03/12/05 Hurst Romans 2 Ashridge Park Royals 3

A windy, bright morning and a small heavy pitch greeted Ashridge’s arrival at Hurst (although apparently less heavy than predicted after the heavy Thursday and Friday rain and from the area’s soil type!).  Ashridge started brightly and from some good Armen and Tom G interplay, forced a couple of early corners.  However, from a swift break, Tushar had to race out to block a 1 on 1 attack.  End to end football followed with Matt and Steven playing in Tom G who was desperately unlucky with his shot hitting the post, then a good Tushar save then another Hurst effort just past the post.

On 14 minutes a good Armen shot forced a corner then Armen played in Will who forced a good GK save.  A good bustling run from Daniel forced another GK save for a corner.  22 min: from the ensuing corner the ball broke to Steven towards the edge of the area and he swept in a good low shot (0 – 1).  Back bounced Hurst and their dangerous no.7 had a good effort just wide.  30 min: a route 1 goal as Tushar’s big kick found Daniel who hit well and low but the keeper was at fault as he fumbled it through his legs (0 – 2).  The half continued for a non-understandable further 7 minutes during which time Steven and Will slotted in Daniel for a good left-footer, Tushar made another fine save and Will nearly demolished the bar with a trade-mark long-range piledriver.

Half Time

Hurst started the half well and Ashridge were only just keeping them out with some desperate defending then an excellent Tom D block.  However, on 36 minute, their tricky no. 9 scored a good goal (1 – 2).  End to end football with James then Armen forcing good saves then a frantic goalmouth scramble ending in Tom D hooking clear.  Hurst’s no.7 hit just wide then the no. 9 forced a fine Tushar save.

A Will long-ranger forced another save then on 54 minutes a thrilling run from the Hurst no. 9 and he was just wide.  Straight after Will played a neat 1-2 with Steven and once more a shot went through the unfortunate Hurst keeper (1 – 3).  Back bounced Hurst with another great no. 9 run and a good Tushar save.  Their other nippy forward (7) also went close and the game seemed to be petering out when in the 4th minute of stoppage time (where was it coming from?), Hurst pulled it back to 2 – 3.  There was still time for Matt to put in Daniel for a good shot then with the match still continuing, Hurst had their last chance to equalise which they missed.

A good and much needed win against a good Hurst team with a particularly dangerous front two.

19/11/05 Laurel Park Tornadoes 4 Ashridge Park Royals 2

This was a daft defeat even by the standards of this season. In freezing conditions that forced an hour-and-a-half delay to kick off Ashridge found new ways of conceding goals and ended up losing a game they really could have won.

Tornadoes took the lead early on but an excellent equaliser from James, who was one of the players to have a decent game, brought the scores level. He timed his run from the edge of the box to perfection as Armen played in a corner and struck it home in style.

Ashridge started to play with some verve and looked as if they would take the lead but then the luck monster struck again. A cross from the left was met by Matthew with a typically brave header. It could have gone anywhere, but the fans watched in anguish as it looped over Tushar and into the net.

Laurel Park were understandably boosted by their good fortune and Ashridge heads seemed to drop. The home side were winning most tackles now and Ashridge seemed timid in comparison. The midfield allowed the Tornadoes forwards too much freedom and Tushar seemed unsighted by a shot which went in to make it 3-1 just before half-time.

The match was far from over and things improved after the break but once again luck was with the home side. In particular there were two chances created by the hard work of William, Steven and Daniel but one went wide and another, incredibly, hit both posts and didn't go in.

Ashridge started to fade again and Laurel Park went 4-1 up with about 10 minutes to go, with challenges again not going in from the Royals. The boys pulled one back when a fine shot from Daniel was saved but Tom G chipped in the rebound with his left foot from close range.

It was annoying because Ashridge should be capable of competing teams like this. They have shown in patches that if they all concentrate and compete for the ball all the time they can play decent football. I am sure the win will come soon and that should boost confidence.

10/09/05 Sandhurst Dynamos 5 Ashridge Park Royals 1

THIS was a tough lesson for the boys against a very good team and there is plenty they can learn from. Sandhurst had played several pre-season games and it showed as they were faster to the ball and very well organised.

It was Armen's turn to miss out this week and the starting line-up had Tushar in goal, Tom D and Declan at the back, with Steven, Will and James in midfield and Daniel up front.

The weather was humid, and with matches now 30 minutes a side, you wondered whether play would be slow as the boys took time to conserve energy. Not a bit of it though, the pace was frantic from the start.

Sandhurst stormed forward in the first minute and their striker shot wide before James went down the other end and crossed well but unfortunately no Ashridge player was on hand.

After four minutes Sandhurst scored their first when the tricky No 7 turned inside the box and shot in from close range. The defenders were a bit slow to close him down but, in fairness, he was a really classy player.

Ashridge pressed for an equaliser and William smashed in a 22-yard free kick just wide but Sandhurst were always dangerous and Tushar made a fine save before Tom D was forced to make a brave block.

The game was much more even now and after 10 minutes manager Blackham made his planned triple substitution, with Tom G, Liam and Matthew replacing Daniel, Steven and James. Tom G was straight into the action with a good run and a shot and William thumped in a good shot which was deflected wide for a corner.

Declan worked hard to keep the No 7 at bay but with half-time approaching Sandhurst really turned it on. In the 23rd minute the excellent 12 hit a post and with two minutes to half time they won a corner. It was a beautiful inswinger and the No 16 beat the defenders to head in.

Matthew came on for Steven so Declan could switch to midfield but one minute later a carbon copy corner was again powered in by the 16 to give a dispiriting half-time score of 3-0.

Ashridge went to an attacking 2-2-2 formation with Tom G up front alongside Daniel but Sandhurst powered forward, forcing a good save from Tushar.

After 35 minutes it was 4-0 when a tackle was missed and another fine cross was superbly headed in by the No 12.

Ashridge never gave up and Declan had a shot wide, with Tom G going on another good run but Tushar was called on to make another good save after a break.

With 15 minutes left Steven came on for William as players began to tire and William came back on for the exhausted Declan with nine minutes left.

Soon after it was 5-0 when a long ball found the 7 and he finished well but there was some consolation in the 55th minute when Daniel did very well to chase a goalkeeping howler and tap in.

After last season's heroics it was a bit of a shock to the system but the standard this year is better and the boys can respond by working hard in training and keeping their heads up.

17/9/05 Ashridge Park Royals 2 Bracknell Town Tigers 2

A clear blue sky but a cold wind and dew on the grass gave the game a very autumnal feel.  Two minutes into the game Armen (playing up front with Daniel in a new midfield position) slipped a Tiger defender and got to the by-line and put in a good cross but unfortunately no-one was up to receive it.  Then shortly after a great, high Armen corner was forced wide by Will.  As Ashridge continued to dominate a lovely passing move involving Steven, Daniel and Armen resulted in Armen’s shot going wide.

The Tigers came charging into the game and dominated the next ten minutes: Tushar tipping a fine long shot over the bar then scrambling the resulting corner away followed up by tipping another good shot round the post.  Will then got back from midfield to tackle the Tigers’ striker before he was clean through.  On 18 minutes Daniel made the keeper parry away a long-range effort and this was closely followed by some neat left-wing interplay involving Armen, Will and Daniel.  21 minutes a long-range shot went through Tushar’s hands but thankfully just wide for a corner – his only mistake in a resolute performance exemplified by the way he pushed out the resulting excellent in-swinging corner.

Daniel was now switched up front and Tushar, on 22 minutes, showed his other major skill with a monster kick that put Daniel one on one with the keeper.  He took the ball on well but his powerful drive flew just wide of the keeper’s left hand upright.  Ashridge then dominated the rest of the half.  A lovely passing move from the back involving Tom D, Armen and Daniel ended with Armen’s shot being brilliantly tipped onto the bar by the Tigers’ keeper.  From the ensuing corner will nearly shattered the post but the ball went away from danger.  Back bounced the Tigers, just before the half-time whistle with another fine save and a fortuitous deflection taking an on-target shot wide.

A good, fair, competitive half from balanced teams.

Half Time

The Tigers started the half on top with a penetrating left-wing run and cross coming to nothing then another fine shot and Tushar save.  On 42 minutes, after a meandering period of play, Bracknell opened the scoring.  A free-kick out on the left touchline was well hit into the goalmouth and after a melee a close-range goal was hit (0 – 1).  Back came Ashridge and a long-range shot from Will rebounded off the keeper, followed by some more zippy wing play by Armen.  On 50 minutes, Tom G skilfully controlled the ball by the left touchline, took his time, looked up and rolled an inviting pass back to the onrushing Daniel.  The ball hit the roof of the net after a mild deflection but the keeper would have struggled to get it un-deflected.  A nice strike from Daniel and lovely thoughtful, unselfish play from Tom G (1 – 1).

Ashridge poured forward and two minutes later Armen now penetrating on the right burst into the Tigers’ box and his firm ball in was unluckily deflected into the net by a Tigers’ defender but we don't like OGs so we’ll give it to Armen (2 – 1).  Straight back came the Tigers and Tushar made two more good saves.  With 2 minutes to go the Tigers were pushing up and risking everything when Daniel shot and after another defender deflection the ball fizzed just wide with the keeper stranded by the deflection.  From the corner Daniel found Tom G who hit just wide.  Another Ashridge break- 3 on 2 but after a good tackle on Will, the defender skipped past Liam and suddenly the entire Ashridge midfield were behind the ball.  On went the Tigers and scored well from close-range as the attackers outnumbered Ashridge (2 – 2).

There was just time for a Daniel effort over the bar then the final whistle blew.

A good, sporting game from evenly matched teams but Ashridge were disappointed at the whistle due to them having the greater number of clear cut chances plus the lateness and manner of the Tigers’ equaliser.

MoM: Armen for his hard work up front and in midfield and his creative use of the ball.

24/9/05 Pinewood Predators 0 Ashridge Park Royals 0

This was a good footballing contest between two well-matched sides. Our close rivals from last season were down to seven players with no subs but they never tired and could have snatched a win at the end.

Ashridge started with Matthew, Steven and Armen on the bench with James up front and Daniel in midfield but it was Pinewood who threatened first, forcing Declan and Tushar to block and clear well. A minute later Tom G's effort was cleared for a corner after the first of a series of fine passing moves involving William and Daniel.

James made a strong run on the right but after six minutes Pinewood forced a good save from Tushar. The corner was dangerous but Declan was again alert to block and clear well. Three minutes later Tushar had to push the ball over the bar from another corner but then Ashridge started to dominate.

On 11 minutes Daniel went close and earned a corner then, seconds later, came the move of the match, involving Tom G. William, James and Daniel, which set up a chance that Pinewood only just cleared. At the other end Declan defended well against the dangerous and strong No 30 before a triple substitution on the 15 minute mark.

Pinewood nearly scored in the 22nd minute after Matthew had cleared for a corner but Tushar was on hand to make a terrific save and the rest of the half was all Ashridge. Armen had two brilliant shots which looked like certain goals but the Pinewood goalkeeper was in fine form and saved both.

The second half started with the opening line-up but Daniel was soon switched to the striking role with James on the right and it was James who started the half with an amazing jinking run and cross which nearly brought a goal before panic-stricken Pinewood managed to clear.

After 35 minutes Pinewood had their first chance of the second half but Tushar saved well and Declan tidied up again. The game was becoming end-to-end and Tom G made a determined run on the left seconds before Tom D had to block brilliantly on the edge of the Ashridge box.

After 40 minutes Daniel went off for a rest and Armen came on to make a series of inspiring runs on the right. James linked well with him in the 47th minute to set up Will for a piledriver which was well saved. With 10 minutes left William had a shot blocked and Armen's effort was just wide.

Slackness at the back let Pinewood in for a chance which was just wide and that encouraged them. Tom D had to deflect a shot wide and Tushar made two brave blocks on the line before grabbing the ball when a goal seemed certain. But Ashridge nearly clinched it with one minute left when Armen broke to set up Steven who was fouled five yards from the box. Daniel's free kick was handled on the edge of the area and his second effort went just over the bar.

I thought Ashridge deserved to win but it was close and the passing was really encouraging. Tom G was awarded man of the match for a hard-working and unselfish display. It was all light years better than two weeks ago against Sandhurst. Next week we have the chanced of revenge in the cup and if the boys keep on improving at this rate then what a game that will be!

1/10/05 Away to Sandhurst Dynamos (Cup)

A pleasant sunny morning greeted Ashridge’s arrival at Sandhurst.  Ashridge had put in a lacklustre performance in their opening league fixture against admittedly one of the best of the div 3 teams who play attractive flowing football with a lot of intelligent running off the ball.  Ashridge were also down to 7 available players with Tom G stepping in in goal and Steven playing a new lone striker role.

A traditional slow Ashridge start had them 1 – 0 down in the first attack from a penetrative Dynamos attack and a firm low finish.  Back bounced Ashridge and after Matt had broken up a threatening break with a great tackle and pass, some great interplay with Steven, Will and Armen ended with Armen hitting a strong effort wide.  After 7 minutes, a good Dynamo break and a strong right foot shot doubled the Dynamo lead (2 – 0).  15 min: a bad goal kick then a suicidal square pass gifted the Dynamos a third and Ashridge were up against it.

From here on in, though, the new look Ashridge team, started to settle down and play some brave stuff.  The remainder of the half was more even and very end to end.  There were 2 good Armen corners then Steven flicked the ball skilfully around the last man but the move then fizzled through lack of support.  Between 2 good Tom G saves, Steven battled well again to win a corner then Will tracked back well to stop a threatening breakout.  From the subsequent corner, Sandhurst hit well but just wide.  Into stoppage time, the tireless Armen again sprinted down the right and his firm cross shot was deflected for a corner on the left.  Armen’s excellent in-swinger led to a goal as Steven’s well timed movement and jostling with the defender led to an OG as the defender got it just before he would have (3 – 1).  A nice fillip before HT.

Half Time

Ashridge started well and a copyright Will long-range effort clipped the top of the bar with the keeper struggling.  Straight after, a flowing move from Matt toWill to Armen to Steven ended with a shot wide – good football.  Sandhurst hit wide then Will forced a good GK save, then Sandhurst hit the side netting – end to end but even stuff.  Tom G then made a great second save after a first good parry.  Soon after he was at it again, turning a powerful shot onto the bar then catching the rebound.  Straight after Dec brought the ball well out of defence and played a defence splitting pass that had Armen haring in on goal but the keeper made a great and brave save rushing out and diving at Armen’s feet. 

Ashridge now dominated for a 5 minute spell with Will and Armen playing in Steven for a blocked shot, then Will putting in Armen whose shot was deflected for a corner from which the keeper parried well from Will.  Shortly after Will put in Armen for another GK save.  Coach Blackham then went for it, switching Daniel to his natural position up front and going 2-2-2.  Daniel had battled well playing out of position, but immediately looked better up front.  On pushed Ashridge but in the last minute they were cruelly caught out for their attacking intent as a speedy, skilful left wing break saw Sandhurst score against the run of play (4 – 1).

An excellent and battling Ashridge performance against good, skilful and fair opponents.

MoM: All of the Magnificent 7.  For all the score ended up similar to the first game, the performance was 100% better.

15/10/05 Darby Green U-11 2 Ashridge Park Royals U-11 2

This deserved to be the season's first win, but a late equaliser for the home side was tough on the boys. After a few early scares they settled well into the 3-2-1 formation and worked hard throughout the match.

In the second minute William and Daniel linked well and both had shots that were blocked, but they couldn't be stopped four minutes later. Daniel played a superb pass to William who finished impressively for a deserved first goal.

Ashridge were flowing well now and a great move involving Daniel, William and Armen nearly brought a second. On 10 minutes the dangerous William powered through and shot, but it was saved by the excellent goalkeeper.

That shook Darby Green and William shone at the other end next with a great block after 12 minutes, but it was still something of a shock when the home side equalised in the 19th minute after some poor marking at the back.
Tushar stopped the first shot but the rebound was tapped in.

Now Ashridge pushed forward and a long Tushar kick was brilliantly flicked on by Tom G before he shot, forcing yet another good save from the goalkeeper. Tom G was then on hand to put Royals 2-1 up in the 27th minute when the goalkeeper couldn't handle a William hotshot and he put the rebound away.

It could so easily have been 3-1 just a minute before half-time when William and Tom G again opened up the home defence but the goalkeeper kept them at bay.

The second half started with a wave of home attacks but the back three of Matthew, Tom D and Declan chased, tackled and marked to good effect and kept them out. Tushar was also reliable with his handling and on one occasion saved a certain goal when he tipped a shot on to the bar and dived on the loose ball.

The rest of the half turned into the Armen show. He went on a series of breathaking runs which set up four or five chances which so nearly brought goals. His pace and skill was simply awesome and it was all Ashridge for a 10 minute spell with subs Steven and James playing their part.

But Darby Green started to look dangerous on the break and with two minutes left they got lucky. Declan tried desperately to head clear a long ball into the box but he left Tushar unsighted and the ball bounced agonisingly into the unguarded net.

That was cruel but Ashridge nearly got a deserved winner right on time when Will chipped in a free kick that was headed off the line.

This was a good performance by all the squad and surely a win cannot be far away. Armen was man of the match for that extraordinary second half display.