Ashton helps fire England to victory

Last updated : 17 February 2004 By Site Staff
Ashton scored 23 minutes into his England U-21 debut against Holland. After a few glimpses of excellence from Ashton he curled the ball home into a open net after Carlton Cole got down the wing and crossed in from the byline.

Ashton played his usual game and set up some good play and nearly made it 2-0 just before the break when he pressured the defenders into a mix up 3 yards out but Ashton's shot was blocked by the keeper.

Just after the break Holland equalised through substitute Jack Tuyp. Infront of 25,280 fans it was David Bently who put England back infront on the hour mark, but Ashton had, by this time, been subsitituted for Jon Stead. Bentley's run was finished with a curling shot in off the wood work from 20 yards.

But Holland instantly hit back with a over head kick from Huntelaar from 15 yards. But with 4 minutes on the clock Darren Bent of Ipswich guided the ball home from a Stead cross giving England a 3-2 victory in the friendly match.

After a up and down season for Dean lets hope that the goal on his U-21 debut gives him that big boost he so desperately needs to start getting the goals his work rate deserves.