It was not a dry day, Sunday, and for an early enough push back, it was still needed to play under lights.

But it wasn't just the weather that brought clouds over The Fortress at Ball Lane. Recent memories of a battling draw in the reverse fixture meant both teams were vying for this season's bragging rights and it was a game to bring blood, sweat and tears.

The tension this fixture brought, was restricted to prematch though, as Ashford raced to a blistering start with the in form Molly Kershaw wasting no time in giving the home team a lead in the first minute. Whether she'd forgotten about that early goal or just felt greedy we may never know, but she landed a second just two minutes later, and it was felt that perhaps this was going to be a cricket score.

At this point, the players and spectators could settle into the game and enjoy the encounter, at least during the first half. It was after all, a game a hockey, so Issy got on the score sheet and some quality passing play put Sophie Fraser in just before the half time whistle, and she duly slotted home from close to the edge of the D.

At half time, the assistant coach arrived, late, but hoping to be included in the coaching merits of a high scoring game, scurried over to the dugout to join the fun. The second half was however, a different game. Burnt Ash were physical, refusing to be bullied into defeat. Ashford had been desicive and protected possession superbly throughout the game, but as the second half went on, Burnt Ash managed to get one or two chances, and celebrated wildly when they at lost scored a consolation goal. Not a bad one but too late to change the result.

Ashford's girls were simply playing irresistible hockey, switching play and turning defensive possession into rapid attacks. Probably taking the plaudits for the goals, with a torpedo-esque LBZ included, for Molly, it was Ruby voted for Player of the Match. She was defensively perfect, and continued to make aerials a trademark of her game, but it was also her mental strength, calm and demonstration of what it means to be an Ashford player that shone through, truly personifying the phrase "I'll do me, you do you"in what become a hostile encounter.

With a draw in the other top of the table clash between Holcombe and Sevenoaks, Ashford take a joint top position in what is shaping up to be a brilliant league season for the U16s.