Civil Service Veterans v Ascot United 2nd X1 Veterans

Report

Match Report: 08/03/25

Civil Service 1-2 Ascot Utd Vets 2’s

Ascot Utd Vets 2’s traveled to the bottom of the league Civil Service with the weight of a winless calendar year and a depleted, unfamiliar squad to contend with. The pitch presented itself as a true “leveller” too – with some bumps and bobbles making for tricky ball control and for an unpredictable contest.

The pre-game chaos, topped with heavy traffic, demanded last-minute adjustments to the starting eleven. Despite the frantic start, Ascot held their ground through a first half devoid of significant incidents. In fact, we looked threatening without really dominating. Disruptions were frequent, partly due to Civils only having one match ball, resulting in extended breaks every time the ball went out of play. Then an unfortunate collision between Dan Edwards and Civils centre-mid resulted in both players leaving the field – Dan with a large, disconcerting “egg” on his head, and the Civils player headed to the hospital for stitches. Everyone wishes them both a speedy recovery.

Jon Keogh in goal was steady and his distribution was proving an effective alternative outlet. Loz and Daz dominated at centre half, with Dando and Glenn putting the yards in to get the team forward. Adam, Carl and Alex were battling away well, with Alex going just wide with a much debated cross / shot just before the break. In truth though, at half time there was a plethora of opinions being offered ranging from us playing well, to it being a disaster, to Carl worrying that he’d lost his dog, nevertheless it was 0-0, and the game very much in the balance.

A few tweaks in the second half, including Glenn meandering up front, and Islam doing a shift in midfield with Carl, Adam and Birkett, meant we started strongly. Carl was combative in midfield, whilst Adam and co were energetic and positive in their play. Fenners and the hard-working Tredders were occupying their centre halves nicely and looked menacing… Fenners in particular looked like it was a matter of time until he scored – surely a goal was coming soon?!

And so it was, a hopeful boot out from a Civil defender, a flick on in midfield and the Civils striker found himself through and tidily finished. Fair play, but it was not reflective of the game and JK had no chance, Ascot had to dig deep now.

Richie was looking good on the ball and knitting things together well, whilst Glenn was proving to be quite the menace (not just by dropping a coin in my pint post game) and looked like he’d won a penalty, only for the ref to disagree. Loz and Daz offered a very solid foundation and the game continued in the same spirit, lots of Ascot huffing and puffing, but no blowing down of the Civil house.

1. That was until the 85th minute, a beautiful free kick curled in from Fenners, and Loz met it with a bullet header. A very well taken goal from the big man, one which his assertive performance deserved. Great celebrations from all the boys, but with a steely determination to “go again”. Civil were shattered, Ascot firmly on the front foot, and ultimately it would be that fitness that told. In the 90th minute, Birkett picked the ball up and with a few exchanges of passes found himself jinking past the last defender, skipping round the keeper, and in slow motion, he tucked it away beautifully. I’d call it a classic Birkett goal – bags of energy, commitment and skill to finish it off! Great stuff and some wonderful celebrations at turning the game around.

With Skipper / Manager Dando now somewhat overwhelmed with emotion, and 2 mins remaining, we needed some leadership, so as we walked back for kick-off, an authoritative Glenn announces – “I’ll go back to right back now” as if his job was done – and sure as eggs are eggs, Ascot saw the game off tidily in the remaining couple of minutes.

Overall, whilst it was not our best performance, it was a very pleasing result full of character, determination and hard work. Big shout out to Glenn for double 90 mins, Loz and Adam for leadership on the pitch, Tredders for doing a shift in an unfamiliar striker role, JK for going in nets, and I could go on throughout the squad. The reality was, whilst it wasn’t the most articulate show of the beautiful game, we all cared and grafted to get the win – awesome effort! Nice to have a couple of beers in the sun afterwards too. Well done all, onwards and upwards!