On 14 April, in one of the final few games of the season, Ashford United hosted Whitfield Juniors Colts at Homelands – with the Ashford side buzzing to have an opportunity to play on home turf.
The home team started strong with some good link up play between the attackers – and Ashford edging ahead in possession stats over the first few minutes of the game. However, the organised defence of Whitfield were quick to intercept any chances on goal.
It was at six minutes in to the first half, Kuzey Bellshaw picked up a loose ball just outside of the box – and unleashed his trademark – touch, bang – to give Ashford the lead and leaving the Whitfield keeper wondering what had just happened.
1-0
The Ashford team continued to press well, with Harlow Malcolm working hard buzzing around the midfield – and seemingly everywhere at times. With the Ashford side firmly in the Whitfield half – Harlow Malcolm played a ball off to Captain Leo Jackson at the edge of the box who quickly took his chance and scored in off the crossbar.
2-0 and the hosts were pumped.
The Ashford side did not let up, with Lian Panlilio striking a clean first-time chance at the edge of the box, only to be caught quickly by the Whitfield keeper. At the other end of the pitch, William Parsonage made a fantastic save when Whitfield broke on the counter.
It was Whitfield who next hit the back of the net – bringing the score to 2-1.
Stanley Chatfield played a lovely through ball to Lian Panlilio – who was fouled making a run at goal – providing Ashford with another goal scoring opportunity. Kuzey Bellshaw unlucky not to add a second to his total, just scraping the top of the crossbar.
There was lots of positive play from the Ashford team. With Charlie Parsonage, Noah Birley and Harry Bullen coming into the game, linking up well and making an impact. Harlow Malcolm playing a nice ball to Charlie Parsonage, only to be saved by the Whitfield keeper, and Harry Bullen tipping the ball over the defensive line to Charlie Parsonage, who was just caught offside. Harry also making a nice first time shot, caught by the Whitfield no. 1.
Whitfield were fighting back, playing some good football – but Gabriel King, George Bull, Leo Jackson and Kuzey Bellshaw were solid, defending strong both at their feet and in the air – and playing the ball forward with ease. Gabriel King making one noteworthy life on the line tackle when Whitfield were through on goal. In the final few minutes of half time, a free kick won by Whitfield was headed off with confidence by George Bull, keeping Ashford in the lead going into HT.
HT
The second half very much continued like the first. Ashford were passing the ball well and playing a lot of nice football. William Parsonage had some more work to do in goal, making a lovely overhead save to tip the ball over the bar, and another save from a headed ball at close range from the Whitfield striker. This reporter has noted a number of times William’s shot-stopping prowess – which was on full display today.
But it was a looping ball that caught Ashford out, bringing things level.
2-2
Ashford continued to give themselves all of the chances they needed to bring home the win. Stanley Chatfield whipped in a textbook corner kick, which fell to Kuzey Bellshaw who calmly pinged it across goal, for Zachary Nugent to execute a gravity-defying bicycle kick – a contender for goal of the season if the Whitfield keeper would have allowed.
The fight in the Whitfield half intensified, with Zachary Nugent battling hard to get in front of goal to unleash a shot. Lian Panlilio, Stanley Chatfield and Harlow Malcolm adding into the mix pressing forward for a couple of intense minutes of pressure.
Leo Jackson linked with well with Noah Birley who make a great run and on target shot in an attempt to bring Ashford ahead – again the Whitfield number 1 just making a save. Harry Bullen on the right wing was effective in his passing game, bringing Ashford forward on a number of occasions. Charlie Parsonage on the other side made a rapid left wing run, cutting quickly inside and getting a clean shot away – unfortunately the busy number 1 not allowing his reward.
Another free kick opportunity for the Ashford side saw Leo Jackson make a clever little neat chip over the defensive line, with the Whitfield keeper quick to make the ball his.
The Ashford side rallied in the second half, dealing with the well-versed counter attacks of the Whitfield side quickly and confidently. The battle from the squad continued through the last few minutes of the game – with all of the team giving their best efforts to secure the win.
It was in the final 5 minutes of the game the referee awarded a free kick to the visitors – which nudged them ahead to give them the three points. Ashford gave it their all and did not give up until the final whistle.
Coaches Paul Bellshaw, Dan Jackson, and Charlie Chatfield cheering the side from work praised the boys for their overall performance in the match. A tough game to lose when they played so well – but the effort from the team was outstanding against a team who have had a very strong season in the league.
