Sittingbourne v Ashford United, Match report

Sittingbourne returned to form by edging Ashford United in a five-goal Bank Holiday Monday thriller at the Staxson Stadium.

After the inexplicable Trophy defeat at the start of the Holiday weekend, Reece Prestidge’s side came from behind twice to take the three points in front of nearly four hundred and fifty on Monday afternoon in a hugely entertaining game.

Oli Bate gave the visitors an early lead whilst Jordan Greenidge powered home the equaliser from a Darren Foxley cross. Ashford though restored their advantage before the break as Zac Whitelock side footed home after good work down the left.

The second period though saw a much-improved home performance and Harvey Smith drilled home his fifth goal of the season after more good work from Foxley and Jordan Greenidge. The winner was chaotic as a Bagasan Graham corner to the back post flew in the net above a bundle of players to set up a finish that saw both sides go close, but the Brickies secure the points.

The visitors took the lead early on as Bate ran onto a good ball in behind the defence to side foot home beyond Jamie Grossart’s right boot. Ashford keeper Jordan Gillmore then denied Jordan Greenidge with a big right boot, as the big striker poked an effort goalwards, before Smith had a low drive well held by the keeper.

Ashford missed a golden opportunity to double their lead when Grossart misjudged a clearance, but the keeper and the home side were very fortunate that the ball didn’t fall to an Ashford shirt to convert into the empty net.

The Brickies though accepted the let off and from a delightful Foxley cross, Jordan Greenidge got in front of his man and powered home the header beyond a motionless Gillmore.

Stunned at losing their advantage, Ashford didnt take it lying down and were back in front almost instantly when Whitelock was on hand to steer the ball home after good play from Bate through a statuesque home defence.

The second period was much better for the home side as they forced the visitors onto the back foot as Ashford struggled at time especially with the final ball.

Gavin Hoyte went close for the home side with a downward header from another pinpoint Foxley free kick before the home side did draw level as Smith was really composed to steer the ball home at the back post.

Sittingbourne were well on top and Smith was denied after being found by Jaiden Chang.

Not that all the chances came at the one end as substitute Mike West blazed high over the Brickies with only Grossart to beat. Ashford were left to rue that miss as from the home sides next corner, Graham whipped in a ball to the back post and sailed into the net without seemingly no other player touching it.

Grossart then pulled off an outstanding save to keep the home side in front – Sam Hasler’s shot dipping and swerving towards goal – the Brickies keeper going full length to tip the ball over the crossbar.

The Brickies could have had more – Jordan Greenidge had a shot blocked by Barry Fuller – and the home side could and perhaps should have had possibly two late penalties as Joe Boachie and Khavarn Williams went down under challenges but Mr Cutler just wasn’t interested and indeed booked Williams bizarrely for simulation.

And for the first time in six games this season, Sittingbourne failed to score in stoppage – not that they needed to on this occasion!

SITTINGBOURNE – Jamie Grossart – Jean-Baptiste Fisher (Jaiden Chang-Brown), Bagasan Graham, Luke Woodward (Kieron Agbebi), Dexter Peter, Gavin Hoyte, Darren Foxley (Kharvan Williams), D’sean Theobalds, Jordan Greenidge, Jordy Mongoy (Joe Boachie)

Sub not used – Reiss Greenidge

ASHFORD UNITED – Jordan Gillmore, Miquel Scarlett, Jamie Mascoll, Kane Penn (Will Dempsey), Zachery Whitelock,Louis Collins, Oli (Michael Ademiluyi), Elliott Romain, Barry Fuller, Sam Hasler, Aaron Barnes (Mike West)

Sub not used  – Scott Podger-King, MatthewBodkin

REFEREE – Simon Cutler