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

For only the second time this season, the 1s actually got a result that their performance deserved. As comprehensive as the victory was, the manner in which it was achieved was no different to all bar one of the 1s’ performances this season, which sadly have not resulted in the wins they deserved.

Ascot started on the front foot and were clearly the stronger of the two teams. After 17 minutes, they took the lead they deserved, a cross from Moroney blocked before Bennett could get on the end of it. Unfortunately for the defender, the block bounced nicely for Sykes to volley home from the penalty spot.

The goal eased any sense of pressure that may have been restricting Ascot, and their lead doubled 3 minutes later – Standing dispatching his third consecutive free kick into the top corner.

Ascot grabbed a third two minutes later, pressure high up the pitch winning the ball back which Bennett then fired into the far top corner from 25yards.

Ascot were in total control but Croxley were defiant, and engineered a couple of good chances of their own, all well saved by Lyons. However, the game was put to bed just before the break, Sykes grabbing his second after excellent interplay between Lewis, Moroney and Johnson, the latter delivering a low cross for Sykes to turn home.

The second half saw much of the same, Lewis making it 5 from a through ball from Sykes. Lewis then turned provider, receiving the ball from Johnson and delivering a cross for Bennett to net his second.

With 10 to go, Sykes completed his hattrick. Again pressure high up the pitch regained possession, Sykes intercepting a wayward pass to then run through and dink a chip over the keeper.

Croxley grabbed a consolation late on, a break down their right finished well to make it 7-1.

Well done to all involved. A good night’s work and 3 well deserved (and necessary) points.