On 12 May 2024 – in the last game of the season, Ashford United headed down the road for the away leg of back-to-back fixtures against Chartham Colts Sports Club.
On one of the hottest days of the year so far, the Ashford side started strong from the off – pressing the Chartham defence, and like last week, making their GK work hard.
And it was in minute 5 and 6 of the first half that the first 2 goals went Ashford’s way. The first coming from a diving header at the back post Charlie Parsonage – set up by a neat header flicked on by George Bull. A minute later, Lian Panlilio sent a floating corner into the box, with George Bull on meeting the corner at the front post and bullets a header into the net.
2-0
Charlie Parsonage was unlucky to not hit the back of the net again with a good attempt from distance. There was some good interlinking play between the attackers – with Noah Birley linking up well with Lian Panlilio and Zachary Nugent to trouble the Chartham keeper – who was forced a few times to make some great saves.
In the second quarter of the game, a cruising corner kick from Kuzey Bellshaw came in for Harlow Malcolm who went straight for goal, just heading the ball a touch wide. Captain Leo Jackson also now involved in the play pressing the Chartham defence with his quick footwork, and Gabriel King playing the ball with ease from a more advanced role in the midfield.
The defensive efforts of Will Luke and George Bull were again strong and decisive, with Chartham making minimal attempts on goal in the first half. Between the sticks, William Parsonage was forced to make a great diving save in the first half – and seeing out his season with another clean sheet.
HT
The Ashford side started in the second half in much the same vein, but the home side were not giving up – forcing Marco Everett to make 2 short range saves in quick succession, followed by another overhead.
In one effort to play the ball from the back, Chartham were caught out by the speed of Zachary Nugent, who picked up a ball played across the box, drilling it home.
3-0
The fourth and final goal of the match came from a signature Kuzey Bellshaw throw in with George Bull getting on the end of it to bring the game to 4-0.
Stanley Chatfield was unlucky not to convert a free kick into another for his seasons tally – bending the ball over the wall to the top corner, but the Chartham keeper making another brilliant save.
Ashford continued to make a number of efforts at goal – Mickey Sombie running the left wing and getting himself in dangerous areas – just unlucky not to hit the back of the net.
And so, in the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season and the teams last 9 a side football match, Ashford United came away with the win. Coaches Paul Bellshaw, Dan Jackson and Charlie Chatfield were delighted to finish the season on a high. The boys have had a great season – and have certainly come a long way since the days of 5 a side – with their first foray in to 11 a side coming up. Lastly, a big thank you to Chartham for hosting us for their final game as a team – they all showed heart and determination until the end.
The team are always grateful to our sponsor Complaint Surface Finishing.
COYNAB
