Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans v FC Chelsea Veterans

In a game that Ascot could not afford to lose if they were to have any chance of competing for the league title come April/May, there were many positives to be taken despite the eventual scoreline.

The game was preceded by a minute’s applause to celebrate one of Chelsea’s players, who sadly passed last week at the age of just 46, leaving a wife and 10 year old daughter behind, having gone to sleep to then not wake up. Sometimes, we all need that reminder that football is just football – there are other far more important things in life!

The game was evenly contested right from the off, with Ascot having the lion’s share of possession. After 9 minutes, they used that possession well to take the lead – Moroney turning superbly to then feed Ben Standing, who in turn shipped the ball onto Davies who lifted a shot over the diving keeper to score off the far post. 1-0 Ascot.

No one was getting carried away, after all Ascot had led 2-0 in the first meeting of these two sides earlier in the season – Chelsea do not know the meaning of being beaten until the final whistle has blown. In fact, the Ascot goal served to poke the bear with Chelsea starting to dominate proceedings.

The excellent Bryan was first called into action to tip over a well hit 25yrd effort.

Chelsea’s increased presence seemed to unnerve Ascot. All of a sudden, simple passes were going astray, the level of internal bickering increased and the desire to force it forward returned, the latter point no better exemplified than when Ascot in possession in their own half, with all 11 Chelsea players in theirs applying no pressure to the ball, felt the need to pass forward (ultimately giving it away) rather than keep it and force Chelsea to come hunt the ball, which in turn would create gaps.

It is easy to forget that this side have been asked to play in a different way to that of before and have only been doing so for 6 months – some of the habits to be broken have existed for 30+ years! Considering this, they have been remarkable and will only get better!

On 22 minutes, Bryan was forced into double action, making two fantastic saves, the second of which resulted in a corner. Chelsea played quickly, exploiting the inquisition that was taking place amongst the Ascot players distracting their focus, a short corner expertly dispatched into the far top corner. 1-1.

A minute later, it was 2. Ascot defended well and cleared the ball, but it was returned with aplomb, sending the centre forward clean through to make no mistake. There were big shouts for offside but the flag stayed down.

Ascot nearly replied immediately, with Standing sliding in Davies, only for the keeper to block the shot well.

On 35 minutes, Chelsea grabbed the third, a miscued clearance being returned over the advanced Bryan. Ascot really had not played badly, but yet were somehow two goals behind. Credit where credit is due, Chelsea are the masters of maximising the return from very little possession or chances. Ascot had certainly had more of the ball; Chelsea more of the chances.

On 38 minutes, perhaps the moment that encapsulated the difference for the two teams on the night – Ascot forced a miscued clearance that was then well worked to Tanfield, who controlled superbly and lifted an excellent chip over the advanced keeper. The shot was in until it wasn’t – as it bounced 5yrds from goal the offspin on the ball bounced it right and wide of the post.

Ascot were not to be deterred, again taking control of the ball. They were in the game well and truly, and thought they had got the all important goal before half time, Standing nodding home a McIntyre cross, only for the linesman’s flag to indicate an offside. 3-1 at the break.

The half time chat focused on the fact that Ascot were more than a match for their opponents, but being patient in possession was key. And the team responded well. Ascot were by far the more dominant side and asked a lot of questions of Chelsea. However, no matter how hard Ascot huffed, Chelsea’s house was not to be blown over, limiting Ascot to very few actual chances. The Yellas did get the ball in the net again, but Moroney had strayed offside.

With 15 to go in a must win game, Ascot gambled, changing to in effect 2 at the back, 4 in midfield and 4 up top. The gamble was necessary if not fruitful,  but also left Ascot susceptible to the counter, something that Chelsea would ultimately exploit to their benefit, grabbing the 4th on 88 minutes and the 5th in added time.

The final result was harsh on Ascot. Chelsea certainly knew they had been tested to the maximum, but they know how to win and do it so well and in doing so leave Ascot ruing the dropped points away to Claygate – it is those that leave Ascot too far adrift to stand any chance of finishing in top spot. But there was enough from tonight to feel very encouraged about for next season.