Late Own Goal Embarrasses Ashley Against Weak Bohemia

Written by Kev Goodwin:

AFC Bohemia came from a goal behind to seal three points against Ashley FC, despite a first-half Joe Hill strike. After the 2-0 defeat to Torpedo in the season opener, Ashley were hoping to pick up their first points of the season but were undone by a late winner for Bohemia.

The first half was a particularly scrappy affair, on a difficult surface due to the length of the grass. Paul Freeman held a 25 yard volley from Bohemia midway through the first-half, before Ashley took the lead, just shy of the half hour mark. A long-throw from Ben West was flicked on by James Hosking towards goal; the ball was cleared but only as far as Hill inside the box, who lashed a right-foot volley into the back of the net. Bohemia rallied towards the end of the half and their best opportunity came from a corner, which was headed just over the far post.

Ashley started brightly in the second-half but couldn't add to their slender advantage; a cross from Michael Chappell was controlled by Ollie Bendall, and he set up West inside the box but his placed right-foot shot narrowly missed the top right-corner. At the other end, Freeman did enough to divert a goalbound header over the bar. However, minutes later, Freeman was beaten as Bohemia grabbed an equaliser. A long-range shot was pushed away by Freeman and the Bohemia striker reacted quickest to knock the ball in from close-range. Ashley picked themselves up quickly to try and regain the lead, and had a couple of opportunities to do so.

A 25 yard free-kick from Bendall was tipped over the bar. From the resulting corner, the ball scrambled before eventually making its way to Hill, who lifted a shot over the bar following intense defensive pressure. Hosking also stung the fingertips of the 'keeper with a rasping 30 yard shot, which was pushed away for a corner. Yet, it was heartbreak for the Ashley as in the final moments, Bohemia grabbed a winner. A long-throw from the right-hand side was flicked on by the striker and the ball diverted off Rob Simpson's head into the far corner to make it 1-2.

It was a disappointing afternoon for Ashley, who failed to hit top gear, aside from a short passage of play early in the second period. There were few clear cut chances at either end, and for large periods of play, Ashley defended well and kept Bohemia at bay, but a couple of lapses in concentration proved costly. Next up for Ashley is a game against Old Elizabethans, which presents a good chance to get their first points of the season.