Ampthill set sights on cup final glory

Town host league leaders Edgware on Saturday and then take on Kempston Town & Bedford College in the final of the Beds Senior Trophy on Wednesday night.

Ampthill lost 5-1 at Edgware in December, struggling to overcome an artificial pitch, and will be looking to put on a better show at the weekend.

They will need to improve and show some resilience after two league defeats in the last seven days, including a 2-0 loss to Hatfield at The Gosling Stadium on Tuesday.

The hosts scored both their goals in the first half but Town dominated for long periods and did everything but score.

Ampthill started brightly but Ben Butler conceded a 15th minute free-kick which Ryan North floated over Steve Templeman in goal.

They went further behind just before half-time when Manny Chitongo outpaced his markers and beat Templeman with an angled shot.

Town laid siege to the home goal after the break and Clarke and Draycott saw headers go close, while Louie Dillon was unlucky with an opportunity early in the half.

On Saturday, Town travelled to Buckingham Athletic who beat them in December and completed the double with a 3-0 win.

Town again began well but fell behind from a Josh Hooper header in the 20th minute.

Simon King increased the home lead after 35 minutes with a great half volley from 18 yards, and Town’s lack of incisiveness cost them again when Jack Menday’s header completed the scoring to seal the win for Athletic.

Ampthill have now lost three league games in a row and they need to show character and firepower in the coming days to regain their form.

A solid performance against Edgware is needed before their cup final against Kempston Town & Bedford College on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 7.30pm at Barton Rovers FC.