March was to be the month that would decide the 3's title bid. Morale in the team was high and everyone was eager to get the season wrapped up as soon as possible. The first team that had to be overcome was a Wycombe team that had proven tricky in the past. In a game of relatively few chances it was Wycombe who took advantage of theirs, pouncing on a loose ball to score. A 1-0 defeat being the final score of the season. Fate however was on Ashford's side as nearest rivals Wootton, also lost so no change at the top of the table.
The following week was the biggest match of the season. 1st v 2nd, Ashford v Wootton. The stakes were high, if Ashford won the title was as good as theirs. If Wootton won, then the race was wide open. A strong Ashford team made the long journey North with Shane Smith and Rob Grant adding to the squad and an injured Nathan George being the team cheerleader. The match began but straight away Wootton made a strong statement. Within the first few minutes Wootton were ahead with an excellent deflection.
Ashford were lucky not to be 2 down moments later. Breaking down the right-hand side Wootton unleashed a powerful reverse stick shot that to everyone looked like it was heading in but Andrew Ritchie in the goal got his fingertips to it and turned it over the bar. However, Wootton didn't relent and were soon 2 ahead from a short corner. Something inside the Ashford team then clicked. Passing and movement then improved dramatically and just before half time Shane Smith got one back to restore hope.
In the 2nd half Ashford emerged like a sleeping giant. Harvey and Aadam began epic runs from the back and soon the Wootton d was at Ashford's mercy. Ashford soon had a p-flick and Stef Gorton stepped up, narrowly squeezing it under the dive of the Wootton keeper. Wary of the attacking threat Wootton posed, the back line was resolute as ever. Jimmy, Harvey, Aadam and Elliott didn't let anything past them. Wootton failed to close down the men on the flanks and more forays into the D followed and another p-flick was soon Ashford's. In calm and composed fashion, Stef scored again. 100% p-flick record intact. Wootton resorted to launching aerials in a bid to find a way through, but they failed to achieve anything. Nerves didn't show and at the final whistle there was a huge sense of relief. A 3-2 win had put Ashford firmly in the driving seat to secure the title. One more point was needed from the final 3 games.
Banbury were a team that Ashford were yet to play due to a frozen pitch back in December. After a selection headache a strong Ashford side took to the field against a somewhat young Banbury team. Determined to wrap up the league, there was to be no mercy. Charlie Cook opened the scoring with a thunderous reverse stick shot and that got the ball rolling to see Ashford 4-0 up at half time. Banbury put up an impressive display in the 2nd half, not only managing to avoid being routed (largely due to impressive goalkeeping), but also managed to get on the scoresheet twice. Ashford though weren't rattled and ended the day 6-2 winners to seal the title prompting a pitch invasion and delirious shouts of 'Champions.'
