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

A return to league action saw the visit of the Bank of England for the 1s; a team that always causes Ascot problems, even if it is predominantly when they play at home and not at the Racecourse. Sitting bottom of the Premier League, you could have been forgiven for thinking this was a home banker – surely it was just a case of by how many?

And perhaps herein lay the problem. The team talk had focused on 3pts being the minimum expectation; an improvement of goal difference by at least +6 representing a good evening. At no point had it been discussed that anything but inevitable victory would result, perhaps resulting in some complacency.

Certainly something was amiss. Ascot dominated but rarely threatened. The Bank, well organised and a threat on the counter. And it was the latter that initially proved the more successful. A loss of possession resulting in a clumsy challenge in the box; 1-0 Bank from the spot.

The game continued to be a lot of nothingness; Ascot huffed and puffed but in reality Bank were not really troubled and in fact extended their lead on 33mins, following some neat play around the box.

The setback added some urgency, and Ascot pulled one back almost immediately with Withers stroking home the layoff from Moroney, after some excellent footwork to create the chance.

Minutes later, the scores were level. This time Lewis with the fancy footwork drawing the foul and Withers grabbing his second from the free kick, even if the keeper played a part Jack Butland style in helping it on its way. Two excellent saves by Bryan followed, keeping the score level come the break.

The half time chat focused on doing what had been done, just faster. But even then, Ascot toiled against a valiant defensive display. It just was not happening.

Sometimes you need something to kick life into a performance and on this occasion it came in the 59th minute, Davies receiving a lovely pass to cut inside and net the third. Hold on – the flag is up! How is that possible? Davies was goal side of the full back. A melee ensues – Bank screaming for offside, Ascot indignant in their rhetoric for a goal. Goal given!

In expressing his displeasure to the linesman, Lewis was then lucky not face sanction  – a coming together that could have ended differently for both involved had the referee seen it all. He did not, so play on his decision.

This had lit the touch paper; Ascot were now buzzing! On 61 minutes it was 4; Lewis punishing a poor goalkeeper clearance. Lewis then turned provider, beating the left back and squaring for Davies to get his second.

It was now all Ascot, and with 4 up top more goals was the aim. And so it was to be. On 83 minutes, Bennett made it 6, showing great composure to strike home first time from an excellent Moroney through ball. A minute later it was 7, Bennett teeing up Davies for his hattrick.

Davies then grabbed a further two on 85 and 88 minutes from assists from Moroney and Withers respectively. 9-2 it finished.

A goal difference of at least +6 represented a good night,  so +7 clearly qualifying. However, it was not for large parts the performance that had been expected, but as they say, a good side finds a way to win even when it’s not at its best. A win and 9 goals certainly exemplifies finding a way and the team can be proud of the desire they showed right until the last minute to get the extra goals to boost what might be all important goal difference.