Details
| Date | Time | League | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/10/2024 | 19:45 | West London Veterans Football League | 2024-2025 |
Ground
| Racecourse Ground 3G 11-a-side |
|---|
| Sunninghill and Ascot, Ascot, Windsor and Maidenhead, South East, England, United Kingdom |
Report
The 1s’ third league game of the season saw the visit of the notoriously tough to beat Croxley Green. Whilst the belief was that Ascot would be the better side, that would only count for something if the Yellas could match the ‘battle’ that Croxley would bring to the game.
To make the evening easier, manager Mike Tomlinson had asked for 3 goals in 20 minutes and Ascot nearly made the perfect start; a first minute cross from Tanfield directed just over by Standing. Five minutes later, the same man spun well after taking control of Underwood’s pass only to see his shot blocked on route to goal.
The goal did come but not so early as hoped. From a Croxley attack on 17 minutes, Ferdinand recognised the 4vs4 the Yellas had, transferring the ball long and early to Johnson who delivered an excellent ball into the ‘corridor of uncertainty’ for Standing to slide it home at the back post.
The second duly followed 4 minutes later, Keough leaping like a salmon to head home the set piece corner involving Underwood and Tanfield. Not quite the 3 in 20, but surely more would follow? But it was not to be the case. In a period of relative stalemate, Ascot started to try too hard to force the issue, with every pass going forward no matter the situation and the average length of pass increasing with every passing minute. Exactly what Croxley wanted – they could now battle for those long balls.
An injury to Lewis saw the introduction of McIntyre on 35 minutes – perhaps his pace and power would be perfect for the situation? But it was Croxley looking the more likely. A missed header in the middle of the park nearly led to their first – just over. But Ascot were not heeding the warnings. Next a corner resulted in two goal line melees – somehow Ascot kept it out. But the goal back came; forced possession led to Ascot giving it away, and Croxley transferred it well to the edge of the box and then into the bottom corner of Ascot’s net. 2-1 half time.
Ascot needed more control. Not quite the ‘hairdryer’ at half time, but Tomlinson did impress upon his players the need for more patience and increased possession. Three changes were also made; Newall on to replace the injured Keough and the preplanned introduction of Everest and Ryan Rose for Chahal and Underwood.
The second half response was excellent. Right from the off, Ascot regained control with lots of ball retention and fluid movement on show. And the chances came, firstly for Moroney to nod narrowly wide from a Tanfield cross. The next saw Standing grab his second; an excellent threaded ball from Johnson, his second assist of the game (TAA be worried!), lobbed perfectly over the advancing keeper.
A minute later it was 4, with two from the bench combining. The excellent Everest stealing possession to feed McIntyre, who smashed the ball first time across the keeper in to the far bottom corner. Ascot were rampant – two Tanfield attempts going close, one palmed away the other flashing past the post. Next Everest got in on the act, first hitting the post following beautiful interplay between Standing and Underwood and then bidding a Tanfield cross just wide.
Croxley were still out there and offered some threat on the break and from set pieces. But Ascot were not about to allow them a foothold in the game, Bryan doing well to keep out a 25yrd free kick and bodies getting in the way to head an attempt from a corner off the line.
The 3 points were given an extra polish in the 89th minute, with the ever willing Tanfield finding the bottom corner from an Underwood pass following some intricate play by the Yellas.
5-1, 9pts from 9 and an excellent second half. A great start to the season. The only sour note, the injuries to Lewis and Keough – hopefully both recover quickly.
Next up, Chelsea – time to put the records straight!