Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans v Whippet Wanderers Veterans

A game that largely epitomises the 1st XI’s season thus far – really strong in their performance, by far the dominant side, total control of the tempo of the game, struggling to get that bit of luck they need to secure 3pts.

It beggars belief that the 1s’ only win this season is the 4-0 rout of the Rams. Again tonight, just as was the case away to the Whippets and at home to Claygate and the Rams, the 1s’ produced an excellent display, particularly in the first 45 minutes. Without creating an abundance of clear cut chances, Ascot were totally dominant; keeping the ball relentlessly and winning it back at will ( the outstanding Standing central to this!). The Whippets quite simply could not get out or establish themselves in the game – Ascot would not let them. But it was not until the 44th minute that Ascot engineered a chance in behind the Whippets very deep back line, the excellent Tony Everest hitting the side netting from a Carl Withers cross. 0-0 half time.

More of the same please and be ready for the Whippets to be better were the messages at half time and so it was to be.

The Whippets were more of a threat but Ascot still retained the control. But the goal just never looked like coming. There were half chances, shots from distance and last ditch tackles to prevent goals (with one of the latter looking a clear penalty as Jon Bennett was chopped down as he prepared to strike the ball), but it would not come. As is always the risk in such games, the oppressed only need to nick a goal to put the ascendant team under greater pressure and on 65mins the Whippets did just that. In their first meaningful attack, a ball cut back from the dead ball line was met convincingly – 0:1, somehow.

A sense of despair started to grow for Ascot. They’d been here before after all in 3 of the previous 4 have and none had ended positively. As such the game became stretched, a situation that the Whippets favoured for counter attacks, but Ascot coped well.

Needing something from the game, Ascot moved from their 433 to a 352 and again their dominance was evident. But still no goals.

Hope was reignited when the referee stated that there were 7 minutes of stoppage time, much to the annoyance of the Whippets’ bench who shared their unhappiness. This frustration spilt onto the pitch and resulted in a red card for kicking the ball away after a free kick award and a sin bin for gobbing off. The Whippets were down to 9.

From the resulting free kick, Withers again delivered to the far post, the ball being nodded back across the box for Moroney to strike it beyond the keeper – a 95th minute equaliser, which did nothing to improve the mood in the away dugout.

Ascot pushed for a winner but time was upon them. In the end, a point salvaged.

Post-match the chat from the Whippets about being robbed was very blinkered, as can be the way in football. Under no circumstances did Ascot deserve to lose tonight; I would even suggest the draw was more harsh on the Yellas than the Whippets. Yes, the manner of the draw was galling but simply that view does not do justice to the clear dominance shown by the home side against a very spirited opposition. Ascot could and probably should have had the game won but 45 minutes and had they have held the 2 or 3 goal lead they deserved, the second half would have been a very different affair.

Not to be.

Next up for the 1s after a week off is an away trip to the early league leaders, Actonians – another tough ask.