Details
| Date | Time | Season |
|---|---|---|
| 16/08/2024 | 19:45 | 2024-2025 |
Ground
| Racecourse Ground 3G 11-a-side |
|---|
| Sunninghill and Ascot, Ascot, Windsor and Maidenhead, South East, England, United Kingdom |
Report
Following the pleasing performances against Windlesham and Holyport, the 1st XI moved onto their annual fixture against the over 35 side of Woodley.
With family holidays, illness and injury, there were a number of changes to the match day squad from the previous games, but the strength in depth within the Vets’ setup meant a strong side still took to the field. A special mention should go to the excellent contribution made by Adam Abusweder, Steve Dando and Chris Watney (the first game Chris has played since January – good to see you back, Chris!).
Right from the start, Ascot dominated possession and chances followed. However, Woodley posed real threat on the counter and could have taken the lead more than once if not for the excellent work in goal by Matt Newall, who did a superb impression of Alisson Becker in making difficult saves look easy.
Ascot did then take the lead following a fumble by the Woodley keeper, with Adam Moroney on hand to take advantage – one nil. Woodley responded, still looking dangerous with less of the ball. The equaliser ultimately came from a counter attack that ended in a corner – the inswinging delivery going straight in of the far post.
Ascot’s dominance then increased. Some excellent patience in possession was on show, supported by very fluid movement from the front 3, full backs and attacking midfield players. It was from one of these fluid moves that Ascot’s second arrived right on the stroke of half time. Tomlinson found himself in a pocket of space and was able to thread a ball through the defence for Moroney to dink it over the advancing keeper for his second. 2-1 half time.
Ascot extended their lead immediately after the break; Tony Everest showing neat footwork in the box to setup Moroney who slammed home his third. It then looked like Ascot might run away with proceedings, with several opportunities slipping past the post. But it was Woodley that netted next, a driving run from the centre back ending nestled in the bottom left corner of Newall’s goal.
Ascot continued to press; Woodley continued to look to counter. The game levelled at 3-3 following one of these counters – a long ball beyond the high line of the Ascot defence being collected by the left wing who cut in and buried the chance. Woodley were on the up!
The response to this setback by Ascot was superb; they simply kept trying to do what they had been doing successfully for the previous hour – patient possession, attacking players adopting any space they thought might cause a problem and teammates moving into the gaps that had been created. And it worked. The lead was soon regained; Moroney with his fourth following an excellent pass from the fit again Toby Underwood.
This time the lead was not to be relinquished. Moroney now turned provider, never giving up a lost cause. His battling for the ball resulted in it being cut across for Tim Standing to grab the fifth. The sixth followed, Moroney netting his fifth of the night following good work by Stuart Tanfield.
The excellent work did not end there. Matt Newall decided to adapt his impersonation, moving from Alisson Becker to Gordon Banks with an incredible Banksesque save to ensure it ended 6-3 to Ascot.
An excellent squad performance against a decent side. Well done to all involved.
Next up…….Binfield.