McCREADIE HAT TRICK SETS UP LEWES TIE

On a day when the sun shone so did Peacehaven, in particularly striker Trevor McCreadie. In the end a comfortable win saw Haven cruise through to the next round of the FA Cup, setting up a glamour tie against near neighbours Lewes.

It was easy to see why Ashford are doing so well in their respective league this season, but on the day right from the kick off, the gulf between the teams was apparent.

Early chances for Brotherton and Dryer were squandered, but in the 16th minute Haven began to make their superiority count. A pin point accurate cross from Jones on the left dropped perfectly for McCreadie to firmly head home from six yards. 1-0.

A bit of ill-discipline saw the goal scorer unnecessarily get involved with the away bench, but referee Del Sotimirin set the tone for the afternoon with just a firm word.

A couple more chances came the way of McCreadie and Walker but neither were taken.

On 34 minutes Haven doubled their advantage. Walker had found Brotherton at the back stick, who in turn laid the ball up for the impressive Jones to fire home. 2-0.

Despite a good opportunity for Ashford just before the end of the half, the teams left the pitch with the score line still 2-0 to the home side.

Throughout the game, Ashford defended bravely blocking shots and with last gasp tackles.

Going forward, their no.11 Byrne was a constant threat all afternoon, and looked to be their best chance of scoring. 61 minutes saw Byrne shoot from the right forcing a continental style save at full stretch from Haven’s keeper Di Bernado.

Nine minutes later Smissen rifled a shot against the upright for the visitors. If either effort had been taken the game may have ended differently. Instead Haven pushed forward with four gilt edged chances that sadly went begging.

Good work on the left from Walker on 86 minutes, saw a ball crossed to the unmarked McCreadie at the back post who shot low to the corner for 3-0.

Just before the final whistle Walker and McCreadie combined well for the latter to score his third and Haven’s fourth. 4-0.

Manager Saunders was pleased with his team’s overall performance commenting,

“The third goal was always going to be key today and luckily for us we got it. I thought Ashford played well, but had we taken all our chances we would have won at a country mile.”

By Michael Burnage