Whippet Wanderers Veterans v Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans

A proper performance away from home this one. The Whippets are a decent side, pose a real threat on the break and work very hard defensively. A draw at home and a last minute goal defeat at the Racecourse Ground last season against Ascot exemplified that.

It had been some time since the chastening defeat by Chelsea for the 1s to have the opportunity of righting that wrong. Sometimes performance is key; at others, getting 3pts is all that matters. Today felt into that latter category. And get 3pts the 1s most certainly did.

It had not been ideal in the run up to the kick off; players withdrawing from the squad during the week, players arriving at the game only to realise they had left kit at home and others arriving later than would be ideal. But Mike Tomlinson was still able to name a very strong starting XI. That Xi then changed 20 minutes before kick off when Messrs Tanfield, Rose and Bennett realised that they had arrived at the Polytechnic ground in Chiswick where the 2s were playing, rather than Kensal Rise, North London!

This meant Steve Hill Jnr made his full debut for the 1s, filling in for Rose at CB, and Tomlinson himself stepping in at left back whilst Tanfield navigated the streets of London.

From the kick off, it was a close game. The Whippets posed a threat coming down the slope – Bryan making some important saves to keep the game scoreless. But Ascot were in the game and a threat themselves, and as the half progressed looked the more likely. Indeed, they took the lead with a clinical finish by Davies from a Moroney pass. 1-0 half time.

The half time team talk focused on how to make the most of the favourable slope and how not to allow the Whippets back into the game. Clearly those words fell on deaf ears as the Whippets levelled from the kick off – Ascot’s kick off!!!

Yet, the response from Ascot was excellent. They scored again themselves within in minutes, Davies nodding home after Hill had forced a mistake from the keeper following Tim Standing’s free kick cross. From this moment Ascot took control, keeping and moving the ball superbly. This dominance was rewarded with a third, Davies getting his hattrick tapping in on the follow up to a shot from Ben Standing that pinged the post.

Davies then turned provider, crossing low for Jon Bennett to put the game to bed.

4-1 it ended, a result that did not flatter the away team.

Those involved can feel proud of their contribution; a deserved win against a decent side.