For my first blog of the season I attended Chalfont St Peter v Ashford Town (Middx) in the Pitching In Isthmian Football League, South Central Division.
Luke Tuffs, the newly installed Manager of Ashford Town (Middx) has had a busy summer assembling a new look squad with no fewer than eight players making their league debuts in today’s fixture. However, it was a player returning from last season who was the match winner. Sam Humphreys curled in a beauty on 58 minutes at a time when the visitors were well on top.
Chalfont earned a penalty early on but Paul McCarthy flew to his left to make the save, the ball was crossed back in and a sitter was blazed over the bar. McCarthy was excellent throughout and was equal to everything thrown at him, not least in injury time with a fine point blank save at his near post.
George Spiers also stood out with an eye catching performance. He excelled in breaking up the play and almost gave Ashford the lead with a powerful header from a Harry Woodward corner.
On another day Chalfont, with more composed finishing might have got something from the game.
All in all it was a good day for the Tangerines, a win, three points and a clean sheet at a ground where they have struggled in the past. Luke Tuffs will enjoy the first three points of his career at this level as a Manager but will be working hard with his staff to look at what can be improved on for his new look squad.
MOTM – Paul McCarthy.
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