Right in the Middle(sex)

Ashford Town (Middlesex) F.C. are an English football club based in Ashford, Surrey. The club is affiliated to the Middlesex County Football Association. The club are currently members of the Combined Counties League Premier Division and play at Short Lane. The club formally changed their name in 1990 to Ashford Town (Middlesex) to avoid confusion with the Kent club which previously shared the same name, but are now named Ashford United.

Established in 1958 as Ashford Albion, the club initially played in the Hounslow & District League. They won two consecutive promotions to reach the Premier Division, and in 1964 adopted their current name. The club reconstituted itself in January 1965 and climbed back through the divisions of the Hounslow & District League before joining the Surrey Intermediate League (Western) in 1967. Ashford Town were immediately promoted to the top division of this competition and were Champions of the competition in 1974–75. They became founder members of the Surrey Premier League in 1983. In 1990 they joined the Combined Counties League. They finished runners-up in 1993–94, and the following year won the title. They went on to win the league in each of the next three seasons, and again in 1999–2000, after which they were promoted to Division Three of the Isthmian League. To commemorate the club's promotion to the next tier, the club opted for a new Middlesex shield logo, which forms the basis of its brand identify to this very day. Designed by Ninu Huddlestone, the new logo incorporates the three swords of Middlesex and an indigenous ash tree, which is reminiscent of town's name. The ash tree indicates a ford near a clump of ash trees.

After finishing third in their first season, they were promoted to Division Two. In 2002, they were moved to Division One South after a League re-organisation and, in 2004, switched to the Western Division of the Southern League. In 2005–06, they finished second in the division, and were promoted, being placed in the Isthmian League Premier Division. In 2006–07 they won the League Cup and, in 2008–09, the Surrey Senior Cup. At the end of the 2009–10 season, the club were relegated and placed in Division One Central of the Southern League, although they were offered a late reprieve from relegation after Merthyr Tydfil were liquidated.

The club's decision to become the first club in the National League System to decline such a reprieve was the start of a difficult period on and off the field and the season was one marked by highs and lows, with a superb run in the FA Trophy being tempered by finishing sixteenth in the League. Jamie Lawrence resigned as Manager in June 2011, despite having won the Southern Combination Cup and was replaced by club stalwart Paul Burgess. Burgess assembled an exciting young team who finished in mid-table in the League but came back from 3–0 down in the Final of the Middlesex Senior Charity Cup to draw 4–4 with Northwood and win on penalties. Two days later, the Aldershot Senior Cup was also won when Badshot Lea were defeated 3–1.

The club were relegated to the Combined Counties Premier Division at the end of the 2013–14 season, having finished bottom.

Expectations and Achievements

Expectations

         League                | FA Cup        | FA Vase  | FA Trophy     | Isthmian League Cup |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014/15   Win                   | 1st Qual Rnd  | 4th Rnd  | N/A           | N/A                 |
2015/16   Respectable Position  | 1st Qual Rnd  | N/A      | 1st Qual Rnd  | 3rd Rnd             |
2016/17   Playoffs              | 2nd Qual Rnd  | N/A      | 2nd Qual Rnd  | 4th Rnd             |
2017/18   Respectable Position  | 2nd Qual Rnd  | N/A      | 2nd Qual Rnd  | 4th Rnd             |
2018/19   Mid-Table             | 4th Qual Rnd  | N/A      | 1st Rnd       | N/A                 |
2019/20   Fight Relegation      | 4th Qual Rnd  | N/A      | 1st Rnd       | N/A                 |

Progress

                       League  | FA Cup                 | FA Vase              | FA Trophy            | Isthmian League Cup |   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014/15 Cherry Red Prem 1st (P) | Preliminary Round      | 2nd Qualifying Round | N/A                  | N/A                 |
2015/16 Ryman D1 Sth    3rd     | 3rd Qualifying Round   | N/A                  | 1st Qualifying Round | 3rd Round           |
2016/17 Ryman D1 Sth    1st (P) | 2nd Qualifying Round   | N/A                  | Preliminary Round    | 4th Round           |
2017/18 Ryman Prem Div  2nd (P) | 4th Qualifying Round   | N/A                  | 1st Qualifying Round | Winners             |
2018/19 Conference Sth  1st (P) | 1st Round              | N/A                  | 2nd Round            | N/A                 |

       Ticket Price  | Season Ticket Price   | Season Ticket Holders  | Reputation 
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014/15 £8            | £130                  | 25                     | 0.5*
2015/16 £9            | £159                  | 27                     | 0.5*
2016/17 £9            | £159                  | 28                     | 0.5*
2017/18 £11           | £179                  | 32                     | 0.5*
2018/19 £14           | £228                  | 40                     | 0.5*
2019/20 £19           | £347                  | 78                     | *

    All time Top Scorers (all competitions)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st  Emmanuel Ighorae - 108
2nd  Michael Noone    -  87
3rd  Sam Smith        -  63
4th  Sam Baffour      -  63
5th  Craig Hughes     -  61 (53 league) (124 appearances 2014-17) (transferred to Crawley Down)
6th  Ronan Coughlan   -  58
7th  Scott Harris     -  50 (50 league) (104 appearances 2006-11, 2015-16) (retired)
8th  Kane Rice        -  44
9th  Andre Thompson   -  42
10th Ellis Wilmot     -  29 (28 league) (122 appearances 2014-17) (retired) 
11th Jordan Cross     -  17 (17 league) (68 appearances 2014-16) (released)
12th Fabio Saraiva    -  16
13th Ander del Alamo  -  14 (11 league) (133 appearances 2015-19) (released)

Trophy Cabinet and Honours

Vanarama Conference South
--------------------------
Winners - 2018/19


Ryman Premier League
--------------------------
Runners Up - 2017/18


Ryman Division 1 South
--------------------------
Winners - 2016/17
Third Place - 2015/16


Cherry Red Premier Division
--------------------------
Winners - 2014/15


Isthmain League Cup
--------------------------
Winners - 2017/18

Records

       Highest Attendance |  Average Attendance | Biggest Win            | Biggest Defeat         | 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014/15 104                |  85                 | 6-1 v Chertsey (H)     | 4-1 v Horley (A)       | 
2015/16 541                |  137                | 9-4 v Horsham YMCA (H) | 4-1 v Hastings Utd (A) |
2016/17 509                |  123                | 6-1 v Epsom & Ewell (A)| 4-1 v Faversham (A)    |
2017/18 885                |  201                | 5-0 v Slough (A)       | 6-2 v Cray (A)         |
2018/19 442                |  208                | 6-2 v Chelmsford (H)   | 5-1 v Brackley (A)     |

       Top Scorer          | Most Assists     | League Appearances    | League Goals        | Fans Player of the Year
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014/15 Craig Hughes 32     | Michael Noone 15 | Russell Canderton 226 | Craig Hughes 31     | Craig Hughes
2015/16 Michael Noone 24    | Michael Noone 21 | Scott Harris 102      | Craig Hughes 47     | Michael Noone
2016/17 Emmanuel Ighorae 31 | Kane Rice 21     | Chris Robinson 132    | Craig Hughes 53     | Michael Noone
2017/18 Ronan Coughlan 34   | Michael Noone 24 | Chris Robinson 177    | Emmanuel Ighorae 65 | Michael Noone
2018/19 Emmanuel Ighorae 26 | Sam Baffour 22   | Chris Robinson 216    | Emmanuel Ighorae 88 | Sam Baffour

I took over the vacant position of Ashford Town in the Cherry Red Premier. As the club only had three players on the books I had to build a squad. More on that at the end of season one!

The board wanted the title as an absolute minimum so the pressure was on from the start. Not much else to say, other than I find first seasons quite difficult to get through, and the updates will get better from season 2 once the game is established. In the meantime pre-season was ok, giving us at least a solid foundation for our assault on the title.

(Bad time to start this thread. I'm off on holiday for a week and a half so there won't be many updates until the end of next week!).

I manage to get a reasonable looking squad together for kick-off. In essence this is a complete unknown.

August

Cherry Red Prem 1 (a) v Horley 1-4 Hughes (73) - Spratt (7), Lyne (14,60), Fearn (71)

It takes us just six minutes to concede our first goal. We stand off Horley allowing an unmarked Corlett time and space in the box to slot home. We are two down after 13, Pownall heading home a lofted free kick. Pownall makes the points safe in the 60th minute, turning and placing a fine shot beyond the keeper from all of 30yds. Simmonds heads in a 4th from a worked throw in as we start to implode. We do get one back, sub Hughes prodding home from 6 yards out.

Cherry Red Prem 2 (h) v Molesey 6-3 Hughes (23, 42, 61), Weighill (o.g. 64), Canderton (77), Wilmot (87) - Lewington (49, pen 57), Grant (85)

After the previous defeat I make four changes to the starting line up for my home debut.We start much the better side and should be ahead within 20 seconds, the Molesey keeper doing well to parry a Craig Hughes shot. He does eventually give us a deserved lead, heading home from inside the 6 yard box from an Alex Duffy cross after a corner isn’t properly cleared. Our second is a well worked intricate move, Andre Thompson’s reverse pass feeding the run of Hughes, who is left with an easy finish. Lewington pulls one back soon after the break, a lucky header finding its way past Bussey in the goal from an aimless ball forward. They get an undeserved equaliser when Perpetuini gives away a moronic penalty right at the corner of the box, Lewington dispatching his second. Hughes then restores our lead after a scramble in the box to secure a hat-trick. The Molesey keeper, Weighill, then manages to punch a cross into his own net three minutes later giving us back our two goal advantage. Defender Russel Canderton then heads in Chris Robinson’s corner for our 5th to make the points safe. A defensive mistake by Devaux allows Grant to score a third for Molesey just before Ellis Wilmot adds our sixth with a placed header to complete the scoring.

Cherry Red Prem 3 (a) v Mole Valley 1-1 Nade (21) - Preece (40)

We visit the early league leaders hoping for a better away performance. Matt Mann replaces Bussey in goal. We lose Hughes to an early injury after an impressive start. It is his sub, Raphael Nade, who nods us in front from point blank range after a long speculative free kick is turned across the face of the goal by Wilmot. It all turns very scrappy, until Jamie Preece turns in a low cross for the equaliser after a fine Mole Valley move late in the 1st half. We are arguably the better side and create a couple of good chances, but our finishing is poor and the game peters out into a scrappy draw.

FA Cup Prelim Rd (a) v Sporting Bengal 2-3 Thompson (33), Hartley (o.g. 63) - Parkin (11, 45+2), O’Donnell (31)

We start well, controlling the game, but fall behind to a well worked free kick in the 11th minute. Lightning strikes twice on the half hour mark leaving us with a huge uphill battle. Thompson quickly halves the deficit with his first goal for the club. They score a third on the stroke of half time, capitalising on a goalkeeping error. We get a second from a corner, an attempted clearance hitting the defender and rebounding in. It’s not enough to stop us crashing out though.

Cherry Red Prem 4 (h) v Windsor 3-3 Hughes (18, 21, 77) - Seedel (16), Oliver (80), Rose (85)

We lose our first after 16 minutes when a free kick hits the bar and the rebound is scored. Hughes then marks his return from injury by stealing the ball from a defender and placing a lovely finish beyond the keeper 2 minutes later. He quickly adds a second, turning the rebound home after a Mullen shot is well saved. We get a 3rd with a wonderful move that rips Windsor apart, Hughes tapping in his hat-trick. Oliver pulls one back from a corner soon after then level it after a defensive mistake.

September

Cherry Red Prem 5 (a) v Farnham 3-1 Noone (39), Thompson (72), Hughes (83) - Wilkinson (61)

A proper mid table clash as 12th plays 11th.

We are quite simply dreadful from the off, gifting possession to Farnham who make all the running. It is Michael Noone who give us the lead (his first for the club) against the run of play with a fine free kick as we somehow reach the break in the lead. We are far better in the 2nd half, but it is Farnhams turn to score against the run of play, Wilkinson slotting home from a corner. We do get a second in the 72 minute, after some fine possession play results in sub Thompson heading home a Rice cross from close range. The fight goes out of the opposition and Hughes slots home from a neat Noone pass to make it 3 with 7 minutes left. The win moves us to 6th

Cherry Red Prem 6 (a) v Spelthorne 1-1 Cook (73) - Rice (83)

Our second away game on the trot sees us visit the 7th place side who are on a 6 match unbeaten run. The first half is a scrappy even dull affair that ends level. We edge the second half, but fall behind from a corner after a swift counter attack 10 minutes later, Rice pops up at the back post, slipping past his marker to score (his first for the club) from Noone’s cross during the 2nd phase from a corner. Bussey pulls off an outstanding save soon after kick off to keep things level and salvage us a point which drops us to 8th

Cherry Red Prem 7 (h) v Frimley Green 2-1 Hughes (41), Howard (54) - Hewitt (6)

The visitors sit in 12th place, and their manager ramps up the rhetoric by suggesting I should be sacked pre-match. We fall behind after 6 minutes when the defence switches off from a throw in and allows Hewitt to head home a cross unmarked. We dominate but struggle to create, until Hughes pounces on a defensive error, nicks the ball and calmly passes it into the net. Midfielder Charlie Howard gives us the lead (his first for the club) early in the second half, a fine move resulting in Hughes being tackled in the box, the ball breaking to Howard for an easy finish. We hold on to grab a just about deserved win which moves us to 6th.

Cherry Red Prem 8 (h) v Cove 3-2 Canderton (26), Hughes (44), Nade (64) - Howard (85), Summerfield (88 pen)

A big game against the side sitting in 3rd. It’s all even until Canderton volleys home a rebound from a corner in the 27th minute. Things still could go either way, but a moment of brilliance by Hughes who picks up a long ball, drags the ball back to leave the defender for dead and dispatches an unstoppable shot into the top corner makes it 2-0. His 10th of the season. Sub Nade makes it 3, midway through the second half from a couple of yards out assisted by fellow sub Cross. My defence are posted missing on a through ball as they pull one back with 5 minutes left, spoiling the clean sheet, then a very dubious penalty is awarded to bring the game back to one goal. A bit of a flattering scoreline for Cove, but one which moves us into 4th.

October

Cherry Red Prem 9 (a) v Guildford 4-2 Hughes (31, 63), Rice (76), Cross (90+8) - Salmon (37), Bussey (o.g. 74)

We visit a Guildford side in 12th who are without a home win so far this season. It’s a really poor first half with one moment of quality. We produce a wonderful passing move that results in Noones shot hitting the bar. The rebound falls to who else, but Hughes for a tap in and an undeserved lead. A few minutes later they equalise in exactly the same way. The second half continues in much the same way as we ride our luck, but it’s Hughes again who puts us back into the lead after latching on to a super through ball from Knock. The equalise when Bussey punches an easy catch into the net. We take the lead for a third time though, a lovely move ending with Rice turning in a Noone cross at the back post two minutes later. There are a number of injuries at the end of the match, and we seal the points, Cross scoring his first for the club in the 98th minute to round off a fine 2nd half performance. A vital 3 points that pushes up one place to 3rd.

FA Vase 2nd qual rnd (h) v Deeping Rangers 1-2 Hughes (40) - Raven (32), Heath (45)

Rangers sit in 9th place in the wonderfully named ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties Premier Division and are on a mixed run of form. With fixtures coming thick and fast I rotate the squad slightly to give some others game time.

We look fairly comfortable without really causing problems. We pay for it when Raven waltzes through our defence to give Rangers the lead. It’s that man Hughes who levels it with a fine volley from a corner a few minutes later, the keeper too busy flapping about. We lose a second from a freekick on half time, my wall disintegrating, letting the ball find its way into the bottom corner. Even worse we lose Hughes to injury a few minutes into the second half. Howard is sent off with 20 minutes to go to effectively destroy our chances as we crash out the cup.

Cherry Red Prem 10 (h) v Knaphill 2-1 Rice (9), Baffour (79) - Lindsey (90)

16th place Knaphill come visiting as I try to redeem the previous loss as the league is all that is left to us. We open the scoring with a fine flowing move, Rice finishing on the second attempt after being played in by Thompson. We produce some fine football in the remainder of the half, our best so far this season, but fail to add to the score. It’s more of the same in the second half, a combination of poor finishing, last ditch defending and good goalkeeping preventing us adding to the score. We do get a second with 12 minutes left, sub Sam Baffour finding space to pick up Bunns pass after a flowing move, steering the ball calmly home for his first goal for the club. Frustratingly they get a goal back in the last minute from a corner to take the shine off what has been our best performance of the season so far. The win moves us to 2nd, level on points with 1st placed Windsor.

Cherry Red Prem 11 (a) v Epsom & Ewell 0-2 Bussey (30), Melia (88)

We visit an Epsom & Ewell side recently taken over by a sugar daddy, well they are worth at least £5 million! They sit in 16th though, so I’m looking for a win here.

Its a non descript first 30 minutes, but we still manage to shoot ourselves in the foot, slack defensive play leading to a corner which is scored in off the post. We create a barrel load of chances but our finishing is dire. Predictably we lose a goal from a direct free kick with a couple of minutes left. Not our poorest performance, but frustrating. We stay in 2nd, but Windsor win and move 3 points clear.

Cherry Red Prem 12 (h) v Hanworth Villa 4-2 Nade (26), Hughes (40, 49, 59) - Young (70), Griffiths (77)

The visitors sit in 19th making this a must win game after the previous defeat. It’s all a bit poor and that is reflected in our opening goal, Nade pouncing on a defenders slackness. The goal seems to galvanise us as we start to boss the game. Hughes taps in a second after a lovely move involving Nade and Baffour, the latters low cross providing the assist. Hughes poaches a third, thumping home a loose ball in the box and wrong footing the keeper just after half time, his 15th of the season. He’s gifted a hat trick by the keeper, who drops the ball at his feet 10 minutes later for number 4. We concede a poor goal with half the defence trying to play offside. Another game without a clean sheet. They get a second on the counter after we gift possession as our inability to keep things tight at the back becomes concerning.

November

Cherry Red Prem 13 (a) v Chertsey 5-1 Hughes (10, 22 pen, 32), Robinson (55), Mundiama (o.g. 90) - Davies (46)

Chertsey sit 7th in the table and we visit them on the back of their 7-3 away win against Bedfont Sports. We take the lead on 10 minutes, Hughes dispatching Baffour’s clever cut back. We’re awarded a fairly dubious penalty on 22 minutes that is duly dispatched by Hughes. His hat-trick comes 10 minutes later, a poor clearance from a corner finding him at the edge of the box and his shot trickling through the crowd and into the net. They pull one back right after half-time and I fear a second half implosion. We score a 4th, though, Chris Robinson with a fine free kick, his first for the club. The game seems to be petering out after we weather a storm, but right at the death, a simple pass back is missed by the Chertsy keeper and trundles into the net gifting us number 5. Not a great performance, despite the scoreline, but no late goals this time was pleasing. The result maintains 2nd.

Cherry Red Prem 14 (h) v Hartley Wintney 1-0 Cross (83)

The visitors sit firmly in mid table, occupying 12th spot. The first half is pretty much one way traffic, but we never really create any clear chances. Knock is sent off at the start of the second half, leaving my game plan in tatters. We still are the better side until an injury to Noone sees us down to 9 men with 10 minutes left. Amazingly we manage to take the lead, Duffy crossing on the overlap, finding an unmarked Cross at the back post who taps home. We ride our luck and land a precious 3 points as well as, unbelievably, our first clean sheet of the season!

Cherry Red Prem 15 (a) v Camberly 2-0 Baffour (55), Hughes (72)

A potential banana skin as I have a bit of a crisis in midfield with injuries and suspensions against the side in 14th. We are playing some lovely football, only to find the Camberly keeper in inspired form. The goal, when it comes at the start of the second half, comes from superb individual play by Green. His layoff found Baffour who’s turn and shot slotted the ball neatly past the keeper. With 30 minutes left, Camberly are reduced to 10 men, Wilde being sent off for a second booking. Hughes then gets his 20th of the season, turning in a low cross from Cross after some superb wing play. A good solid win, not to mention 2nd consecutive clean sheet, and I get the feeling that the team is finally beginning to gel as a unit. We remain 2nd to Windsor on goal difference.

Cherry Red Prem 16 (h) v Bedfont Sports 3-1 Green (42, 80), Ighorae (78) - Howard (54)

Sports are currently the whipping boys of the division, sitting bottom with 9 points from 14 games. I hate these games! We dominate but they are very stubborn defensively. The goal comes from a recycled corner, Robinsons cross turned in by a very surprised Dominic Green, his first for the club, close to the interval. Howard heads them level from a corner as Sports exert some pressure at the start of the second half. We leave our second fairly late, and it’s a direct move started from a goal kick. A long through ball found Hughes, his cut back finding Ighorae in the box who slammed the ball high into the net. His first for the club. Just 2 minutes later Green made it 3, starting and finishing a fine move that sliced Sports open through the middle. A comfortable win in the end, despite leaving it late which moves us into 1st.

December

Cherry Red Prem 17 (a) v Colliers Wood 5-0 Hughes (20, 26), Rice (48), Bunn (78), Simpson (o.g. 90)

Colliers Wood are on a poor run of form, but still sit in 10th place. We are looking for our 6th straight victory.

It’s all pretty even and scrappy for the first 20 minutes. Hughes heads us in front from a Robinson cross on the overlap, his 20th league foal of the season. The goal seems to settle us as we start to knock the ball around with confidence resulting in Hughes making it two 6 minutes later. He dinks the ball over the keeper from a fine Ighora through ball. Rice makes it three just after half time, completing a fine move that started with the goalkeeper. 8 passes later Rice was free to slot the ball home from Baffour’s pass. Sub Bunn gets his 1st goal for the club, heading in a deep Wilmot free kick to make sure the points are safe. Our late game slackness re-appears, but we do hold onto the clean sheet. We add a 5th in injury time, Hughes bursting through the defence and his corner flag bound shot being deflected in by a defender. Our best performance so far.

We consolidate first, and with Windsor losing open up a 6 point gap at the top.

Cherry Red Prem 18 (h) v Raynes Park 1-0 Baffour (31)

A big game for both sides. The visitors sit in 4th and will be looking to close the gap at the top. With only one promotion spot this could be a crucial game.

The first half as a spectacle was appalling, neither side creating anything of note until the half hour mark, where Baffour, more by luck than judgment heads in what can only be described as a sliced shot by Rice. The second half is as poor as the first with neither side really creating any chances. Poor game all round, but still a win and a clean sheet.

Cherry Red Prem 19 (a) v Westfield 1-2 Wilmot (pen 48) - Canham (52), Gascoigne (89)

Westfield languish in 18th place and are on a run of 7 games without a win.

We are on fire from the start, but despite our best efforts can’t find the opening goal. We are awarded a penalty early in the second half, Wilmot dispatching it brilliantly. They level shortly after as my defence switches off at the near post. They grab an undeserved winner at the death, a lucky deflection from a corner. Fortunately Windsor lose as well, leaving the 6 point gap at the top.

Cherry Red Prem 20 (h) v Badshot Lea 3-2 Green (28), Noone (40, 57) - Perkins (21, 29)

We look to bounce back against the side in 17th. We fall behind midway through the first half, deservedly so. Green levels it with a super turn and shot just 7 minutes later. They retake the lead immediately from the kick off. Noone then somehow manages to loop a header beyond the goalkeeper from a tight angle in the 40th minute. Noone finally gives us the lead on 57 minutes, sweeping in a speculative Wilmot cross from a throw-in. We hold on to win in a very unconvincing victory to round off the year.

January

Cherry Red Prem 21 (h) v Horley 2-0 Hughes (35), Canderton (64)

We start the new year at home against the side sitting in 15th.

The first half is horrifically bad. We take the lead when a defender inexplicably plays the ball across the face of his own goal, only to find a gleeful Hughes 4yds out and unable to miss. The goal seems to galvanise us and we should have at least two more before half time. We keep creating chances, and finally we get the second, Canderton slamming home a low corner. The remainder of the game is one way traffic, but frustratingly we fail to add to the score. A comfortable win. We extend our lead at the top to 9 points, Molesey the team now sitting in 2nd.

Cherry Red Prem 22 (a) v Molesey 1-2 Baffour (76) - Taylor (69), Judge (90+4)

Huge game for both sides as 1st meets 2nd, Molesey looking to reduce our 9 point lead. It’s a bit frantic, neither side on top, until the 26th minute where Wilmot is sent of for a second booking. We are arguably the better side for most of the game, but it is Molesey who take the lead, Taylor reacting quickest to a shot that rebounds off the bar. Baffour levels it with 15 minutes left, turning in a deep Rice cross at the back post. We undeservedly lose the game in Fergie time with the last kick of the ball, Judge heading in a cross from a corner. A crucial point lost, meaning the gap closes to 6 points.

Cherry Red Prem 23 (h) v Mole Valley 2-1 Baffour (12) Thompson (82) - Stead (65)

We dominate early doors and it is no surprise when Hughes played in Baffour for his 5th goal of the season on 12 minutes after a crisp parring move. Rice then has a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside a few minutes later. We fail to capitalise on our chances and lose the equaliser to a direct free kick. We finally get a deserved second, Thompson pouncing on a poor back header to clinch the 3 points.

Cherry Red Prem 24 (a) v Windsor 2-3 Baffour (21), Thompson (45+1) - Wellecomme (9, 27), Sugget (37)

Windsor now sit in 4th after their recent form turned patchy. We fall behind after 10 minutes, Wellecomme finishing well from close range. It’s Baffour again who gets the leveller, this time from a Duffy cross. We stand off Windsor as they play right through us for their second then concede a third from a direct free kick. Thompson pulls one back before half-time, firing high into the net after a good counter attack. The players get a rollocking at the break. We keep plugging away, but despite creating several good chances, fail to score and fall to our second defeat in 3 games.

Cherry Red Prem 25 (h) v Farnham 3-0 Hughes (64, 65, 68)

8th place Farnham are the visitors as we try to improve our recent form. A combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping sees the teams go in level at the break. Hughes finally gives us the lead midway through the second half, turning in a Perpetuini lay off in the from a well worked corner. The goal settles us and we produce a fine move a minute later, Noone cutting the ball back to the edge of the box and Hughes firing a howitzer in to the top of the net for his 25th goal of the season. It takes only another 3 minutes (4 in total) for Hughes to complete his hat-trick as Farnham go into melt down. Rice has loads of space on the left, and his low cross is put away at the second attempt by Hughes, his 25th league goal of the season. We go on to see out the game comfortably, keeping a well earned clean sheet.

February

Cherry Red Prem 26 (a) v Frimley Green 2-2 Hughes (49), Rice (69) - Clement-Peter (3), Hancock (77)

After a mixed month I am looking to kick start February with a win against the side lying in 10th. We lose an early goal, switching off from a throw-in and we go on toreally struggle with possession. We get a lucky break of the ball early in the second half leaving a 4 on 2. Noone feeds Hughes who has plenty of time and space to pick his spot for the equaliser. The rest of the game is the polar opposite of the first half, as we create wave after wave of attack. We eventually go ahead, Rice turning in a Baffour cross at the back post, his 5th goal of the season. They rally and get a fortunate equaliser, undoing all our good work. Neither side can force a winner so we have to settle for a point.

Cherry Red Prem 27 (h) v Spelthorne 0-1 Cook (67)

The side sitting rock bottom come visiting. A must win game. We are poor. A defensive error costs us a goal midway through the second half, then we immediately get a player sent off. Dreadful performance in which we never look like scoring. Only Spelthorne’s 4th win of the campaign, and our 9 point lead has been whittled down to 1.

Cherry Red Prem 28 (a) v Cove 5-1 Hughes (12, 16, 88), Wilmot (20), Issa (o.g. 62) - Grove (40)

Cove sit in 7th as we try to halt our blip in form. Hughes fires in the opener after some concerted pressure, the assist from Baffour. It’s Hughes again who gets our second, finishing off a fine sweeping move with a powerfull shot that the keeper can’t keep out. It’s three before the 20 minute mark, Hughes this time the provider his through ball thundered home by Wilmot. Cove do pull one back before half time after slack defensive play. We do manage a 4th, Thompson’s shot taking a huge deflection off the defender and wrong footing the goalkeeper. Hughes seals his hat-trick and his 30th goal of the season with a couple of minutes left, Cross providing the ball that finds him with enough time to spin and shoot high into the net. A big response from the team.

Cherry Red Prem 29 (h) v Guildford 1-0 Rice (49)

Guildford are in 6th. I hope to end a pretty dismal month by this season standards with 2 wins. It’s a scrappy affair in which both teams toil to create chances. We do take the lead in the second half when Rice lofts a delightful chip over the keeper and into the top corner. We go on to control the game, but never really do enough to threaten another goal. A more comfortable victory than it looks.

March

Cherry Red Prem 30 (a) v Knaphill 6-2 Igahorae (26, 55), Robinson (42), Thompson (45+2), Noone (56, 87) - Grazioli (6), Chambers (13)

We fall behind early on as the defence switches off at the near post. We lose a second from a corner after 12 minutes. We lose Hughes to injury but we do pull one back, sub Ighorae scoring only his second for the club with a neat finish from inside the box. We manage to pull level, fullback Robinson finding himself in nosebleed territory at the back post after a throw in and finishing superbly on the half volley. We take the lead in injury time after a quite superb passing move, Noone’s low cross hit first time by Thompson giving the keeper no chance. Ighorae gets a 4th early in the second half, his initial header hitting the bar, then rebounding back to him for a tap in. Just a couple of minutes later a deep cross to the back post finds Noone completely alone and he has time and space to pick his spot for number 5. Noone makes it six near the end, finding himself unmarked just six yards out after a well worked throw in. A quite amazing implosion from Knaphill after being 2-0 up!

Cherry Red Prem 31 (h) v Epsom & Ewell 5-1 Baffour (16, 52), Noone (35), Thompson (45+1), Ighorae (74) - Halford (68)

The visitors sit in 10th. Bafffour opens the scoring for us after a move invoking some outstanding one touch football, Hughes the man that played the crucial pass. Noone makes it 2, firing home from close range after Rice’s initial two efforts are blocked by a defender after a corner. Thompson makes it 3 in first half injury time, finishing another fine passing move. We are in complete control and it is Baffour who adds his second of the game in the 52 minute, slamming home a deep Noone cross to the back post. They do get a goal back, a speculative shot trundling into the bottom corner. Normal service is resumed when Hughes cuts the ball back for an Ighorae tap in.

Cherry Red Prem 32 (a) v Hanworth Villa 0-1 Harrison (47)

Villa have been poor this season and sit in 19th. Although we are in good form, this is a real potential banana skin. Inevitibly it’s a poor game and we fall behind to a long range strike right after the break.

Cherry Red Prem 33 (h) v Chertsey 6-1 Thompson (10, 80), Jennings (o.g. 34), Devaux (58), Ighorae (72, 90) - Cousins (49)

Huge game against the team in 3rd, especially after our previous defeat. We take the lead, Thomposon somehow managing to sneak through the Chertsey defence, pick up Hughes pass and slot home. The game degenerates into a scrap fest, and it is only a creative corner that sees us extend the lead, Rice’s long range shot deflected in by a defender. Despite me telling the players to concentrate at half time we immediately lose a goal. Defender Devaux makes it three with a neat looping header from a Noone free kick, his first goal for the club. We make it 4 with a sweeping counter attack, Ighorae running onto Nade’s cross for his 5th of the season. Thompson then pulls off a stunning, collecting the ball with his back to goal, turning and shooting high into the net in one movement. Ighorae then scores a magnificent individual effort, beating his man at the corner of the box and curling the ball past the keeper in the last minute. the win leaves us with a three point lead over second place Molesey

April

Cherry Red Prem 34 (a) v Hatley Wintney 3-2 Hughes (43, 63), Rice (90+2) - Bolton (65), Morrall (81)

The opposition set up defensively and we struggle to make inroads, although we do hit the bar a couple of times. In the end though, it is a patient build up that unlocks the defence, a dined ball through by Wilmot for Hughes who found some space on the edge of the box to fire home. It’s Hughes who makes it 2, bulliting home a header from a Rice cross. They pull one back shortly after, the ball going right through the goalkeeper. They equalise on the counter, a deep cross being turned in at the back post. We push for a winner, and the pressure finally pays off, Rice heading home a Robinson cross in injury time. A huge goal in injury time to give us the victory and maintain our three point gap.

Cherry Red Prem 35 (h) v Camberley 3-0 Noone (15, 46), Ighorae (56)

We have a perfectly good goal chopped off in the first minute, but we keep plugging away and Noone gives us the lead, tapping in the rebound after a good save from the keeper. We get our second from the kick off, Knock stealing the ball and feeding Noone, who curls a wonderful effort into the net from the right corner of the box. We get a third when Ighorae chases a lost cause, the keeper clears the ball against the defender and leaves him with a simple tap in. A comfortable win in the end that sees us extend our lead to 5 points.

Cherry Red Prem 36 (a) v Bedfont Sports 4-1 Wilmot (4), Noone (40), Ighorae (63,79) - Diallo (14)

Another one of those games that on paper is easy, as we visit the side in 21st. Our last two games against sides down there didn’t end very well!

We start well and get an early goal. A scrappy affair that ends with Ighorae feeding Wilmot in the box who scores with a low shot. We switch off as Bedfont rally, and they get their reward with an equaliser ten minutes later. We do start to take control, and Noone scores at the near post after some slick passing just before half-time. We finally get a third to settle our nerves, Ighorae losing his marker to volley home a Robinson cross. That goal seems to knock the stuffing out of Bedfont as we stroll to the end of the game. Ighorae adds another, played in by Cross for an easy finish, unmarked in the box. Molesey losing means we go 8 points clear at the top with only four games left.

May

Cherry Red Prem 37 (h) v Colliers Wood 5-1 Wilmot (32), Ighorae (47), Thompson (50, 86, 90+2) - Mitchell (13)

Colliers Wood sit in 19th. We fall behind to a header from a corner in the 13th minute. We level on the counter, Rice putting in a fine cross for Wilmot to volley home. The players get a roasting at halftime and come out fired up. We pass the ball into the back of the net, the tap in from Ighorae his 10th goal of the season. It takes us only 3 more minutes to add, Thompson tapping home a cross from a poorly cleared corner. With five minutes to go, a fine run by Noone finds Thompson in the area and he turns and shoots into the top corner, his 10th of the season.. The goal secures the points and leaves us needing just 2 points for the title. That’s not the end of it though, Thompson again scores, heading home a free kick in injury time for a hat trick.

Cherry Red Prem 38 (a) v Raynes Park 3-1 Thompson (27, 29), Wilmot (35) - Casey (50)

A visit to the side sitting in 5th. The simple fact now is a win here wins us the title and promotion. It’s a very even game with neither side giving ground. We get the breakthrough first, after some good work down the right sees a low cross turned in by Thompson. He makes it two almost immediately, a Wilmot free kick headed down into his path by Noone leaving an easy finish. Wilmot makes it three, rising unmarked to head home a Noone corner. We lose a goal right after the restart to set the nerves jangling. The rest of the half is a bit of a non event, meaning we hold onto the lead and secure the three points and the title.

Cherry Red Prem 39 (h) v Westfield 5-2 Rice (9), Robinson (29), Cross (51), Baffour (58), Noone (76) - Canham (69, 88)

I make a few changes for this match. We start well, and take the lead in the 9th minute, Rice reacting quickest to a save by the goalkeeper from Cross’s shot. A fine free kick from Robinson dips over the wall for number two. Cross makes it three, turning in Buffour’s low cross and he returns the favour a few minutes later, Baffour finishing well at the back post. They do pull one back, the striker finding acres of space to head home a cross but we go on to make it 5, Noone scrambling the ball home after Wilmot’s free kick. We lose a second near the end, switching off from a throw in. A great result in our final home game of the season.

Cherry Red Prem 40 (a) v Badshot Lea 2-1 Rice (21), Noone (pen 41) - Stanbridge (81)

The curtain goes down with an away game at the side sitting in 18th. Not our finest performance ever, but still we take the lead with Rice placing a low shot past the goalkeeper from a fine cutback. We are awarded a dubious penalty close to halftime which is put away neatly by Noone. Injury reduces us to 10 men, and they do pull one back with ten minutes left, but we see the game out comfortably to round off the season.

Final League Table

Competitions

Cherry Red Prem - 1st (Champions/Promoted)

FA Cup - Preliminary Round v Sporting Bengal Utd

Fa Vase - 2nd Qualifying Round v Deeping Rangers

General

Reputation - Obscure (0.5 *)

Training facilities - Poor

Youth facilities - Basic

Youth Level - 0

Players

Key players

(D/WB R) Chris Robinson

The only ever present for the season. Reliable at the back and good going forward weighing in with 3 goals and an impressive 9 assists. At 27 a few years left in him. Not the best stats in the world but a consistent performer with a 7.27 average for the season.

(D C) Tom Devaux

No nonsense central defender. Only really noticed him when he was absent through injury or suspension, these coincided with our worst form of the season. Only one goal and one MoM, but his average rating of 7.25 tells its own story. Again at 26 has his best years ahead. The question is can he make the step up a division?

(M RLC) - Michael Noone

Can play anywhere in midfield, but seemed to perform best out on the wings. Played in a number of positions for me and performed in them all. A good dead ball player as well he was crucial for the teams performance. Scored an impressive 11 goals, an even better 14 assists with 5 MoM and an average of 7.41. Really important player who was almost always one of the first picks.

(M/AM RC) - Sam Baffour

20 yr old youngster who started the season as a back up and worked his way into a regular starting berth on the right of midfield after some impressive performances. Only 25 games played, but still scored 9 and created 8 getting 3 MoM awards. Suffered sometimes with consistency, but an average of 7.16 was impressive. Will hope he makes the step up.

(D/M/AM L) - Kane Rice

The 25 year old can and did play anywhere on the left, and performed brilliantly in all roles. Excellent going forward his crossing was a constant menace and he weighed in with a few goals of his own. 9 goals, 8 assists and an average of 7.14 makes him a huge asset for the club

(S C) - Craig Hughes

Incredible season for the 27 year old, and his early season goals are probably the reason why we won the title. For a long while seemed the only player capable of scoring as the team struggled to gel and virtually won points for us on his own. Rubbish stats, but that didn’t stop him scoring 32 goals in 37 games, getting 10 assists, 10 MoM and an average rating of 7.52. Can he continue next season?

Player of the Year - Craig Hughes 48%

Runner Up - Michael Noone 28%

Records

Highest Attendance - 104

Average Attendance - 85

Biggest Win - 6-1 v Chertsey (H)

Biggest Defeat - 4-1 v Horley (A)

Top Scorer - Craig Hughes 32

Most Assists - Michael Noone 15

League Appearances - Russell Canderton 226

League Goals - Craig Hughes 31

Players In

Scott Harris - Currently the club record scorer, returning after a number of seasons. Brought in to add a bit more competition to the striking berths.

Ben Milnes - Brought in to bolster the midfield. A more combative midfielder he will give me some depth to the sitting midfielder role and I see him more as a back up than a starter. Has a great deal of experience at a higher level.

Jordan Laxenbury - A loan player from Stockport. Central midfielder will add some depth to the squad.

Players out

Raphael Nade - The AM RC S C Left at the start of the transfer window at the age of 34. On paper he was a decent player, but never really performed for me. Became a disruptive influence and threw his toys out the pram because he wasn’t a first team regular. Couldn’t get rid quick enough.

Russel Canderton - The DC was Captain and Assistant manager and played a major role in our title winning campaign. He retired to concentrate on his assistant manager role.

James Bunn - S C The striker retired from the game after a poor season. Had been brought in for much needed experience, but never performed for the side, scoring only one goal.

Maybe try putting some images in there to make your career thread a little more visual? Would make it easier to show the fixtures and break up each post a little more.

Nice start so far though.

Nice work. That's my local division too!

Progress

                       League  | FA Cup                 | FA Vase              | FA Trophy            | Isthmian League Cup |   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014/15 Cherry Red Prem 1st (P) | Preliminary Round      | 2nd Qualifying Round | N/A                  | N/A                 |

I'm keeping faith with pretty much the same squad that won the division last season. There is a good mix of youth and experience, but of concern is a lack of depth in the centre of defence. Zak Farr, only 22 was pretty much second choice last season, but with the untimely retirement of Canderton he really has to step up to the mark after several extremely average performances. Waiting in the wings however, is an untried youth recruit from the tail end of last season, Aaron Slater, who is rated highly by the training staff. Midfield and attack have plenty of options, meaning I should be able to cover all but the worst crisis.

Meet the Squad

A new contract is taking its time in being offered. In the meantime I am offered several interviews, Welling Utd in the conference being the highest placed side. I want to stay with Ashford at the moment and at least keep them in the division.

Misc

Ticket Price £9

Season Ticket Price £159

Board Expectations

Ryman League Division 1 - Repectable Position

FA Cup - 1st Qualifying Rnd

FA Trophy - 1st Qualifying Rnd

Isthmian League Cup - 3rd Rnd

Media Prediction 7th

Pre-season

Pre-season went well, with no defeats and only two draws giving us a good platform for the season ahead.

August

Ryman Div 1 Sth 1 (a) v Horsham YMCA 3-3 Noone (pen 14), Hughes (45+2, 59) - Brooks (27), Betteridge (49, 65)

We visit another newly promoted side, the champions of the Sussex First Division. They only lost 4 league matches last campaign so should be a tricky tie, despite their mixed pre-season.

We start the game well, dominating possession but never really carrying a clear threat at goal. We are awarded a dubious penalty for a push on Devaux from a corner and Noone steps up to convert it confidently. We could have scored at least one more, but a simple ball see our static defence switch off, leaving Brooks one on one with the keeper, an easy finish and an undeserved equaliser. We lose Rice to injury shortly after, forcing a reshuffle in midfield, Cross his replacement. It’s Hughes, (who else) who fires us in front in first half injury time. A free kick on the halfway line eventually worked into him by Wilmot, his first time shot on the turn too powerful for the goalkeeper to keep out. Horsham fly out the blocks, and it is another defensive lapse that allow them the level for the second time. The game is much more even, but it is Hughes again who scores our third, a nice finish from the edge of the area that catches the keeper flat footed after a pass by Harris. The draw level for a third time from more defensive indecision, as we make it all too easy for them. A game we should have won, but I will take an away point from the first game.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 2 (h) v Walton Casuals 2-0 Noone (74), Wilmot (79)

Our visitors are the early leaders of the division. Last season they finished in a good mid table 8th, only missing out on the playoffs by 2 points. After the defensive shambles of the previous game, Bussey replaces Mann in goal and I make four other changes, mainly down to lack of fitness.

It’s all rather frantic, neither side managing to play particularly good football. Our one good move sees Hughes put the ball in the net, only for it to be wrongly judged offside. There’s not much else of note until Lazenbury gets sent off for a second booking with 25 minutes left. It’s us that finally breaks the deadlock with 15 minutes to go, sub Wilmot picking up a Knock pass then playing in Noone at the edge of the area to calmly slots past the keeper first time. We were playing well on the counter now, and just a few minutes later the combination reversed, Noone cutting back for Wilmot to place the ball in the top corner. We hold out for a deserved clean sheet and victory.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 3 (a) v Herne Bay 3-2 Hughes (23), Noone (38, 54) - Griggs (60), Thomas (90)

There’s an ebb and flow about the game as it swings from end to end. It’s Hughes who fires us in front after a neat move, Harris prizing open the Herne Bay defence with a fine through ball. It’s still all even but we manage a second, Noone turning in a rebound from a corner. Noone makes it 3 after a well worked free kick, Knock finding him in unmarked space in the area. Griggs pulls one back, sneaking in behind the defence after a missed header. They get a second in the last minute of normal time,Thomas firing home a direct free kick. We hang on for the points which leave us in 3rd.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 4 (a) v Three Bridges 4-0 Wilmot (54, 77), Hughes (67), Ighorae (83)

We visit the side sitting in 21st.

The game is a poor spectacle and after the players get a roasting at the break thing are finally lit up by a stunning Wilmot free kick in the second half. Another free kick sees us double our lead, this time Wilmot lifting the ball to the back post for Hughes to volley home from six yards. Wilmot gets his second 10 minutes later, Rice’s shot deflected nicely into his path leaving him with an open goal. Ighorae poaches his first of the season from the bench for our 4th, turning in a fine cut back from sub Baffour after we keep the pressure on from a corner. The win puts us top and also sets a new club record of 12 games unbeaten.

FA Cup Prelim Rd (a) v St Ives 2-1 Hughes (71), Ighorae (75) - Gibbs (24)

We travel to St Ives, hoping to progress in the cup this season. While we didn’t meet any bigamists on the road I was under no illusion that, despite their very average recent performances, this would be a tricky tie.

We are poor early on and St Ives take a deserved lead, Gibbs heading in a cross that Bussey really should have dealt with. We huff and puff but struggle to break St Ives down, who remain dangerous on the break. With time and ideas running out, it’s Hughes who gets a lucky break of the ball and sends a sweet strike past the wrong footed keeper for his 5th of the season. We kick on from this and a fine counter attack sees fullback Robinson play a low cross to Ighorae who makes no mistake in giving us the lead. That goal is enough to see us through to the next round as we shut up shop for the rest of the match.

League Table

My Player of the Month

Craig Hughes - Five goals in 5 games from the striker is a great return. He's carried straight on from last season and his goals, especially the equaliser against St Ives in the last match, have been very important for us. Just pipped Ellis Wilmot who lost out due to a poor performance in the St Ives game.

Month Review

Great start to the season with 4 wins out of 5 and progression in the cup. The only concern was the defensive performance in the first match, and an overconfidence in the cup game. The players did well in the late turn around at St Ives, but it is an ongoing concern that we struggle against poorer opponents.

Hi mate, I've enjoyed reading your thread. Just a quick question that I've been meaning to ask somebody, how do you put the 'code' boxes that you have for your expectations/records in your OP? I used to know but now have no idea!

Hi mate, I've enjoyed reading your thread. Just a quick question that I've been meaning to ask somebody, how do you put the 'code' boxes that you have for your expectations/records in your OP? I used to know but now have no idea!

Thanks for the comment

For the code box you just need to use "code" "/code" but with [] round them instead of "" so

 and  [ /code] (without the space though).

It means in the box you can align things up as in the box spaces and letters are the same size, although it will look a mess when you input it, in the code it will be neat and tidy!

e.g.

non code

a b c d e f g
a b c d e f g
 a b c d e f g 
abcdefg......
A B C D E F G 

exactly the same input but in code

[code]
a b c d e f g
a b c d e f g
 a b c d e f g 
abcdefg......
A B C D E F G 

Hope that makes some kind of sense

Thanks mate! I just think It looks quite smart and a good way of keeping track of historical data for long term saves/update threads

Wasn't the man on the road to St Ives (which I think is the Cornish one, not the one in Huntingdonshire?) a septamist?

Wasn't the man on the road to St Ives (which I think is the Cornish one, not the one in Huntingdonshire?) a septamist?

I suppose he would be, but bigamy is a generic term for someone who marries while already married so I guess both could be correct. He just did it seven times! Which St Ives it was is pure conjecture

What is certain, though, is there was some amount of pussy on that road.

September

Ryman Div 1 Sth 5 (a) v Walton & Hersham 3-0 Wilmot (73), Slater (74), Baffour (87)

This is our 4th away game on the trot, against the side in 19th place and without a win in the league so far this season. I make two changes to the side that beat St Ives, Ighorae replaces Harris up front and Baffour comes in on the right of midfield with Knock dropping to the bench.

Despite dominating possession we are dreadful. Our first attempt on goal comes from a direct free kick in the 43rd minute against a superbly well organised side. It’s a corner that finally unlocks the defence, Wilmot volleying home unmarked in the 73rd minute. Lightning strikes twice, and youngster Aaron Slater manager to head his first for the club from another corner just a minute later. From there we start finding gaping holes in the Walton defence, and it is Sam Baffour who is played in to acres of space on the right by Green, for his first goal of the season and our third of the match. A hard fought victory again, and what could turn out to be a crucial three points that keeps us top.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 6 (h) v Sittingbourne 2-0 Hughes (1), Noone (pen 90+1)

Our first home game in 5 matches sees us play rock bottom Sittingbourne.

It takes us just 16 seconds for Hughes to put us in front, being played in by Noone. Sittingbourne are no mugs though, and we have Bussey to thank for keeping us ahead at half time. Our second comes from a penalty awarded in second half injury time, Baffour clumsily tripped in the box. Noone tucks it away calmly to secure the points in a game that Sittingbourne really should have drawn at least.

FA Cup 1st Qual Rnd (a) v Diss 1-1 Hughes (48) - Swain (pen 63)

Diss are playing in the level below us, but are so far unbeaten in all competitions this season. A bumper crowd an prize money of 3k are quite the incentive.

It’s a frantic first half with both sides creating and squandering chances. We take the lead early in the second, a deep Noone cross turned home by an offside looking Hughes. We go on to take control, but can’t find a second. Diss are awarded a penalty on a rare foray forward, a rather soft one conceded by Duffy. Swain scores to level the match. The game peters out to a draw, meaning a replay is on the cards and fixture congestion.

FA Cup 1st Qual Rnd replay (h) v Diss 2-0 Rice (5), Hughes (63)

We get off to a good start Wilmot’s delicate pass through to Rice splitting the Diss defence with Rice netting his first of the season. We take a grip of the game but can’t add to the score in the first half. We finally get the second goal our domination deserves, Hughes firing home from a corner. The rest of the game is comfortable but we fail to capitalise on several good chances. Still, a big crowd of 580 and 3k prize money is a much needed boost to the coffers.

New signing

Ryman Div 1 Sth 7 (h) v Whyteleafe 1-0 Ighorae (24)

An important game as we aim to keep our unbeaten start to the season going. The visitors sit in 18th.

We are in control, but struggle to break down the stubborn Whyteleafe defence. The opening goal when it comes is superb. del Alamo plays a lovely ball out for Robinson on the right and his cross is turned in at the near post by Ighorae. The opposition rally and the remainder of the game is poor fare and scrappy. We just about hold onto a scrappy win.

The previous game is also a club record - marking 18 games unbeaten.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 8 (a) v Faversham Town 0-2 Riley (7), Marsden (87)

Faversham sit in 22nd, making this another must win game for us against a struggling side as the fixtures begin to pile up.

Faversham take an early lead, the ball finding its way through a ruck of players and into the net. Faversham are always comfortable as we never really look like scoring and as I commit players forward they get a second with 4 minutes left to consign us to our first defeat of the season.

FA Cup 2nd Qual Rnd (h) v Hungerford 3-2 Thompson (18), Ighorae (67), Noone (77) - Herring (22, 90)

The visitors play a level above us in the Southern Premier making this game a tough ask, although they have lost their previous two matches.

There’s nothing between the sides early on. It’s a set piece that sees the deadlock broken, Noone’s free kick being turned in by Thompson at the second attempt for his first goal of the season. The lead doesn’t last long, despite several chances to clear the danger the ball still finds its way to Herring in the box who slots home. We finally get a deserved second when sub Ighorae tucks away a low Robinson cross after a fine passing move. With 13 minutes left Noone looks to have sealed our progression with a scorching shot from the corner of the box, this time just a long ball finding him from defence. Herring heads home a poorly defended free kick in the final minute to make us sweat. We hang on for a huge victory that leaves us two games away from the first round proper. We also gain a hugely important 4.5k prize money.

In Other News

We are really up against it in the next round, being drawn away against Conference South side Chelmsford!

We also draw a home tie against Bedford in the first round of the Isthmian League Cup

I decline the interview. There is too much to do with Ashford at the moment - while it is nice to be offered an interview I don't see me leaving any time soon.

League Table

My Player of the Month

Tom Devaux - The DC has been in fine form this month, contributing to the four consecutive clean sheets in the league. An experienced player that is guiding his young defensive partner well in the matches so far. Comfortable on the ball and (generally) good distribution has made him a standout this month.

Hmm..a team called South Park.

I hope Cartman doesn't injure all your players.

Going well.

Ironically that's my next fixture - I did check their squad just to make sure

October

I’m offered another interview, this time at struggling Conference North side Guiseley. Once again I decline.

Our pitch is also getting pelters from other managers. I tend to agree as it is in terrible condition. I’m hoping if I complain enough the board will eventually get sick of me and relay it.

Cup News

The draw for the Preliminary Round of the FA Trophy has been made and it sees us travel to Evo-Stick Northern League Div 1 side Ossett Town. They’re not going well at the moment, but it will be a tricky tie nonetheless.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 9 (h) v South Park 0-1 Burgess (pen 78)

After our previous league outing this is a hugely important game against another side languishing in the lower end of the table. Goalkeeper Bussey, who had been in good form until the last two matches is replaced by Mann. Craig Hughes is also dropped to the bench as I try a front partnership of Ighorae and Thompson.

South Park pack the midfield, looking to force a draw and we struggle to retain possession and break them down. We look to be edging the second half until Devaux is harshly sent off midway through the second half. The referee then gives a very dubious penalty to South Park which is duly dispatched by Burgess. We’re up against it and struggle to create anything else. I can safely say the referee cost us the match.

I appeal the red card for Devaux - the FA tell me to do one.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 10 (h) v Folkestone 3-2 Thompson (15), del Alamo (22), Rice (27) - Dadson (19), Draycott (50)

Two straight defeats in the league to strugglers just isn’t good enough. We welcome mid table Folkestone hoping to reverse our recent form.

Early on it is easy to tell that we are performing much better. We create a few chances before Thompson heads us in front from a Robinson cross. It only lasts a few minutes though as we switch off from a throw in to concede the leveler. It’s not long before we are back in front, new signing del Alamo getting free in the box and firing high into the net, his first for the club. Rice scores a third just 5 minutes later, Thompson with the through ball that found him unmarked and with plenty of time to pass the ball into the net. Draycott pulls one back after half time as Folkestone just pass their way through my defence. It’s end to end stuff and both side should have added to their total. In the end we hold on to take a vital 3 points which puts us back on top.

FA Cup 3rd Qual Rnd (a) v Chelmsford 2-4 Thompson (33, 42) - Eubank (6, 28), Berkane (18), Attwood (77)

We get off to the worst possible start when my fullback falls asleep, playing the opposition onside and giving them an easy goal. We lose a second from a corner Berkane lashing in from a poor headed clearance. The third comes from a free kick as we look to implode. Thompson pulls one back with a tidy finish from Baffour’s cut back then gets a second on the counter after being fed by Hughes to take us into half time with hope of an unlikely comeback. We come ever so close to levelling things up, but we are hit with a classic sucker punch, a simple ball over the top which effectively ends the game.

Isthmain League Cup 1st Rnd (h) v Bedford 2-1 Hughes (17) , Thompson (72) - Bell (70)

We start the game by creating a number of half chances and it seems fairly comfortable. Hughes puts us ahead with a neat strike that seems to settle the nerves. We fail to take our chances though and Bedford hit us on the break with 20 minutes to go. Thompson puts us back in front from the kick off, the cross provided by Rice. That goal seals a fairly comfortable win and progression to the next round.

We are drawn away to AFC Hornchurch in the second round.

FA Trophy Prelim Rnd (a) v Osset Town 4-0 del Alamo (9), Thompson (27), Noone (60), Rice (70)

Another cup game to deal with as the league fixtures pile up!

The opener comes from a long speculative ball into the box, del Alamo getting there first and volleying superbly into the net. An important early lead. Thompson makes it 2 after a real spell of concerted pressure, his turn and shot at the edge of the box flying into the net. Noone makes the tie safe in the 60th minute, picking up a pass from Thompson in the area and his shot squirming past the keeper and into the net. Rice makes it 4 from a lighting counter attack as he has all the time in the world to pick his spot.

We draw IPL side Grays at home in the next round.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 11 (h) v Greenwich 5-0 Hughes (1, 21), Wilmot (45), Thompson (46), Rice (53)

It’s back to league business as we play a Greenwich side languishing just outside the relegation zone.

It’s a great start, Rice finding Hughes who takes his time, turns and places the ball beyond the keeper for his 10th goal of the season. The goal comes after just 26 seconds to ease my concerns about breaking down a stubborn defence. It’s Hughes again who gives us breathing space, beating the offside trap and scoring from a tight angle. Greenwich have a player sent off just before half time, then almost immediately Wilmot scores a wonderful free kick to effectively put the game beyond the opposition. Hughes and Thompson have a delightful interchange just after the break, Thompson scoring a neat finishing from the one two. Rice makes it 5 with a close range header from Noone’s cross. A great win to get our league form back on track.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 12 (h) v Worthing1-3 Hughes (74) - Bugiel (23), Coleman (55, 61)

The visitors are a side firmly in mid table for this rearranged game. They have been on a poor run, but they also have one of the leading goalscorers in Trevor McCredie - 16 goals in 15 games. The first of 4 games in hand we still have to play.

It’s an end to end game in which the visitors draw first blood, a misjudged pass ending up in the net. They poach a second right after half time through poor defending and soon after cut us open for a third. Hughes gets one back with a shot out of nothing. Very poor performance.

FA Trophy 1st Qual Rnd (h) v Grays 1-2 Hughes (26) -Collins (8, 78)

We have a poor start and again lose the first goal due to slack defending. We come back into the game and level from a well worked throw in, Hughes’s cute header finding its way in at the near post. We fall behind late on as my Defenders stand around and watch as Collins nips in to prod the ball past the keeper. Two defensive errors cost us a game in which we were arguably the better side.

League Table

It has been a very inconstant month for us with some great performances followed by abject ones. There is no doubt that fixture congestion is part of the problem, but we need to improve in many areas. Two straight defeats at home is frustrating, but we have two more home games to recover in November.

Player of the Month

Kane Rice - Despite everything has been consistent down the left hand side. Has weighed in with a couple of goals and assists. A stand out in a very average month.

November

Ryman Div 1 Sth 13 (h) v Ramsgate 1-2 Milnes (84) -Oakley (81), Crabb (87)

Another tricky fixture with Ramsgate in 18th.

The opposition look like they want it more in the early stages as my players just wander round the pitch seemingly uninterested. We do gradually assert ourselves and create chances. It’s another defensive disaster at the back as my two centre backs run into each other and leave the striker one on one with the keeper with 10 minutes to go. Substitue Ben Milnes, who hasn’t featured yet this season, picks up a corner outside the box takes a touch then unleashes a howitzer that flies into the net. Not a bad debut goal! Ramsgate then re-take the lead with my defence posted missing and we slump to a third consecutive defeat. Another game we should have won bit threw away.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 14 (h) v Burgess Hill 2-1 Hughes (5), Noone (pen 90+3) - Moss (17)

Amazingly we are still holding onto a playoff place, and we meet one of our rivals who sit just above us.

We take an early lead, Thompsons brilliant through ball dispatched superbly by Hughes. It’s another in the long line of defensive disasters that allows Moss to score an equaliser. We have several chances to add to our total, but poor finishing lets us down. In truth either side could have taken the points, but for once we get the luck, Noone brought down in the box in injury time. He just about squeezes it home past the keeper who guesses right. It’s a win to break our run of defeats.

Isthmain League Cup 2nd Rnd (a) v AFC Hornchurch 1-0 Wilmot (11)

This on paper is a tricky tie, so I change to a 4-3-2-1 for a little more stability than my 4-4-2.

It’s a cagey opening and it is Wilmot who opens the scoring, latching on unmarked to a deep Robinson cross after drifting into the box from midfield. The rest of the game is a non event, but I’m happy with an away win and a clean sheet, plus entry into the 3rd round.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 15 (a) v Carshalton 3-3 Cross (32), Wilmot (38), Noone (pen 88) -Speirs (12), George (73), Kamara (80)

We visit a side just outside the relegation places. After the previous result I’m sticking with the same formation to start.

We concede early on, Speires heading in a corner far too easily. The game gets mired in midfield, but our one moment of quality sees Cross ghost in at the back post to head in Duffy’s deep cross for his first of the season. A superb sweeping counter attack sees Cross play in Wilmot who produces a neat finish to give us the lead. It’s all very even with both side havin chances. Carshalton equalise though from a well worked throw-in, George heading in from a couple of yards out. Kamara then score from an impossible angle to give them the lead. del Alamo is fouled in the box with 2 minutes left and Noone steps up to level the scores. Another 2 points go begging.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 16 (h) v Hastings Utd 1-0 Devaux (55)

Hasting sit top at the moment in a very close top half. We dominate the first half but struggle to create any clear chances. We get the breakthrough shortly after half time , Devaux heading in Noone’s corner. That turns out to be the only goal, the win much more comfortable than it looks.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 17 (a) v Guernsey 0-0

We play 9th placed Guernsey. I’m not quite sure how we get there - I’m hoping by plane rather than ferry! Despite losing their previous match they are in good form at the moment.

The first half is a tense uneventful affair with very little goalmouth action. The second half is pretty much the same resulting in a 0-0. I’m happy with a clean sheet and a point.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 18 (h) v East Thurrock 4-1 Cross (8, 69), Thompson (51), Noone (90+2) - Amoo (20)

The visitors are in 13th in this important match for us.

Early pressure pays dividends, Cross getting a lucky break of the ball from a Wilmot free kick to open the scoring. It’s all comfortable until Amoo heads in from a corner - their first attempt on goal. Thompson, on for the injured Hughes, heads us back in front early in the second half after a nicely worked move. Cross gets his second of the match, a very deep Noone cross deceiving the keeper and leaving Cross with a simple finish from a tight angle. We get a 4th in injury time from a throw in, Howard finding an unmarked Noone in the box who has time and space to place the ball well away from the keeper, his 10th of the season. Although we deserve the win, the scoreline is a little flattering. It does however, move us up to 2nd with a game in hand.

League Table

Month Review

Despite the end of October and the start of November being poor for us this actually turned out to be a good month for us. Only one defeat and progress in the league cup was a huge change from the inconsistent form that we had spiralled into. Our games in hand meant we were still in touch at the end of the month, even managing to regain 2nd spot. With only 9 points separating the top 10 clubs this season will be going to the wire.

My Player of the Month

Michael Noone - He’s been a standout this month. He’s kept his calm from the spot to salvage us a precious point against Carshalton and caused all sorts of problems for opposition defences. Also creating goals as well with 3 assists.

December

Ryman Div 1 Sth 19 (a) v Whitstable 5-2 Cross (17, 52), Thompson (33, 64), Wilmot (56) - Millard (62), Cleaver (66)

Another of our rearranged games, this time against the side in 22nd. We have struggled recently against sides in the lower reaches with the 4-4-2 so I stick with the 4-3-2-1 that has seen us pick up some form.

Whitstable are perhaps the better side early on, but a few adjustments to our system sees Noone collect a long ball and burst into the box. His shot is saved, only to land at the feet of Cross who has a tap in. Our second is from a long ball over the top from Milnes. Thompson collects and the keepers poor positioning makes it easy for him to take first time from the edge of the area. Cross gets a second, played in by Noone again to end a lovely passing move after a poorly cleared corner, his 5th of the season. We start to find gaping holes in the defence and Duffy crosses for an unmarked Wilmot to half-volley the ball home a few minutes later. Whitstable do pull one back, a fine shot in off the post from Millard after a brief spell of pressure. This doesn’t herald a come back as Robinson then has all the time in the world to produce a brilliant cross that Thompson gleefully volleys in off the bar, his 10th of the season. The goals are flying in and Whitstable get a second, a lifted ball over the defence that is prodded home by Cleaver. The win puts us top.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 20 (a) v Chipstead 1-2 Slater (7) - Davis (62), Dodd (74)

Chipstead are in 19th, another potential banana skin.

Slater gives us the lead early on. He picks up an overhit Wilmot free kick and from an incredibly tight angle the ball somehow squirms its way between the goalkeeper and the post. We squander a number of chances, and eventually CHipstead level from a corner midway through the 2nd half. They get another from a corner to turn the game around. W e throw players forward but never look like scoring, Chipstead deserving the result on their 2nd half performance. Poor. We drop to 2nd.

Isthmain League Cup 3rd Rnd (a) v AFC Sudbury 0-3 Robinson (58, 60), Nunn (pen 64)

Sudbury are in good form in our sister division sitting in a respectable 8th place.

The first half is a truly awful spectacle and the players get a roasting at half time. We lose two goals from a corners at the start of the 2nd half to effectively end our chances then Wimot concedes a penalty which is duly converted. We get our first shot on target in injury time, summing up an utterly abject performance. The silver lining is there are no more cup matches meaning no more rearranged games.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 21 (h) v Horsham 2-3 Cross (50), Ighorae (68) - Wiltshire (11), Scott (70, 84)

Horsham sit in 14th. After the previous two debacles I revert back to my 4-4-2 in the hope we can find a performance.

Once again we lose a goal from a corner, Wiltshire completely unmarked with time and space to head home. I leave them to stew at half time and it seems to have the desired effect. We are the beneficiaries of some generous goalkeeping when Ighorae finds Cross in the box and his sclaffed shot trundles into the net. Ighorae then poaches our second (his 5th of the season), del Alamo the provider after putting the ball back in the danger area after a very poor clearance. They hit back immediately, just passing their way through our static defence. We lose a 3rd after a poor pass in midfield gives possession away and my defence don’t deal with the resulting cross. Our 3rd defeat on the trot and our defensive failings are concerning.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 22 (a) v Godalming 3-2 Thompson (31), Noone (pen 58), Ighorae (85) - Wintrip (3), Tamm (43)

We visit the team in 16th looking for our first win in 4 as I make sweeping changes to the starting line up.

Once again we lose a goal from a corner, this time within 3 minutes. Our defending is nothing short shambolic, but we somehow conjure up an equaliser, Thompson scoring from close range. The shambles continues, though, and with my defence resembling headless chickens Tamm is unmarked inside the 6 yard box to tap in a second. Rice is fouled in the box and Noone calmly slots the resulting penalty in the bottom corner to level, then with 5 minutes left we somehow manage to take the lead, Ighorea latching onto a Rice pass to lash home from 10 yards . We hang on, just, to get a vital 3pts and end the losing streak.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 23 (h) v Horsham YMCA 9-4 Noone (3, 45, pen 55), Thompson (17), Wilmot (47), Cross (57), Ighorae (69) - Howe (10,13, 78)

We met the opposition on opening day, the game finishing 3-3. They sit in 21st, so I am looking for a better result today.

Noone gives us the perfect start, scoring a direct free kick in the 3rd minute,his 10th league goal of the season. Horsham level with their first attack as we demonstrate our defensive fragility again from a throw in. They take the lead a few minutes later my defence parting like the red sea. A well worked throw in for us see Thompson level, all the goals coming within the first 20 mins. On the stroke of half time Noone scores from an even better free kick to give us the lead once again. We score from kick off, Cross stealing the ball from a defender, the ball eventually ending up with Wilmot who takes a touch before dispatching the ball into the net. We are then awarded a penalty for a push on del Alamo with Noone stepping up to complete his hat trick. We are on fire now, and just 2 minutes later Noone puts in a low cross which is volleyed home by Cross, then he gets his 2nd 3 minutes later after a fine passing move his high shot finding its way in at the near post. Sub Ighorae makes it 8 from a Robinson cross as I take consolation in the fact that there is a side out there with bigger defensive issues than me. Horsham do get a 3rd, curtesy of some more generous defending. They are even allowed a 4th, once again my defence standing around with their fingers up their arses. In injury time Noone sees his cross fly into the net, aided by the goalkeeper to round off a completely insane match. I’m delighted with the result, but roast my defence for conceding 4 goals.

A few records broken

A club record high scoring game

Noone outdoes Hughes!

Ryman Div 1 Sth 24 (a) v Hythe 5-2 Wilmot (27), Cross (34), Harris (o.g. 55), Noone (77), Thompson (81) - Huckett (46), Brock (84)

Once again our opposition sit in 21st place as we near the festive season. A game that is a little less fraught would be nice!

After some heavy focus on defending in training we seem to be a little more organised at the back. Wilmot gives us the lead midway through the 1st half with a fine free kick, his 10th of the season. Cross gets a lucky break for number 2, the goalkeeper dropping the ball at his feet for a tap in. We give the ball away at the start of the 2nd half and pay the price, allowing Hythe back in the game. Hythe goalkeeper Harris then punches a Duffy cross into his own net to restore our two goal advantage. Noone seals the points with a themping free kick with 15 minutes left. Thompson makes it 5, seizing on a defensive error a couple of yards out for a tap in. Brock pulls one back late on as our defensive frailties manifest themselves again but overall this was a far more accomplished performance.

Other News

We sell 31 year old goalkeeper Bussey to Long Buckby. He had played reasonably well this season, but really took exception to being dropped during spells of poor form. I have two decent backups who should compete well for the jersey.

Our Boxing Day fixture is postponed, leaving us without a game until the 2nd of January.

League Table

Month Review

Another month of complete contrasts which started so well at Whitstable. Our defence has been nothing short of catastrophic and I am severely short of options at the back. Fortunately we have not been lacking in the goals department, even though we did lose three games on the bounce. An exit of the final cup competition was disappointing, but allows us to concentrate on the league without fear of rearranged games. Most surprisingly is our position at the top of the table, finishing the year in 1st place, despite our erratic form. The table is very tight, though, and any small changes in form could have a drastic effect.

My Player of the Month

Michael Noone - Once again he has been outstanding this month, even when the team hasn’t performed. 4 assists and 6 goals from midfield has been an exceptional return. He has also propelled himself to the top of the club scoring charts for the season.

January

Ryman Div 1 Sth 25 (a) v Walton Casuals 3-3 Baffour (25), Cross (35, 52) - West (22), Sinfield (32), Worby (72)

1st against second in the first match of 2016. Huge game.

We lose a goal from a corner after a decent enough start, conceded by a poor pass back. Their lead doesn’t last long. A well worked move sees Cross play in Baffour who has an easy finish. Our defensive problems manifest themselves again as Walton pass their way through the defence like a hot knife through butter, Sinfield finishing the move for them. Again we hit back immediately. A long ball picked is up by Cross and he plays a fine one two with Thompson, producing a classy finish for his 10th of the season. Cross then gives us the lead, a simple long ball over the top to Thompson, who cuts inside and passes to an open Cross for an easy finish. They level, again from a corner which we make far too easy for them. The game finishes level which keeps us top, but I can only look at this as 2 points dropped.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 26 (h) v Herne Bay 2-2 Cross (1), Farr (32) - Heffernan (66), Thomas (79)

Another big game, this time against the side in 4th place. After an injury to Devaux I hand a debut to youngster Robbie Saunders in defence.

We have the perfect start, Cross keeping his fine form going after only 47 seconds, turning in a neat pass by del Alamo. Saunders, who had been looking composed in defence, is forced off after a cynical challenge injures him and I have to bring on my bombscare of a defender Zak Farr. It’s Farr who adds to our lead, more by luck than judgement, a clearance from a corner hitting him and rebounding into the net for his first ever goal for the club. They pull a goal back midway through the 2nd half with a long range effort then they get lucky with 10 minutes left when a tackle lands at the feet of Thomas. The game finishes a draw and once again it is 2 points dropped.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 27 (h) v Sittingbourne 2-3 Thompson (43), del Alamo (47) - Everitt (31), Burt (74, 85)

It’s an even game until we concede from a direct free kick. We level on the counter, Thompson turning home baffours accurate cut back. We take the lead early in the 2nd half, del Alamo’s strike from long range taking a deflection and wrong footing the keeper. Again we concede late after poor defensive work lets Burt in to score. They get a 3rd from a poor goal kick as once again we throw away a game from a winning position. Our defensive woes continue.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 28 (h) v Walton & Hersham 3-0 Baffour (44), Noone (82), Hughes (88)

The visitors sit in 3rd in this huge game for both sides.

We ride our luck during the first half, but get a just reward at the end of the half when Baffour peels off at the back post to collect Thompson’s flick on and dispatch it neatly in the opposite corner. We squander quite a few chances in the 2nd half, but we dominate and look comfortable. Noone finally gives us breathing space, volleying home Thompson’s cross. Hughes puts the icing on the cake, heading home Wilmot’s free kick, his 15th of the season and his first since returning from a lengthy injury. The win draws us level on points with Walton Casuals and puts us top with a game in hand. It is also our first clean sheet in 12 games.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 29 (h) v Three Bridges 2-0 Noone (pen 16), Thompson (85)

Although Three Bridges sit in 13th, a win here could actually lift them into a playoff place, showing just how tight the league actually is.

We lose influential midfielder del Alamo early on to injury. We do dominate early on and a rash challenge on Baffour in the box results in a penalty which is dispatched by Noone. We create a number of very good chances, but fail to make them count. Devaux is injured and has to be replaced. Thompson looks to have sealed it for us with 5 minutes left, Threee Bridges pushing forward get caught out with a ball over the top. Cross finds Thompson unmarked at the back post and he heads home to secure the points, his 15th goal of the season. A well deserved win and another clean sheet.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 30 (a) v Folkestone 2-1 Wilmot (32), Noone (83) - Taylor (12)

Folkestone are all over us from the start as we let them play through us. It’s no surprise they take a 12th minute lead. The game then turns into an attritional battle, but we do level on a rare foray forward, Wilmot blasting the ball home from the edge of the area from a well worked throw in. We create a number of clear chances, but it falls to Noone, again, to score a late goal from another throw in, the ball finding him at the back post unmarked. In the end we deserve the win.

Duffy Injury

League Table

Month Review

Only one defeat this month is a huge improvement and ending the month with 3 wins was a big bonus. We seemed to have turned a corner defensively, conceding only once in 3, which I hope we can carry on into February. The midfield are my go to players at the moment, scoring and creating goals. We lose full back Duffy for around a month though adding to our injury problems down the left.

My Player of the Month

Michael Noone - Once again, Noone has been the stand out player for us, he has been popping up when we need him. Two assists and three goals doesn’t really tell the whole story as he has been involved in just about everything good going forward. He’s up to 17 goals for the season. Not bad for a midfielder

February

Ryman Div 1 Sth 31 (a) v Worthing 5-1 Thompson (46), Noone (pen 49), Wilmot (56), Hughes (75), del Alamo (86) - Devaux (o.g. 37)

We are reaching the business end of the season and we visit the side in 7th who are pushing for a playoff place. The first half is a bit of a non event with chances few and far between. Worthing do take the lead though, Devaux heading a cross into his own net under pressure. We level right on the restart, a long free kick finding its way out to Noone on the left who squares for a Thompson tap in. The goal seems to galvanise us as we exert a lot of pressure on the Worthing defence resulting in Baffour being hauled down at the edge of the box. Noone steps up to blast in his 8th penalty and 20th goal of the season. Wilmot gets a third after a throw-in, a fine finish from just inside the area. Sub Hughes finishes the game off, breaking the offside trap by a country mile leaving himself with time and space to pick his spot. A well worked move then find del Alamo unmarked at the edge of the box from Wilmot’s cut back and he fires through a ruck of players for number five.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 32 (a) v Whyteleafe 2-2 King (o.g. 23), Hughes (85) - Sandy (60, 68)

We visit a mid table side that are only 5 points off the playff places. We have opened up a 5 point gap at the top and I am looking to consolidate this here. We control the early stages of the game with Whyteleafe looking dangerous on the break. Our opening goal comes from a series of defensive disasters in the opposition defence. A slide tackle on the halfway line breaks to Cross just outside the area. He feeds Baffour on the right and his cross, which should have been dealt with easily hits a defender and flies into the net. The fresh air clearance of his colleague just behind him was something to behold! Cross has a good goal chopped off for offside then hits the post. They slowly come back ingot the game and get a deserved equaliser, although it was a soft goal for us to lose in the 60th minute. They get a second a few minutes later as we fail to clear a corner properly. They gift us another goal with 5 minutes left, sub Hughes capitalising on a loose back pass. I push for the win, but we just can’t get the ball over the line. In the end a draw was probably a fair result.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 33 (h) v Faversham 3-0 Wilmot (2), Baffour (20, 28)

Our previous match against Faversham, who are battling relegation, ended in defeat and coincided with a mixed run of form. Wilmot opens the scoring in the 2nd minute, heading in Noone’s free kick. At first glance he looked offside, and the replays show that he was. A poor decision by the linesman. Baffour then scores with a delicate lob which deceives the keeper and ends up in the top corner. It’s debatable whether it was intentional or not! Baffour adds a 3rd, latching on to Thompson’s neat little through ball after an intricate passing move. His 5th of the season. The second half is a non event, but the result is good and we keep a clean sheet.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 34 (a) v Whitstable 1-1 del Alamo (22) - Cleaver (59)

We struggle to retain the ball and the visitors are perhaps the better side early on. We take the lead against the run of play. Some neat passing play ends up with Wilmot finding del Alamo in the box. He produces a wonderful finish, our first shot at goal in the game and his 5th of the season. The goal settles us and we look much more dangerous for the rest of the half. We pay the price for squandering a number of chances as Whitstable fashion a well worked equaliser.

League Table

Monthly Review

Two wins and two draws during the month sees us extend our unbeaten run to 7 games. Generally the team has been performing well as we have been playing some impressive stuff, but in the two draws our finishing let us down. A good month, though, which sees us maintain top spot in the league. Defensively we have been steadily improving, the introduction of another youth product, Robbie Saunders, seeming to help.

My Player of the Month

Ellis Wilmot - The veteran midfielder and club captain is having a wonder season, but he has been incredible during the last four games. A creative force, he very rarely gives the ball away and is generally involved in our goals, either initiating a move, acting as a pivot, assisting or scoring himself. Two goals and three assists this month with an average of 7.68 tells its own story.

March

Ryman Div 1 Sth 35 (a) v South Park 2-2 Hughes (23), Wilmot (35) - Sullivan (13), Smart (18)

We stand off South Park too much early on and a simple ball undoes us allowing Sullivan to open the scoring. Noone has a goal wrongly chopped off for offside, then they go up the pitch and grab a second. Hughes pulls one back, getting a bit of luck in the form of a one-two off a defender. His 50th goal for the club. Thompson then misses an open goal from 3 yards out, his header hitting the bar. Wilmot levels it with a fine finish from inside the box after a deflected shot falls at his feet. We are under the cosh for much of the rest of the game and in the end I am happy to come away with an undeserved point.

Youth Coaching

After an awful lot of pestering the board, this happens…

Youth Candidates

It’s a fairly average intake, but there are one or two players in there who look like the could turn into decent players at this level. I may give some game time to a few here and there as we get towards the seasons close.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 36 (a) v Ramsgate 4-2 Hughes (19, 71), Baffour (54), Wilmot (90+1) - Crabb (15), Laslett (37)

Ramsgate are in 9th place and still chasing a playoff place, while our lead at the top has been whittled down to 1 point.

We are the better side early on but still fall behind to a neat Ramsgate move. We continue to work hard and its Hughes who poaches a goal a few minutes later with a neat turn and shot. Despite our constant pressure we switch off again and allow a free shot at goal, falling behind for a second time. Baffour gets the equaliser early in the 2nd half, his speculative shot deceiving the keeper. We are under pressure for much of the half, but Hughes heads in from point blank range after a wonderful Cross cross. His 20th of the season. Wilmot seals an undeserved but welcome win in injury time with a fine free kick, his 15th of the season. A big 3 points.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 37 (h) v Carshalton 5-1 Slater (54), Cross (58, 88), Rice (87, 90) - Moth (88)

While todays opposition are in a relegation fight it’s worth noting they have only lost 8 games this season. Amzingly, they have amassed 20 draws so far!

We struggle to break down their stubborn defence. The goal when it comes is opportunist, defender Slater lashing home a loose ball after a free kick. The goal settles us and we start knocking the ball about well. Cross gets number 2, picking up a dined Baffour pass which left him with an easy finish. Rice, on his return from injury, volleys in a third from Baffours cross late on to make the points safe. His 5th of the season. Thompson then lays it on a plate for Cross who has a simple tap in before the opposition pull one back from the restart. There’s still time for one more, Rice beating his man the firing low past the keeper.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 38 (h) v Guernsey 1-0 Baffour (35)

It’s all one way traffic during the first half, but it does take a while to break down the well drilled Guernsey defence, the opening goal coming from a corner, Baffour turning in at the near post. That turns out to be the only goal of the game, a comfortable victory in which the opposition never really threatened us.

League Table

Month Review

Three wins out of four has made March into a very successful month for us, extending our unbeaten run to 11 games. Our performances have been good, without being spectacular (apart from the last 10 minutes of the Carshalton match), although grinding out results is the mark of a good side. The title race seems to be a two way competition now, as we have opened up a 10 point gap to 3rd. With only 8 matches to go this could easily swing between ourselves and Walton Casuals who sit 3 points back.

My Player of the Month

Sam Baffour - Has really come onto a game recently, particularly this month. Two goals and two assists from right midfield and an average of 7.68. He seems to be an end of season player as last season also his best form came towards the latter stages of the competition. Again he has gone from being a bench player to first team regular with some outstanding performances.

April

Ryman Div 1 Sth 39 (a) v Greenwich 0-1 Edmond (59)

We visit the side currently second from bottom in the division. We won the last meeting 5-0 at home, and with this game being played on the Sunday and Walton winning on Saturday it is vitally important we get the win.

The 1st half is quite simply dire from both sides with virtually no scoring chances created. We are in control of the 2nd half, until on a rare foray forward Edmond poaches a goal. Wilmot is then sent off for a 2nd yellow to destroy my game plan. Predictably that’s the way it stays as we slump to defeat. The loss leaves both us and Walton level on 77 points at the top.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 40 (a) v Burgess Hill 2-3 Noone (12), Saunders (82) - Slater (o.g. 3), Moss (43), Buckley (45+1)

1st against 3rd in a huge tie for us. We can at least secure a playoff place here, with the right result. You just know it’s going to be one of those matches when your central defender heads an own goal under no pressure within 4 minutes of the start. Noone does however pull us level with a fantastic free kick 10 minutes later. They retake the lead from a corner on the stroke of half time, deservedly so then get a carbon copy moments later. Saunders heads us back in the match from a corner in the last 10 minutes, his 1st for the club buts it’s not enough for us to avoid defeat. Luck is with us as Walton lose as well, meaning we retain top spot.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 41 (h) v Hythe 2-2 Noone (19), Hughes (43) - Blackman (57), Kilman (73)

The visitors sit second bottom in a game that we cannot afford to drop points.

We are on top from the start, although we look nervous and squander a number of good chances. It’s Noone again who gives us the lead with another piledriver free kick. We finally get a second just a few minutes before half time. Hughes, who had missed several easier chances, picking up a Thompson pass and sticking a sweet strike in the bottom corner from outside the area. They pull one back with a long strike by Blackman shortly after the break totally against the run of play. Lightning strikes twice as they score another on the counter. The game, which we should have scored at least 6 goals ends as a draw. We drop to 2nd as a result.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 42 (h) v Godalming 3-2 Thompson (1), Rice (48), Noone (70) - Mackay (28), Dunn (54)

It’s a lightning start. Duffy plays a long ball for Rice, who crosses and the ball is turned in by Thompson. In total 13 seconds. We are totally on top, so it only follows that the opposition equalise with their first shot at goal. The game gets to half time level. I let the players stew at the break and they come out and grab a goal, Rice brilliantly dispatching del Alamo’s slick pass. We lose a second down to sheer slackness, their second shot at goal in the match. Noone puts us in front for a 3rd time after some fantastic work down the left by Rice. We hold on to take the win and keep in touch with Walton at the top.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 42 (a) v Hastings Utd 1-4 Thompson (81) - Newman (pen 8), O’Brian (16), Reece (16, 88)

Joke of a performance. We may have to meet this side in the playoffs. We were a shambles. The only ray of hope being Thompson’s late consolation. I can almost hear the crashing of the bottle.

League Table

Month Review

Dreadful month which ultimately sees our place at the top of the table go to Walton Casuals. Only 4 points out of a possible 15 tells its own story, and with only 3 games left it looks like we have blown the title and automatic promotion. With our current form, the playoffs could be an unmitigated disaster.

My Player of the Month

Michael Noone - The only player to get pass marks this month. Three goals and 1assist my Vice-Captain seems to be the only one motivated to keep going for the Championship

May

Ryman Div 1 Sth 44 (h) v Chipstead 0-1 Puckett (45)

Our last home game of the season. It’s a game that sums up our last month. We have 62% of the possession with13 shots at goal but only 2 on target. They score with their 1st attempt at goal and shut up shop. They only manage 2 shots all game. The loss effectively ends our title ambitions and we drop to 3rd, 5 points behind the leaders and 1 behindd Burgess Hill who move up to second.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 45 (a) v Horsham 1-0 del Alamo (76)

We visit the side in18th hoping to at least get a win to have some chance of the title.

We are in total control of the first half, but our finishing is dire, 1 shot on target out of 11. We finally get the goal with 15 minutes left, del Alamo turning in on the second attempt after a corner. It’s a comfortable, but precious win for us. Amazingly, with Walton Casuals losing we still have a punt at the title. We have to win our last match while Burgess Hill and Walton have to lose or draw. A win for either side will see us miss out.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 45 (a) v East Thurrock 1-4 Noone (27), Thompson (48), Robinson (64) - Keen (39)

Our final league game sees us travel round the M25 to Thurrock. Although it’s a must win game, we are relying on other results going our way.

In a game with few chances it is Noone who puts us in the lead with a fine free kick after 26 minutes. Thurrock level against the run of play 5 minutes before halftime. Thompson then fires an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area to give us the lead again after a fantastic spell of possession football. Robinson then flukes a third, his cross hitting the inside of the post after a misjudgement by the keeper, his 1st of the season.

Whilst we get the result we need unfortunately both Walton Casuals and Burgess Hill win leaving us in 3rd. The title was only decided in the last seconds of the season, a goal in the 89th minute for Walton giving them a 3-2 win and the title.

It’s playoff time.

As I’m still on an amateur contract I’m getting a shed load of job offers. Despite promising me contract talks, nothing has been forthcoming from the board. Yet.

Final Table

Playoff Draw

Good luck against Hastings!

Good luck against Hastings!

It didn't quite go to plan!

Playoffs

Our Playoff Semi-final against Hastings is to be played at Crawley’s 6000 capacity Checkatrade.com stadium.

Line ups

Wilmot almost puts us ahead on 5 minutes, his header from Duffy’s cross brilliantly touched over the bar by the goalkeeper. Hastings have a lot of possession but struggle to break us down as we try to hit on the break. Rice has an attempt from the half way line after 12 minutes which is well wide, trying to lob the ball into the net after the keeper’s poor free kick out at the touchline. The game gets bogged down in midfield for a while and the next chances is fashioned by Rice on the 30 minute mark. He passes to an unmarked Noone at the top the penalty area and his attempt is just an inch or so past the post. The rest of the half is a non event and ends 0-0. Hastings take the lead in the 52 minute, a slick passing move finding Reece free in the box for an easy finish. Their 1st attempt at goal in the match that we were comfortably controlling. Duffy is then short with a back header giving Reece another opportunity. He blasts straight at the keeper and fortunately blazes the 2nd attempt over the bar. We do start to dominate the game, Milnes the next player to head an attempt straight at the keeper from a Baffour cross. We get a deserved equaliser in the 74th minute, Baffours deep cross to the back post volleyed by Rice, Pelling in goal with a brilliant stop, only for Rice to knock home the rebound. They score from the kick off, Reece left with time and space to turn and shoot from they edge of the box. We don’t create anything for the remainder of the game. Once again we are the better side but lose to two defensive lapses.

Season Review

Competitions

General

Players

Key players

(D/WB R) Chris Robinson 6.96

His second season as an ever present, clocking up an amazing 57 appearances in all competitions. A rock in defence and decent going forward he has been integral to the team getting 5 assists along with his single goal.

(D C) Robbie Saunders 6.92

It’s been hard to pick a central defender as we have been a little wanting at the back. The ray of hope is Saunders , one of last season youth intake. Still only 16 he has made some impressive performances, although he has been culpable at times in our defensive frailty. Hopefully will only get better along with my other young defender Slater. Promising signs though for next season.

(M RLC) - Michael Noone 7.34

Another top season from the midfielder and vice captain. Only missed one game all season scoring 24 goals (8 penalties) and creating 21 goals. A first pick for the side whether it be in the centre or on the left, although he performs much better on the wing. A huge part of our ultimately unsuccessful push for the title he will be key again next season.

(M RC) - Ellis Wilmot 7.25

The 36 year old captain is in the twilight of his career, but that hasn’t stopped him putting in some outstanding performances for us. 15 goals and 15 assists has been a superb return from him, but not only that he has been the fulcrum around which the team has played. Economical with possession he very rarely gives the ball away. Great physical stats for his age and for the level we are playing at. He’s recently joined my coaching staff as well. I’m hoping I may be able to eke another season from him.

(S C) - Andre Thompson 7.05

It was difficult to choose from my forwards, but Andre Thompson has been my turn to man this season. 19 goals and 14 assists he as been a creative force for us as well as scoring some outstanding goals. He has suffered from some inconsistency, but I think at 22 he will only go on to get better.

Player of the Year - Michael Noone 40%

Runner Up - Ellis Wilmot 28%

Records

Highest Attendance - 541

Average Attendance - 137

Biggest Win - 9-4 v Horsham YMCA (H)

Biggest Defeat - 4-1 v Hastings Utd (A)

Top Scorer - Michael Noone 24

Most Assists - Michael Noone 21

Total League Appearances - Scott Harris 102

Total League Goals - Craig Hughes 47

Season Review

Had I been told that we would finish in 3rd at the start of the season I would have been delighted, but having lead the division for much of the season I can only feel utter disappointment. The title looked ours for the taking and quite simply the players bottled it, feeling the pressure late in the season going on a dreadful run of form. We had plenty to commend going forward, scoring 112 league goals. Our problems were at the back with some dreadful performances. I can put much of this down to the inexperience of my central defence. Looking forward to next season it has given us a good platform to build on.

Players In

Paul Walker - Welsh goalkeeper who’s previous clubs include Northamption and Corby. Still only 24 so plenty of years ahead. Some decent stats, but it remains to be seen if he can really challenge Mann for a starting berth.

Ander del Alamo - Spanish midfielder once of Alaves stock. Had been playing in the conference with Oxford City. Not great physically, but he has a cultured right foot and is a goof passer of the ball. At 25 he could be with me for a few years.

Players out

Jack Mullan - (Loan) The midfielder was making waves so I gave into a loan move. The form of my regular players was good and he never really performed when given the chance. I’m hoping a run of games will help him improve.

Dominic Green - (Loan) Again not getting much first team action due to others form. Had a decent run last season and looked good, but never really took off this season. Loaned to Wembley he’s performed well and I am looking at him as a long term replacement for Wilmot.

Scott Harris - (released) Only played a few games and didn’t manage to score. Was on an amateur contract so it was easy to let him go. A big disappointment.

Nick Bussey - (sold) Big decision letting the GK go. Had been sharing the No1 spot with Mann, but didn’t like getting dropped and would moan about it instantly. With the arrival of Waker it made the decision easier.

Zak Farr - (loan) Another loanee. The defenders loan spell will make or break him. Could be a good player, but he has been too much of a bombscare for me at the back. He will have one more season to prove he’s good enough.

Progress

                       League  | FA Cup                 | FA Vase              | FA Trophy            | Isthmian League Cup |   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2014/15 Cherry Red Prem 1st (P) | Preliminary Round      | 2nd Qualifying Round | N/A                  | N/A                 |
2015/16 Ryman D1 Sth    3rd     | 3rd Qualifying Round   | N/A                  | 1st Qualifying Round | 3rd Round           |

Despite asking several times there has still been no contract offer. I’m keeping faith with most of the players from last season, although there has been one or two changes during the close season. The board wants at least the playoffs. If I can sort the defence out there is no reason why we can't win. Second seasons can be notoriously difficult though.

In

Lewis Perkins - A striker to add depth to my front line. Only really backup for out of form players.

Jamie Smith - A loanee from Stockport. Can play in defence or midfield, not the best but some additional cover.

Out

Danny Clarey - Youth player leaves on a free to Lancing

Daniel Miles - Another youth player to St Francis Rangers

Jordan Cross - The winger/striker wouldn’t sign a new contract and as a result was released. I would have liked to keep him, but he was unhappy so left the club.

Harry Knock - The midfielder had a good first season with us but failed to live up to expectations last season. Left when his contract ended.

Jack Mullan - Heads out on loan again to Horsham YMCA

Dominic Green - Signs for Eastbourne on a free. Wouldn’t sign a new contract and I am disappointed to lose him as I had high hopes.

Zak Farr - Another contract expiry. He signs for Leatherhead. If I’m honest it’s no great loss.

1st Team Squad

Ticket Price £9

Season Ticket Price £159

Board Expectations

Ryman League Division 1 - Playoffs

FA Cup - 2nd Qualifying Rnd

FA Trophy - 2nd Qualifying Rnd

Isthmian League Cup - 4th Rnd

Media Prediction 2nd

Pre-season hasn't been ideal - we haven't managed to win a match, although we did have a few games against premier league opponents.

August

Ryman Div 1 Sth 1 (a) v Ramsgate 3-1 Baffour (5), Pickavance (o.g. 23), Thompson (87) - Oakley (44)

The first match of the season is my 100th in charge of Ashford. We’ve played Ramsgate twice with one win and one loss.

Baffour gives us the lead early on after a major piece of luck. An attempted clearance from a cross hits a defender and lands at his feet, leaving a tap in from 5 yards out. Our second is an indirect free kick from Noone which is turned back across the face of goal by Buffour. The cutback hits a defender and trundles into the net. We really should do better as Ramsgate pull a goal back just before half time (Mann in goal really should have done better), seconds after we have a goal chopped off (wrongly) for offside. It takes us until 5 minutes before the end to increase the lead, a long ball over the top is picked up by Ighorae who crosses for Thompson to head in to an empty net.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 2 (h) v Guernsey 2-1 Robinson (o.g. 2), Ighorae (45+2) - Sullivan (84)

It takes only two minutes for us to take the lead, a Noone corner headed into his own net by a defender. Ighorae, starting in place of Hughes, poaches a goal after what can only be described as a stramash in the box right on half time. Guernsey pull one back in the last 10 minutes to make it a nervous finale in what had been a comfortable match. They create a few more chances, and we are lucky to stay in front by the finish.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 3 (a) v Godalming 4-6 Thompson (6), Ighorae (24, 38), Rice (29), Baffour (32, 52) - Palladino (28, 39), Long (76, 90)

Our previous two meetings have finished in victories for us. I’m hoping to make it 3 out of 3.

We’re out the blocks quickly again, a well worked throw-in ending in Thompson glancing home a header from Ighorae’s cross. Godalming come back into the game, but it’s Ighorae who scores next. A free kick from Noone finds Slater in the box who turns and finds Ighorae unmarked at the edge of the box, the first time shot flying high into the net. It takes only 4 minutes for Godalming to pull one back. We stand off and allow too much space for the shot which beats Mann all ends up. Rice then somehow manages to squeeze a weak shot in-between goalkeeper and post from a deep Robinson cross moments after. We go on to score a brilliant 4th after a delightful passing move, Thompson providing the final pass for an unmarked Baffour to blast home only 3 minutes later. Godalming seem to implode and a Noone corner finds a completely unmarked Ighorae on the penalty spot, and he nearly takes the net out with the volley. We concede immediately, Palladino getting his second of the game. Baffour gets a 6th, a deep free kick turned back across the face of the goal by Thompson for an easy finish. Howard gives away a penalty with 15 minutes left which is duly scored. They get a 4th at the death as again my defence make it far too easy to score.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 4 (h) v South Park 2-0 Rice (64), Perkins (87)

South Park sit in 5th place. We lost 1-0 the last time we played them at home. We dominate the 1st half, and although Rice has the ball in the net, it is ruled out (wrongly (again)) for offside leaving the scores level at the break. Rice does open the scoring midway through the second half, Baffour playing a superb cross field pass which finds him in acres of space leaving plenty of time for a lovely half volley. It’s new signing Perkins, on as a sub, who seals the win heading home a neat Rice cross with 4 minutes left for his first goal for the club. A well deserved win and much needed clean sheet.

FA Cup Prelim Rd (a) v Radcliffe Borough 3-1 Ford (o.g. 41), Ighorae (49), Noone (62) - Sherriff (2)

We visit a side that has recently been promoted to level 8, bouncing back immediately from relegation the previous season. A big tie for both sides.

We lose a goal after only 2 minutes, Robinson playing Borough onside leaving Sherrif with an easy finish. We get a deserved equaliser from a corner 5 minutes before half time, Saunders header dropped by the keeper then the attempted clearance hitting a defender and deflecting in. Ighorae volleys us into the lead after the break, Robinson crossing on the overlap after a great pass by Noone sets him free. Noone then makes it 3 (his 1st of the season), latching onto a del Alamo pass and shooting through the keeper after his initial corner isn’t cleared well. It’s a good win and we are through to the 1st Qualifying Round.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 5 (h) v Folkestone 3-1 Ighorae (1), Baffour (64), Perkins (85) - Long (50)

Folkestone sit in 18th having drawn 3 and lost 1 so far this season. Our previous meetings have resulted in 2 wins for us. In team news I’m without Andre Thompson who is out for around 2 months.

We take the lead after 52 seconds, putting on pressure right from the start. A Wilmot through ball found Ighorae who was playing on the shoulder of the defender and he fired a thumping shot past the goalkeeper. We were producing some super football in the 1st half, but we can’t find another goal despite creating a hat full of chances. Folkestone level right after the restart when a poor clearance lands at the feet of Long. We resume the barrage against the Folkestone goal, and it is Baffour who finally puts us back in front from a Noone cross. We seal the game with a swift counter attack with 5 minutes left, Baffour cutting the ball back for an unmarked Perkins to score with an easy finish.

League Table

Month Review

A great start to the season. 5 wins out of 5 in the league and progression in the FA Cup has given us a superb platform to launch from for the season ahead. We are playing great football and 16 goals in 5 games in the league is a good return. We have, however conceded 7 - something of a concern which could come back to bite us if our form dips. I am playing two young and inexperienced centre halves, although they are getting better all the time.

Player of the Month

Sam Baffour - The right winger has started the season in blistering form, 4 goals from 6 games, 3 assists and 3 MoM awards with an average of 7.85. He’s been superb since coming to the club and is still only 21. Turning into a creative force who can score goals as well

September

We lose Ben Milnes to Winchester, no great loss as he had never really performed for us. It does leave us a bit short in terms of depth, but I do have a few good youngsters who could potentially make the step up.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 6 (h) v Horsham 2-0 Ighorae (17), Tillen (o.g. 77)

Horsham have had a good start and are sitting in 4th in the table. Both sides have won this fixture once each, Horsham winning the corresponding fixture here last season.

We take the lead when a long ball by Duffy is picked up by Ighorae who outpaces the defences and finishes well, his 5th goal of the season. It’s a hard fought close game although we are marginally the better side and create a number of chances. We get a second with 15 minutes to go, Ighorae’s volley from Robinson’s cross brilliantly saved, only to hit the onrushing defender and drop into the net.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 7 (a) v Thurrock 4-0 Noone (5), Slater (13), Rice (25), Wilmot (89)

Thurrock have been morphed in from another league making this our first ever meeting.

We take the lead after 5 minutes, Noone’s cross fortunately sneaking in at the near post. Slater then makes it 2, turning in Noone’s free kick for his 1st of the season. We look like we’ll score every time we go forward and it’s not long before we get a third. Great wing play by Baffour on the right and his cross finds an unmarked Rice at the back post with an open goal. The second half is more of the same as we dominate but fail to make our chances count. We do get a 4th a couple minutes from time, Wilmot bulleting a header home from a Rice cross for his 1st goal of the season. A superb performance and clean sheet.

FA Cup 1st Qual Rnd (a) v Chesham 3-1 Ighorae (27, 36), Rice (84) - Green (7)

Chesham play in the level above us in the Southern League Premier Division. Currently they sit bottom with only one point from 6 games.

We have a lacklustre start, giving the ball away and the players looking uninterested and as a result lose an early goal, Green volleying in a poor headed clearance. We rally and start to create chances, Ighorae scoring a seemly struck curling effort in the 27th minute to level the scores after a well worked throw in. The game is a battle, but Ighorae make it 2-1, turning in Rice’s cross from an impossibly tight angle. Rice seals a fantastic personal performance late on, latching onto a cross come shot from Baffour, giving the keeper no chance. A hard fought, but deserved victory.

We also get a loan offer for youngster Richardson. Hopefully he will get some first team football, although he is dropping a level. I’ll watch his progress with interest.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 8 (h) v Chipstead 2-2 Ighorae (14), Wilmot (pen 90) - Kaffo (30), Puckett (90+1)

Chipstead were something of a bogey team last season as we lost both games against them. They sit in 16th. A win would show we are progressing as a team from last season.

It’s an even opening with both sides creating chances. Ighorae continues his fine scoring form tapping in Baffour’s low cross as we keep the pressure on after a corner. Chipstead gradually take control and Kaffo levels from a corner, volleying in from the penalty spot. We create a number of chances in the 2nd half with Chipstead engaging in some pretty desperate last ditch defending. They go too far in the 89th minute when Hughes is fouled in the box. With Noone off the pitch it is Wilmut who takes the responsibility and he duly plants it in the top right hand corner. Immediately we switch off from a throw in and concede from a shot from outside the area. Our first dropped points of the season, it is an improvement for us as it is our first point taken from Chipstead.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 9 (a) v Whyteleafe 2-2 Hughes (43), Wilmot (75) - Tribe (36), D’Sane (52)

We visit the side lying 2nd bottom of the league. Once again, this is the sort of game we seem to struggle in.

We are the better side but fall behind to a poorly defended counter attack, Tribe losing his marker for a tap in. We level before half time, Noone’s ball over the top picked up by Hughes who takes his time before lobbing the keeper for his 1st of the season. Whyteleafe retake the lead early in the second half with a long range effort, D’sane given too much time and space to shoot. Wilmot, on as a sub, levels the game with a supeb free kick with 15 minutes left. We go all out for the win but can’t find a way through the stubborn Whyteleafe defence. Another poor performance, but we do maintain our unbeaten record.

FA Cup 2nd Qual Rnd (h) v Needham Market 1-2 Baffour (77) - Redford (2), Mann (o.g. 13)

We are fragile defensively from the off and the visitors just pass their way through us to open the scoring after just 2 minutes. They get a 2nd 10 minutes later, Redford’s shot hitting the post then rebounding in off Mann. We poe on the pressure in the 2nd half and Baffour scores with 15 minutes to go putting us back in the game, his 5th of the season. It’s not enough as we fall to a bitterly disappointing defeat, our first of the season.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 10 (a) v Faversham 1-4 Ighorae (11) - Grant (16), Sherbourne (45, 47, 84)

Our last visit to Faversham ended in defeat. With the opposition sitting in 22nd place, if things go true to form I’m expecting to lose!

We are under pressure from the off and look nervous at the back. It’s Ighorae who give us the lead against the run of play, a long ball by Robinson crossed by Baffour and headed in at point blank range for his 10th goal of the season. Faversham level not long after, Grant turning in from a corner. Saunders then has a rush of blood, clearing against an attacker who has an easy job of picking the gal up to score. Duffy then tries to clear the ball, hitting Sherbourne and the ball flying into the net. Sherbourne completes his hat trick, heading in a free kick unchallenged. An appalling result.

League Table

Month Review

Our early great form has been tempered by two awful results and two very poor draws against sides we should be beating. Once again, our downfall seems to be sides that are placed lower than us in the table, especially sides in the relegation zones. I’m gutted to be out the FA cup as I felt we could push for a 1st round proper place with a bit of luck. My priority now is to try to find a quality centre back as my current batch really don’t seem up to the task. Things aren’t all bad as we remain top of the table having only lost one match.

Player of the Month

Emmanuel Ighorae - The striker has had a blistering start to the season and is in fine form. With 5 goals scored this month he is leading the goal scoring charts and leading the line well. Still only 21 and improving all the time.

October

After many failed attempts the board finally agree to…

Ryman Div 1 Sth 11 (a) v East Thurrock 2-2 del Alamo (58), Devaux (59) - Keith (38, 90)

Our previous two meetings have resulted in us gaining comprehensive victories.

In comparison to our previous two games we are producing a far better performance, but we still fall behind to a direct free kick close to half time. We level when a long shot from del Alamo finds its way through the goalkeeper with half an hour to go, his 1st of the season. We start to turn the screw and just a minute later Devaux heads us in front from a corner, his 1st of the season also.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, the opposition still fashion an equaliser in the last minute to snatch a draw.

FA Trophy Draw

Ryman Div 1 Sth 12 (h) v Leatherhead 3-3 Ighorae (33), Noone (38) - Hustwick (5), Hughes-Mason (27), Johnson (63)

We’re a goal behind after 5 minutes, once again conceding from a corner. We lose a 2nd, the defence undone with a lob over the top to give us a mountain to climb. Ighorae pulls one back with a thumping finish on 33 minutes. We remain a shambles at the back, but somehow pull level, Wilmot winning the ball in midfield, spreading it to Rice who crosses for an unmarked Noone to head home just 5 minutes later. We fall behind to yet another defensive shambles, wrecking all out good work in getting level. We finally get a bit of luck, Duffy bursting into the box, his sliced shot finding Baffour who shot in turn is slid into the net by Duffy, his 1st ever goal for the club.

Just to confirm our bad form

The trial day bears fruit

Ryman Div 1 Sth 13 (a) v Walton & Hersham 1-1 Smith (60) - Dickinson (79)

We are hanging onto 1st place like a limpet and visit a side that we beat 3-0 on both occasions last season. The game also marks Chris Robinson’s 100th appearance for the club.

It’s a tight game with both sides creating chances. It’s new signing Sam Smith who gives us a 2nd half lead, bundling the ball home from close range on his debut. It’s another corner that’s our undoing, the leveller com in in the 79th minute. Another game in which we drop points. The result drops us to 2nd.

FA Trophy Preliminary Round (h) v Goole 0-2

I’m hoping a win here can break our run of poor results. We don’t turn up and deserve the result which sends us crashing out the cup.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 14 (h) v Herne Bay 3-3 Thompson (18), Noone (33), Baffour (43) - Fogden (3), Levy (15), Brackstone (pen 84)

We are 2 nil down within 15 minutes and look dead and buried. We turn the game around by halftime, Thompson, Noone and Baffour all scoring and it looks like we might just end our run of draws in the league. It’s not to be as Wilmot commits a foul in the box and Herne Bay come away with a point from the resulting penalty. Gutting.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 15 (h) v Sittingbourne 3-0 Noone (31), Ighorae (33), Hughes (81)

If we fail to win here it will make 10 games without a win.

We are in complete control from the start, create a boatload of chances which are squandered through dreadful finishing and trying to walk the ball into the net. The goal finally comes when Rice chases a long ball down the left, his cross finding Noone at the back post who volleys home, his 5th of the season. Ighorae gets a second 2 minutes later, Wilmot winning the ball in midfield, finding Rice who’s long ball is misjudged by the defender allowing Ighorae and easy finish. The 2nd half is more of the same, but we struggle to create chances. Hughes, on as a sub, seals the points with 10 minutes left with a smart turn and shot in the box. We finally get a win and a clean sheet.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 16 (a) v Three Bridges 1-0 Smith (90)

We visit the side sitting 2nd bottom of the league. Despite our poor form we are still holding on to 2nd in the league.

While we have the lions share of possession we struggle to create chances against a well marshalled defence. We keep plugging away, pushing for the win and sub Smith finally gets the opening goal in the final minute, Rice finding him in space in the box after a spell of concerted pressure, his snap shot low into the corner beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. Another deserved win and clean sheet.

League Table

Month Review

On paper, not a bad month, unbeaten in the league and only one defeat being knocked out the FA Trophy by Goole. In reality this was a frustrating month in which we produced several poor performances with a real tendency to gift late goals to the opposition. The positives were two good performances to break the bad run, and more importantly two very well deserved clean sheets. The cup exit, while frustrating, could be a cloud with a silver lining as we won’t have the fixture congestion that comes with a cup run.

Player of the Month

Kane Rice - The one player who has really stood out for me. 6 assists from the winger has been a brilliant return during a poor run of form. Without these we could have been looking at a few more defeats.

November

Ryman Div 1 Sth 17 (a) v Peacehaven 4-1 Noone (25), Slater (47), Ighorae (59, 65) - Bellotti (30)

It’s another tie against relegation candidates, Peacehaven sit in 22nd.

We are in control from the off, but again struggle to create chances despite the domination. We do take the lead after a series of corners, Noone turning the ball home from a tight angle. They level from a poorly defended cross a few minutes later. Peacehaven are no the far better side and we are lucky to get to the interval level. We come flying out the block in the second half, and when a corner isn’t properly cleared Noone finds Slater at the edge of the area who takes a shot which thunders into the top corner. The game is very open now, but we manage to create some daylight after a fine passing move, sub Thompson finding Ighorae who prods home from just inside the area. He gets our 4th from another Noone pass with a thumping half volley. We deserve the win but the result is rather flattering.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 18 (h) v Carshalton 1-0 Ighorae (73)

The visitors are in 9th place for their visit to Ashford. We are looking for a 4th consecutive win. The game is a boring drab affair, neither side creating any clear opportunities. It’s Ighorae who scores first with a looping header after a long ball into the box was headed up into the air by a defender, his 15th of the season. Not our best performance but it’s a win and a clean sheet as we improve our form.

Isthmain League Cup 2nd Round (a) v Hanwell 4-2 Smith (7), Hughes (8, 90+1), Noone (88) - Brock (45, 53)

Hanwell play at the same level as us, but in the North region of the Ryman League. They sit in 22nd occupying a relegation spot. I make a number of changes to the starting lineup with games coming thick and fast. I also give a debut from the bench to 16 year old midfielder David Pollard

It takes us 7 minutes to get in front, a through ball by Master picked up by Hughes and his squared pass tucked away neatly by Smith. Less than a minute later Hughes is given time to turn in the box and pass the ball into the net beyond the reach of the keeper. They pull one back on the counter right on half time as we have player committed upfield, allowing them back into a game they had been struggling badly in. They level it after half time, Brock again finding space to finish neatly, only their 2nd shot on goal. We finally get a third with a couple of minutes left, the keeper making a has of things and Noone is left with an open goal. Hughes seals it in injury time. A fine move ends in a cutback that eventually falls to him in the box and he tucks it away nicely.

Cup Draw

Ryman Div 1 Sth 19 (a) v Worthing 3-3 Hughes (22), Rice (26), Meldrum (45+2) - Bugeil (12, 39, 57)

Big game against a Worthing side going well in the league, 6 points behind us in 3rd with a game in hand.

It’s Worthing who score first after 12 minutes, Bugeil bursting into the box and finishing well. We level on the counter, Ighorae set free down the left by a long ball, and his low cross finding Hughes in acres of space, his shot deflecting off a defender and in, his 50th league goal for the club. Rice gives us the lead just 4 minutes later, a Noone free kick causing chaos in the box and the resulting pinball landing at his feet which he prods home. His 5th of the season. They level on the counter after we give the ball away in a poor position, Bugeil getting his second of the game just as we look comfortably in control. We do get into half time ahead, though, a deep Noone free kick being turned into his own net by a defender. They level again as we switch off from a throw in allowing Bugeil to net his hat trick. The game ends in a draw, possibly just about the right result in the end.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 20 (h) v Tunbridge Wells 1-2 Devaux (45+1) - Ryan (49), Cross (57)

The visitors are in 18th place in the league.

The first half is a bit of a non-event, we have the possession but find the opposition hard to break down. We take the lead in first half injury time, Noone’s free kick rebounding off the crossbar and Devaux is the first to react for a tap in. They level right after half time, once again we fail to clear properly and succumb to a shot from outside the area. We lose a second from a throw in, once again after not clearing our lines. Only our second league defeat of the season.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 21 (h) v Hastings Utd 2-1 Ighorae (53), Hughes (90) - Shaw (65)

The visitors are struggling so far this season in 18th. I’m desperate to win this after our playoff debacle last season. It’s end to end stuff with our finishing again dire. We do take the lead early in the 2nd half, Ighorae with a rare shot on target from the edge of the area. They level from a dubious free kick. With all subs used up we lose two players to injury leaving us with 9 men on the pitch. A long ball catches out their defence and Hughes grabs a goal in the final minute. We just about hold on to win.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 22 (a) v Whitstable 3-0 Rice (12, 41), Ighorae (70)

Whitstable are in 9th and are chasing a playoff place.

Rice gives us the lead after 12 minutes, slotting home the rebound after an Ighorae shot was parried. Some fine goalkeeping prevents us from scoring at least another three until 5 minutes before half time when Noone’s free kick is parried once more to the feet of Rice for his 2nd. A fine move results in Thompson feeding Ighorae in the area and he turns to fire home for number 3.

League Table

Month Review

After the poor October, November has been a far better month, even if I include the blip against Tonbridge Wells. We look better defensively and with the addition of former Crystal Palace defender Dan Hogan we have good rotation options there. We are still top of the league, but this counts for nothing as anything can happen especially during deepest darkest December.

Player of the Month

Emmanuel Ighorae - The striker has been in scintillating form this season and November has been no exception. 5 goals and2 assists from the front man has helped keep us at the top of the table. More importantly the 21 year old is progressing very well in training and looks like he could be comfortable playing a few levels above where we are now.

December

Ryman Div 1 Sth 23 (h) v Epsom & Ewell 5-2 Rice (14, 90), Ighorae (29, 66), Baffour (90+2) - Woodward (41), Likoy-Elumba (69)

This is a top of the table clash, 1st against 2nd.

It’s a rip-roaring end to end start to the game. We spill first blood, Rice bursting into the box, beating a player then ramming home from a couple of yards out. Our second is a wonderful one touch passing move with Duffy crossing on the overlap for Ighorae to head in. They deservedly pull one back just before half time as our midfield starts getting swamped. With the game raging end to end, we hit on the counter, Baffour with all the time and space in the world on the right to pick out Ighorae who has a simple finish. Likoy-Elumba volleys them back in it 3 minutes later. Rice seals the points in the final minute when Hughes is tackled in the box and the ball runs loose to his feet. Baffour then steals a 5th in injury time, latching on to Ighorae’s though ball. The win gives us a 2 point gap at the top.

Isthmain Cup 3rd Rnd (a) v Bedford 5-3aet del Alamo (6), Smith (38, 119), Devaux (88), Noone (111) - Armstrong (11, 56) Francis (64)

This cup tie is a replay of our 1st round fixture last season where we beat Bedford 2-1 at home.

We start well with young winger McCabe causing chaos down the left. It’s no surprise we take the lead when del Alamo is fed the ball by Master after a throw in routine, and he fires high into the top corner. 5 minutes later they are level from a thunderbolt free kick. Some concerted pressure pays off Smith finally scoring from a Baffour pass to give us the lead again. Once again they get a well worked leveller after 56 minutes against the run of play then take the lead from a corner. Smith then has a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside, but we do manage to take it to the wire, Devaux with a thumping header from a corner with 2 minutes left. We take it into extra time and survive a barrage, then Noone pops up to slot home in the second period. We do our best to concede, but hit Bedford with a sucker punch, Smith heading in his second a minute before the end to secure the win, his 5th of the season.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 24 (h) v Ramsgate 2-2 Wilmot (45, 58) - Carey (16), Cronin (pen 19)

We are poor and never really get going in the early stages, falling behind on 15 minutes and concede a second after Slater gives away a penalty. Wilmot scores a crucial free kick for us on the stroke of half time to give us hope of a comeback. It’s Wilmot who levels it after a good corner routine, scoring from close range. We retain 1st place and our 2 point advantage.

Cup Draw

Ryman Div 1 Sth 25 (h) v Godalming 4-1 Smith (27, 82), Hughes (70), Wilmot (73) - Mehmet (25)

The visitors are in 18th place in the division.

We dominate possession although find it hard to break the opposition down. They take the lead on 25 minutes with a fine long range effort. We hit back immediately, Duffy crossing for a Smith tap in. The 2nd half is a truly appalling affair with neither side looking like they will ever score. That changes when a Noone free kick hits the bar and Hughes is on hand to score the rebound. Immediately we start finding space and Wilmot scores a 3rd three minutes later, a poor headed clearance finding him at the edge of the area and his weak shot somehow trundles into the net under the goalkeeper. Smith makes it 4 with 10 minutes left, breaking the offside trap to collect Master’s superb 1st time through ball and finishing well 1-on-1 with the keeper. A scoreline that does flatter us, despite the blistering final 20 minutes.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 26 (a) v Guernsey 2-2 Baffour (13), Smith (16) - Henry (11), Gent (34)

New years eve sees us having to travel to the Channel Islands to take on Guernsey who lie in 14th place.

We fall behind early on as we fail to defend a deep cross then Baffour levels almost immediately from a quick throw in. Three minutes later we work our way through the middle of their defence and Smith finishes brilliantly to give us the lead. They level from a poor clearance after half an hour. Neither side can make a breakthrough during the second half.

League Table

Month Review

Not a bad month, two wins and two draws in the league and progress in the Isthmain Cup. We finish the year as we started it, on top, this time 6 points better off with a three point lead giving us every opportunity for an attempt at the title.

Player of the Month

Sam Smith - The striker has been in scintillating form this month, his first real run in the team. 5 goals and an assist has been a fine return from the 19 year old who is making an encouraging start to his Ashford career.

January

Ryman Div 1 Sth 27 (a) v South Park 3-3 Ighorae (21, 23), Noone (89) - MacLeod (43), Philips (47), Armstrong (57)

We visit the side sitting in 16th place in the first game of the new year. It’s not a great first half, but eventually a short spell of pressure pays off and Ighorae opens the scoring with a well struck shot in the 21st minute, his 20th of the season. Two minutes later we get a second, Ighorae latching onto a Robinson cross and beating the keeper at the near post. They pull one back before half time, MacLeod being given too much space at the back post. They level from a corner right after the restart to leave us back at square one. They then complete the comeback by getting a third from another corner. Noone looks to have salvaged a point in the last couple of minutes with a close range finish and we do manage to see the game out.

Isthmian League Cup 4th Rnd (h) v Worthing 1-3 Devaux (39) - Forde (8), Williams (70), McCreadie (79)

We lose an early goal from a corner which puts us on the back food immediately. We gradually come back into the game and Devaux volleys home a Robinson corner to level. We squander two excellent chances and pay the price in the second half when Williams fires them back in front. A third goal seasl it for Worthing.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 28 (h) v Thurrock 4-4 Hutchinson (o.g. 7), Smith (39), Ighorae (61), Wilmot (87) - Kalu (16, 59), Taylor (24), Shaw (82)

Thurrock are performing well in the league and pushing for a playoff place. We get a lucky break in the 7th minute when Rice’s cross is deflected into his own net by a defender. The level ten minutes later as we fail to deal with a free kick. Another defensive lapse lets them take the lead in 24 minutes. Smith levels with 5 to go before half time with aneat turn and shot. We trade defensive errors and goals to take the score to 3-3 in the space of two minutes. More defensive nonsense sees us fall behind again but Wilmot salvages a point right at the death.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 29 (a) v Horsham 3-3 Ighorae (78), Smith (86, 90+1) - Hubert (5), Guy (9), Magwood (46)

We visit the side in 12th, looking to break our run of draws and improve on on the 12 goals conceded in the previous 4 games.

An indirect free kick undoes our static defence after just 5 minutes and we lose a 2nd just 4 minutes later as an unmarked Guy heads in from point blank range. We immediately lose a goal from the 2nd half kick of in an abject performance. Ighorae pulls one back with 10 minutes left, then Smith turns in a corner with 5 to go as it looks like a comeback could be on. Incredibly Smith levels it after skinning a defender in injury time and somehow we have salvaged a point after being 3-0 down.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 30 (a) v Folkestone 4-1 Rice (9), Ighorae (28), Baffour (35), Slater (81) - Rylah (26)

I’m hoping that we may be able to sort out our defensive shambles this match, after a few players receive some home truths about their recent performances.

We start the livelier side and certainly look a bit more cohesive than the last few matches. Rice gives us a well deserved lead after 9 minutes, turning in a Baffour cross at the back post. The leveller is a 30yard free kick completely against the run of play as we could have been at least 4-0 up at this point. 2 minutes later Ighorae show some brilliance by beating a defender, bursting into the box and finishing well to put us back in front. We finally get a 3rd in the 35 minute, Baffour picking up Smith’s lovely reverse pass and tucking away a neat curling effort into the corner. The second half is pretty much a non-event, but with 10 minutes to go Slater does make sure of the points, scrambling home from a corner. A far better defensive performance.

League Table

Month Review

A month in which we have been scoring and conceding goals for fun. A dire performance saw us knocked out the league cup, a competition I felt we could have had a chance of winning. League wise we struggled to win, mainly down to our shambolic defending, something that seems to manifest itself in waves. In 5 games we have scored 15 and conceded 14. Fortunately we have not lost any league matches and somehow cling on to top spot by the skin of our teeth. How crucial could the 3 goal comeback against Horsham be come the end of the season?

Player of the Month

Emmanuel Ighorae - 5 goals in four starts for the striker this month plus one assist. He just keeps getting better and better and is moving steadily up our scoring charts. I need him to continue in this form into February.

February

Ryman Div 1 Sth 31 (h) v Faversham 3-0 Smith (26, 73), Ighorae (53)

It is a constant procession towards the visitors goal, but we struggle to create any real chances or get in behind their well drilled defence for almost half an hour. We take the lead in the 26th minute, a well worked throw in finding its way to Noone in the centre of the pitch, his slipped through ball to Smith hit first time into the net. It’s more of the same for the rest of the half. We get some luck early in the 2nd half, we keep the pressure on after an indirect free kick. Smith’s shot hits the bar and Ighorae, who had done nothing in the game, was on hand to prod home the rebound, his 25th goal of the season. The game opened out a bit more and we started to fashion some better opportunities. Smith made it 3 with a shot from just inside the box after a fine passing move.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 32 (h) v Whyteleafe 7-3 Ighorae (6), Howard (14), Smith (22, 38, pen 44), Baffour (83), Rice (90+1) - D’Sane (32, pen 35), Etienne-Clarke (74)

The visitors sit in 21st place and are battling relegation.

Ighoare puts us ahead in the 6th minute, the Whyteleafe defence posted missing after a lightning quick counter attack. We make it 2 six minutes late, a mad scramble in the box ends with Baffour having the presence of mind to lay the ball back to Howard who has plenty of time to pick his spot for his 1st of the season. Smith makes it 3 as a Rice cross causes chaos. A poor headed clearance is headed back into the area by Wilmot, and the ariel ball is nodded into the net by a quick thinking Smith. They pull one back from a 30 yd free kick on the half hour mark, their first attempt at goal. Moments later they are awarded a penalty, Hogan tripping a player in the box and they score with their 2nd attempt at goal. Another lightning counter sees Smith score his second of the game (and 15th of the season), Baffour with the final ball to set it on a plate. Rice is then clattered in the box and it’s our turn for a penalty. Smith steps up and secures his hat trick. They pull a third back with 15 minutes to go to make things nervy. Baffour settles it after a fine flowing move finds him unmarked in the box. His 10th of the season. Rice gets in on the act in injury time to make it 7 with a composed finish.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 33 (a) v Chipstead 2-1 Smith (53, 73) - Ward (61)

Our opponents lie in 21st place making this a must win for us as things are pretty tight at the top of the table.

Chipstead start off the better side, but we gradually come into the game and dominate it. It’s Smith who finally gets the break through, getting a toe onto Duffy’s cross in the 53rd minute. They level out the blue when we give the ball away in a shocking position. The defence looks to have recovered but a thunderbolt from 30 yards out flies into the net. Presistence pays off, and when the ball breaks to Smith at the edge of the area, he makes no mistake with a hard low shot that the keeper hardly moves for. It’s a real ding dong battle to the end, but we hold on to take a vital 3 points.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 34 (a) v Leatherhead 1-4 Howard (2) - Johnson (8, 12 , 56), Purcell (68)

We round off February with a trip to the side lying in 5th place. A win here would be a huge result.

We get off to the best possible start, Howard popping up in the box to fire high into the net in just the 2nd minute. The good start doesn’t last long as they force a series of corners, eventually scoring from one. Lightning strikes twice as they bundle the ball across the line from another corner 5 minutes later and things get worse when Slater is sent off before the 20th minute. We lose a third after the break, pretty much sealing our fate before we implode at the back for only our 3rd league defeat of the season.

League Table

Monthly Review

It was all going perfectly until the 8th minute of the Leatherhead match! A good month overall which sees us retain top spot. 12 games to go with a 2 point lead means the title could be anybodies.

My Player of the Month

Sam Smith - The form of his life. 7 goals in 4 games and 4 assists tells is own story, Fantastic month for the young striker.

This is exciting!

March

Ryman Div 1 Sth 35 (h) v East thurrock 0-3 Little (18), Moncur (54), Mendy (69)

We are an utter defensive shambles in this match. Under no pressure Hogan dithers in collecting a through ball, knocks it past the keeper as he comes to clear leaving the onrushing striker with an open goal. We struggle to create chances and fall to two counter attacks as we push on. I’m not a happy bunny at the end as we lose two on the trot in the league for the first time this season. We drop to 2nd, a point behind Epsom & Ewell.

Youth Candidates

A mixed bunch that may struggle to break through to the senior side. Given time though midfielder Richard Lampard looks as if he has the potential to make the step up.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 36 (a) v Hastings Town 1-0 Smith (83)

I am rapidly reaching the point where I dislike playing Hastings having lost 2 of our 4 meetings, including the important playoff match last season. After 2 straight defeats this isn’t a good fixture for us as they are performing well and sit in 9th.

We start the game on the front foot, creating chances and keeping good possession but we squander a number of excellent opportunities from which we really should have scored. The game reaches the interval level. There’s more of the same in the 2nd half and it looks like we’re not even able to buy a goal, until Rice is sent away down the left and his cross finds an unmarked Smith who gives us a belated and very much deserved lead. We see the game out to take a vital 3 points after our previous two defeats.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 37 (a) v Herne Bay 4-1 Noone (11), Wilmot (28), Baffour (38), McCabe (59) - Hill (35)

Herne Bay are in 6th, just outside the playoffs.

Noone opens the scoring after 11 minutes with a superb free kick, his 10th of the season. We go 2-0 up from another free kick, this time Wilmot the taker from the other side of the pitch. We look determined to concede a goal with some comedy defending, and they do pull one back from an indirect free kick 10 minutes before half time. The game is all about set pieces, and this time a Wilmot free kick is saved, only for Baffour to get to the rebound first for a tap in. We play on the counter and a fine cross field ball finds sub Matty McCabe free in the area for an easy finish. The goal is the youth players first for the club and seals another vital 3 points which puts us back on top of the table.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 38 (h) v Walton & Hersham 3-1 Noone (5, 18, pen 35) - Watson (34)

The opposition sit in 3rd place in the table and before the match we have a 5 point lead over them. A win would give us an 8 point cushion with 8 games left. Defeat would see that gap reduce to 2 points. This then, is the preverbial 6 pointer!

Wen have a great start after 5 minutes.. A lovely passing move from the back, eventually finds Noone unmarked at the edge of the area where he has time to take a touch, set himself and hit a powerful effort into the top of the net. It’s end to end stuff, but it’s Noone who gets on the scoresheet again on the counter. He continues his run from midfield playing a one-two with Smith and sinks a lovely finish over the keeper. We are in complete control so it only follows that Walton get a goal back. Route 1 from a flick on and Watson dispatches the ball past the keeper. From the kick off Baffour bursts into the box and is taken out from behind. Noone takes the resulting penalty and sends the keeper the wrong way for his hat trick. We dominate the 2nd half but fail to find the net. In the end a very comfortable win.

League Table

Month Review

We started March as we finished February, with an abject performance and loss, and I really thought we were going to fall away into poor form. The side rallied and produced 3 wins against tricky opponents, including 3rd place Walton. With 8 games left we still sit top with only a 1 point lead over Epsom & Ewell, although there is an 18 point gap to 5th meaning that, barring total disaster we should make the play offs.

My Player of the Month

Michael Noone - The midfielder has hit form for us just at the right time, and has started scoring when the goals have dried up for my strikers. 4 goals in four games has helped keep us at the top of the table.

This is exciting!

It's not doing much for my blood pressure

April

Ryman Div 1 Sth 39 (h) v Three Bridges 2-2 Noone (pen 59), Duffy (63) - Carney (33), Lockhart-Adams (45+4)

Top against bottom, and needless to say, this is a must win game against a side that has lost the previous three meetings between the clubs.

We are truly awful for the first half and the opposition make all the running, taking the lead from a long throw in that is poorly defended. We lose Smith to injury right on half time, then lose a second before the half time whistle goes as we switch off at the back again. We’re awarded a penalty for handball in the 58th minute and Noone steps up to bur it in the bottom corner and get us back in the match. Just four minutes later, Duffy volleys us level from inside the area after Saunders knocks down a Wilmot corner. Even though we draw it is a dreadful result which raises concerns about my players mental abilities. We do increase our lead at the top to 2 points due to Epson losing at home and also secure a play-off spot.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 40 (a) v Sittingbourne 1-2 Hughes (64) - Andrews (16), Watkins (89)

Sittingbourne are in 17th place, although there is only a gap of 7 points between them and 6th place. Another tough fixture.

Slater is short with a back pass allowing Sittingbourne to take the lead after 15 minutes and for the second game in the row we look sluggish and complacent. Sub Hughes levels for us in the 64th minute, latching onto a long ball from Rice, a goal I thought was never going to come. We go looking for a winner and squander a few chances resulting in Sittingbourne scoring in the final minute on the counter. It is another poor performance with the goals self inflicted. Still, we hold onto top spot.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 41 (h) v Peacehaven 4-1 Zetchi (o.g. 16), Noone (pen 17), Baffour (39), Rice (58) - Rice (o.g. 66)

We take the lead in the 15th minute, Hughes chasing a lost cause, keeping the ball in play and his cut back being turned in by a defender. A minute later we are awarded a penalty after a foul on Hughes which is scored by Noone. Baffour makes it three scoring after receiving a pass by Smith in the box to give us a seemingly unassailable lead. The points are sealed in the 58th minute after a good move down the right see Baffour cross to the back post for Rice who arrives late to head home. They pull one back from a corner, Baffour trying to clear, the ball hitting Rice and rebounding in. It’s a much needed win after the last couple of results. The news gets better at the end of the match when I discover 2nd place Epsom have lost and we now have a 4 point advantage at the top.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 42 (a) v Carshalton 2-3 Smith (14, 88) - Ayoola (45+1), Yamfam (46, 90+3)

It’s a scrappy start and we take the lead with a goal that was in character. A free kick is headed clear and Robinson just lifts the ball into the box finding Smith who heads the ball over the keeper and into the net. His 20th of the season. We look to take the lead into half time but Ayoola gets free in the box to undeservedly level. We lose a goal immediately on the restart as Carshalton turn the game on its head. We keep pushing for an equaliser and we get one with 2 minutes left when a long ball is picked up by Ighorae and he unselfishly squares for Smith to score his second of the game. There’s still time to **** it up, and we concede from a corner in injury time to lose and the lead at the top is back down to 1 point.

Howard has been complaining about his lack of first team football, and it has got to the stage that he just won’t take no for an answer. I let him go as I now feel that the squad has some decent youngsters coming through to give me depth.

Injury News

We lose Wilmot to a potential career ending injury.

Ryman Div 1 Sth 43 (h) v Worthing 7-4 Ighorae (8), Smith (17, 22, 71, 72), Baffour (46, 52) - McCreadie (pen 24), Bugeil (60, 80, 86)

It’s another good start against one of our potential playoff rivals. A great one touch passing move ends with Rice finding Ighorae in the area and he makes no mistake, ending his recent goal drought. We are awarded a penalty which Noone thumps against the crossbar. We retain possession and Baffour puts in a cross which is headed on goal by Ighorae, saved by the keeper and turned in by Smith. He gets his second a few minutes later, a nice ball from Duffy finds Rice who’s low cross is thumped in by Smith. Slater then gives away a penalty, scored by McCreadie. We score right after the break, Rice finding Baffour unmarked at the back post and his header flying in at the near post. We get a 5th on the counter with the Worthing defence parting like the dead sea. Ighorae is unselfish feeding Smith. His shot is saved by the keeper and Baffour prods home the rebound. Bugeil pulls one back soon after. We work a throw in superbly and Smith nets his hat trick with an easy finish, put on a plate by Ighorae. Worthing implode and Smith gets his fourth and our seventh just a minute later Baffour playing him in for another easy finish, his 25th of the season. We are still a shambles at the back and Worthing manage a 3rd with 10 minutes left and a 4th with 5 minutes left. A great attacking performance, but an absolute travesty at the back. The result also means that we secure at least 2nd place in the league. We are still only one point clear at the top.

League Table

Month Review

Two wins a draw and two defeats. We are hanging on to the lead by our fingernails, despite my defences best efforts to scuttle our title ambitions. I’m starting to believe that my players just can’t handle pressure, and with only three games to go with a point lead, I fear the worst.

Our final match could be an interesting one!

My Player of the Month

Sam Smith - The young striker has been improving steadily and has scored 6 goals over the month after a short barren spell.