Tangerines to host the "Lord of Ashford in Middlesex Charity Bowl"

Ashford Town (Middlesex) are looking forward to playing on their totally refurbished pitch next Saturday (3 August) for the first time, when they will play tenants Southall FC in the uniquely styled "Lord of Ashford in Middlesex Charity Bowl". The Lord in this case is club patron Russell Grant, a long time supporter of Ashford and Middlesex football in general- and a great champion of the Non League game. Russell holds the official title of The Lord of Ashford in Middlesex, and presented the trophy to the club in 1990, when efforts to preserve the name of Middlesex were ongoing and coincided with Ashford becoming a senior club.

By the way- small history lesson here- it was at this time the FA insisted that Ashford alter their name so as not to clash with Ashford in Kent, and thus the word Middlesex was added. For a long time the club believed that they were the only senior club in the country with brackets in their name- but Cray Valley (PM) also have brackets now and there may be more, unless you know differently!

Russell takes a keen interest in the club, and has been kind enough to sponsor the match ball next Saturday.

A collection will be taken at the match for the HASAG charity. They look after people struck down with lung disease after excessive exposure to asbestos and were instrumental in making life easier for the Tangerines much loved Chairman, Dave Baker, who died from an asbestos related disease just over a year ago. You can read more about their excellent work here.

Admission on Saturday will be just £5 with children under-16 free.

Words courtesy of Alan Constable.