Despite Arthur Illingworth’s early opener, the Bulls trailed 2-1 at the break thanks to Cameron Bradbury’s brace.
Solomon tapped in to level the game midway through the second half, but Kamen Nafkha’s red card left the Bulls in real danger of dropping points in the Combined Counties League for the first time in their history.
Solomon had other ideas, though, and his brilliant effort flicked the wall on its way in to secure victory and make it four wins from four for Gary Freeman’s men this season.
The afternoon had started so well for the Bulls when, just 68 seconds in, Arthur Illingworth fired home with the first opportunity of the game having been sent clear by Adam Trotter’s through ball.
It was not an early signal of a Bulls goal-fest, though, as although they enjoyed the bulk of possession, they were far from their usual creative selves against a resilient and hardworking Ash defence.
Jonny Le Quesne and Solomon did have decent chances but the second goal wouldn’t come. At the other end, a loose clearance was worked to striker Bradbury, whose clinical finish made it all square.
Freeman admitted afterwards that he was disappointed in the first-half display and his mood would not have been improved when Bradbury put the hosts ahead just before the break. Quérée sent a ball back into his own half that went all the way through towards goalkeeper Brad Rolland. Perhaps believing it not to be a deliberate back pass, Rolland waited as long as possible for the ball to reach his area. He eventually opted to use the boot but by then it was too late, as Bradbury closed it down and slotted into the gaping net.
Bulls came out looking brighter after the interval, with continued large spells of possession. Kieran Lester, in particular, was causing all kinds of problems. First he saw an effort cleared off the line, then was thwarted in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Jamie Cunningham, and soon after rounded Cunningham but failed to tuck in from a tight angle. Eventually the equaliser came when Lester’s lobbed effort hit the bar and Solomon was on hand to calmly tap in from close range.
Full report and reaction by Tim Pryor in today’s JEP.
