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Two late Josh Hatcher goals helped Victoria snatch a dramatic late win at Ashford Cavaliers in terrible conditions at Goldwyn School. Hatcher levelled the scores at 2-2 just before the 90 minutes were up in this Sheber Trophy first round fixture, and then popped up with a headed winner deep into injury time to send the Vics through to the second round where they will face second division side Brewmaster Reserves.

With strong winds and heavy rain, playing conditions were very difficult for both sides but that didn't stop either team trying to play some decent football in the opening exchanges. With the wind on their side in the first-half, Cavaliers struggled to control their long ball game early on and constantly over-hit several killer passes that were easily swept up by Vics goalkeeper Richard Coombes. But after some neat build up play from Gary Foreman and Andy Jones, Victoria took an 8th minute lead when Matt Deeble's deliberate delayed pass was chased onto by top scorer Danny Bushell who burst through from the midfield to round the Cavaliers' 'keeper and side foot home unchallenged to give Victoria a 1-0 lead.

The Vics could have and should have doubled their advantage in the minutes that followed, first Deeble did all the hard work to beat off the Cavaliers defence but could only shoot straight at the 'keeper before Bushell blazed over from close range after Deeble's cut back across goal. But Victoria's inability to pick up players on the edge of the penalty area cost them dearly after 27 minutes when Cavaliers equalised with the goal of the game. A Cavaliers throw on the right-hand side eventually found its way out to Cavaliers' Stuart Reaks after Tony Mason's headed clearance into the wind, and Reaks smashed the ball into the back of the Victoria net on the volley to amazingly level the scores from 20-yards out.

Cavaliers then took control of the remainder of the first-half and deservedly took the lead five minutes before the break when Duncan Garrett bundled the ball home after some dreadful and desperate defending from a corner to put them in the driving seat going into the second period and a 2-1 lead.

A flurry of second-half substitutions seemed to revitalise the Vics into action again and the visitors, now with the wind on their side, went about getting back into the game again. Darren Patterson agonisingly fired just wide of the upright after Deeble played the left-footed midfielder in, Joe Mort saw two decent long range efforts well saved by the home side's goalkeeper and Andy Jones was just beaten to the ball by the 'keeper after racing clear of his marker.

But a switch in formation from 442 to 343 did the trick for the away side and Josh Hatcher, who was moved up to right midfield as a result of the reshuffle, grabbed two late goals to stun the Cavaliers players and supporters and grab the win for Victoria. First Hatcher played a headed one-two with forward Matt Deeble before smashing the ball home to level the scores at 2-2 on 88 minutes, then the youngster headed home Patterson's out-swinging corner on the left in the eighth minute of injury time to grab his fifth goal of the season on his way to claiming the man of the match award and to the delight of his soaked team mates, thoroughly relieved not to have to play an additional thirty minutes of extra-time.

It may not have been pretty, but a win is a win, and Victoria progress to the next round.

Player Ratings...

Richard Coombes 8, Luke Hendry 7 (sub- Luke Stafford 7), Josh Hatcher 9, Andy Jones 8, Ryan Martin 8, Tony Mason 8, Gary Foreman 8, Danny Bushell 7 (sub- Darren Patterson 8), Matt Deeble 8, Shane Jupp 7 (sub- Wayne Cleave 7), Joey Mort 8.

Man of the Match...

Josh Hatcher- The young full-back continues to earn rave reviews this season and was the hero today netting two late goals to snatch the win. Full of running and enthusiam, Josh also got stuck in defensively and fully deserved his man of the match award.

Ashford Victoria bounced back from going two goals behind early on to battle back and earn a point against Division Three league leaders William Harvey on Sunday. Goals from Joe Ansell and Andy Trott had helped put the Harvey 2-0 ahead inside the first quarter of an hour, but a Josh Hatcher penalty and a second-half Matt Deeble header brought the Vics back level to grab a share of the spoils at Courtside.

Victoria made two changes from the starting eleven that defeated Burton Grove last week with young midfielder Luke Stafford recalled to the side for Gary Foreman, while Wayne Cleave replaced Ryan Martin at centre-back. Jack Bundock again led the line for the Vics with Shane Jupp, Danny Bushell and Matt Deeble playing just behind. Joey Mort returned after missing last weeks fixture to line up alongside Foreman, Martin and Darren Patterson on the substitute bench.

The Vics started brightly in the opening exchanges and tested the Harvey defence with two similar free-kicks after Deeble was brought down and fouled on both occasions in the hosts half of the pitch. But in their first attack of the morning, William Harvey found the back of the net through a free-kick of their own after Vics skipper Andy Jones brought down Harvey's Craig Davies on the right-hand side. Midfielder Jack Holloway rose the highest and nodded back the resulting set-piece across the goal setting up Harvey's top goal scorer Joe Ansell to bundle the ball over the line to make it 1-0 after ten minutes.

But just as Victoria looked to break and grab an instant equaliser, Shane Jupp lost possession on the half-way line and Harvey broke on the counter attack, and after three defence-splitting passes, former Hamstreet and Bliby forward Andy Trott found himself through on goal and thundered the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the net from 18-yards to make it 2-0 and grab his first league goal of the season.

Now Victoria had to do it the hard way, something they have been making a real habit of this season, and in falling behind here meant that the Vics had gone 1-0 down in five of their seven league and cup fixtures this season. But just as you would have thought Harvey would have gone on to kill the game off, Victoria responded brilliantly and played themselves back into the game. First Dan Bushell turned but fired his decent shot wide of the upright before Jack Bundock got the ball stuck under his feet when clean through at the back post after Deeble's cut-back across goal as Victoria went in search of a goal.

Then Shane Jupp was denied the chance to pull a goal back when he was harshly flagged for offside when it looked as though he was clearly on and through one-on-one with Harvey goalkeeper Marc Boswell. But just as Victoria got back in the swing of things, the game started to take a nasty twist, and several Harvey players lost their discipline and the late tackles started flying in. Referee Barry Sheather, who had a fantastic game as the man in the middle, kept the game in order and wasn't shy with his cards either, booking no less than six of the home sides players for various reasons.

And it was the referee who handed the visitors the chance to pull a goal back when he awarded Victoria a 31st minute penalty when Harvey's Craig Davis was adjudged to have pulled down Shane Jupp on the edge of the box. Vics left-back Josh Hatcher stepped up and calmly slotted home from the spot to net his third goal in his last two league appearances to pull the scores back to 2-1 at the break.

Harvey had a good chance to restore their two-goal lead at the beginning of the second-half, but Charlie Fitzgerald's decent effort was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Vics 'keeper Richard Coombes, who took a whack on the head for his efforts after colliding with the post whilst making the save. But Victoria's solid defence stood strong for the remainder of the half and restricted the opposition to only half chances for the rest of the match as the away side dominated the final half-hour.

Matt Deeble saw his shot smothered by Boswell when put through by Jupp, before Bundock went close from a tight angle on the right, just shooting over the crossbar. But a long throw from man of the match Dan Bushell finally paid off when Matt Deeble rose above the Harvey defence to head the ball over the outstretched arms of Marc Boswell and into the back of the net with just over 20 minutes still to play.

But despite their domination near the end of the fixture, Victoria couldn't find a third goal that would have given them the win and had to settle for just the one point in the end that moves them up one place to second in the Division Three table, four points behind leaders William Harvey, but with a game in-hand.

Match Ratings...

Richard Coombes-8, Luke Hendry-9, Josh Hatcher-8, Andy Jones-9, Wayne Cleave-8 (sub, Martin-7), Mason-9, Jupp-9, Stafford-8 (sub. Mort-7), Bundock-8 (sub, Foreman-6), Bushell-9, Deeble-9.

Man of the Match...

Dan Bushell- The hard working midfielder covered every inch of the pitch breaking up the play at one end before making things happen for his side at the other. His long throws caused all sorts of problems too which set up Deeble's equaliser, and his communication was key for the Vics.

Ashford Victoria needed an extra-time winner from striker Matt Deeble to see off a stubborn Burton Grove side to progress to the second round of the Kent Junior Trophy at the Ridge on Sunday morning. With the scores locked at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, Deeble beat the hosts offside trap on 113 minutes after being played through by substitute Darren Patterson to chip Burton Grove goalkeeper James Rand with a cool finish to seal a hard fought 2-1 win. But Victoria should have made it easier for themselves in normal time and almost paid the price for some poor finishing and composure in front of goal and can think themselves lucky to have got the result they wanted.

For the second game running, the Vics did all the hard work in creating the chances and holding the ball up, but once again failed to get enough efforts on target or to trouble the opposition 'keeper enough to make the game more comfortable during periods when they were on top. But thanks to some good defending by the Victoria back four and the brave goalkeeping of Richard Coombes, the visitors managed to reduce the home side to just the one goal throughout the two-hours and come away with the win the hard way. But one positive thing that Victoria can take away from the tie is that they finally broke their extra-time jinx, winning their first game in four years that needed and added half-hour to settle the result, having been defeated on the three previous occasions extra time has been needed in various cup competitions.

Former Bliby goalkeeper Richard Coombes continued in goal for Victoria, with Luke Hendry, Ryan Martin, Tony Mason and Josh Hatcher lining up in defence, the same back four as in the previous fixture away at Brabourne. Shane Jupp, Andy Jones, Danny Bushell and Gary Foreman made up the midfield quartet while both Jack Bundock and Matt Deeble were recalled to the front line, making their first ever appearance as a striking partnership in Victoria's colours. Darren Banks, Luke Stafford and Darren Patterson started from the bench completing the 14-man match day squad, still missing the injured trio of Darryl George, Mark Rutland and Sam Burgess, while Joe Mort (work) and Wayne Cleave (away) were also absent.

Both sides played out a scrappy opening five minutes, although Matt Deeble carved out the games first real chance on 6 minutes when he ran around the outside of Grove right-back Sean Floyd before cutting back to run at goal horizontally alongside the goal line before running into trouble and hitting the side netting. But the home side were awarded a free-kick three minutes later when Shane Jupp's miss-placed back pass caused panic just outside the Victoria penalty area and referee Kevin Lee blew up for a late challenge on striker Barry Pithers. Burton Grove's top goal scorer James Ross stepped up to fire the resulting set-piece into the bottom left-hand corner beyond the reach of Coombes to continue his impressive scoring record against the Vics to send Burton Grove into an early 1-0 lead.

Coombes had to be alert soon after to brilliantly tip Pithers' well hit shot onto the post and out for a corner before Luke Hendry was in the right place at the right time to clear off of the line from Ross' effort on 15 minutes as the home side looked to double their advantage. But as the half wore on, Victoria got into the game and the swing of things, and inspired by the complete freedom of the left-hand side of the pitch of Josh Hatcher, the visitors looked for an equaliser. Jack Bundock timed his run to perfection to race onto Hatcher's lobbed through ball but was closed down just in time by Rand in the Grove goal, before skipper Andy Jones just fired over from 20-yards reacting well after Deeble's original shot was well blocked. Hatcher then went on a mazy run past three defenders but failed to get any power behind his shot to trouble the goalkeeper, while Dan Bushell's long throws caused all sorts of panic at the back for the hosts, but his team mates failed to win the resulting aerial battles to capitalise on the powerful weapon.

But Bushell was on hand to fire home the equaliser on the stroke of half-time when fellow summer signing Matt Deeble ghosted past two defenders on the right before pulling the ball back to the edge of the 18-yard box straight into the run of Bushell, and the Vics top scorer made no mistake in hammering the ball home high into the middle of the goal to level the scores in a well worked move.

Burton Grove were limited to the long ball game in the second-half as Victoria improved their midfield play and closing down in particular, and could have and should have killed the game off before extra-time was needed. Deeble, on two occasions, skipped through the Grove defence with the ball glued to his feet like a six-year-old girl playing hop-scotch, but lost his footing and composure both times when lining up a shot at goal. Substitute Darren Banks fired wide after a clever turn, left-back Josh Hatcher cut inside after running 40-yards with the ball to put the ball the wrong side of the post and Shane Jupp's cut back on the right was missed by everyone as Victoria continued to waste decent chances to win the game.

But Deeble's brilliantly timed run past the last Burton Grove defender saw him one-on-one with 'keeper Rand after Darren Patterson's clever lobbed pass, and Deeble lifted the ball up and over the young stopper to give the Vics the lead for the first time in the game much to the appeals of the home sides players claiming for offside. And John Honey's men were once again denied by the referee moments later when Grove defender Lee Crumbie tumbled in the Victoria box after Patterson's challenge, but match official Kevin Lee deemed the tackle to be legal and continued play as Victoria held out for the final few minutes to secure a 2-1 victory.

Player Ratings...

Richard Coombes-8, Luke Hendry-8, Josh Hatcher-8, Andy Jones-8, Ryan Martin-8, Tony Mason-8, Shane Jupp-7, Danny Bushell-8, Matt Deeble-8, Jack Bundock-8, Gary Foreman-7.

Substitutes...

Darren Banks (Foreman 61 mins)-6, Luke Stafford (Jupp 68 mins)-7, Darren Patterson (Bundock 88 mins)-6

Man of the Match...

Andy Jones- The Vics skipper led by example, battling away in a tough and physical midfield. Selfless performance in holding back allowing others, such as Hatcher, to venture forward, and stuck his head in and flew into some brave challenges.

Ashford Victoria left it late to secure all three points against Brabourne on Sunday morning as Josh Hatcher's 88th minute penalty helped the Vics to a well earned 3-2 win in Sellindge, although Victoria should have finished the game off in the first-half to make it easier for themselves. Headed goals from Hatcher and Dan Bushell gave Victoria a 2-0 half-time lead, but Brabourne capitalised on two defensive errors to draw level, before the Vics were awarded a late penalty after Shane Jupp was pulled down in the box allowing Hatcher to score the winning goal.

Victoria were missing several players yet again through injuries and unavailability, meaning Vics manager Ryan Mills was forced to sign another body to add to his depleted squad, former player Michael Mills rejoining the club after two seasons away. Wayne Cleave and Matt Deeble were both away for the weekend, while Jack Bundock was absent due to work commitments. Darryl George and Sam Burgess still remain sidelined with their respective knee injuries, while Mark Rutland is still several weeks away from fitness after an ankle injury.

Richard Coombes continued in goal for the Vics behind a back four of Luke Hendry, Tony Mason, Josh Hatcher and the recalled Ryan Martin. Andy Jones anchored the midfield lining up alongside Shane Jupp, Gary Foreman and Joey Mort. Darren Banks returned up front to partner top goal scorer Danny Bushell in attack, whilst Mills named Darren Patterson, Luke Stafford and younger brother Michael Mills amongst the substitutes.

Victoria started brightly and the stronger of the two sides, and found themselves 1-0 up after just five minutes. Dan Bushell's long throw on the right deflected off of a Brabourne defender into the path of young left-back Josh Hatcher who headed the ball beyond Brabourne 'keeper Kevin Robinson from close range to put his side ahead with his first goal of the season. The visitors could of and should of added to their lead in the first half-hour, but were denied by either a lack of composure in front of goal, or by Robinson on the host's goal. Darren Banks fired just over the bar after a brilliant team move involving Mort, Foreman and Bushell, before Andy Jones' spectacular acrobatic attempt failed to test the opposition goalkeeper. Joe Mort hit two decent shots pretty much at Robinson soon after, before Shane Jupp fired into the side netting and Banks again missed the target, just shooting wide of the upright.

But Victoria's dominance of the possession was rewarded with a second goal when Danny Bushell converted Joey Mort's excellent left footed cross with a powerful glancing header beyond the out-stretched arms of Brabourne 'keeper Robinson to double their lead on 34 minutes. Going 2-0 down seemed to spur the home side into action and Luke Hendry had to be alert to clear his lines after a Brabourne counter attack as Victoria took their 2-0 lead into the half-time interval.

Brabourne manager Wayne Rudd's inspired team talk seemed to work wonders as his side came out for the second-half full of confidence and began to take the game to the visitors and pulled a goal back on 57 minutes when Adam Brown took advantage of some very generous Victoria defending to score probably one of the easiest goals the big striker will ever score. A breakdown in communication between substitute Darren Patterson and 'keeper Richard Coombes allowed Brown to side foot the ball over the line despite Patterson's desperate attempt to clear, but lost his footing at the crucial moment and was unable to prevent the third goal of the morning.

Victoria had further chances to increase their lead, first through Shane Jupp who fired wide, and then from a series of missed attempts from Banks, Bushell and second-half sub Michael Mills. And Victoria looked like they may have paid the price for not putting the game to bed when Brabourne striker Dan Tanner levelled the scores at 2-2 in the 83rd minute after taking advantage of Ryan Martin's slip to take the ball around the goalkeeper and finish neatly in the bottom right-hand corner to grab what the home side hoped would be a draw. Brabourne could have gone on to win the match had it not been for an outstanding double save from Vics 'keeper Richard Coombes moments later, who first flew through the air to make one-handed save from Tanner, before reacting instantly to get an outstretched hand to a second shot on the follow up to keep his side in the game.

But the three points were safely secured as the final whistle fast approached when Shane Jupp was pulled to the ground in the 88th minute and referee John Newell pointed to the spot, allowing Hatcher to grab his second of the game from the resulting penalty to complete 3-2 win the hard way. Victoria move up one place to third with this victory, Brabourne remain rooted to the foot of the table.

Match Ratings...

Richard Coombes 8, Luke Hendry 7 (sub Darren Patterson 7), Josh Hatcher 9, Andy Jones 8, Ryan Martin 7, Tony Mason 7, Shane Jupp 7, Gary Foreman 8, Darren Banks 7 (sub-Michael Mills 7), Danny Bushell 8, Joey Mort 8 (sub- Luke Stafford 7).

Man of the Match...

Josh Hatcher- The youngster grabbed his first two goals for over a year in this faultless performance at full-back, and was constantly up and down both wings for the entire 90 minutes. Really playing at the top of his game at the moment and getting better and better every week, a really exciting player to watch.

Ashford Victoria crashed out of the Charity Trophy at the first hurdle but can hold their heads up high having taken Premier Division giants Bromley Green to extra time in this first round clash at the Courtside Soccer Centre this morning. Victoria, starting with a side with an average age of just 22, twice equalised within minutes of falling behind to take the game into added time, and were just eight minutes away from a well deserved penalty shootout before Green's Robbie Greenfield netted a dramatic late winner for the visitors to send Steve Mailey's side into the hat for the second round.

Victoria were pretty much at full strength for their biggest game since the League Cup final in April 2008, although long term injury victims Darryl George (knee) and Mark Rutland (ankle) were still unavailable to manager Ryan Mills. Also missing for the Vics was defender Sam Burgess (knee), while both Ryan Martin and Jack Bundock were absent due to work commitments. Recent signing Richard Coombes made his home debut for Victoria and continued in goal behind a back four of Luke Hendry, Wayne Cleave, Tony Mason and Josh Hatcher. The Vics packed the midfield for the first half, with skipper Andy Jones and Luke Stafford playing deep allowing Danny Bushell to play a free role just ahead with Birthday boy Shane Jupp and Joey Mort adding the width, Matt Deeble playing as the lone striker. On the bench for the home side were Darren Banks, the fit again Gary Foreman and Darren Patterson.

Bromley Green, also starting with a strong line up, took control of the opening exchanges and dominated the early possession playing the ball around looking for openings. But despite using both wings and trying their luck through the middle, the Premier Division side, who won the competition back in 2008, found it difficult to find any gaps through the Victoria defence brilliantly marshalled by the impressive Wayne Cleave. Young left-back Josh Hatcher proved that he is good enough to move up through the divisions with a faultless performance and on more than one occasion turned defence into attack with some quick thinking and confident footwork. The away side had the first real chance of the game when Ashley Webster lost his marker in the penalty area to meet Lee Milton's cross, but his header just fizzed over the Victoria crossbar.

But just as Victoria looked like they were beginning to really build on some confidence and start making some decent chances for themselves, Bromley Green took the lead when Ashley Webster slotted home in the 27th minute after a well worked counter-attack. But the visitors one goal advantage was cancelled out within 90 seconds as Danny Bushell chased onto 'keeper Richard Coombes' long kick up field after Matt Deeble's clever flick and got lucky when he blocked Bromley Green goalkeeper Craig Smith's poor clearance and beat Dan Valler to the ball to side foot home from six-yards to level the scores up at 1-1.

Deeble himself almost got on the score sheet moments later but hit his shot just wide of the upright before Wayne Cleave's free-kick didn't quite test Craig Smith enough as the experienced 'keeper gratefully plucked the ball out of the air comfortably. Up the other end Bromley Green couldn't take advantage of their superior share of the possession and striker Joe Mifsud was guilty of missing from close range before Vics stopper Coombes had to be alert on two occasions to rush out of his goal to collect at the feet of Webster and Tom Poynter.

Victoria were encouraged by a positive half-time team talk and came out for the second period firing on all cylinders. Dan Bushell raced onto a brilliant cross field Joe Mort cross and hit a stunning shot which agonisingly whistled just over the bar missing the target by two or three inches before Deeble frustratingly got the ball stuck under his feet after doing all the hard work racing away from Green defender Terry Perk and rounding the 'keeper. Wayne Cleave also went close heading just wide from Joe Mort's corner before Shane Jupp forced Smith into a good save with his low drilled shot looking destined for the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

But against the run of play, Bromley Green showed just why they are the most successful team in the history of the Ashford Charity Trophy and gave themselves the chance to regain the lead when Luke Hendry was adjudged to have brought down Jack Ovenden in his own penalty area leaving referee Gary Kirton no choice but to point to the spot. Defender Ryan Smith took a deep breath before dispatching the resulting penalty kick beyond Coombes to restore the visitors one goal lead on the hour mark.

But once again Victoria didn't let their heads drop and levelled the scores for a second time when Joe Mort blasted a magnificent free-kick into the roof of the net to make the score 2-2 just three minutes later. And Mort, who has been a revelation since his arrival from Canterbury based side Chartham Sports in the summer, almost gave Victoria the lead when he stunned Bromley Green goalkeeper Craig Smith with a cheeky strike from just inside the opposition half, but Smith managed to react in time to shuffle back and tip Mort's 50-yard effort onto the post at full stretch. But despite being on top for the majority of the second-half, it was the away side who finished the 90 minutes the stronger side and the more likelier to grab a late winner. Victoria's keeper Richard Coombes twice brilliantly dashed off his line to sweep up Green attacks before pulling off the save of the match to deny Lynton Hayles with a stunning one-handed stop, pushing the lively Green midfielder's shot around the post.

Then followed another 30 minutes of extra time, the last thing the Victoria lads wanted after an energy-sapping performance over the previous hour-and-an-half. But after shaking off the cramp and stiffness, the Third Division side still created chances to win the match, Andy Jones' shot was blocked by Glenn Mackett, Shane Jupp hit the side netting and Josh Hatcher just run into trouble just as it looked like he was about to fire the trigger after a 30-yard run with the ball at his feet. But football is a cruel game, and Bromley Green grabbed a winner in the 112th minute of the game when substitute Robbie Greenfield beat the offside trap to fire home the goal to decide the fixture and end Ashford Victoria's hopes of a massive cup upset.

Player Ratings...

Richard Coombes (10) Pulled off an excellent save at the end of 90 minutes and his long kicks caused all sorts of problems for the Green defence

Luke Hendry (10) Was strong in the tackle and as fiercesome as ever and really looked pumped up for this test

Josh Hatcher (10) Has really found his feet at left-back and gave everything for the team in this heroic performance

Andy Jones (10) The skipper led by example and stuck to his thankless task of sitting behind the ball for the entire two hours

Wayne Cleave (10) Proved he is capable of playing centre-back at a higher level with a strong and faultless performance

Tony Mason (10) Man of the Match, had an outstanding game at the back, strong as an ox and showed that he is no slouch either against a speedy attack 

Shane Jupp (9) Once again Mr Victoria put in overtime in a tireless midfield shift, popping up in all areas of the pitch

Luke Stafford (9) Looked comfortable alongside Jones in the midfield and looks like he has a bright future ahead of him

Matt Deeble (10) Ran his socks off up front chasing everything and unlucky not to reward his performance with a goal

Danny Bushell (10) Ran Mason close for the man of the match award with a brilliant display both in midfield and attack

Joey Mort (10) Scored an amazing free-kick and dazzled the visitors with his tricks and skills out on the left

Substitutes...

Gary Foreman (9) Picked right up from where Stafford left off with a real team performance in the midfield

Darren Patterson (8) Came on and got stuck straight in during extra time in the middle of the park, pushing for a starting place again

Darren Banks (7) Late replacement for Jupp, and had little time to be a hero and grab a late goal, but still gave everything until the final whistle

Veteran striker Darren Banks rolled back the years to fire a hat-trick as Ashford Victoria moved to the top of the Division Three table with an impressive 5-0 victory over Ashford Eagles on Sunday. Banks, who returned to Victoria after three years away in the summer signing from Givaudan, celebrated his first start of the season with a 25 minute treble adding to earlier goals from man of the match Danny Bushell and a 50-yard wonder strike from Wayne Cleave.

Vics boss Ryan Mills decided to make two changes from the side that defeated Bliby Reserves last week, although one of those was enforced with new signing Joey Mort unavailable due to work commitments. Sam Burgess was drafted in at left-back allowing young Josh Hatcher to move up to left midfield, while Darren Banks came in for Gary Foreman pushing Shane Jupp back into his more familiar wide right midfield role. Mark Bennett retained his place between the sticks for the visitors behind Wayne Cleave and Tony Mason marshalling the defence.

Banks looked keen to prove he is worth a regular starting place from the kick off, and almost opened the scoring in the very first minute. Luke Hendry played a great ball down the right wing for Banks to chase, and the former Ashford Dynamo striker hit the ball sweetly with his first touch from a tight angle, but could only pull his shot wide of the upright going across the face of the goal. Strike partner Matt Deeble went close with Victoria's second chance, again hitting wide after being played in by Danny Bushell before Banks raced clear only to hit the side netting. But the Vics did make the break through after 8 minutes when Bushell turned in Deeble's clever cut back across the goal to put the away side 1-0 ahead. Deeble, a summer arrival from Canterbury League side Adisham Nomads, played a wonderful one-two with skipper Andy Jones, before running around the outside of the Eagles right-back and cutting in towards the edge of the six yard box, and unselfishly squared the ball to Bushell to side foot home the games opening goal.

Nine minutes later and Victoria were two goals to the good when Wayne Cleave saw Eagles goalkeeper Kenny Sharpe slightly off of his line to hit an amazing 50-yard free-kick into the roof of the net to put the Vics 2-0 ahead. Dan Bushell was brought to the ground by Eagles midfielder Mark Pratt inside the centre circle, and Cleave wasted no time in hitting the long ball over the top to score from distance as Sharp could do nothing to keep the ball out. Banks grabbed the first of his three goals after 26 minutes following up after Deeble's original shot was brilliantly saved by Sharpe. Deeble again found himself in space on the edge of the penalty area and hit a lovely curved shot, curling away from the 'keeper, but Sharpe reacted well to palm the effort away but could only watch on in frustration as his defence failed to deal with the loose ball and Banks pounced smashing the ball home into the back of the net from eight yards.

Victoria went 4-0 up after 35 minutes as Banks netted his second of the morning. Shane Jupp played in his corner on the far right towards the near post and found Wayne Cleave on the edge of the six-yard box, and Cleave cleverly cushioned and laid off the ball into the path of Banks who fired through a crowd to finish from the edge of the penalty area. The visitors were forced into making a change before the break when Sam Burgess was taken off with a knee injury, being replaced by Gary Foreman, and the versatile defender now becomes a doubt for next weeks league encounter with bottom of the table Brabourne Anchor.

The Vics didn't waste any time at the start of the second-half as they grabbed their fifth and final goal in the 51st minute. Shane Jupp and Gary Foreman linked up well in the Victoria midfield before playing the ball up to Bushell, who played an inch perfect ball up to Banks. And Banks slotted away his third to claim his hat-trick poking home past Sharpe in the home sides goal after speeding past two defenders to wrap up the points. Victoria then went on to waste several good goal scoring chances to increase their already impressive goal difference, first Banks failed to connect to Hatcher's cross and shot wide, before Hatcher himself missed the target after a decent run past two Eagles defenders.

Eagles, who failed to register a meaningful shot at goal in the entire 90 minutes missed the chance to pull a goal back when Mark Pratt missed from the penalty spot after Vics substitute Darren Patterson bundled over Howard Baker. And then at the other end Eagles got away with conceding a sixth when Wayne Cleave had a goal disallowed when the match referee judged that his indirect free-kick inside the Eagles penalty area did not touch anyone on its way into the roof of the net, despite claims that goalkeeper Kenny Sharpe had got a hand to the fierce effort.

But overall Victoria will be pleased with both the result and the team performance and managed to continue ther winning start to the new season staying top of the table ahead of Ashford Cavaliers on goal difference.

Match Ratings...

MARK BENNETT (9), LUKE HENDRY (9), SAM BURGESS (7), ANDY JONES (8), TONY MASON (9), WAYNE CLEAVE (9), SHANE JUPP (8), DANNY BUSHELL (9), MATT DEEBLE (8), DARREN BANKS (9), JOSH HATCHER (9).

Subs...

GARY FOREMAN (8), JACK BUNDOCK (7), DARREN PATTERSON (7), RYAN MARTIN (unused), LUKE STAFFORD (unused).

Man of the Match...

DANNY BUSHELL- Tireless performance from the summer signing who rounded off a tremendous shift with a goal and two assists. Has formed a priceless partnership with Andy Jones already, and adds some steel to the Victoria midfield.

Ashford Victoria got off to a winning start on Sunday as they beat newly promoted Bliby Reserves 4-2 at Courtside in their first league fixture of the 2009-10 season. Debutant Matt Deeble will get the headlines as the 21-year-old striker hit two wonder goals to set the Vics on their way to an opening day victory in their first game at their new ground, but Victoria were made to work hard by their opponents as Bliby proved that they will be no push overs in this division.

Vics boss Ryan Mills made five changes from last weeks poor 2-2 friendly draw with Prince Albert and switched to a very attack minded 4-3-3 formation from the start. Luke Hendry came in for Luke Stafford at right-back, while Wayne Cleave replaced Sam Burgess at centre-back lining up alongside Tony Mason, with Josh Hatcher replacing Darren Patterson on the left of defence. Andy Jones returned to the midfield alongside Gary Foreman and new signing Danny Bushell, while Deeble lead a three man attack with Shane Jupp and Joey Mort either side of him. Stafford, Patterson, Burgess and Banks were rested and were only named as substitutes for Victoria.

After a close opening ten minutes in which both sides had half chances, Bliby recorded the first shot on target of the game from an unlikely source. Goalkeeper Richard Coombes, who had dropped down from Bliby's first team for the morning, amazingly hit the Victoria crossbar from a wind-assisted drop kick that bounced just inside the home sides penalty area and looped over opposite number Mark Bennett, but thankfully the crossbar saved the Vics blushes and the score line stayed goalless. Steve Airey went close for the visitors soon after before Jason Foster sent a header from close range just past the post.

At the other end Victoria were limited to scraps as Bliby defended well, first Shane Jupp was unlucky as he slid in at the back post just missing Deeble's cutback across the goal by inches before Wayne Cleave headed over from a long Dan Bushell throw. But Bliby broke away after a failed Victoria attack and opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Jason Foster finished off a lovely team move to give the visitors a well earned 1-0 lead. Steve Airey played a cross field pass to Lee Simmons out on the left, and after speeding past Vics defender Luke Hendry, crossed into the box for Foster to ghost in unmarked and smashed home from close range to score.

Bliby's lead didn't last long though as skipper Andy Jones netted Victoria's first goal of the season on 24 minutes to level the scores again. Dan Bushell showed some neat footwork to release Deeble on the left who managed to get the ball in the penalty area, and after some confusion and panic in the Bliby defence, Jones popped up to flick the ball home to make it 1-1. Six minutes later and Victoria took the lead for the first time in the match as Matt Deeble netted on his competitive debut to make it 2-1. Shane Jupp's quick throw to Wayne Cleave was lofted up to the edge of the penalty area, where Deeble brilliantly brought the ball under control, turned and fired into the back of the net beyond Coombes from 18 yards.

Victoria pushed hard for a third before half-time and Coombes pulled off a magnificent save to tip Shane Jupp's half volley around the post on 37 minutes. Jupp let rip from some 25-yards, and despite a crowd of players in front of him, Coombes managed to get air born and pluck the ball out of the sky to deny what would have been a wonderful goal for the Vics.

The second-half started off the same way that the first period finished as Victoria remained on top and looking dangerous. Shane Jupp again went close to scoring, first beating three defenders after a skillful run, but agonisingly fired just wide, before defender Luke Hendry pushed up with the ball and tried his luck from distance, but again his shot missed the target. But Jupp's persistance paid off on 54 minutes as he grabbed the third goal against the club he played for as a youngster. Hendry played the ball up to Joey Mort, who ran past two defenders with ease, before Jupp took the ball away from his feet, cut inside to steady himself and curled the ball away from Coombes into the top left-hand corner of the goal to give Victoria a 3-1 lead.

The game was pretty much over as a contest four minutes later as Deeble grabbed his second and Victoria's fourth to seal the three points with another brilliant solo effort. Josh Hatcher played the ball to Deeble's feet, and from nothing, managed to turn out and completely fool his marker before firing home from 12-yards under pressure to make it 4-1. Deeble almost claimed his hat-trick minutes later when Luke Stafford launched a perfect ball over the Bliby defence, but he just fired wide of the upright after pressure from Bliby player-manager James Ripley.

The visitors did look dangerous themselves in the last quarter of the game though and Bennett showed why he is still the Vics first choice 'keeper reacting well to beat Lee Simmons to the ball after a long ball over the top, and pulled off an excellent save to push James Brazil's thunder shot out for a corner minutes later. But Bliby did manage to grab a late consolation goal from the resulting corner when Foster rose the highest to head home unmarked to complete the scoring.

Ashford Victoria...

Mark Bennett 8, Luke Hendry 9, Josh Hatcher 8, Andy Jones 9, Wayne Cleave 9, Tony Mason 8, Shane Jupp 9, Gary Foreman 8, Danny Bushell 8, Matthew Deeble 9, Joey Mort 8. (subs) Darren Banks 7, Luke Stafford 7, Darren Patterson 7.

Bliby Reserves...

Coombes, Windle, Ripley, Wallbridge, Cole, Simmons, Foster, Brazil, Airey, Davies, Docherty. (subs) Matthews, Robinson.

Man of the Match...

Skipper Andy Jones worked tirelessly in the midfield, working as the anchor and starting off several good attacking moves. Got the opening goal, but it was all about his excellent defensive performance against a very attacking and direct side.

Ashford Victoria were pegged back twice by a spirited and determined Prince Albert side as the old rivals rounded off their prespective pre-season campaigns with a 2-2 draw in Willesborough on Sunday morning. Shane Jupp had given Victoria a 1-0 lead on the stroke of half-time before verteran striker Gary Kerry equalised for the Albert. Youngster Joey Mort restored the Vics advantage soon after but former Victoria triallist James Willcocks levelled for the second time midway through the second half to earn his side a share of the spoils in a game that the Division Four side may have feel they should have won.

Victoria were understrength for their final warm up game before next weekends first league game of the season at home to Bliby Reserves, and had to do without several first team players. Long term injury victims Darryl George (knee) and Mark Rutland (ankle) were still missing, while Ryan Martin (honeymoon) was also unavailable. Skipper Andy Jones missed his first game in over twelve months while strikers Jack Bundock (work commitments) and Matthew Deeble (holiday) were also absent from Vics manager Ryan Mills' 13-man squad.

Mark Bennett retained his place in goal for the sixth consecutive friendly behind an experimental back four of Luke Stafford, Sam Burgess, Tony Mason and Darren Patterson. Shane Jupp and Josh Hatcher lined up on the right and left of midfield respectively sandwiching Danny Bushell and stand-in captain Gary Foreman in the middle of the park. Former Prince Albert forward Darren Banks partnered Joey Mort in attack, while Wayne Cleave and Luke Hendry started from the substitutes bench.

Victoria got off to a bright start and Gary Foreman almost opened the scoring within the first five minutes. Darren Patterson laid the ball off to Foreman in the middle of the field, and the former Albert playmaker beat two visiting defenders on a strong and direct run before toe-poking the ball just inches over the Prince Albert goal from 25-yards out. Danny Bushell's long throw on the left-hand side just moments later then caused panic in the Albert penalty area, when Wayne Cleave's flick-on found Darren Banks on the edge of the box, but Banks' hooked volley failed to test Albert goalkeeper Bryn Williams. Victoria's third goal scoring chance in the opening exchanges again fell to Foreman, who did well to rise to meet Patterson's excellently floated free-kick, but didn't manage to get enough of a touch to direct the ball goalwards.

Prince Albert had their moments in front of goal too in the opening 45 minutes, Lee Simmons firing wide from the edge of the box before Keith Cairney tested Vics 'keeper Mark Bennett with a looping delivery that was very well held by the home sides stopper. Bennett had to be fully awake on 38 minutes when he dashed off of his line at full speed to pluck the ball away and out of the feet of Gary Kerry just in time when it looked like the Albert striker would get a clean shot on goal. But it was Victoria who opened the scoring in first-half injury time when Shane Jupp blasted the ball home through a crowd of Albert defenders to give the Vics a 1-0 lead going into the interval. Bushell's quick throw was passed back to him by Cleave, and Bushell whipped in a teasing ball to Foreman who blasted his shot straight at Albert defender Damien Higginson, before Banks saw his shot on the rebound saved by the legs of Williams. But Jupp was on hand to score for the second game in succession when he blasted the ball home into the bottom right-hand corner of the net on 45 minutes.

Prince Albert came out for the second-half in a determined mood to get back into the game, and levelled the scores after 54 minutes. Gary Boorman played a lovely ball down the right wing to Gary Kerry, and the Albert forward raced away from his marker and the Victoria defence on a 40-yard run, before cutting back in on his left foot to fire home virtually unchallenged in the bottom right-hand corner of the goal to make it 1-1. But the Vics restored their one goal lead just four minutes later when Cleave knocked the ball down to Banks 30-yards from goal before Banks slid through a delightful ball into the run of Joey Mort. Mort then took the ball wide of the left-hand upright before striking the ball left footed beyond Williams into the far corner to put Victoria 2-1 ahead.

Josh Hatcher then thought he had put Victoria 3-1 ahead, but his decent effort was brilliantly tipped around the post by Williams in the Albert goal before Luke Stafford ventured forward but his shot just lifted over the bar. At the other end Gary Boorman beat the Vics offside trap, but unselfishly squared the ball across the penalty area when maybe he should have shot, and the ball was swept up by Tony Mason and cleared before Gary Kerry could get anywhere near the ball. But Albert did find a well deserved equaliser on 70 minutes when James Willcocks timed his run perfectly to race onto Ollie Clark's ball over the top and manage to get a toe to the ball after it had bounced up right under the nose of Bennett who had rushed out of goal in vain trying to beat Willcocks to the ball.

Match Ratings...

Mark Bennett 8, Luke Stafford 8, Darren Patterson 7, Danny Bushell 7, Sam Burgess 7, Tony Mason 8, Shane Jupp 8, Gary Foreman 7, Darren Banks 7, Joey Mort 8, Josh Hatcher 7.(subs)... Luke Hendry 7, Wayne Cleave 8.

Man of the Match...

Mark Bennett- The Victoria goalkeeper may not have had many shots to save, but his command of his area and communication was faultless. Showed some tidy handling and catches on several occasions and was brave rushing off of his line to as the last line of defence.

Ashford Victoria held Premier Division side Troggs to an entertaining 3-3 draw at Cornes Meadow on Sunday morning, but the Vics will feel that they should have come off of the pitch with another pre-season victory under their belts. Victoria proved that they were no push overs against higher league opposition, Matt Deeble scoring twice to put the visitors in the lead on two occasions sandwiching a Shane Jupp strike, but the Vics couldn't hold on as Troggs grabbed an equaliser with 12 minutes remaining to salvage a draw.

Victoria reverted to a more familiar 4-4-2 formation after employing a more attacking 4-3-3 tactic in the previous two pre-season friendlies, with Mark Bennett again continuing between the sticks for the Hoops. Luke Hendry, Wayne Cleave, Tony Mason and Josh Hatcher lined up in defence behind a four-man midfield of Shane Jupp, Andy Jones, Danny Bushell and Joey Mort. The fit-again Jack Bundock partnered Matt Deeble in attack for the first time, while Darren Patterson, Gary Foreman, Darren Banks, Sam Burgess and Luke Stafford started from the substitutes bench.

The Vics got off to the best start possible and took an early 1-0 lead after just three minutes. Danny Bushell won the ball in the middle of the field and played a delightful through-ball down the middle of the pitch for fellow new signing Matt Deeble. Deeble then outpaced two defenders before firing at goal, and although his original effort was well saved by Troggs 'keeper Graham Stocker, Deeble gambled and followed up to smash home the rebound from close range to give his side an early advantage.

Victoria looked to double their lead as the Ashford side looked the better of the two teams early on, Dan Bushell going close with a long range effort before Deeble again saw his shot on goal well saved by Stocker. Shane Jupp's 8th minute corner caused trouble in the Troggs penalty area soon after, Stocker flapping at the inch-perfect delivery, before the ball then fell loose at the back post, but Jack Bundock was just beaten to the ball by a Troggs defender.

But the home side belatedly came into life and levelled the scores on 21 minutes when Adam Roffey seemed to beat the Victoria offside trap to race onto a ball bounced over 'keeper Mark Bennett's head to tap home unchallenged. And Troggs took advantage of yet more generous defending two minutes later and took the lead for the first time in the match when Tommy Carlton met an in-swinging free kick with a looping header that fell sweetly into the top left-hand corner of the net.

Victoria rang the changes at the half-time interval and seemed to find the pace of the game again for the start of the second period. Gary Foreman's energetic introduction to the midfield as a substitute seemed to influence his team mates into action again, and the former Fox Sunday and Prince Albert talisman went close when his shot just fizzed wide of the upright after a confident run through the Troggs midfield and defence. Joey Mort then went close when his powerful left-foot drive from 25-yards also flew agonisingly wide before Bushell fired against the post, again from distance as Victoria looked for a deserved equaliser.

The second goal did eventually come though on 67 minutes when some neat build up play on the left between Mort and Patterson allowed Josh Hatcher to swing in a beautiful delivery after checking back in on his stronger right foot. The cross was aimed for the run of Darren Banks, but the new forward signing intelligently fooled his marker and dummied the ball through his legs allowing Shane Jupp to take a touch and fire in off the post to level the scores at 2-2 with over 20 minutes left.

Still in control of the game, Victoria regained the lead and went 3-2 ahead on 76 minutes thanks to a wonderful individual goal from the impressive Matt Deeble. Deeble picked up the ball after blocking a clearance from the Troggs right-back, and raced towards the corner flag with the ball seemingly stuck to his feet. Then came the moment of magic when the former Adisham Nomads frontman ghosted past two defenders running now horizontally across the pitch virtually on the goal line, before giving the 'keeper a quick faint, steadying himself with a touch and rolling the ball home to the delight of his team mates and the Victoria supporters.

The applause didn't last long, or the lead either, as the home side levelled again at 3-3 just 30 seconds later when poor marking and communication at a Troggs throw-in 18 yards from the corner flag allowed Roffey again to find himself one-on-one with Vics 'keeper Bennett, and the forward made no mistake firing home from 12-yards out. But Victoria will feel hard done by not to have grabbed a late winner on two occasions, first when Bushell had what seemed like a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside, before Andy Jones was denied a penalty deep into injury time after being pushed and bundled over in the area.

Match Ratings...

Mark Bennett (7), Luke Hendry (8), Josh Hatcher (7), Andy Jones (8), Wayne Cleave (7), Tony Mason (8), Shane Jupp (8), Danny Bushell (8), Jack Bundock (8), Matt Deeble (9), Joey Mort (8). Subs... Gary Foreman (8), Luke Stafford (7), Darren Patterson (7), Darren Banks (7), Sam Burgess (7).

Man of the Match...

Matt Deeble- His two goals showed a glimpse what is to come from the new signing, taking his pre-season goal tally to five goals from three appearances. Looked sharp in the new front partnership with Bundock, and always looked dangerous when on the ball. His second goal has set an early standard as a contender for goal of the season already.

An injury-time equaliser from skipper Andy Jones spared the Vics blushes as Ashford Victoria came back from twice going behind to snatch a draw against Division Four side Ashford Spartans in Smeeth on Sunday. The fit again Jack Bundock had already cancelled out an early Spartans goal, before the visitors raced into a 3-1 lead with soft goals either side of the break. Darren Banks pulled a goal back ten minutes into the second-half before Jones pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to level the scores deep into added time at the end of 90 minutes.

Victoria were without new signings Danny Bushell and Matthew Deeble, while Mark Rutland (ankle) and Darryl George (knee) still remained out injured on the sidelines. Chris Saull, who had impressed in his two substitute outings so far this pre-season, was loaned out to Spartans for the morning to make up their numbers. Mark Bennett kept goal behind a back-four of Luke Hendry, Ryan Martin, Tony Mason and Josh Hatcher, while Andy Jones partnered Gary Foreman and Darren Patterson in a new look three man midfield. Wayne Cleave started between Joey Mort and Jack Bundock in attack, while Shane Jupp, Sam Burgess, Luke Stafford and Darren Banks all started from the bench and all played 60 minutes each.

The Vics started the brighter of the two sides, playing some attractive passing football across the pitch and managed to make a couple of early openings, but couldn't convert their domination of the possession into real chances. Spartans looked dangerous playing the long ball over the top to speedy forwards Piggott and Will, but Vics defender Tony Mason was on hand to marshall his defence and mop up any threats. Victoria's Joey Mort had the first real chance of the game, when after racing clear of three Spartans defenders on a mazey 50-yard run, just pulled the ball inches wide of the left-hand side upright when through on goal one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

But the visitors took the lead against the run of play when Spartans' striker Will was given too much space with his back to goal 12-yards out, and brilliantly turned and fired low into the bottom left corner of the net after 16 minutes. Their lead didn't last long though as Victoria levelled the scores back up again four minutes later from a set-piece throw in on the left. Andy Jones' long throw was flicked on by big Wayne Cleave, and Jack Bundock reacted the quickest at the back post to poke the ball home in/off the upright to equalise on his first appearance since recovering from a bad ankle injury back in April.

Once both teams had registered a goal apiece, the game came a little scrappy with no real domination by either side. Vics 'keeper Mark Bennett did well to turn a Dan Fox effort over his crossbar while at the other end Sam Burgess was unlucky not to head home from Joey Mort's in-swinging corner on the right after finding himself unmarked. But a lack of communication was the cause of Spartans second goal when Luke Hendry collided with Bennett going for the same ball, and Will again found himself in the right place at the right time to side foot the ball home to give the fourth division side a 2-1 lead going into the half-time interval.

Things didn't get any better after the break for the Vics either as Spartans went 3-1 ahead on 49 minutes. Again a lack of communication between Bennett and his centre-backs saw three Victoria players going for the same ball after an in-swinging free-kick, and Nathan Piggott headed home unchallenged into the empty net to give his side a two goal cushion. But Victoria pulled the score back to 3-2 just five minutes later when Joey Mort's intelligent and precise crossfield ball from left to right was excellently brought down by forward Darren Banks, and the veteran striker made no mistake smashing the ball into the back of the net under pressure from two Spartans defenders.

Victoria then had several good chances to grab a third and maybe go on to win the game, but were either denied by some good goalkeeping or found themselves guilty of over-hitting the ball. First Bundock saw his brilliant header from Jupp's right-wing cross well saved and tipped over for a corner, which then set up Victoria's next two chances. First Wayne Cleave rose to meet Darren Patterson's corner from the right but his header was well saved and put out for another corner kick, which Patterson again took, only this time Ryan Martin found himself on the receiving end but couldn't steer the ball at goal. Then Jupp powered past the Spartans left-back before unselfishly squaring the ball back to Cleave who hit a thunder bolt of a shot at goal, but his decent effort was well saved.

The equaliser did come though three minutes into injury-time, when Joe Mort's quick throw found Shane Jupp, who played it into the box and Andy Jones found time to stab the ball home at the second attempt to convert his third pre-season goal in as many matches to salvage a draw in what will go down as a less than convincing performance by the Vics high standards.

Match Ratings...

Mark Bennett 7, Luke Hendry 8, Ryan Martin 7, Tony Mason 7, Josh Hatcher 7, Gary Foreman 7, Andy Jones 7, Darren Patterson 7, Jack Bundock 7, Wayne Cleave 7, Joey Mort 7. (subs)... Shane Jupp 8, Sam Burgess 7, Darren Banks 7, Luke Stafford 7.

Man of the Match...

Shane Jupp- Couldn't fault his work rate or determination to get his side something out of the game. Some lovely, neat passes as well as some strong forward runs helped the dead ball specialist to just get the nod over his team mates for the man of the match award.

Ashford Victoria maintained their perfect pre-season record beating fellow Division Three side Ashford Eagles 4-0 at Smeeth on Sunday. An early brace by the electric Joey Mort, and further strikes from midfield pair Gary Foreman and Andy Jones saw off the Eagles as Victoria continued their early season good form with their third win in as many games.

The Vics were without a whole host of players, with Mark Wallis and Matthew Deeble both unavailable due to other commitments, while Jack Bundock, Darryl George and Mark Rutland also missed out due to long term injuries. Sam Burgess was brought into the defence and made his first start of this pre-season campaign alongside Tony Mason at centre-back, with Luke Stafford and Josh Hatcher continuing at right-back and left-back respectively. Manager Ryan Mills decided to switch to an attack minded 4-3-3 formation, with Andy Jones lining up in midfield alongside Gary Foreman and Danny Bushell, while Darren Banks, Joey Mort and Shane Jupp started up front.

Victoria got off to another good start and scored very early on for the second game in succession. A good team move got things going when Josh Hatcher's inch perfect pass to Foreman was cut back to Joey Mort, and the new summer signing showed his quality in front of goal to blast home in only the second minute, beating Eagles goalkeeper Mark Pratt from the edge of the penalty area. Mort grabbed his second goal of the morning just six minutes later to put Victoria 2-0 ahead when he smashed Shane Jupp's excellent cross from the right beyond a stranded Pratt into the back of the net with a powerful left-footed drive.

The Vics continued to press looking for a third goal, man of the match Josh Hatcher going close with a shot fom distance before Shane Jupp was unlucky to hit the side netting from a tight angle. Two Dan Bushell long throws caused a little panic in the Eagles box before Jupp went close again cutting in from the right, but Pratt did very well to hold onto his powerful shot. Victoria did manage to grab a third before the break though, Hatcher's decent effort from 30-yards working the home sides 'keeper, but Pratt could only spill the ball out to Foreman who was on hand to pounce on the loose ball to side foot home from close range to score his first goal of the season.

Manager Ryan Mills introduced substitutes Darren Patterson, Ryan Martin, Chris Kemp and Chris Saull at the interval, and new arrival Saull looked lively from the off showing his pace on several occasions. Saull has impressed in his two substitute appearances so far and did his chances of breaking into the full squad no harm with a brilliant second-half performance, and was unlucky not to score at least one goal, linking up well with Joe Mort on two occasions.

Eagles seemed to come to life as the game went on, but were limited to only half-chances as Victoria's defence stood strong to earn themselves a clean sheet. Andy Jones did manage to add to the score before the final whistle when he shot into the bottom left-hand corner after Darren Banks' knock down to make it two goals in two games to round off a good mornings work.

Match Ratings...

Substitutes Used...

Ashford Victoria made it two pre-season victories out of two as they comfortably saw off Division Four side Man of Kent with a 5-3 win at Church Lane, Smeeth on Sunday. New signings Darren Banks and Matthew Deeble both hit doubles to add to their individual goal tallys this summer, while skipper Andy Jones was also on target as Victoria warmed up for the new season in style, playing some good possession and attacking football.

Vics manager Ryan Mills again picked Mark Bennett in goal who played the whole 90 minutes, while the rest of his first team squad all got some decent playing time to boost their pre-season match fitness. Victoria started with youngsters Luke Stafford and Josh Hatcher in the two full-back positions, while Wayne Cleave partnered Tony Mason at centre-back. Gary Foreman, Andy Jones, Danny Bushell and Joe Mort made up the midfield, while Banks and Deeble started up front. Amongst the substitutes were Shane Jupp, Darren Patterson, Luke Hendry and Sam Burgess, while triallists Chris Kemp and Chris Saull also got a run out along with guest player James Colman.

Victoria couldn't have got off to a better start as the 'home' side went 1-0 ahead after just 35 seconds. Danny Bushell launched in one of his trademark long throws aimed at the back post and Jones ghosted in unmarked to meet the ball and turn into the net with ease, surely one of the easiest goals he will score this season. The Vics continued to press with skillful winger Joey Mort impressing with his build-up play, popping up all over the pitch looking to make things happen, and he almost set up Matt Deeble for number two, but his decent effort was well saved.

Darren Banks doubled Victoria's advantage after 11 minutes when he raced onto Gary Foreman's through ball on the left-hand side to make it 2-0 and finished well under pressure. And the former Prince Albert frontman got his second and Victoria's third on 22 minutes firing home a lovely half-volley after Deeble's original effort was blocked by Man of Kent defender Ben Bean from Jones' ball to feet.

Man of Kent pulled a goal back on the half-hour mark when Wayne Cleave's clearance fell straight to Sean Wallace, and the former Locomotive Inn forward blasted the ball into the roof of the net from 20-yards to mark his sides stamp on the game. But Victoria restored their three goal cushion two minutes later and made it 4-1 though Matt Deeble. The speedy striker went on a skillful solo run beating two Man of Kent defenders and leaving them for dead, before tapping the ball into the bottom left-hand corner from close range despite looking like he had been bundled over in the process.

With a flurry of substitutions by both sides, the second-half never really got going with the same pace and flow of the first 45 minutes and both sides struggled to put any good moves together. Shane Jupp went close when his shot from a narrow angle just fizzed past the post, and Darren Banks almost grabbed his hat-trick but just fired over from 18-yards out. At the other end Luke Hendry had to be on his toes to clear off the line, but Man of Kent did manage to pull the score back to 4-2 when Joe Mort was robbed of possession on the half-way line and former Ashford Spartans striker Ben Hearnden run on to finish well beating Mark Bennett in the Victoria goal.

Deeble got his second of the game on 89 minutes when his pace took him clear of his marker before rounding the goalkeeper to side foot home, but the Division Four side scored again in injury time, again through Hearnden to reduce the deficit and restore some pride.

Match Ratings...

Mark Bennett 7, Luke Stafford 7, Wayne Cleave 7, Tony Mason 7, Josh Hatcher 8, Gary Foreman 7, Andy Jones 8, Danny Bushell 7, Joey Mort 8, Darren Banks 8, Matthew Deeble 8. (subs) Sam Burgess 8, Luke Hendry 7, Chris Kemp 6, Chris Saull 7, Shane Jupp 7, Darren Patterson 7, James Colman 6.

Man of the Match...

Darren Banks- The veteran striker rolled back the years netting two goals for his new side, and showed some good off the ball work pushing the high Man of Kent defensive line back whenever possible.

Ashford Victoria got their pre season campaign underway on Sunday morning as they enjoyed an enjoyable 5-2 victory over neighbours Ashford Spartans at William Road. Vics manager Ryan Mills used no less than 18 players in this warm up match even though he was without injured trio Jack Bundock, Darryl George and Mark Rutland as well as Darren Patterson (illness) and Andy Jones (holiday). Mark Bennett returned in goal after resigning this summer after a year away from football, while Luke Hendry lined up in defence alongside Ryan Martin, stand-in skipper Tony Mason and Luke Stafford. Shane Jupp, Danny Bushell, Gary Foreman and Josh Hatcher made up the midfield while Wayne Cleave partnered debutant Matthew Deeble in attack. Both sides employed roll-on, roll-off substitutes and the majority of Victoria's squad were given a 60 minute run out.

Ashford Spartans took the lead after 25 minutes when Nathan Piggott took advantage of a lack of communication between Vics 'keeper Mark Bennett and captain Tony Mason and stole the loose ball and tapped home easily. And Spartans looked good for their money as they doubled their lead ten minutes later, a triallist slotting the ball home from close range. But substitute Darren Banks rolled back the years pulling a goal back before half-time after a clever pull back from Shane Jupp to half-volley home in the top left-hand corner to make it 2-1 at the break.

Matthew Deeble equalised after 48 minutes with a brilliant finish in the bottom right corner of the goal after a good team move, and Deeble turned provider five minutes later to cross for Banks to head home to give Victoria the lead. Wayne Cleave powered home Victoria's fourth of the morning after 65 minutes before Josh Hatcher wrapped things up on 70 minutes blasting home after a 50-yard run from his starting left-back position.

Team... Mark Bennett 6, Luke Henry 5, Luke Stafford 8, Danny Bushell 7, Ryan Martin 6, Tony Mason 7, Shane Jupp 7, Gary Foreman 7, Matthew Deeble 8, Wayne Cleave 8, Josh Hatcher 8. (Subs)... Chris Kemp 6, Sam Burgess 7, Rob Spicer 6, Tommy Oulton 6, Mark Wallis 8, Darren Banks 8, Joe Mort 8.

Man of the Match... Matthew Deeble- Made it look effortless when on the ball, looking shapr playing both up front and out wide on the right. Scored one and set up two in this impressive performance.