Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans v Bank of England AFC Veterans

Report

A caning or just six of the best

This evening saw an unprecedented ball striking masterpiece from Rob. He scored all six goals, all finished with aplomb and even his header came from just outside the box. An absolute joy to witness such devastating finishing that took your breath away. Unforgettable.

This was the first game back at the racecourse since a barnstorming win on 18^th November. Perhaps that had an impact on the performance as Ascot, often slick in their play where anything but that tonight. It was a hesitant team performance with the ball moving slowly and the opposition getting in behind with some simple balls played over the top. Movement and composure were largely missing tonight. Perhaps things were not helped by the manager forgetting that Bank played in yellow (well more of a gold colour really, which is to be expected). This resulted in a delay to the kick off as white shirts were sourced from the kit room. Some of the lads recognised that they had worn these shirts a little earlier in their career.

Having said all that, Ascot came out on top with a 6-2 win and perhaps the above comments may be seen as harsh considering the win but that simply reflects the levels that are expected from this squad.

Ascot had the majority of possession at the start of the game and took the lead on 10 minutes. Ben got in behind and forced the keeper into an awkward clearance that looped up into the air. Rob climbed higher than the defenders around him and an audacious(28)  headed lob drifted over the outstretched arms of the keeper. Ascot threatened and Rob struck a shot just wide to offer and early warning of what was to come. Bank were countering and a break saw a chance that was struck into the side netting. The opposition continued to hit Ascot on the break with a simple and effective plan. Runners and balls played in behind. Ascot gave the ball away cheaply at the back and the Bank striker finished accurately into the bottom left corner. 1-1 after 20 minutes.

The next two minutes were a joy to watch. 25 minutes in and Ascot awarded a free kick about 25 yards out. Rob struck it beautifully and curled(38) it into the top corner beating a dive from the keeper that can only be described as despairing. Within a minute it was 3-1 and the other top bin had taken a bit of a battering. Adam played to Rob, maybe 30 yards out, Rob pinged in a screamer(60) that left the whole bench applauding and shaking their heads.

Ascot in charge of the score but not in charge of the game and the half ended at 3-1. A few cracks papered over with Rob’s first half hat-trick.

Second half started with Turbo and Ben pressing high and pushing Bank backwards. 5 minutes in and Toby plays a lovely ball into Sam. He jinks left and makes 15 yards before cutting back to Rob whose side footer shot was driven(12) unerringly into the back of the net for 4-1

Perhaps an opportunity to take control of the game but not tonight. Tim harshly penalised for what looked like a good tackle and ball recovery on the edge of the box and the Bank striker clipped the free kick beautifully into the top corner and it was 4-2. Bank thought they had another when a long hack which left their striker through on goal. He went round Jamie to score but the linesman’s flag had been up from the moment the ball was hacked forward.

Tanners came off the bench and really made a significant impact on the game by providing width, pace, a quality first touch and movement. On 63 minutes Ascot made it 5-2. Following a good run by Adam, Rob waltzed round the keeper and rolled(72) it into an empty net. Bank were furious. In the set up of the move the linesman flagged for the ball going out of play but the referee overruled the call and allowed play to continue. Whole ball and all that….

Bank started to apply more pressure to Ascot with a series of corners and a couple of free kicks in dangerous positions but the defence held out well and the discipline on defensive corners was very good. JK and Tommo a commanding presence in the air and Rocket making a great headed clearance off the line. Matt and Leon came on the shore things up at the back and helped to bring much needed composure.

With 2 minutes to go, Adam’s bullocking run takes him past four defenders and he lays it back for Rob who slotted(34) in his 6^th of the night.

In injury time, a lovely piece of play in the box from the Bank striker deserved a goal but Jamie managed to keep it out to top off a very good performance in goal. Confident in possession and calm under the high ball. Edersonesque.

Full time 6-2

Team : Burgess, Tomlinson, Keough, Corbett, Ferdinand, Underwood, Birkett, T Standing, Saunders, Moroney, B Standing, Newall, Palmer-Wilson, Tanfield, McIntyre