West London Vets League Round Up 16/11/22

#WeAreAscot.

West London Vets’ League Round Up

16 November 2022

All eyes on the cup

Saturday 12 November was League Cup day in the West London Vets’ Football League (WLVFL). With MMB and West London Rams getting byes, that meant 14 encounters with places in the last 16 up for grabs.

Ones ease past KPR

Given that Ascot United’s seconds were already out, all Ascot eyes were on the 1st XI as they travelled to Kew Park Rangers (KPR). It was much to KPR’s credit that the game took place at all; they were struggling for numbers and indeed to find a pitch. Eventually they settled on Old Deer Park and, as befits a pitch smack in the middle of rugby union country, the grass was too long and the goals were a funny size. But, no complaints from Ascot, respect due to KPR for their efforts in making the game happen.

In the end, the ones ran out convincing winners. Adam Moroney scored a well-deserved hat-trick and Matt Newall thumped in the fourth from a second half corner. 4-0, job done, and into the next round two the Yellamen go.

Whippet Wanders shock Croxley

Elsewhere, it was Whippet Wanderers (from Division One) who caught the eye, dumping out the premier league leaders, Croxley Community Vets, 2-0.

The Whippets will be quietly pleased with their performance. Mark Fletcher put them ahead from a corner in the 33rd minute before Elton Charles rounded things off with a second with 15 minutes to go. Man of the match Logan Plant was heavily involved in both goals. The Whippets will also be pleased with their last 16 draw – they play second division Old Tenisonians for a place in the quarter-finals.

More giantkilling

Whippet Wanderers weren’t the only side knocking out higher division opponents.

Hersham Southside (Division 3) continued their fine early season form with a 6-2 demolition of second division Old Meadonians. Steve Redding was again in goal-scoring mood (he grabbed four) whilst Ben Beavers and evergreen skipper Gene Shafique grabbed one apiece. Hersham can now look forward to an intriguing round two tie against top-flight Polytechnic. Poly side-stepped a potential banana skin of their own in round one, easing past second division Latimer Road Vets 4-0.

Nottsborough, another premier division side, will also be in the competition come the new year, but only after edging past Actonians (Division 1) 1-0. Sporting Kitz and Chelsea Vets make up the six strong premier league line up in round two.

One for the old boys!

Army Crusaders also made their way into the second round, but only after a nerve-jangling win against Old Lyonians. 

Crusaders started the game strongly and were two up by half-time. But, given that they had the bare 11 and that Andy Campbell and Pod O’Donoghue – both of whom are beyond 60 – were part of that, Lyonians came ever more into the game as the Crusaders tired. Cue two late goals and a penalty shoot-out. It was all square after the requisite five, with Crusaders ultimately coming out on top in sudden death.

The Crusaders will be travelling to Claygate Royals Hares on 7th January. The Hares won their encounter with league new boys Clapham Old Xaverians, 3-2. Fellow Division One side Wandsworth Borough will also be there, they beat JamrockSteppa by the same scoreline. 

The Borough will take on the high-flying Hillingdon Abbots. The Abbots travelled to Claygate’s second string and came away 9-3 victors. Darren Chute was again involved in most things that Hillingdon did well, and that included helping himself to four goals.

So near but so far for Old Tiffs’ 2nds

Third division Old Tiffs 2nds travelled to first division Civil Service more in hope than expectation. By the time they travelled home they were almost certainly regretting what might have been.

Civil Service came through, but goals from Jayson Allen and Mark Ormond pushed them all the way. Civil Service squeaked it 3-2 in the end and will subsequently have the pleasure of welcoming Ascot United in the last 16.

Looking ahead

League football returns on the weekend of 18/19 November. Ascot United’s clash against Sporting Kitz on Friday night looks like it has all the ingredients to be the game of the day. Kick off is 19h45 under the lights at the Racecourse. Elsewhere in the top flight Bank of England host Chelsea Vets whilst Kew Park Rangers visit Polytechnic.

Three games are taking place in Division 1 at the weekend. Leaders Old Actonians welcome Laleham & Kempton, whilst third placed Claygate Royals Hares are off to Civil Service. The final games sees the bottom two, Jamrock Steppa and Old Tiffs’ ones, lock horns in what looks like it’ll be an interesting contest.

Hillingdon Abbots will be looking to stretch their already commanding lead at the top of Division Two when they welcome a struggling MMB. Second placed Bank of England IIs are also in action, they travel to mid-table Double H. The third and final game in this division sees Molesey Lighthouse travel to North London to face down against Old Lyonians.

There is a full house of four games this coming weekend in Division Three. League leaders Hersham Southside are travelling to Sunbury to play bottom of the table AFC Hampton. Second placed Ascot United IIs are also on their travels, they go to Old Tiffs IIs. Claygate Royals Hounds welcome Clapham Old Xaverians and third placed Croxley IIs host fourth placed Latimer Road Vets.

Go well everyone

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