Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.30(2) 2021-22

Ashford’s on fire!

Whyteleafe 0 Ashford Town (Middlesex) 10
Ashford Town (Middlesex) clinched the London &
South East Regional League Premier Division title
with three matches to spare after a superb 10-0
away win at Whyteleafe.
The Tangerines will be playing in the
FAWNL next season as a result of a brilliant
campaign full of goals and attacking intent. 81 goals
in 17 matches tells the story as does just 13 conceded
thus far.
It took just five minutes for the visitors to
take the lead from an Alyssa Down corner, Ruby
Linton forcing the ball home after an initial header
was blocked. Whyteleafe defended resolutely for
long periods in the first half against relentless
Ashford pressure, keeper Amy Jenkins made Eyes on the ball - Ruby Linton and Erica Ferreira
several fine saves but eventually Jade Johnson (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
added a second with a super low cross shot from
wide on the left after 26 minutes.
Another Down corner led to the third on 35 minutes, Kalani Peart getting the
final touch to a bouncing ball but ‘Leafe fought hard to keep the visiting attack at bay till
the break whilst getting some attacking threat of their own at times.
An unfortunate own goal right at the start of the second half did not help the hosts
and then a reshuffled Ashford started to prosper. Anya Kinnane scored arguably the best
goal of the day with a rocket shot and Linton got her second after a fluent one touch
passing sequence sent her clear on 63 minutes.
Ashley Cheatley set up another for Kinnane on 69 minutes and a personal hat-
trick was completed three minutes later before Kinnane returned to her defensive role.
Cheatley had done everything but score up till this point, hitting woodwork and seeing
shots well saved but the leading scorer added the ninth on 80 minutes.
Whyteleafe had always looked to attack and had a very good spell in the final
minutes forcing Ashford keeper Sophie Shults into two fine saves to maintain the clean
sheet. However it was the champions who had the last say with Cheatley laying on the
tenth goal for number 10 skipper Down to finish from close range.
The final whistle brought joyous scenes for the visitors knowing the primary
objective of the season had been achieved. The club still have a Capital Cup Final to
contest and higher tier competition to look forward to next season.
Whyteleafe: Amy Jenkins, Rebecca Keyte, Isabel Payne, Hannah Duncan, Olivia
Spellward, Holly Currier, Amy Reader, Kelly Poynton, Echo Barrett, Megan Smith,
Marina Sanchez-Dominguez. Subs: Abbie Shelton, Erica Ferreira, Kaitlyn Lewis,
Freya Shaboe, Ellie Pace.
Ashford Town (Middlesex): Sophie Shults, Ellen Clarabut, Laura Huse, Anya
Kinnane, Chloe Farrell, Kalani Peart, Lavana Neufville, Jade Johnson, Alissa Down,
Ruby Linton, Ashley Cheatley. Subs: Hannah
Pearson, Charlotte Baker.
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk Issue no. 30 - 14 April 2022