At the Robert Parker Stadium on Tuesday evening North Greenford were knocked out of the Middlesex FA Senior Challenge Cup by Ashford Town (Middx). The club’s only remaining cup interest is now limited to the MFA Senior Charity Cup competition in which the Blues could again be facing Ashford if the Tangerines beat Southall in their First Round tie to be played in December.

With manager Danny Vincent giving starts to squad members Charlie Conner, Ralford Thorpe and Andre Swaries, and with Colin Murphy’s son Ryan making his Greenford debut, the Blues competed well against a very good Ashford side that has performed well this season since gaining promotion back to the Southern League. The club are currently sixth in the Central Division table just below the play-off places and have advanced to the First Qualifying round of the FA Vase.

Unfortunately, compared to their two previous league wins, United could not produce the firing power or accuracy in front of goal, despite looking lively and creating several scoring opportunities as they more than matched their hosts in the opening exchanges.

Ashford broke the deadlock on 21 minutes when, after Greenford had conceded possession in midfield, a swift counter-attack ended with a Mark Bitmead effort rebounding back into play off the United post. The ball fell into the path of Bitmead’s strike partner Hakim Hammami who made no mistake with a composed, clinical finish past Blues keeper James Harry.

Greenford suffered a major setback soon after going behind when Harry appeared to suffer ligament damage after coming down heavily as he claimed a high ball, and had to retire from the game. He was replaced between the sticks by central defender Matt Travis with Anthony Rowlands coming off the bench to play alongside Josh Lewis-Todd.

To their credit United quickly re-adjusted, maintaining their defensive shape and continuing to compete well in midfield, effectively preventing the Tangerines extending their first half lead, and giving themselves a real chance of getting back into the game after the break.

Ashford’s crucial second goal was scored nine minutes into the second period when defender Alex Fisher played a long ball out to the left which enabled Bitmead to get behind the Greenford defence and place an accurate shot past Travis into the corner of the visitors net.

From that point, despite George Moore and Alfie Cain being brought off the bench to liven up the Blues attack, Ashford protected their lead well, although committed and determined defending by the visitors continued to keep the scoreline down. That was until the final minute of the contest when, latching onto a long ball over the United defence, in what clearly appeared an offside position, substitute Kam English beat Travis with a neat finish to round off the Tangerines victory.

NGU Team: James Harry (Anthony Rowlands 25), Guy Ansah-Palmer, Ryan Murphy, Daniel Vincent (captain), Matt Travis, Josh Lewis-Evans, Ralford Thorpe (Alfie Cain 63), Nathan Munroe, Jamal Velinor, Charlie Conner, Andre Swaries (George Moore 60)

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