FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
HSEnergy Group Stadium, 5 August 2025
Following an impressive run of pre-season results, Heath’s first competitive fixture of the season saw them welcome Isthmian South East Division side Ashford United to the HSEnergy Group Stadium in the FA Cup.
Kev Green’s starting XI featured five competitive debuts, as well as a return for defender Henry Watson, who made his first appearance for Heath in over five years.
The Blues looked to play on the counter in the early stages, but it was Ashford who took control of possession, pushing high up the pitch and testing Heath’s defensive organization. Keeper Stroomberg-Clarke and his backline held firm under the pressure from the Kent-based side
The game saw its first flashes of drama when both sides received their first bookings of the new season. Nathan Da Costa was shown yellow for halting an Ashford break, while Harry Shooman was fouled just outside the area at the other end, with the culprit also entering the book.
Ashford came closest to breaking the deadlock before halftime. A powerful effort forced a sharp save from Stroomberg-Clarke, who tipped the shot onto the post. The rebound threatened to fall kindly, but Charlie Meehan was on hand to clear and keep the scores level going into the break.
Green made the first changes at the interval, with Da Costa and Weller making way for Fuller and Warwick. However, Heath’s hopes of a strong restart were undone just minutes into the second half. A defensive lapse allowed Louis Collins to pounce, calmly rounding the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the far corner to give Ashford the lead.
The goal sparked a response from the Blues, who began to carve out opportunities of their own. Flynn Bolton and Charlie Meehan looked lively in attack, pushing the visitors deeper into their half. Kiko Tanev entered the fray in the 68th minute, replacing Matt Astle, as Heath searched for a route back into the match.
Mark Goldson came agonizingly close to leveling proceedings, shifting the ball onto his left foot on the edge of the box and curling an effort narrowly wide. Moments later, Meehan made way for Charlie Towning, and Bolton nearly produced a moment of magic, his delicate touch creating space for a curling strike that again went just past the post.
With minutes left on the clock, manager Green introduced Andrade in place of Sanchez, and Heath continued to press with determination. Despite their relentless effort and the electric backing from their supporters, an equalizer proved elusive with the referee’s whistle coming and bringing the game to an end
A spirited display ultimately saw an early exit for Heath from the FA Cup, who now shift focus to the opening fixture of their SCFL Premier Division campaign against Seaford.
