TT BLOG
“He harries and chases for 90 minutes and never gives defenders a moments peace”
Weymouth supporter Andy discusses Torquay’s new striker
SUMMARY OF HIS TIME AT WEYMOUTH
Ash was signed from Chippenham Town in the summer 2021 by then manager Brian Stock and looked very good in pre-season scoring eight times. But then despite a bright start to his National League campaign, he had trouble maintaining consistency as the team struggled to stay out of the relegation zone. Played 26 matches scoring four times in 2021/22 as The Terras fell through the trap door.
There was another season of struggle for the club in the National League South in 2022/23 but one in which Brad, familiar to this level excelled. He struck up a great understanding with Ahkeem Rose and managed to score with regularity, culminating in a terrific volley on the final day of the season at Dover that set The Terras on the path to a miraculous recovery to escape the drop (bottom of the league, seven points from safety with three matches to play!). Chosen by manager, Bobby Wilkinson as his player of the season, Ash scored 24 times in 45 appearances.
BEST GOALS
Four stick in the mind for me; the aforementioned opener at Dover last April; a cool finish to round off an excellent passing move in the home game against NLS runners-up Dartford last season to give us a most unexpected 3-1 win and a fine curling effort in the 2-2 draw at Havant & Waterlooville last Easter.
Pick of the bunch for me though came in September 2021 at Solihull Moors; expertly controlling a long ball from defence then turning two defenders in a single move, before scoring with an exquisite curler into the top corner. It was pure class. Check it out on YouTube if you can!
The fact we won three and drew those other games and I was at all of them is pure coincidence you understand!
HIGHLIGHTS
Difficult to think of anything beyond the numerous goals he scored, but although it was merely a consolation, I enjoyed his headed goal at AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup first replay last season. I suppose the highlight though must be his part in the team’s celebrations at the final whistle at Dover after we’d completed the “Great Escape”.
STRENGTHS
His goals at NLS level last season in a struggling team speak for themselves – he’s a real fox-in-the box who knows just when to make those darting runs to get on the end of a cross or pass through the centre of defence. However, what equally impressed Weymouth fans (certainly me) is his phenomenal work-rate. He harries and chases for 90 minutes and never gives defenders a moments peace, pulling them out of position with regularity, creating the space for others to exploit and set him up.
WEAKNESSES
Not a particularly quick player – many a time he’s been through on goal only for a nippy defender to catch him up and put him off his finish or put in a tackle. Doesn’t have a particularly powerful shot either so don’t expect too many long-range “worldlies”. A bit of a diver too (if you consider that a weakness) and although he’s happy to take a spot kick, didn’t have an impressive penalty record for Weymouth (he was eventually taken off penalty duties after a couple of saved efforts).
HOW WILL HE DO AT PLAINMOOR?
Everything I’ve mentioned happened in two seasons with Weymouth which so very, very nearly ended with successive relegations, so arguably Brad didn’t get the best service. But as the team improved towards the end of last season, so did his performances and confidence, and as such he looked at times unplayable.
Given he’s almost certainly going to be surrounded by better players at TUFC, I think given a fair wind regarding injuries (something he thankfully managed to stay free of at the Bob Lucas Stadium last term) then I think he could well blossom further. That said, NLS defences will know a little more about him now than they did last season and I’d have thought he’ll face stronger competition for his place – his name was pretty much first on the team sheet at Weymouth.
I see no reason though why he shouldn’t do very well for you. I look forward to seeing Bradley again at the Bob Lucas Stadium next March and I’m sure many Terras fans share that view.
COYY – ANDY
ASH STATS
Position: Striker
Date of Birth: 05/04/1996
Birthplace: Weston-super-Mare
Height: 1.74m
Previous Clubs: Weston-super-Mare, Barnsley, Boreham, Hereford, Chippenham, Weymouth
Last Season: National League – Appearances 46, Goals 18, Yellow/Red Cards 6/0
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