Ashford boosted their survival hopes in South Premier League Division 2 with a crucial 2-1 victory at Epsom.

They started the game confidently and created a number of chances but Epsom’s tricky forward line were also linking well and they took the lead through a close-range volley.

Ashford equalised 10 minutes before half-time when Chris Pearce finished a fine move involving both Sam Handley and Rob Playford.

The second half was a tight affair full of drama, and Ashford made their task harder by having Playford, Toby Clifton-Holt and Handley sin-binned at various stages.

But Chris Smith put in a great shift in the centre and his goal-line stop was a big moment in the game.

Ashford also survived three short corners thanks to good work by keeper Keir Starley and they secured a priceless victory when Handley capitalised on a defensive error to grab the winner.

Ashford must now make the most of their three remaining home games, starting with Saturday’s match against league leaders Wimbledon.

Folkestone produced their best performance of the season in losing 1-0 to Kent/Sussex Regional League leaders Worthing.

The only goal arrived at the start of the second half when a reverse stick shot found its way into the Folkestone goal.

Martin Ritchie and Neil Bristow caused plenty of problems for the hme side but were unable to find a breakthrough.