Ascot United 2nd X1 Veterans v AFC Hampton Veterans

Report

Ascot Vets 2nd XI Vs Hampton Vets – Fri 17th September

WLVL Matchday 2 saw Ascot 2nd XI host Hampton at the Racecourse Ground on a warm Friday evening under the floodlights.

Ascot fielded a strong line-up and the game soon settled into a similar pattern, Ascot slowly beginning to dominate possession and creating chances with increasing frequency. Several shots just missing the target and their keeper making some fine saves to keep Ascot out.

Rocket marauding from left midfield was giving the opposition a torrid time and along with Phil on the right in acres of space provided several testing crosses, again the chances created getting closer and closer. Carl had a rest to stretch out a twinge replaced by Jezz.

As is the nature of football it was Hampton with a breakout fielding a quick forward who came closest with a cross shot skimming the bar. That proved to be the most incisive move Hampton created as Ascot’s dominance and patience finally paid off.

Clever play on the right with Martin playing to Stuart who spotted Rocket’s diagonal sprint and played him in, Rocket closed in on goal and fired past the beleaguered Hampton keeper. 1-0 Ascot, this seemed to spur us on to even more possession and even more last ditch defending from Hampton, Jez and Woody both going close. Hard working Tim and Woody were a constant threat throughout the match with their direct play causing Hampton to drop deeper and deeper. Ascot’s grip told again with multiple short passes finding Jezz 18 yards out and with his inimitable style of zero back lift fired a bullet shot in off the post, 2-0. Just before half time Jad tried a mazy run and found himself in the penalty box with a short pass to Jezz who fired into the top corner, 3-0 and half time to allow changes and a regroup. Mike Hynes and Steve Hill stepped into the action.

The second half saw Hampton push for a goal and the game was predominantly played in midfield with Ascot breaking with a through ball to Rocket who sped past the Hampton defence, headed for goal and calmly slotted past the keeper, 4-0 to Ascot.

Credit to Hampton who kept fighting but Ascot sensed more success and Tim and Woody began to get amongst the Hampton midfield who were beginning to feel the effects of Ascot’s pass and move approach. A Stuart through ball found Jezz who fired in for his hat-trick, 5-0 Ascot. Tim found Rocket who decided he would also like a hat-trick so ran through and finished clinically, 6-0 Ascot.

An hour in and Rocket again broke down the left and played a square ball across the area for Stuart to fire in for Ascot’s 7th goal. Hampton were still fighting hard but were getting out played by the fitter Ascot team. “How long left?” asked a Hampton player, “four” said the ref, “four more minutes of hell” came the Hampton player response. Ascot kept pushing for another but more last ditch defending from a hard-working Hampton team ensured no more breaches. 7 – 0 to Ascot was the final score. Ascot won with great patience and team play, excellent play by all. The defence was well marshalled by Wooz with Jamie assured and Kev largely spectating. Great play from the subs who came on, Steve Hill, and Mike Hynes providing energy and enthusiasm to cancel any Hampton threat. A few injuries were sustained by Ascot, but 4 weeks break will help