Ashton Prime 2-5 Woodlands Reserves

Prime went into their clash with Woodlands with an unchanged first XI from last week's outing against Penshurst.

Goldsmith returned but had to make do with a place on the bench, alongisde Postlethwaite. Goulding was the only absentee from last week, with Joe Walker shaking off a knee injury.

Abu was named captain but he lost the toss so Prime had the slope in their advantage in the first half.

They made the most of it too and started with a high tempo, giving Woodlands no time to settle on the ball, and the visitors were ruffled.

Barker and Excell were keeping the centre-backs busy and the midfield 4 were winning tackles and headers more often than not.

Prime took a deserved lead after 15 minutes when Walters' diagonal ball to the back post was chased down by Sander - who was rewarded for chasing the lost cause when the keeper's clearance rebounded off his ankle and into the net.

Woodlands were still struggling to get going but Prime could not find the crucial second goal - and by the half hour mark, the visitors were starting to exert some pressure.

Kerton had to close down their striker well after a good through ball released him - but right on half time the same move resulted in the equaliser - this time the curled finish beat Kerton at his near post.

At the break Prime were still well in the game and they knew that the next goal would be crucial. However, a shocking start to the half effectively handed the game to their opponents.

The first two goals both came down Prime's left as Woodlands exploited a 2 on 1 situation, and Prime's lack of pace at the back to sweep into a 3-1 lead.

Goldsmith came off the bench to replace Sander on the right of midfield, but the 4th goal came soon after as the Prime back 4 were left all at sea by Woodlands' movement and pace.

Prime did finally begin to play midway through the half. Goldsmith and Barker linked up twice down the right wing and Barker's cut backs were well cleared with Excell and Joe Walker set to pounce.

Goldsmith tried to chip the keeper after cutting inside from the left-wing after switching wings with the lively Walters - but the keeper saved well.

Postlethwaite replaced Barnham for the closing stages with Davis switching to left-back.

Prime then produced a sublime goal to give them some hope with 10 minutes left. Good work by the central midfield duo released Walters down the right flank. He produced a perfect curling cross with his weaker foot and Barker powered home the near post header.

But Woodlands had the last laugh as Prime gambled by pushing forward for the closing stages.

Davis was left again in a 2 on 1 situation and the Woodlands striker nipped in ahead of Kerton to roll in their 5th and final goal.

Man of the Match: Joe Walker - Solid performance despite injury