Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans v Wandsworth Borough Veterans

The long awaited, and delayed, start to the season came this evening for the 1s at home to Wandsworth Borough – a side known well to Ascot from their time in the First Division; Ascot won both games that season but not without significant challenge.

Ascot were able to field a very strong squad, with availability high, and right from the kick off took control of the game. The first chance came after 3 minutes; cleared off the line from Davies. Ascot remained in control and continued to probe, but clearcut chances were hard to come by and Wandsworth started to grow into the match themselves, causing Ascot some problems from set pieces. However, surely it was only a matter of time?

20 minutes had passed, still 0-0. But then a monstrous 40 yard ball from Withers to Davies, who got to the byline, created the opening that would surely bring about the first goal, but no. Two magnificent saves and a goal line clearance kept the game scoreless. Just minutes later, following good work from Ferdinand and Davies, a lung busting run from Tanfield found him in a shooting position – just wide! On the half hour, Bryan, not to be outdone on the long ping, got in on the act putting Davies clear with a 60yrd drive. Still 0-0.

Surely it was not going to be one of those days! But frustration was starting to creep into Ascot’s play; this resulted in more touches on the ball, trying the killer ball when it was not on and a reduction in movement from the fluid front 4. A goal was desperately needed and so it came on 41 minutes from Withers, making his competitive debut for the Vets, turning home a cross from Davies. Phew!

They say goals change games and whilst that was not totally true on this occasion (Ascot always looked like they would have enough to get the points), a goal certainly eased the growing pressure the side were putting on themselves. Duly, the second soon followed – Standing with an inch perfect pass for Davies to make no mistake. 2-0 half time.

The half time team talk was one of reassurance rather than reprimand; “keep doing what you’re doing – the goals will come.” And Ascot made a superb start to the second half, with some fine, free flowing football. Yet, it was Wandsworth that grabbed the next goal. A concession of possession put Ascot on the back foot and despite sustained determined effort from Johnson, singlehandedly winning 3 tackles, the ball remained with Wandsworth and ended in the side netting of Bryan’s goal. 2-1.

This simply poked the bear. Ascot were back at it. 3-1; far post header by Standing from a superb Tanfield cross. Three minutes later, 4-1; Fennell with a dink from an Everest layoff. A further three minutes later, the provider turns to scorer, with Everest netting from another Davies assist.

Changes had taken place from half time, with the introduction of Munns on 45,  McIntyre and debutant Chahal at 50 and Underwood and Joseph at 55. The last thing Wandsworth wanted – fresh legs and more speed! And it was McIntyre that laid on number 6 for Davies to double his tally. This soon became a hattrick for Davies, following fine work from Fennell. Not settling for three, Davies grabbed a fourth, finishing off an excellent ball from Chahal.

So in the end, a good start to the season for the 1s and some excellent play. Most importantly, a performance that those involved enjoyed.

Onto the Bank of England away!