Ashton Prime 4-1 Mid Kent Athletico

Prime got their 2009/10 season underway by hosting Mid Kent Athletico of the Maidstone League.

The Numbers were missing several players with goalkeeper Kerton, defenders Garside and Sander, midfielders Goldsmith, Ellis, Walters, Flamank and Kneebone and striker Skovborg-Hansen all absent.

Jamie Barker made a welcome return after his ankle ligament injury nightmare between the sticks, with Floyd filling in for Goldsmith in the heart of midfield. Lower and French provided the width, with first choice strikers Excell and Carl Barker again joining forces up front.

Prime started the game cautiously in humid conditions as they got a feel for their opponents. Athletico were playing their fourth pre-season friendly of the season and they were keen to knock the ball around.

But they lacked a cutting edge up front and Gilbert and Mazurkiewicz easily snuffed out the visitors' attacks.

Prime were starting to exert themselves on the game with Floyd dominating the midfield duel and Walker's silky skills giving him time and space to conduct the play.

On the 20 minute mark, Floyd burst through and struck a curling 20-yarder which clipped the outside of the post.

The home side were now threatening with regularity and 5 minutes later, Walker was given time and space on the edge of the box to curl an unstoppable left-footer into the top corner.

This goal seemed to give Prime a boost and they were now playing with confidence and French was unlucky not to convert Excell's corner on the volley.

The second goal was not long in coming as Barnham's excellent chip released French who crossed for Barker to head goalwards and Excell diverted it beyond the keeper.

Sturmey was given a run on the half hour mark as the hard-working Lower was given a break. This certainly did not throw Prime out of their stride as a long through ball released Barker and he easily out-paced the defence before slotting home coolly for 3-0.

Prime added a fourth goal before the break as Gilbert's long throw released Excell who did well to keep the ball in and square for Barker to convert his 2nd goal from close range.

Prime were delighted to be 4 goals up at the break, but they knew that as time wore on, fitness could be their biggest enemy.

Athletico came out of the traps quickly, but the excellent back four of Davis, Barnham, Gilbert and Mazurkiewicz were all rock solid, and Jamie Barker looked assured between the sticks.

The visitors did pull one goal back with 10 minutes left, but it proved little more than a consolation goal, as Prime ran down the clock successfully.

All in all, a pleasing result for a Prime side stripped of many of it's first eleven regulars. Those who were missing today will now have to fight for their places.

Man of the Match: Walker - Quality finish and excellent on the ball throughout.