Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans v Croxley Green 1st XI Veterans

And so it proved. Right from kick off, the Yellas kept the ball and moved their opponents around the pitch. Having been put to the sword earlier in the season, Croxley had identified they were unable to match Ascot for fitness, so decided to drop deeper every time Ascot restarted from the GK. An understandable tactic, but it actually allowed the Yellas to settle into a rhythm of possession from the back, exactly how the side is setup to play.

The possession soon translated to chances, which in turn translated to goals. The first from Davies after just 6 minutes, the beneficiary of a misplaced Croxley pass on the edge of their own box, resulting in a deflected shot into the net.

Ascot dominated; Croxley endeavoured. But the second goal did not come until nearly half hour had gone, Lewis burying a Ben Standing layoff.

Five minutes later it was 3, Ben Standing drawing the foul in the box from a Davies’ pass, the latter converting the penalty with aplomb.

In no means disrespect to Croxley, at 3-0 the result felt a formality. Ascot were purring – maybe they should have 6 weeks of between every game!

Two more were added beefier the break; Davies completing his hattrick and grabbing a fourth, both from Tanfield crosses.

Croxley did grab a goal for their toils, an excellent outside of the foot volley from 25yrds serving away into the side netting of the right post. 5-1 half time.

More of the same, please was the message.

At the break, Everest replaced Tim Standing, who had done well to last the 45 after feeling a niggle in the groin. Yet it was two other ‘game changers’ on 5 minutes later that combined fit the 6th; Rose driving forward to layoff to Bennett, who curled a chip into the far top corner.

Bennett then turned provider, sliding a cross for Davies to grab another.

The eighth duly followed – arguably the goal of the night. Lewis, now playing right back drove towards the box, to then bend one with the outside of his right foot onto the far side netting. An excellent goal, on a night of excellent goals.

The tireless Withers rounded off the scoring, netting a square pass from Davies.

9-1 it finished. And a semi final to look forward to (remember this one, Leon!).