Ash Trees 4 Woods 1

[Swifty]

A much needed win, a welcome win, and a good value win.

 

Difficult conditions for both teams, with a claggy pitch and a freezing wind towards the Tank End for most of the match, and we did well to withstand Colliers Wood's early pressure with the icy blast behind them. Had their clever looping first half shot gone in instead of hitting the bar it might have changed the face of the game, but we got on top during the second half, bringing a couple of fine saves out of Mark Daniels including an excellent point blank stop and, despite The Woods' best efforts, we looked stronger as the game went on.

 

Hornet's nest time now - I don't know why Elz was on the bench with Russ out injured. I'm afraid his replacement in defence, new boy Bobby Dormer, had a nightmare debut and gifted Woods the penalty which Mario Embalo despatched in the 21st minute. Luckily, Woods gifted us a cast iron spot kick six minutes later, which Mitch tucked home with aplomb.

 

The game turned in our favour with a goal a minute either side of the hour mark, with Max's belter (an outside bet contender for goal of the season, maybe?) followed by some lovely team work culminating in Bitz scoring on his return to duty. Sub Sam Baffour looked excellent when he came on (I'm sure he could have run even faster with the right size shorts or some braces!) and thoroughly deserved his 89th minute tap in after sterling work by Bitz.

 

Difficult to name a man of the match, though Mitch and 'Jock' looked assured in the heart of midfield. Colliers Wood were hardworking but were allowed to get away with a few niggly fouls, but I wouldn't have argued with hard man ref Hugh Gilroy, wearing a short sleeved shirt in those conditions!

[B378]

Mitch & Jock?  Surely you mean heart of defence and not midfiled?

 

Can't help but laugh at a status showing on the screen, concerning Mole Valley's game being postponed.  Due to a waterlogged & frozen pitch!  How does that occur?

 

Hopefully we can put a winning run together and we're over our losing streak.

[Swifty]

Okay, you know what I meant.

 

The day started so well but tailed off. I had a supporter who makes a single figure number of games a season due to work commitments have a go at my not making away games (for the record, due to my being a groundhopper and I've already done every ground in this division), supporters scrutinising my tannoy style (I'm not much cop, but I don't see any volunteers for the mic) and now I really wonder if it's worth posting any more reports on here for a bit - not due to the above post, I hasten to add, but maybe it's time to take a break.

[Beano_ATMFC]

Now, hold on just a minute here.

 

Swifty, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the way you work the tannoy. The kit is sometimes a bit tempramental, but that's not a new thing, as I know only too well. 

 

I made a rare visit to the RPS today and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The match was entertaining enough; two hardworking teams approaching the game in the right way and playing in a good spirit. The officials were good and the second and third Ashford goals were superb.

 

It was a good win and while 4-1 was a bit harsh on Wood, we were worth the victory, so lets enjoy it.

[B378]

I can vouch that you go away.  Spelthorne Sports & Woking this season, Northwood last season at least.  To be honest you should just ignore them, you don't need to prove yourself to anyone at Ashford. 

 

As for the reports, I enjoy them.  What I can never workout, is how you remember it all, I mean I've never seen you write (or record) anything down.  You're missed when not there to do the tannoy.  So my advice to you would be, next time they critisize hand them the mike and call their bluff!

[Mack Chinnon]

Eddie -

 

I have voiced my praise to you on this Forum before regarding your Tannoy style, which I see (and hear!) often from close range, so if you let me know the names of your critics, I'll get my Geordie Mafia friends to have a word!

 

Not to embarrass you, but being a ground-hopper you will know what a difference you make to clubs who do not have any announcements etc. at all, or have someone stumbling (e.g. Bedfont Sports) over difficult to pronounce names, to the amusement of the assembled few.

 

You add real value by the style of your management of the Tannoy, so don't be put off my one or two critics from the opinionated minority.

 

On the other point made by B378, I was also surprised by the number of games postponed. After all, they manage to get games on in the 'tough' north, but the southern softies seem to prefer watching TV or forced to go shopping on a Saturday afternoon with their good lady.

 

Sorry if the Thought Police consider my latter comment as being regionalist, or sexist!

[Swifty]

What are you doing up at this time, Keith? 

 

Thanks for your comments, and also the other forumites above. I mentioned over the tannoy that you might need to be on pitchfork duties on March 28th as young Liam might be otherwise engaged that day!

 

There's a huge problem these days regarding referee liability as to whether or not to play games - do they allow a game to go ahead and then a player gets injured due to the state of the pitch? I recall we had such a problem at Fleet Town a couple of years back, when the overly cautious ref called the game off very late due to a slightly boggy or puddled goalmouth. PC or its sporting equivalent gone mad.

 

As for our pitch, it cut up a bit today and it looked a bit sticky, but it stood up to the conditions well and both teams adjusted to it quickly. I should point out that, although the ref let a few niggly fouls go uncarded, Colliers Wood weren't overly physical or petulant and they were far from the worst visitors we've had this season.

[smoking-gun]

A greatly improved performance by Ashford and 3 much needed points, the fact that this game went ahead is praise enough and shows the quality and hard work put in by the ground staff.

Ashford put together a solid and workmanlike display and deserved their 4-1 win with goals by Mitch(penalty), a 20 yard screamer by Max Webb, a lovely placed shot by Bitz and a tap in for Sam Baffour.

The new defender Bobby Dormer looks a promising player, but did himself no favours by getting sent off for two yellow cards, was it a case of trying to hard to impress?

Why was Elliot Jones not in the starting line up? if the manager wanted to make room in the defence and play Bobby Dormer, then put Elliot in mid-field and leave out Tom Brunton or Rob Curtis, to leave a player of Elliot`s  quality out of the team and just sitting on the bench for most of the game was a mistake.

Here`s hoping Ashford have turned the corner and can get back to winning ways.

PS what has happened to all the on loan Slough players that we were told about anybody know?

PPS Swifty please keep your posts coming , as they are always a good

read and very honest and fair.

As to using the tannoy on match days, you had a hard act to follow , but anybody would have struggled to match Beano. I find your way of announcing the teams and the goals for and against  very good

and sometimes funny, a whole lot better than some venues I have been to where there is NO tannoy, please keep up the good work and ignore the knockers. Just read the posts by Mack Chinnon ,  B378, Beano and my self ,along with the Ashford faithful and you will see the enjoyment you bring to match days.  

[Chris Clapham]

Eddie -

 

I have voiced my praise to you on this Forum before regarding your Tannoy style, which I see (and hear!) often from close range, so if you let me know the names of your critics, I'll get my Geordie Mafia friends to have a word!

 

Not to embarrass you, but being a ground-hopper you will know what a difference you make to clubs who do not have any announcements etc. at all, or have someone stumbling (e.g. Bedfont Sports) over difficult to pronounce names, to the amusement of the assembled few.

 

You add real value by the style of your management of the Tannoy, so don't be put off my one or two critics from the opinionated minority.

 

On the other point made by B378, I was also surprised by the number of games postponed. After all, they manage to get games on in the 'tough' north, but the southern softies seem to prefer watching TV or forced to go shopping on a Saturday afternoon with their good lady.

 

Sorry if the Thought Police consider my latter comment as being regionalist, or sexist!

 

I couldn't agree more!

[Swifty]

What has happened to all the on loan Slough players that we were told about anybody know?

 

Thanks for the comments. 

 

It appears the Slough Town loanees were simply one-off appearances to help out when we had injury or suspension problems or possibly lack of players due to a couple leaving recently. I understand we've signed Bobby permanently and Sam on loan for the rest of the season. Sam's recovered superbly from an horrendous pre-season friendly - Chelmsford City's forum says he fractured his fibula and tibula and tore ligaments. Does Sam live close to us, by the way? Beats me how we'd sign someone from Chelmsford otherwise.

[GeoffATMFC]

Hi Eddie

 

Just to let you know with regards to your last post

 

Sam lives in North London so yes it is a bit of a way to travel he must be keen

 

The Slough Town players are still registered with us so could make further appearances should Ben and Slough Town agree

The only other player we had on loan Paul McCarthy was released and he signed for Badshot Lea but has since returned to

Uxbridge

[Steve McC]

if you pass judgement on others, then expect others to pass judgement on you. if that judgement causes you offence, consider that your judgement of them may equally be offensive.

 

every day I turn up at a sporting event, im considered a paedophile for taking pictures, it doesn't deter me.....because I enjoy what I do and I can ignore those who may detract of me. 

 

if you enjoy what you do swifty........continue.......but consider the thoughts of those who you speak about........referee and player alike

 

 

new boy Bobby Dormer, had a nightmare debut

but I bet he tried his hardest.....................as did you.

[Swifty]

Right, I've had enough of this.

 

Immediately after Saturday's game I was asked not to mention the new signing's sending off in my report, by someone I thought would never ask such a thing. I complied, but I feel compromised.

 

Bad enough having people complain about certain aspects of my tannoy work (and the remark about the ref was meant to be a compliment, by the way), but to ask or tell me what to say or not to say in emails was a new level. Now the above post.

 

I give up the tannoy forthwith. Find someone else to do it. No more reports on here either. Find some other mug to take the flak. It's about time. Wrap the players up in cotton wool if you want while you're at it.

 

I'm now seriously thinking if it's worth continuing with player sponsorship or boost the budget next season.

 

I may be at the match tomorrow and / or Saturday. Then again, I might not.
 

To think the day started well with me being interviewed for the new book. Right now, I never want to read it.

[Steve McC]

_{I did say swifty, you tried your best....that's valued as the support clearly shows, the point I was trying to make was that there are all aspects to the game that all participents can become offended by, but to not try and become offended by them}

_{I don't think any one is asking you what not to say and personally I read your reports and like them as do I your tannoy work,}

 

_{my post was to try and say to you, don't become offended when people may be critical in the same way others may not be offended when you offer critique, it was in no way meant as an attack on you.}

 

_{keep up the good work swifty.....its valuable and you are very good at it, maybe learn to ignore those who offer a view that may not be fully complimentary.}

 

_{my view is very complimentary}

[Swifty]

Okay, cheers, Steve.

 

Just received a very long email from Ben (thanks, Guru) part of which confirmed why Elz was on the bench (in a nutshell, university commitments - I'd forgotten the lad was that young!). I hope Ben doesn't mind me mentioning this.

 

I've asked Ben if he could possibly let someone on the committee know any team changes and the reasons if he has any spare seconds after pre-match warm-up, so as to avoid confusion on the terraces and two and two adding up to nine.

[B378]

Oh well you learn something new everyday. I always thought 2+2=7. :-D

[smoking-gun]

 Swifty please don`t leave the forum or give up the tannoy, your efforts are very much appreciated .