Match report: Dan Whitelaw’s goal seals Ringwood Town’s 1-0 Wessex League Division One win over Ash United

Ringwood Town manager Fran Mathers spoke of the match winner’s bravery as his side stretched their unbeaten run to nine games against Ash United on Saturday.

Ringwood Town manager Fran Mathers said: “A really controlled and measured performance against a determined and driven Ash side who came to Ringwood with purpose and belief.

“It was fine margins, and it took a brave Dan Whitelaw toe poke to settle the game after a slick move down the left. He knew the challenge was coming in, and he’d have to take one, but he put the team first. It was the difference.

“The boys at the back were superb, and defensively, the team looked well organised and solid, a good reaction to the Cove game.”

The two sides could not have had a differing time as of late, with Ringwood climbing up to eighth while Ash United sits second from the bottom.

However, that counted for little until Dan Whitelaw stabbed home the only goal of the game.

Ash United fought for every ball, but Ringwood found an opening down the left-hand side and capitalised. Ringwood top-scorer Lee Vint split the defence with an excellent run, but the keeper charged off his line to block the shot. However, Whitelaw was waiting near the penalty spot to stab the ball home as the defender flew into the challenge.

The win means Ringwood Town have not lost since September. It is the club’s joint second-longest unbeaten streak since 2005, with the record standing at 11 games, set in the 2009/10 season.

Ringwood Town plays Hedge End Rangers at home tomorrow (Tuesday) in the Southampton Senior Cup at 7.45pm before travelling to face Hamworthy United on Saturday at 3pm.

Ringwood Town: W. Griffin, B. Bradwell, P. Correia, B. Harris, T. Hopper, L. Pothas, J. Ridland, L. Vint, D. Whitelaw, J. Wintle, J. Zdrava. Subs: M. Gollings, B. Savage.