After the downpour last week at Old Willies which saw a relatively new Burnt Ash 2nd XI only really show up for the second half after an Alex Ferguson style rant from captain Steve Flower at half time, Ash came into this game against long term rivals, Old Bords, with a new lease of life and enthusiasm.

If history tells us one thing, its that games between Burnt Ash and Old Bords are never shy of a few goals, and this meeting definitely lived up to that.

Having recently been slow out of the blocks, a big theme of the pre match team talk was to start fast, press hard and play with a high intensity. Within 5 minutes, this paid dividends. A dynamic and unselfish lead from Strattan opened space for the ball to make its way through to waight who, with a perfectly timed mis-trap, played it through to an on running Flint who rounded the goalkeeper with composure we havent seen since the days he was questionably playing for the 6's. 1-0 ash.

Ash continued to pile on the pressure, pressing old bords from the top causing them problems and giving them very few outlets. 1 very quickly became 2 when, yes you guessed it, Flint despatched a short corner with a powerful drag flick in off the right post. 2-0 Ash

At 2-0 up there's always the danger of sitting back and resting on your laurels. Not today! Ash continued to push Old Bords with their well organised full press. The intensity was so high that after a hard working stint, Mullen decided to randomly sub himself off in the middle of the press, much to the bemusement of Waight, who in true Waight fashion, made sure his feelings on the matter were well known. Some could argue this act was worthy of getting D*&* of the day however apparently if you dont show up to fines you avoid getting the award - not sure I agree with that one.

Anyway, back to the game, with Mullen getting a well earned rest on the side-line, this allowed Strattan to come on and cause more havoc in the front line. Turning up the heat, Waight managed to meet a bouncing ball in the D and with a finessed reverse stick touch, lobbed it beautifully over the Old Bords goalkeeper. 3-0 Ash.

Having taken such a commanding lead, Rishi, being the kind a polite guy we all know him to be, kindly kicked the ball passed Flower in the ash goal to give Bords the slightest slither of hope. 3-1

This hope didnt last long and completing his first half hattrick, Flint buried his 3rd and Ash's 4th of the game into the bottom left corner with what can only be described as a well executed drag push. 4-1 Ash - Half Time

If I'm honest, a lot of the second half was a blur, the high intensity started to get to the team as the warm October sun sat high above the Dartford astro. As the half went on Ash got more and more tired letting in not 1 but 2 more goals. 4-3 10 minutes to go.

The last 10 minutes Ash dug deep, managing our play and time, keeping possession and more importantly control of the game. There were calls that we could have done with the time wasting expertise of long term Ash player Andrew Atkin, however even without this we managed to stay strong, work hard for eachother and held out for the win.

Final Score: 4-3 Burnt Ash

Side note - if you every have a choice between getting your hair cut or wearing a hair band to keep your hair out of your eyes...never choose the hair band, you will end up having to write the match report.