Chelsea Veterans v Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans

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A missed opportunity

Despite a second half siege in Chiswick, Ascot could not repair the self inflicted damage of the first half and Chelsea ran out 3-1 winners as Ascot let a massive opportunity slip by.

Ascot got off to the worst possible start with a reckless free kick given away on the edge of the Ascot box after less than 2 minutes. The big Chelsea striker clipped it into the top corner and this seemed to set the tone for Ascot. The team lacked intensity and commitment with even the simplest of passes from the most reliable of players going astray. Ascot clearly had the quality around the pitch but didn’t show enough belief to make that count.

Chelsea’s only threat was big Trev upfront and although well marshalled he showed what a good player he is. On 15 minutes another fairly needless freekick given away and an innocent ball clipped towards the near post was expertly diverted into the far corner by young Ernie Kwateng. A great headed flick that gave the keeper no chance but his reaction to the direction of the free kick was so much quicker than the Ascot defence.

On 27 minutes yet another needless free kick given away on edge of the box and this time only and excellent one handed tip onto the bar by Dwaine saved a certain goal. Ascot were even a little lucky to get away with a possible pen from a rash challenge in the box. Phew…..

Then again, on 31 minutes a 5 yard back pass to the keeper was hit with 2 yards of pace, striker nipped in and was bundled over by the keeper who had absolutely nowhere to go. Trev steps up and it is 3-0

Ascot had been having plenty of possession in these 30 minutes and whereas they were not creating any real threat the game was very even once you discounted the self inflicted Ascot wounds.

In the second half Dwaine had very little to do. Chelsea sat back and looked to defend their lead and that could’ve gone badly wrong. Ascot had all the ball and were starting to create chances. Karl picked up a nasty hamstring injury and was replaced by Anthony and Ascot started to use the width of the pitch. Phil got wide on left and clipped a lovely ball into the box which was converted by Ian Davies on his return to the side. Two minutes later the ball dropped to Ian again and this time the keeper managed to scoop it away. Had that gone in……

Ascot kept up the pressure and Chelsea defended well. Mikey played a nice 1-2 with Adam and his shot was well saved. Tim burst through the defence and struck right foot shot just over the bar. Following a scramble in the box, Jeff lifted the ball over everyone except the last defender on the line who headed clear.

Glenn came on for Phil and Nige came on for Jeff but the next goal didn’t come. Some good lessons to take forward into the next match

Team
Bryan, Small, Ferdinand, Newall, Corbett, Lamb, Lewis, Standing (T), White, Moroney, Davies, Gatehouse, Johnson, Everest