Usually 2 or 3 Premier League managers say each week “We are disappointed to have lost but I was pleased with our performance. “
An apt comment for Hornets who were unfortunate to be on the wrong side of the result in a ding dong energetic game. There was never more than a goal between the two sides. Hornets led at 1-0 and then 2-1 before Ashford took over at 3-2 with us levelling at 3-3 and again at 4-4. Three minutes from time they scored their fifth goal.
Ashford were significantly more youthful than Hornet’s vintage collection but we generally kept up with their pace. Some of them looked young enough to be Roland’s grandson. One, who didn’t score, bore a striker’s resemblance to Roland. Each of Hornet’s four goals were excellent with the newly returned alert Alan hammering in two and the dashing Dave putting himself in the perfect position to add a brace to his tally. Speedy Seb and Jas provided them with the ammunition.
Phil made several compelling saves but our clearances from within the D and our man marking occasionally let us down..
But it was a very determined team effort with an improving standard of passing. A draw would have been a fairer result.