Folkestone Mixed 1 vs Ashford Sharks

Cliftonville’s second mixed fixture saw them take on the Ashford Sharks in warm conditions that offered fewer hydration breaks than a FIFA World Cup. With several weeks without training, it was always going to be a testing environment, but Ville arrived ready to graft for one another and chase all three points.

Ville started brightly, edging the early exchanges and keeping most of the play inside the Ashford half. A well‑constructed move around the Ashford D appeared to give Vicki the opener, but the goal was overturned after the umpire spotted a Cliftonville foot in the build‑up. Encouraging signs nonetheless.

The breakthrough came soon after. Captain Mees slapping the ball firmly into the bottom corner. Although Ville couldn’t add to their tally before the break, they absorbed Ashford pressure well and continued to carve out chances. The halftime whistle was welcomed.

Rehydrated and refocused, Ville resumed control early in the second half, driven by relentless work rate across the pitch. Midfielder Leanne, in particular, covered ground like Thanet’s own Ruth Chepng'etich, refusing to give Ashford a moment’s peace. Behind her, GK Emilia was sharp and assured, sweeping up danger and blocking anything that slipped through.

Ashford, however, kept probing. Eventually a gap appeared, allowing their forward enough space to unleash a powerful reverse stick shot into the Ville net. Game on.

Ville responded with renewed pressure and earned a penalty corner. Kat O’Hara’s flick from the top flew past the keeper—only to be ruled out as the umpire judged the ball hadn’t left the D. Moments later, another penalty corner gave Kat a second chance. Her initial strike was saved, but with the keeper grounded, the rebound was lifted over on the reverse for Mees’ second of the match.

Not long after, forward Tinashe, ever the counter‑attack specialist, found a channel to burst through, outpacing the Ashford defence before calmly slotting past the keeper to restore breathing room.

That proved to be the final goal of the match. Cliftonville held firm, kept Ashford at bay, and saw out a well‑earned victory.