Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans v Actonians Association Veterans

Report

Ascot Utd Vets’ 1st XI 2 vs Actonians Association 0

A good 3pts for the home team and thoroughly deserved. The same fixture last term saw the Yellas score 6 past the same opponent but yet that game felt closer than today’s affair.

Right from the off, Ascot dominated possession and controlled the tempo of the game. They moved the ball well and asked questions of the Actonians immediately. When they were out of possession, the defensive shape made Ascot hard to break down and the tireless running of Moroney, Bar and Sykes often resulted in the ball being given to or taken back by Ascot.

After 12 minutes, Ascot opened the scoring. Having been overlooked for a starting berth against the Whippets, Bennett had a point to prove to his manager. Whilst not the only facet to his game, goals are the currency in which Bennett deals – and some might argue that they are the only currency that matters. Following excellent movement by Wing and a telling pass from Bar to find the former, who then delivered an excellent low ball into the corridor of uncertainty, Bennett did his thing, beating the defender to the cross to guide it past the stranded keeper. 1-0 Ascot.

Within moments, Actonians could (probably should!) have been level. A rare loss of possession by Ascot led to a swift counter and the ball carried forward, which was then delivered to the wide right to then be squared across the box 10yrds out, reaching the late run of the Actonians’ midfield player. Fortunately for Ascot, the arriving player was leaning back resulting in his contact with the ball sending it high above the bar. A let off, certainly.

Ascot responded well. They continued to dominate and rightly extended their lead, Bennett grabbing his second with a well taken goal following a poor defensive clearance from the away team keeper.

2-0 it remained as the half ended; Lyons ensuring so with an excellent stop at the feet of the away team forward.

The second half saw the introduction of Papali, Standing and Birkett, all of whom added some energy to Ascot’s play. Actonians pressed higher to try to force Ascot into possession loss, but the home team kept moving the ball neatly and quickly, often opening up the away team sufficiently to ease past the press. In terms of chances, there were not really any of note at either end. Ascot looked the more likely but Actonians huffed and puffed in earnest, but in all honesty, to no avail.

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and there is no doubt that the second half tonight flew by… . . as fun as it was, this is more likely due to the referee only playing 37 minutes in the second period!

Whatever the situation, Ascot will take it. They were worthy winners and rarely troubled.

A fine job, fellas; well done!