MATCH REPORT: UNITED 3-2 SHEPPEY | 18/11/23

PITCHING IN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE
South East Division - Match 10
Homelands Stadium | 18/11/23
Attendance - 478
Referee - Peter Conn

Half-Time 2-2
Full-Time 3-2

ASHFORD UNITED 3-2 SHEPPEY UNITED
Report By Keith Master

Ashford United came from behind to beat Sheppey United by three goals to two in an entertaining game at The Homelands on Saturday.

Ashford United began the game dismally and in less than a quarter of an hour found themselves two goals behind, when basic defensive errors allowed Alexander Willis and James Bessy-Saldanha to score.

This early ‘shock’ appeared to give the hosts the wakeup call they needed, as immediately from the restart from the second goal, a change appeared.

Ashford took the game to the visitors and within three minutes had reduced the deficit, when following some excellent interplay between Vance Bola and Lanre Azeez, a centre from the right found Ian Draycott unmarked and with the goal at his mercy. He did not miss.

Ashford were level just before half time when Harvey Brand beat the ‘Ites’ keeper Aidan Prall.

HT 2-2

It was clear from the start of the second half that Sheppey manager Ernie Batten had, had strong words with his players, as they put the home defence to the test for a good half an hour.

Jacob Russell was brilliant in goal for Ashford and made excellent saves.
On the one occasion he was beaten, but Connor Dymond was on hand to clear the ball with a fine header.

The Nuts and Bolts ‘weathered the storm’ and as the half progressed came back into the ascendency getting their just reward in the second minute of stoppage time when Noah Carney netted the winner.

Star Man - Lanre Azeez
Entertainment Value - **