Ascot United Racing 3 - 3 Binfield Torpedoes

11.15 kick off.  Saturday 15th Dec 2007.  

Venue : Ascot,  League Match.

Conditions : Very Cold,   Pitch muddy but firm.

Attendance - 24.

Binfield Players : Adriano, Billy, Brandon,  Jamie,  Josh,  Louie,  Michael,  Seb, Steven 

The Torpedoes show their resilience, going behind three times, and fighting back three times.

The first half started with good end to end stuff. Some fast flowing moves, especially involving Steven and Brandon, forced Ascot back. Steven was unlucky not to score as his shot shaved the post. Slightly against the run of play Ascot took the lead, but the boys heads did not drop. Billy was playing well but had to go off after taking a knock. Ascot were defending well and although the Torpedoes approach play was full of drive they were finding it difficult to create many clear cut chances. A quick throw in from Josh was nearly converted by Steven, but the Ascot goal keeper made a great save. Eventually, determined play from Seb and Brandon forced a corner. Steven took the corner, a fast dipping cross that Michael volleyed into the net at the near post for the equalizer. The Torpedoes continued to play good football, however, a long distance shot that hit the bar was not cleared away quickly enough and Ascot pounced on the loose ball to score a goal that Jamie had no chance of saving.

Despite playing well the boys started the second half a goal down. They managed to produce their best period of play in their quest for another equalizer. Josh and Steven were combining well on the left and Brandon and Steven were always a threat going forward. Jamie was dominating his area, and he mixed his long kicks with throw outs to the full backs, showing good awareness and variation. Seb and Louie were solid in defence, and the whole game went up a gear. Michael beat his man and ran down the wing, his centre  was perfectly controlled by Adriano, and with his back to goal he waited for Brandon's run before laying the ball in front of him. Brandon's finish was a crisp low shot into the net. The boys now felt they were on top of the game and went for a winner. Numerous shots and goal mouth half chances went begging, and things were looking up. Then Ascot broke at pace and scored a classic break away goal to take the lead yet again. It looked like the Torpedoes had blown it, but when Seb won the ball and set up Josh for a run down the wing a flowing move had started. The ball broke loose and was going out for a goal kick, but Billy had other ideas. Chasing a lost cause he just kept the ball in play, and sent over fast low cross. Powering into the centre forward position was Louie who side footed the ball home, the whole team celebrated with him.

A game the Torpedoes should possibly have won, but in the end were very pleased to get a draw. Well played both teams.

Goals - Michael   Brandon   Louie.

Men of the Match - All of them.