the better side. In the 70th minute they won a penalty which their impressive number 3 dispatched with ease. Now it was 2-3. A minute later Sam Phillips was replaced by James Humphries a player that, I had been told before the game, was something special. A minute later Bouvier seized on a good pass and volleyed a quite stunning goal from about 25 yards out on the right. Now it was 3-3 and surely we could now push on for victory but disaster struck in the 80th minute. We gave away a silly ball in mid field and a Greenwich forward raced clear with just Danny Eason to beat. As he rounded our keeper Danny brought him down for a definite penalty. The referee had extra ideas and showed young Danny a red card. This seemed a bit harsh, a view clearly shared by some of the Greenwich players.
So it was goodbye Danny and hello John Ralph changing his number 5 shirt for that of the keeper. Once the dust had settled up stepped the Greenwich number 3 to surely score his second of the afternoon but John had other ideas and made a superb save. A couple of minutes later Ashford won a free kick about 10 yards outside the Greenwich box. Up stepped James Humphries and, getting the nod from the referee whilst the defenders were still sorting themselves out, curled a stunning shot into the top right hand corner. Manager Ernie Batten made a last minute substitution to buy a bit of time but it proved un-necessary as, following another good save from John Ralph, Humphries collected a good pass from Bouvier to smash home number five. So a game that was a credit to both teams ended in breathless fashion with a 5-3 victory to Ashford.
The Ashford team was as follows:-
Danny Eason, Joe Collins, Greg Smith, Graham Porter, John Ralph, Joe Hitchings, John Bergeret (Scott Bouvier 17min), Sam Phillips (James Humphries 71 mins), Scott Penfold, Ian Batten, Chris Shakali.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Saturday 22nd September 2007
Kent League Div. II
Ashford Town Reserves 7
Faversham Town Reserves 1
One of my favourite films is “Four Weddings and a Funeral”. Label this game as “Eight Goals and a Punch-up”.
The Ashford lads returned to Homelands after suffering their first defeat of the season, 1-4. away to a Dover side containing a reputed 6 first team players. It was good to note that this had not effected morale which remained sky high. Indeed, most of the players seemed to have enjoyed their game at Crabble and commented on the superb pitch (that's enough praise for Dover).
The Faversham first team were languishing at the foot of the Kent Premier League so most people expected the Ashford team to secure a comfortable victory. Not for the first time this season the two teams looked pretty equal for the first 20 minutes with Ashford creating more chances but failing to cash in on some good approach work. However, in the 21st minute John Bergeret opened the scoring following good work by Sam Phillips. Nine minutes later the Faversham number 9, who was their best player, forced a good save from Danny Eason. At once, Ashford replied with a good attack involving Ian Batten and Sam Phillips but Scott Penfold headed over the bar. I have noticed that Scott needs a few sightings before he opens his account and today was no different. On 40 minutes Faversham equalised when a shot from their number 9 clipped the head of one of our defenders leaving Eason wrong footed. A minute later the visitors nearly scored again following a long free kick from the right. Every game has a key moment and todays came in the 42nd minute. Scott Penfold gathered the ball in what looked like an offside position. Without hesitation he motored on, ran round the goalie and planted the ball in the net. There was no flag or whistle so it was now 2-1 to Ashford. Not surprisingly, the Faversham lads were upset and two minutes later it got worse for them when Joe Collins fed Chris Shakali who calmly lobbed the keeper for goal number three.
Into the second half and Ashford now looked the dominant side and having missed a couple of chances increased the score on 65 minutes when Ian Batten headed home a great cross from John Bergeret. Manager Ernie Batten again rang the changes in the 70th minute with Aitken Thomas replacing Scott Penfold and Scott Bouvier coming on for Aaron Abbott. Four minuted later Ashford scored again when John Ralph capped a superb display by ghosting into space and heading home a good cross. A minute later substitute Scott Bouvier hit the post following a great move but goal number six arrived when Sam Phillips seized on a defensive slip to bang the ball home. Then, in the 85th minute, a quite extraordinary event occurred. A mass brawl broke out in the Faversham dug-out. For a second our hearts sank until we realised that this did not involve any player or official from Ashford and was, apparently, the upshot of a fierce argument amongst the visitor's officials about the way they were playing. Our security man made his way, somewhat slowly, across the pitch pausing to light a cigarette on route. The referee, although closer, chose his moment carefully. Let's face it, there was no point in getting a thick lip from someone else's punch-up. When the dust had settled it appeared that the referee had sent off most of the visitor's bench which was now reduced to one rather bemused looking person. Faversham's misery was complete in the last minute when Scott Bouvier embarked on a solo run and scored number seven.
So yet another hugely enjoyable game in which the Ashford team played some quite delightful football. Ernie Batten was naturally well pleased with his side's performance but agreed that they need to get more out of the first 20 minutes. Finally, Jimmy Bottle's father asked me to thank Danny Eason's grandfather for acting as an assistant referee. I think this was a wind-up. Ashford's team was as follows:-
Danny Eason,Greg Smith, Aaron Abbott (Scott Bouvier), Mick Pearce, John Ralph, Joe Collins, John Bergeret, Sam Phillips, Scott Penfold (Aitken Thomas), Ian Batten, Chris Shakali. Subs not used = Matt Burt(GK) and James Humphries.
I don't know who got MOM but think John Bergeret a leading candidate.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Wednesday 12th September 2007
Kent Floodlight Trophy (East)
Ashford Town Reserves – 4 Hythe Town Reserves – 1.
Ashford Town Reserves returned to Homelands for their fourth game of the season. A decent crowd was in attendance despite the attraction of some team called Inger-land on the television. The watchers included Don Crosbie, Gary Kirton, Clive Walker and Steve Nolan.
It was immediately obvious that Hythe had brought a far different starting eleven to the one our lads had beaten a couple of weeks ago and some of their first team squad were playing.
Hythe launched the first serious attack after 5 minutes but keeper Danny Eason made a comfortable save. Five minutes later we put together a good move down the left but the Hythe full back was quick to clear. During this opening period there was little to choose between the two teams but everything changed as we approached the half hour mark. First, Ashford put together a good move only for Scott Penfold to mis-hit his shot wide. In the 31st minute, Penfold again posed problems to Hythe by beating two defenders but shooting wide.
Almost at once Hythe hit back with a vengeance. We failed to clear an attack and the loose ball seized on by a Hythe forward who scored with a firm right foot drive. If the visitors thought they now held the upper hand they were in for a nasty shock. In the 37th minute Ashford won a corner on the right. This produced what looked like a mis-kick but the Hythe keeper failed to gather and Penfold opened our account. Within sixty seconds we launched a lovely move down the right. John Bergeret passed inside to Penfold, his shot was only parried by the keeper and Chris Shakali pounced on the loose ball and drove it home. The Hythe lads looked shell shocked. The whole complexion of the game changed and Hythe never really recovered.
Into the second half and it was no longer the even-steven contest of the first quarter. Ashford were now the superior team and nearly scored again on 50 minutes when Bergeret cut inside from the right, beat 4 defenders but shot wide. Ten minutes later Aitken Thomas went wide from a deflected shot but Ashford were not to be denied and increased their lead seven minutes later. Thomas released Bergeret who appeared to have taken the ball too wide to the right but when he was tripped by a defender the referee had no option but to award a penalty.
This was calmly despatched by Ian Batten. At about 75 minutes, Manager Ernie Batten made three substitutes but this did not disturb the balance or thrust of the home side who were now starting to run Hythe ragged. With ten minutes to go Penfold smashed home goal number four following good work by Shakali and substitute Nicky Baxter. Into the last five minutes and Hythe made one last attempt to reduce the lead but Eason made a good save.
So, another great display from a team that are an absolute joy to watch. Every one of our players showed great skill and commitment. I would have hated to pick a MOM as there were 14 contenders! I must, however, give special mention to Sam Veasey who, I thought, displayed a skill and vision way beyond his youthful years.
Finally a word of praise for the referee. He was quick to spot and snuff out the bully boy tactics of certain Hythe players but managed to keep the game flowing in a sensible fashion. He even kept his cool when verbally assaulted by one of the Hythe management team as they left the field. I don't know what he was whingeing about but he did not do himself or his club any favours.
Our line up, in number order, was as follows:-
Danny Eason, Joe Collins, Aaron Abbott, Sam Veasey, John Ralph (Mick Pearce), Nicky Baxter (Scott Bouvier), John Bergeret (Craig Glazer), Aitken Thomas, Scott Penfold, Ian Batten, Chris Shakali. Subs not used = Jimmy Bottle (following his run out with the first team the previous night) and Jack Mahoney.
WITH THE RESERVES.
By John Pease.
Saturday 1st September 2007
Kent League Div. II
Ashford Reserves 7 Lordswood Reserves 0
The new reserve team started their season with a comfortable 4-1 win at Hythe, mid-week, in the Floodlit competition so today they made their debut at Homelands in a Kent League fixture. A crowd of over 80 was in attendance no doubt taking advantage of the nice weather and the fact that the first team were not playing. This gate was the sort of crowd that some Kent Premier clubs are happy to attract but I can safely say that more performances like this should see even bigger turn outs.
Manager Ernie Batten had expected a couple of first team members to play but was told, at a fairly late time, that this would not happen. This probably explains why some of the starting eleven were wearing numbers usually found on the subs. bench. I was not alone in finding myself watching a team of strangers with the notable exception of first team squad man, Manny Bains. However, I had the advantage of securing a team sheet from Liz Batten so I was able to put names to numbers.
For the opening ten minutes there did not seem much to choose between the two teams but slowly but surely Ashford took control. The first alarm bell for the visitors sounded in the 12th minute when John Bergeret fired wide following a good move. Two minutes later the visiting keeper fielded a dangerous cross and in the 18th minute Scott Penfold turned a defender inside out only to fire wide. It was just a matter of time before goals arrived and the first came in the on 21 minutes when Scott Penfold opened our account following an excellent move started by Manny Baines. Young Mister Penfold was causing the Lordswood defence all manner of problems and should have added a second within minutes. However, in the 31st minutes he burst into the area only to be up-ended for a stone certain penalty. This was calmly slotted home by Ian Batten who added another in the 43rd minute. Winning the ball in mid field he surged forward and unleashed a shot which took a wicked deflection to make it
3-0 at half time. As we drank our tea at half time we could reflect on some superb football from all parts of the Ashford team.
Ashford carried on into the second half playing quite lovely football and this culminated in the best goal of the game in the 54th minute. Jimmy Bottle battled for and won the ball on the left. His pin point cross was volleyed home in style by Aitken Thomas. At about this time Ernie Batten started to ring the changes with substitutes as the game was clearly won. In the 65th minute our keeper made his first and only serious save of the afternoon and the match settled into a pattern of Ashford dominating but Lordswood giving it their all without making much progress. However, like all good matches there was a sting in the tail. In the 79th minute substitute Scott Bouvier latched onto a poor back pass to make it 5-0. Six minutes later Scott scored again following good work by John Bergeret. In the 85th minute the visiting keeper made a stunning save from Aitken Thomas but could do nothing in the final minute when Aitken made it 7-0 following great work by Jimmy Bottle.
There was so much to admire this afternoon that it is difficult to do the team justice. Some of the first touches and passing were of the highest quality. It is easy to see that these lads have played together for several seasons and have been coached by Ernie and his men to a very high level. I know it is only early days but I think we were looking at players today who will win trophies for the club and will progress to the first team in due course.
Finally, I must agree with the comments on our web site and in the bar afterwards namely that the Lordswood lads were a credit to their club. Although outclassed they did not give up and in their goalkeeper, who stood no chance with any of the goals, and right back had players of real class. I will now attempt to give our line up but must apologise in advance for any errors. I will give the shirt numbers as I know my friend from the sofa said he was well impressed with our number 5 :-
1. Danny Eason, 2. Joe Collins, 5. John Ralph, 6. Luke Mortimer ( 4. Sam Veasey 69 mins)14. Nicky Baxter, 8. Manny Bains (3. Aaron Abbott 60 mins) 10. Ian Batten, 11. Jimmy Bottle, 15. Aitken Thomas, 17. Scott Penfold (16. Scott Bouvier) 7. John Bergeret. Sub not used = Sam Phillips.