Ashford Town 0 Metropolitan Police 1

On a very cold Monday evening at Ashford Town in Kent, the Blues got off to a convincing start and managed to hold on for a deserved win and three Ryman Division One South points.

Phil Ruggles set the standard hitting the post in the opening minutes and then putting a couple more attempts just wide.

On 11 minutes, he finally found the target. Picking up a through ball from 32 yards, he volleyed the ball into the goal off the far post.

The Blues attacked in force and should have really increased the score line. P Ruggles just missed the target again from a good cross by Elliott Taylor.

Craig Brown, back in the side after an injury, saw his shot well saved by Darren Ibrahim the home side goal keeper.

Nicky Humphrey, on yet another soiree up field for a Michael Cobden long corner, found himself unmarked but pulled his header wide of the near post.

The home crowd had to wait until the 35th minute before their side had their first real chance to score.

A good build-up but striker Chris Borchescu volleyed the ball over the bar.

Into the second half and the Blues went off the boil, allowing Ashford Town to continually attack.

No sooner was the ball cleared from the Blues half, back it came again.

Ashford dominated the play. A good move down the left flank by defender Joe Fuller was crossed to striker Mark Lovell just on the six-yard line plumb in front of the goal.

Amazingly, he pulled the shot at least 20 yards wide. It was a let-off for the Blues and having weathered the storm they came back with a vengeance. Craig Wilkins, playing up front, hit a volley over the keeper that just bounced the wrong side of the post.

Ruggles had another good run but hit the post from a very acute angle. With the game into stoppage time, Ashford Town had a final effort but Joe Fuller’s volley was well over the bar.

The Blues deserved to win but they made hard work of it at times.

Attendance 115