Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans v Old Actonians Veterans

A much closer game than the scoreline suggests, Ascot were made to work hard for their 3 points tonight. In the reverse fixture, Actonians took all 3 points with the last kick of the game, a result that did not do justice to the visiting team and one that provided an extra impetus for Ascot to right that wrong this evening.

The home team made a great start, taking the lead after 8 minutes; Actonians goalkeeper being caught in possession on the edge of the box by Lewis, who he subsequently fouled to claims of a penalty. However, Tim Standing saved the referee a decision, picking up the loose ball and rolling into the empty net. 1-0.

Two minutes later, Tanfield nearly doubled the lead with a volley from 25 yards but the keeper did well to palm the shot onto the bar. However, on 13 minutes it did become 2-0, the returning Davies notching with his first chance, following excellent feet from Standing.

Ascot were in control but Actonians continued to try to establish a foot hold in the game, a task made even harder when a misplaced pass landed at Davies’ feet for him to grab his second.

At this point it looked like Ascot might run away with it, but a tactical change from Actonians brought them some joy. Their best phase of the game was rewarded when Ascot possession was stolen on the edge of the box and the attempt to win it back deemed a foul in the box. No mistake from the spot making it 3-1 at half time.

The second half was finely balanced – Actonians knowing that another goal would shift the impetus in their favour. But Ascot were resolute, weathering the short lived storm after the break and then dominating possession for long periods, taking the sting out of the game. Whilst it remained 3-1 there was always the chance that Actonians might nick one, despite Ascot limiting chances to all but none. But it was not until the 85th minute that the game was put out of reach, Davies grabbing his hattrick following excellent work by Birkett against the now 10 man Actonians.

Four became five on 90 minutes, Tanfield crossing for Davies to chest control, turn and grab a fourth. A fine return on his first runout since injury in preseason.

Ascot grabbed a 6th in the final seconds of added on time, this time Davies turning provider for debutant Papili.

Ascot thoroughly deserved the 3pts but the final score was harsh on Actonians – however, the same could be said for Ascot in the previous meeting.

Next up, the first game in defence of the cup away to Ruislip Rangers, before an away trip to Chelsea in the New Year.