Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans v Watford Masters FC Veterans

8 August 2025

Ascot United V1s 3-2 Watford Masters

The Vets’ first XI started their 2025 season with a 3-2 victory against a feisty Watford Masters. They scored three decent goals, too, Adam Fennell setting things moving and Adam Moroney bagging a brace to see the hosts over the line. Decent stuff.

Watford Masters came to Ascot very much a known quantity; skillful on the ball, strong in the tackle and not averse to indulging in the dark arts. Ascot were blown away when the two sides first came up against each other 12 months ago; not so on 8 August. Indeed, Ascot took the strain, scored some excellent goals and ultimately ran out worthy winners.

It was Ascot who got out of the blocks quickly. Slick passing and good movement led to Adam Fennell finishing sharply to put the Yellas one up. It didn’t take long at all for that lead to be doubled; Jon Bennett was heavily involved in the build up, leaving Adam Moroney to exquisitely lob the stranded ‘keeper. 2-0 and the Yellas were ticking.

Watford were always likely to come back into things, and, sure enough, they slowly began getting into the game. A defence well-marshalled by Steve Hill and Loz Munns nonetheless kept them at arm’s length, whilst Paul Woodford did a decent Claude Makelele impression in front of them. Nick Beard looked solid between the sticks, although a nasty knock on the knee saw him leave the scene half an hour in. Nothing too serious, but no risks need to be taken in pre-season.

Watford did manage to pull one back before half-time, and in many ways the break arrived at a good time for Ascot. That break turned out to be quite a bit longer than planned. Why? As the floodlights didn’t appear to be willing to play ball. It was getting darker and darker and there was no sign of life. Doug Page raced over to put a few 50ps in the meter and, eventually, the floodlights came good. The game could move on…..

Gaffer Mike Tomlinson rang the changes at half time, but Ascot still continued defending resolutely and looking dangerous on the break. Scott Brown slotted in well at left back, Adam Abusweder was terrier-like in the middle and Ryan Rose slipped into the back line.

The next goal was always going to be a big one. Les Sykes had the ball in the net for the Yellas, but that was ruled out following a flamboyant dying swan by a defender. It was left to skipper Adam Moroney to double his tally for the evening. He slotted home nicely following another slick move down the right. 3-1 Ascot.

Watford, however, weren’t done. With 15 minutes left they thumped in a 25 yard free kick. 3-2. You had the feeling that the kitchen sink was being unwrapped. Yet, somehow it was never quite flung. Sure, Watford had a lot of the ball, but it was only in the very last minute that the really big chance came. Dave Lyons, however, was more than up to the challenge of racing out, making himself big and snuffling out the opportunity.

With that, the dye was cast. An impressive 3-2 triumph for the V1s. Excellent stuff.