06/09/2026
Park Farm Folkestone 0 - 4 Ashford Wanderers
Wanderers got the new season off to the perfect start with an impressive 4–0 away victory over Park Farm Folkestone.
The opening stages saw chances at both ends, with the Folkestone goalkeeper making a number of good stops to keep Wanderers at bay. At the other end, Joe Munden was called upon in the Wanderers goal, every trusty as a sweeper keeper and producing one outstanding save. The offside flag eventually went up, but the save was too good not to mention.
Wanderers began to take control but had to wait until the 42nd minute for the breakthrough — and there was only going to be one man to open our account for the season.
After a corner was cleared, Archie Dobbin collected the ball on the left and sent a high, looping cross back into the area. With the goalkeeper caught in two minds and the defenders retreating, Luke Burdon rose highest and powered his header home to give Wanderers a deserved 1–0 lead.
Once the first went in, Wanderers never looked back.
Just a minute into the second half, Darcy Churchward delivered from wide and found new signing Luca Anderson. After making a big contribution during pre-season, Luca carried that form into the opening day, taking a touch before burying his finish past the goalkeeper for 2–0.
Wanderers were now dictating the game, moving the ball confidently and beginning to show our style.
Luke Burdon was at the heart of things again, this time battling in midfield and winning his 50/50s. After regaining possession around the edge of the box, it took three Folkestone players to bring him down in a dangerous position.
Up stepped Archie Dobbin, who curled a brilliant free-kick into the top-left corner to make it 3–0.
Our fourth and final goal arrived in the 65th minute. Archie dropped deep to receive possession before sliding a perfectly weighted ball in behind for the ever-reliable Akshar Santhosh. Akshar beat the onrushing goalkeeper, rounded him outside the box and calmly tapped into the empty net to complete the scoring.
FULL-TIME: PARK FARM FOLKESTONE 0–4 WANDERERS
A fantastic team performance to start the season, particularly with a number of new signings involved in the squad — some of whom were joining us for the very first time today.
The back line of Cam, Harry, Amirali and Luca never let up and worked tirelessly to protect the clean sheet winning everything in the air. Liam Hughes, new to the midfield three alongside Archie and Akash, impressed with his battling performance, winning possession back and driving the team forward.
The front line did what they have always done — produced when the opportunities came.
Our new players also made a superb impact from the bench. The levels never dropped, and they showed exactly what they can bring to the squad. On another day, several could have found themselves on the scoresheet too, if not for an excellent performance from the busy Folkestone goalkeeper.
Four goals. Clean sheet. Three points. A brilliant way to start the season.
The opposition awarded today’s Man of the Match to Archie Dobbin after an outstanding display in midfield.
Archie worked tirelessly throughout, battling for every ball and constantly driving the team forward. He capped off a brilliant all-round performance with two assists and a superb free-kick goal.
Goals;
Luke Burdon - 42'
Luca Anderson - 46'
Archie Dobbin - 58'
Akshar Santhosh - 65'
Assists;
Archie Dobbin - 42', 65'
Darcy Churchward - 46'
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