The home side asserted themselves quickly, forcing the Tangerine's keeper, Jake Taylor into a double save in the 2nd minute as he blocked both Dylan Kearney's and Timon Khyne-Sam's low angled shots. Then, when Ben Slade nodded Jack Thomson-Wheeler's deep cross back into the danger area, Ross McKernan hit a powerful volley straight at the keeper.
However, with their first threat on goal, Ashford scored as Lovelace Owusu cut inside from the right flank and hit a speculative shot from outside the area which flew in beyond the reach of George Upton.
This set back knocked United's rhythm for a while, although Khyne-Sam did turn neatly to create space for a shot from Matt Sinclair's lay off, but Taylor gathered his curling shot in. Then, United had another scare when Owusu's lob beat the on rushing Upton but bounced up and hit the crossbar. Kearney responded with a low shot from outside the area which Taylor smothered, but the visiting keeper was tested far greater by Thomson-Wheeler's powerful free kick which he pushed away.
United continued to probe in search of an equaliser and another Thomson-Wheeler free kick just missed the far post by inches. Then, from a far post corner, Taylor parried away headers from Josiah Benjamin and Slade before the ball was scrambled clear. It wasn't all one way traffic however, as the skilful Owusu kept United's defence occupied and fired a rising shot across the face of goal and wide.
Although, United had the majority of the first half chances, Tristan Lewis obviously felt the need to change tactics, making a double substitution and switching to a back three with wing backs. It took just five minutes to get level. United capitalised on a rare defensive lapse from the visitors as Slade played a quick short corner to Thomson-Wheeler and he found Charlie Mitchell. Although he might claim he was shooting, his ball into the box found its way into the net through a crowded area as Matt Sinclair's dummy deceived both Taylor and his defence.
Mitchell began to revel in his more advanced role, teeing up Thomson-Wheeler for a low shot which ended up being comfortably saved by Taylor and Slade for a difficult first time shot which looped up and Taylor tipped over. The keeper then dived low to his left to deny Sinclair from long range.
However, he would be disappointed with the goal that gave United the lead on 71 minutes. He appeared to beat Slade to a throughball, but sliced his clearance to Kearney who controlled his shot into the empty net well despite the pace on the ball.
Not long afterwards, Ashford went close again as Mason Rosebloom hit a long free kick which dipped suddenly, but just cleared Upton's cross bar. However, United earned some breathing space as Mitchell weaved his way through to the bye line and picked out Kearney who rolled the ball in at the near post from six yards.
And that was the end of the scoring, as both keepers excelled in the remaining time. Keji Adenyini brought about the best out of Upton who jumped to his right to keep out his rising shot. Then when play switched to the other end, Slade played Kearney through but he was denied by a remarkable reaction save by Taylor, low to his left.
Report by Nick Bell.
United Man of the Match: Charlie Mitchell.
