Ashford United Ladies beat Clapton Community 5-3 after extra-time in League Trophy final

Ashford United Ladies won a League Trophy final thriller at the Gallagher Stadium in Maidstone on Sunday.

The Nuts & Bolts were on course for victory when they led Clapton Community 3-0 in front of more than 500 fans.

But their opponents replied after the break and scored twice in the last seven minutes to force extra-time before Ashford completed a 5-3 victory.

Top scorer Becky Wyatt headed home Abbey Davies’ cross for an early lead and struck again after the keeper spilled Jade Steadman’s header.

A third goal followed before half-time with Jenny Newman on target.

Clapton fought back but Yasmin Howard’s penalty and another goal for Newman meant it was Ashford celebrating.

“Even at 3-0 up I never felt comfortable,” said manager Steve Howard.

“We gave away a sloppy free-kick at the start of the second half, which they scored from, and Clapton were really up for it after that.

“It looked like we were dropping deeper and deeper and inviting them on to us and at 3-2 we were just trying to hold on.

“We found something else after it went to 3-3.

“We hit the post and had a few chances and I said to the players before extra-time, ‘Right, we’ve got our momentum back, let’s push on’.

“We got a penalty, which Yas put away and there was no doubt once the fifth went in.

“It was a great win and a great day, with over 500 people there.

“Clapton fans brought their drums along, like they do, and my wife brought air horns along for supporters, so it made for a really good atmosphere.

“We’re delighted to get our first silverware as Ashford United.”

Ashford could yet complete the double.

They’re second in London & South East Division 1 South, five points behind leaders Hastings, with two games in hand.

The ladies meet bottom side Cray