Defensive Errors Flatter Portland As Ashley Smash Six

By Kevin Goodwin:

Ashley picked up a much needed three points in a high-scoring encounter against Portland Old Boys on Saturday, winning 6-4. A Kevin Goodwin hat trick was added to by a brace from Ollie Bendall, and a solitary Joe Hill strike as Ashley climbed above their opponents in the table.

In the opening exchanges, Bendall's cross into the box found Will Freeman unmarked at the back-post but his close-range shot was superbly blocked by the 'keeper at his near post. On the ten minute mark, Ashley found themselves a goal to the good after Bendall was fouled in the area. Goodwin stepped up to fire Ashley into the lead. Further chances followed, with Freeman firing against the bar after Goodwin had found him with a 40 yard diagonal pass from left to right. Yet, it was Portland Old Boys who came back into the game; their tricky striker cut in from the right before beating Paul Freeman with a low shot. The hosts then found themselves ahead after hesitation in the Ashley box allowed them to fire a shot under Freeman. Ashley though levelled soon after; Goodwin picked up the ball on the left, going past three players before curling a right-foot shot through the defender's legs and into the far corner. Minutes after though, Portland again took the lead; a clearance went over the back-line, and despite the appeals for offside, the striker raced through and finished confidently.

After a stern half-time team talk, Ashley came out in a more focused fashion for the second period. Will Freeman was again denied with a right-foot shot before Joe Hill equalised. The ball broke to the striker inside the box and through a crowded penalty area, his shot trickled past the unsighted goalie. With that goal providing the confidence boost Ashley needed, they scored a further two in quick succession. Firstly Bendall's cross from the right-wing deceived the 'keeper and found the far corner, before Goodwin made it 5-3 by claiming his hat trick, again going past a number of players on the left before beating the 'keeper at his near post from a tight angle.

With five minutes remaining, Portland scored to make for a nervy finish. A free-kick on the edge of the box was fired powerfully at goal and a slight deflection saw it over the line despite the best efforts of Paul Freeman. Yet, Ashley put the game beyond doubt with a few minutes remaining. Bendall did well inside the box to hold off his man and with a quick swivel, turned and fired into the corner to make it 6-4.

On a tricky pitch, Ashley played some decent football, utilising the wings and marshalled by a good midfield showing from Paul Turner and Marcus Street. It was important to get back to winning ways, and hopefully this result will spur Ashley on for the remainder of the season.