Sam Handley wheels away after scoring Ashford’s opening goal against Eastbourne Picture: David Parsons

Ashford's fourth league victory of the season upset the South League Premier Division 2 formbook as they moved up to sixth place.

The home side flew out of the traps in front of a 200-strong Ball Lane crowd against morning leaders Eastbourne.

The Ashford forward line of Rob Playford, Andrew Hill and Sam Handley all ran riot with some great link-up play and explosive attacks.

Ashford went ahead in the first 10 minutes when Handley converted a Playford cross.

Playford then combined with Paul Cheap before pulling the ball back for top scorer Hill to finish with authority.

Ashford then spent the rest of the half defending hard against a young and fit Eastbourne attack, with Keir Starley making a diving save to keep out a drag flick.

Ashford came out for the second half with a focussed approach and they almost made it 3-0 when Cheap’s drag flick hit the woodwork.

Eastbourne, however, gradually increased the pressure and they pulled a goal back from a short corner. But the visitors then had two players sin binned for reckless challenges and Playford struck the crossbar with another effort as Ashford held on for a memorable victory.