Report by Dan Legg
A spirited performance against the league leaders Dunstable a week prior was hoped to be replicated against the Tangerines, however, a lacklustre first half effectively put the game out of reach.

After a relatively cagey first five minutes, the game erupted into life, with Ashford looking the most lively of the two teams, it didn’t take long for them to take the lead. Jack Beadle was given far too much space by the FC defenders on the edge of the box, and slotted a low driven shot to the right of James Weatherhill between the sticks. Ashford breaking the deadlock after only 7 minutes – this could prove to be a long afternoon.

Despite this early setback two minutes later FC almost found a quickfire equaliser. Aston Goss played an intelligent over the top through ball, picking out Jeanmal Prosper who had made a storming run from holding midfield – Prosper chipped the onrushing Ashford keeper Tyler Tobin, but agonisingly it was cleared off the line before it could trickle in.

Following this, Ashford bombarded the Aylesbury goal and the score line was only kept at 1-0 due to Weatherhill playing a blinder. However, the pressure finally took its toll and in the 27th minute Jeanmal Prosper unfortunately diverted an Alex Fisher corner into his own net at the back post – a thunderous finish – shame it was at the wrong end.

The final chance of the half fell to the Moles when Mr. Consistent Jonny Montgomery picked out Kieron Schmidt who had broken away from the last man, however, he couldn’t get the ball under his spell to get a meaningful shot away.

Half Time Ashford Town 2 FC 0

The second period was somewhat of a damp squib, and Ashford set out to protect their two-goal cushion – and succeeded.
The first chance of the half again fell to an Ashford player, with Romario Jonas heading one over the FC bar with the goal at his mercy.
From then onwards, the final 30 minutes saw a lot of FC possession and territory but no creativity which would lead to a goal opportunity. A flurry of set pieces saw both Ty Deacon and Jeanmal Prosper have headers sail wide of the mark.

Hafid Bounyafe was introduced late on for his Aylesbury FC debut, playing with high tempo – and could be a reasonable prospect, however, was unable to get the Moles back into the game.

Full Time Ashford Town 2 FC 0
Another disappointing performance from the Moles, which sees them slip into the relegation zone. Things won’t get any easier, with another promotion chasing team – Marlow visiting the SRD Stadium this Tuesday night.

MOTM: James Weatherhill – kept the deficit to two goals.
Match Rating: 2/5