Ruislip Rangers Veterans v Ascot United 1st X1 Veterans

For the first game in defence of the cup that was won last season, the Vets’ 1st XI travelled to Ruislip Rangers, flying high at the top of Division 1 and with a record of 1 league defeat in two seasons. A potential banana skin? Massively so! Particularly on a small, bumpy, heavy grass pitch. Such conditions have caused the 1s problems in the past two seasons and without the correct attitude, would have today.

Ascot being the better team was never in question today – they are better than most teams they play! – but being better counts for nothing if it is not built on the foundation of matching the opposing team’s desire and commitment. Today, Ascot got it just right!

They flew out of the traps, chasing down the opposing kick off, forcing a hurried clearance which Sykes charged down and then cooly slotted home for 0-1 within 20 seconds. Great start!

More pressure followed, and a lead of 0-3 was soon established with goals from Moroney and a second for Sykes. Ruislip had shown promise going forward but looked very vulnerable at the back and Ascot had ruthlessly punished that.

Ruislip knew that conceding a 4th would end the contest – they needed the next goal. And they got it, to reduce the arrears to 1-3. The goal gave them impetus and they pushed for a second, but Ascot had established a well organised rear guard that dampened any potential of a real threat. And they still looked like they would score with every attack.

It was not long before more goals came and, in effect, the match was won; the hattrick from Sykes and two from Davies giving the away team a 1-6 lead at half time.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Ascot maintained their relentless approach to the game and continued to dominate possession and territory. More goals were to follow, too, Sykes grabbing a 4th and Davies bagging a further two to match that haul.

To the credit of Ruislip, they continued to apply themselves and netted a second of their own to make it 2-9. As Ascot kicked off following the goal, the ironic words of encouragement came from the Ruislip skipper, “C’mon boys, they’re on the ropes. Another 8 and we win this!”

Fair play to the hosts, they continued to play in relatively good spirit – it would have been easy to have resorted to more physical approaches but bar a couple of ill-timed tackles, the referee had a reasonably easy afternoon.

Ascot were not done. Unhappy to have conceded the second, the side refocused and pushed for more, which duly arrived with Moroney grabbing a second and McIntyre getting in on the act with two of his own.

A really good performance today, that epitomised the excellent attitude to the game shown by all 15 that played. An attitude that needs to be apparent for every away game, when playing against very physical sides on at best average pitches.

Next round – Claygate away. See above for what will be needed!!