Defeat at Ashford leaves Lancing with work to do

The home fixture in December was Dean Cox’s first game as manager and the Lancers achieved a very creditable 3-2 victory with a very late winner from Reece Hallard.

At Ashford, Cox kept faith with the starting XI who achieved a convincing 3-0 home win over Three Bridges. Back into the squad came Charles Towning and there was a return for Mark Goldson.

Ashford began on the front foot with leading scorer Gary Lockyer, on 19 goals for the season, shooting wide of the upright in the first minute, although there was a suspicion of offside, followed by Johan Ter Horst blazing his effort well over the bar, having been set up by Lockyer. Alieu Secka did well to hold on to a threatening ball in from a corner and, at the other end Marcus Allen got his head to a corner but put the ball over.

Tommy Blennerhasset was leading the line for Lancing, chasing defenders down and looking to get in behind at every opportunity. Mo Juwara was found in space on the right with a long ball from Allen and he put Blennerhasset into a shooting position but the young striker failed to make a good connection. From a corner a Will Berry effort flew over the bar.