Stalemate at Homelands as Ashford held to goalless draw

Second in the table Ashford United extended their unbeaten start to the Southern Counties East League to 11 matches, but will see it as more home points dropped after the goalless draw with Lordswood saw them held to just a point for the third time this campaign.

Throughout the 90 minutes neither side showed enough panache in the final third to score the vital goal and although Ashford pressed hard, they were unable to breakdown the resolute Lords defence who at times had all outfield players behind the ball.

The only flash of inspiration from the strikers on show came on 13 minutes when Stuart Zanone almost found the net with a superb chip from 20 yards, but Matt Byott did enough to prevent the ball from crossing the line. It was however the only save of note from either Byott or Joe Mant, as on target efforts could be counted on one hand.

Tom Scorer hit a speculative long range effort over the crossbar on 23 minutes and youngster Harry Priddle in his first full start who caught the eye and always wanted the ball, fired wide four minutes later, but that was about as good as it got for the home side in the first period.

Two minutes into the second-half Ashford had a good shout for handball as the ball was fired into the box but the penalty appeals were waved away by Referee Ollie Butcher.

As the game progressed, all too frequently Ashford were frustrated by being caught offside, although Andy Irvine found himself inside the six-yard box with 15 minutes remaining but was unable to turn and get any shot in.

For Lordswood, Thomas Wooldridge looked their best player on show and he was at the heart of any rare moves forward by the visitors, but with Jordan Miller and Pat Kingwell on good form, meant that Mant had little to do except keep warm in the Ashford goal.

Keiran Byrne tried some trickery as Ashford at last started to run at the defence but a timely block saw him thwarted with 10 minutes left on the clock. Lords then broke away and should have converted the chance, blasting over from 10 yards in what would have been a real smash and grab raid had they scored.

In the not so dim and distant past, Ashford supporters would have been ecstatic at an 11 match unbeaten run, but such is the expectancy that to only collect a home point is seen as disappointing as they strive for the ultimate goal of promotion to the level that Ashford Town previously played at.

With all sides seemingly stronger than last season, the road ahead will not be an easy one, as the run of league fixtures in the next few weeks sees trips to Sevenoaks, Erith & Belvedere and Beckenham as well as hosting Phoenix Sports.

Match Reporter Kevin Hall