Ascot United Seniors v Holyport Veterans

Following a lesson in the Latin mastery of football last Friday, the 1s bounced back with some style in tonight’s festival of football. And it appeared that they had learnt something from the that lesson.

Starting their evening against Windlesham, the 1s took some time to settle into their rhythm – it’s never easy playing from cold against a team with 40 minutes under their belts. However, even still, Ascot looked the more likely and could have taken the lead following a Tomlinson cross which was met by head of Tim Standing. Narrowly over!

Trying to accommodate 45 minutes of football for 15 players in a total of 60 minutes of football meant that the first personnel changes came after 15 minutes. The withdrawal of T. Standing, Lewis and Ferdinand saw the introduction of Withers, Johnson and Davies; and it was the latter that opened the scoring with his first involvement following some neat play between Tanfield, Tomlinson and Fennell.

The goal racked up Ascot’s dominance and a second duly followed. Tanfield delivering an excellent ball across the box for B. Standing to tap home at the far post. The only further incident of note in that first 30 minute game also involved B. Standing – his ribs came off the worse in a coming together with the Windlesham stand in keeper, one E. Nawala, who also suffered an injury to his shoulder. Let’s hope both are fully fit asap!

The second game potentially offered more challenge, Holyport having proven stubborn opposition in the past. However,  Ascot maximised the benefit of having 30 minutes under their belt against the cold visitors, with Withers, T. Standing and Lewis dominating the ball and the forward line of Fennell, Moroney and Davies looking threatening.

The goals followed. The excellent Fennell grabbed the first following good work by Davies. With this came complete control – confidence evident across the pitch. The lead then doubled; Moroney notching from a Lewis’ assist.

Holyport did then mount some element of a comeback, making something out of nothing from an Ascot clearance. This revival was to be short lived. The tireless Corbett joining in from left back and promptly dispatching a left foot shot into the far corner.  Bryant ensured that the scoreline remained 3-1 with a finger tip save onto the bar from a promising Holyport effort.

Job done. Whilst not getting carried away, as there are bigger tests to come, tonight represented a strong side forward for the 1s. Excellent ball retention, great fluidity of movement across the front line and a solid defensive base, even with full backs joining in, were all on show. We will look to build on this on the 16th at home to Woodley.

Ascot Utd Vets 1st XI 2

Windlesham Vets 0

Ascot Utd Vets 1st XI 3

Holyport Vets 1