A big win in the first pre-season game was followed by a heavy loss in the second, as Ashford United scored four without reply on a very wet night at the Belmont. There were a few changes to the starting line up with some players unavailable and the manager trying some different ideas. The game was still in the first minute when Dan Eason was unable to hold a shot and Danny Parish tapped in from close range. Former Folkestone Invicta player Ian Draycott tucked away another rebound to double Ashford’s lead in the 21st minute. A trialist found the corner of the net to make it 3-0 on the half hour mark. Whitstable enjoyed a fair amount of possession, but struggled to break through the experienced Ashford defence, but a good move could have pulled a goal back just before half time, but Steadman Callender was just unable divert a low cross on target. As usual, there were plenty of changes in personnel during the second half, but just one more goal when the Ashford trialist curled in their fourth in the 76th minute.

Whitstable are at home to Isthmian Premier Division Lewes on Saturday as the pre-season programme continues.

Whitstable Town
Dan Eason, Jake Mackenzie, George Sheminant, Harry Gamble, Will Thomas, Tom Mills (c), Tyler Anderson, Ashley Robinson, Steadman Callender, Jack Palmby, Eri Akintimehin.
Substitutes: Ed May, Josh Williams, Dean Grant, Harry O’Donnell, Gus Barnes, Ashley Sheppard, Josh Robson, Zack Jennings.

Ashford United
Jacob Russell, Bradley Simms (c), Charlie Dickens, Connor Dymond, Harvey Brand, Ben Gorham, Lanre Azeez, Ian Draycott, Vance Bola, Danny Parish, Trialist.
Substitutes: Adem Ramadan, Connor Towens, Stanley Oldfield, Tom Carlse.
Goals: Danny Parish 1, Ian Draycott 21, Trialist 30, 76.

Attendance: 216
Referee: Lee Venamore
Assistants: Stuart Butler & Paul Yates