News

1-0 vs Bracknell Cavaliers

This was a terrific team performance with everyone giving their best for the whole game. Again we started the game strongly and used the slope to our advantage. We had a lot of possession but we found it hard to get through a well organised Bracknell defence. Jamie was a real threat with some powerful corners and I felt we were unlucky not to lead at half time. We started the second half well although as legs started to get get heavy, Bracknell applied more pressure. Fortunately we kept our concentration and when the Cavalier defence hesitated following a clearance, Callum pounced. He still had a lot to do to score but confidently beat the keeper from the edge of the box. The rest of the match seemed to take an eternity but apart from one cross shot we were never in danger of letting the lead slip.

Highlights

Jamie winning tackle after tackle. Alice, Aidan and Nathan breaking up attacks and starting our own, Charlie and Matts' intelligently defending and James played superbly in a new position. Neither of our goalkeepers made a tough save. Callum nicked the player of the match award for staying positive to score the vital goal.

3-6 vs AFC Crowthorne Blackbirds

This was a real game of two halves. In the first we looked sleepy and our concentration levels were not as they should have been. Having conceded the first goal to a lovely chip we battled hard and when Aidan and Callum combined to draw us level our hopes were high. However we switched off - a goal straight from a corner, missed tackles, poor positioning and a lack of pressure on their attackers meant that we were grateful for the half time whistle. A bit of re-organisation and a Churchillian speech (sort of!) later, we were ready to make amends. The effort, skill and determination we showed in the second half meant that we finished the game with our heads held high and feeling, well, pretty good about ourselves. A coll finish from Callum and a piledriver from Lawrence helped!

Highlights

Alice being fouled but bouncing straight back up while the collapsed Blackbird defender wished he hadn't bothered (he was alright in the end), two great strikes from Callum, a battling assist from Aidan, Lawrences wonderstrike from the edge of the box, Charlies positioning and clearing throughout. Man of the Match went to Nathan who pulled off some great saves and kept going even though he was left exposed in the first half - it's not easy being a keeper!

0-5 vs California Sharks (Plate)

When we got drawn against the team that beat us 10-1 in pre-season, I imagine most of the parents were a little nervous about the prospect of a repeat performance. However we have come a long way in a month and although the scoreline looks comprehensive, it doesn't truly reflect the balance of action. We started sharply and put the Sharks under pressure. We hassled and hurried them and when the chances came we were very unlucky to hit the woodwork 4 times in the 1st half! Two breakaway goals hit our confidence hard and when half time came we were pretty low. The second half was again frustrating as the refs ineptness handed Sharks a third and a couple of lapses of concentration were punished with goals. However the majority of the team kept going and a great move between Ralph, Alice and Callum nearly resulted in a deserved consolation. The lesson to learn from this game is that we must never give up and must always keep going.

Highlights

Alice's control and spin to beat a defender, Some good saves from Aidan and Nathan, Charlie again making brave decisions in defence. Hitting the woodwork 4 times! Ralphs goal line clearance. Man of the match went to James for a battling display on the wing and upfront (both new positions to him this year

0-5 vs Binfield Bison

The scoreline is unfortunately familiar and the performance was the most disappointing of the season. Again we had a good share of the early action and were holding firm. However when we had the chance to make important tackles we didn't, their forward waltzed past 4 players and the ball flew into the top corner giving Nathan no chance. A second weak goal was soon conceded and we reached half time 2 down. We knew that we shouldn't have got ourselves in to that position and although we went out confidently at the start of the second half, it wasn't long before we let our defences slip and the Binfield players had the easiest win their likely to get this season. If we want to start getting some results we are going to need to win some tackles, make headers, not be scared of the ball and keep trying to play passing football even when things aren't going well.

Highlights

Alice and Matthews determined tackling, Some brave saves from Nathan who was often unprotected, Ralphs rampaging run down the right wing in the first half. Man of the match went to Lawrence for showing how to tackle and head the ball without fear and for not giving up.

0-7 vs Whitegrove Hawks

For those who weren't there this would look like a drubbing, but it was a strange game that held lots of positives for us. With only 8 players available we started brightly, putting pressure on the Hawks and competing much better than the week before. There was a vast improvement in the players attitude and they stayed positive even after going 2-0 down with first an unstoppable 20 yard-er and then a heavily deflected shot. Nathan made a good save and was unlucky that their player finished the rebound from a tight angle to make it 3-0. Charlie was working hard at right back and Lawrence was brave with his headers. Callum worked tirelessly and when we reached half time trailing by 4 it was harsh. I told the players that the score was irrelevant and that they should go out in the second half and give it their all. They did just that and we matched Whitegrove, despite playing up the slope and when we pressured their defence they looked vulnerable. Unfortunately we conceded 3 almost identical goals which Ralph was disappointed with however he should remember the very courageous save he made when rushing out to block a certain goal. We almost got some reward for our efforts when Callum played in Nathan whose first time shot beat the keeper but rolled agonisingly past the wrong side of the post.

Highlights

Charlie's determined tackling, Nathan's shot, Lawrence's heading, The whole teams all round effort and commitment. Callum won the Man of the Match award for his many crunching tackles, blocks and interceptions and for starting some good attacks.

1-0 vs Finchampstead 'B'

This was a terrific team performance with everyone giving their best for the whole game. We started the game strongly and used the slope to our advantage. We looked menacing going forward and tight in defence. Midway through the first half, James and Callum combined well on the left, leaving Callum with a one on one with the Finch keeper. The keeper did well but Callum managed to hook his foot around the ball while prone on the floor and the it rolled into the bottom right hand corner. Jamie had Finch worried with some dangerous corners and we could have reached half time more than a goal up. We started the second half well up the slope and James, Matt, Lawrence and Charlie worked hard to put the Finch defence under pressure. As the half wore on though Finch started to apply more pressure and we found it harder to clear our lines. however for all their pressure they failed to really test Aidan who was assured in goal. A very tense final 5 mins seemed to last 20 but when the final whistle eventually blew we were relieved but very happy.

Highlights

Matt and Charlie playing on the wing and upfront. Aidan and Lawrence looking unbeatable in goal. Jamie, Callum and Ralph tackling like their lives depended on it. James two shots on goal. Any of our defensive three could have been man of the match but Ralph took it for an absolutely barnstorming performance

1-3 vs Curley Park Rangers Raiders

Ashridge made a bright start with most of the play in the early stages taking place in the opposition half. Unfortunately the pressure did not reap any reward and CPR attacked on the break and they had scored with their first real attack. There followed another period of pressure from Ashridge but no end result. Then we had deja vu as, with an absent defence, they scored again. More pressure from CPR drew out a great save from Nathan and we reached half time 2 goals down.

In the second half there were some good moves, with Lawrence and Callum linking up well down the left wing. Some excellent tackling from Jamie also ensued as the game flowed back and forth. CPR then broke from midfield and unfortunately we did not match them for pace leaving Nathan facing 3 CPR players bearing down on him and CPR had scored again. 3 - 0 CPR. Almost immediately, Callum picked the ball up in midfield, went past their midfield, ran at the CPR left back, cutting inside before letting fly with a great shot into the far corner. The latter minutes of the game saw Ashridge sitting deep and soaking up the pressure with Jamie making a goal saving tackle near the end. Man of the Match was Jamie. He kept his position at left back - loads of running and great tackles and some excellent goal kicking which was putting CPR on the back foot rather than us.

Highlights

Nathan made some good saves, Ralph made some great clearances and tackles, Callum gave a very energetic performance and scored a wonder goal, Jamies excellent goal kicks

Match Reporter: Warren McAdam

1-4 vs Bracknell Blades

This was a really disappointing result. We looked the stronger team in the first half and had the Ref kept up with play properly, he would have seen our second 'goal' which would have turned the match.

Our goal was a the result of a good passing move involving Ralph, Aidan and Callum. We could have tackled better, we should have kept our heads up and we should have been more competitive. We were the better team but if you don't work hard then you end up with this sort of result.

Highlights

Lawrence's brave point blank save, Nick's mazy run and shot, Matthew showing good strength in the target man role. Man of the match went to Aidan who competed hard for the whole game and put in the cross which led to our goal.

2-1 vs Ascot United Panthers

Wow! What a reaction from the players after last week. This was the best performance of the season by a long way. Ascot are a strong team who are pushing for promotion and play good football but we matched them in every area of the pitch and dominated them in some. We were a little unfortunate to go behind mid way through the first half, Nathan made a good save but the Ascot striker got to the rebound first and slotted home. We reacted well to the setback, Jamie and Nick tackled hard, Ralph got the ball down and started some good passing moves. Lawrence, Alice and Aidan put in great team performances on the wings while Matthew and Charlie played upfront and really worried the Ascot defence with their strength and close control.

We played up the slope in the second half and continued to battle hard. Ascot had a few long range shots which we dealt with well. Eventually our determination paid off, Ralph and Callum put pressure on the Ascot defence and after a bit of ping pong the ball fell to Lawrence who lifted his shot over their giant keeper. 1-1. The fans went wild as this was the least we deserved. Ascot came back at us and Nick cleared off the line, Nathan made a good save at the feet of their striker and Jamie won every tackle he made. At the other end Matthew evaded the tackles of about four Ascot defenders before playing in Callum who got a ball/knee in the face for his troubles. With 5 minutes to go, we again moved well down the left and amid a goal mouth scramble, Callum got his toe to the ball and it rolled (agonisingly slowly from my angle!) into the goal. 2-1! The last few minutes were hard fought with Aidan, Ralph, Lawrence and Charlie covering a lot of the pitch to stop Ascot attacks. The final whistle blew and we had our first come-from-behind win of the season.

A brilliant end to the year and happy Christmas to all Ashridge players and supporters.

Highlights

Jamie and Nick tackling everything that moved and making interception after interception. Nathan confidently keeping goal and distributing the ball quickly and cleverly. Callum and Lawrence battling hard and scoring deserved goals. Charlie and Matthew holding up the ball and giving the Ascot defence a really hard game. Alice and Aidan working the wings and supporting both the defence and attackers. Ralph running the midfield and displaying an awesome range of passing. Man of the match went to the player that inspired from the start, won ball after ball, started attacks, made last ditch tackles and was second only to Nathan in the dirty shirt stakes - Well done to Nick.

Bracknell Cavalier 1-4

The first half was excellent. We were 1 - 0 up going ahead through a goal from Callum - Matt passed to Callum, he took the ball round a defender, shot, the keeper parried and he tapped in the loose ball. All the pressure in the first half came from us and I can only remember Aiden having to save 1 shot. Jamie and Nick were immense at the back.

Unfortunately it all started to unravel second half. Their first goal followed a defensive when the ball stuck in the mud and their attacker got in sharpish and tucked away the goal. The second goal was an excellent cross and header from Bracknell and would have been difficult for anyone to stop. Goals 3 and 4 were both due to defensive lapses due to players not maintaining their positions. Lawrence (GK) didn't have much chance of stopping them.

Highlights

The whole teams first half performance was excellent. Nick shaded the MOM from Jamie.

Match reporter: Warren McAdam

vs Pinewood Panthers 1 - 1

Pinewood dropped down to our division at Christmas after a difficult half season in Div 2. Before the game the focus had been on scoring goals from different players and within a minute of the start Ralph had taken it on himself to do just that. A bustling run and cross shot put us ahead and had the fans in raptures.

We continued to battle hard and were controlling the game nicely when the referee gave Pinewood a penalty for a push by Nick which was a good few yards out of the area. The Pinewood striker slotted the ball home and we reached half time level.

The second half was a very even affair, with Pinewood threatening at corners and Callum going close for Park. We looked comfortable and it was a shame when the ref blew for full time as I think we could have gone on to win.

Highlights

Ralphs first goal of the season, Matt and Charlie's work rate up front, Nick clearing his own 'clearance' off the line (!). Ralph won the man of the match award for a commanding display and fine goal.

vs Binfield Bison 0 -1

After a promising start from Ashridge, Binfield pressed forward for an attack. A tussle in the box between a Binfield attacker, Callum and Nathan, the ball bobbled and went in off Callum. 1 – 0 down in the first 5 minutes.

Ashridge reacted well and showed real grit by putting Binfield on the back foot. There were some very good pressing runs on the right wing from Nick and Callum. About 15 minutes in James and Alice combined well and James got a good effort towards goal. At the start of the match the Team were asked to fire in some efforts from range and it was pleasing that Ralph and Callum had a couple of long range shots on goal with Callum twice hitting the post. Charlie worked hard up front as the target man.

Jamie and Nick held the defence well but the whole team was guilty of bunching and on occasion giving Binfield too much time on the ball so they were able to pick their passes.

Other than the goal a relatively quiet half for Nathan in goal who performed well and kept his focus.

In the second half the commitment and effort from the team was noticeably better and Binfield were really under pressure. A much better second half for Jamie, and Nick put in another great performance. It was a quiet second half for Aiden in goal which is a tribute to the fact that most of the Binfield attacks were broken down by stout defending.

Highlights

A very pleasing performance all round with defence doing their bit and another good performance from Jamie and Nick. Very difficult to pick Man of the Match with so many good performances but in the end Kevin picked Callum for his consistently high work rate. The Team can feel very proud of their performance. The opposing Manager commented that we deserved at least a point and he complimented Nick on his defending.

A special mention to Matthew for coming along to support even though it is his rest day – this shows real support and commitment to the team.

vs Curley Park Rangers Tornadoes 0 - 8

This was always going to be a tough match and losing the services of Aidan and Jamie meant that we didn't have a lot of flexibilty with the team selection. CPR are easily the best team in the division and have totally transformed themselves from last season

Overall I was pleased with the spirit and determination shown in spite of regularly conceding goals. Most of the goals were down to little mistakes and CPR didn't really have to work too hard for them.

I would hope that if we ever get into the position of being comfortably ahead in a game, that our supporters would show more class than our hosts supporters did. The opposition team and manager, who conducted themselves well, were let down by some of the comments I overheard.

Highlights

Ralph shrugging off a nasty knock and tackling hard in the 2nd half, Callum's all action performance, Charlies last ditch tackle to stop another attack. Nathans brave double save in the first half, some other good stops and the fact he didn't get down inspite of the score meant that he won Man of the Match. He injured his arm in the second half and still kept going.

Ashridge Park FC
		0 - 5 vs Curley Park Rangers Tornadoes The result was tough to take considering how well we played for the first 15-20 minutes. The opposition are thought to be amongst the top teams in our division but for that first 1/3 of the game we were much the better team. The breakaway goal that they scored hit the guys hard and for 5 minutes we forgot to do the things that we had done so well on Thursday and at the start today. Half time was a time to lift spirits and I think that overall the second half performance showed character and determination. I was pleased that we didn't cave in and kept going. Highlights Great first 1/3 of the Match. Callum hits the bar from 25 yards out. Matthew has a snapshot saved onto the post. Great corners from Jamie. Second half sees a good overall effort Aidan nearly scores. Nathan makes a couple of great saves. CPR miss a penalty. Player of the match is Matthew Fisher. 1-0 vs Bracknell Cavaliers This was a terrific team performance with everyone giving their best for the whole game. Again we started the game strongly and used the slope to our advantage. We had a lot of possession but we found it hard to get through a well organised Bracknell defence. Jamie was a real threat with some powerful corners and I felt we were unlucky not to lead at half time. We started the second half well although as legs started to get get heavy, Bracknell applied more pressure. Fortunately we kept our concentration and when the Cavalier defence hesitated following a clearance, Callum pounced. He still had a lot to do to score but confidently beat the keeper from the edge of the box. The rest of the match seemed to take an eternity but apart from one cross shot we were never in danger of letting the lead slip. Highlights Jamie winning tackle after tackle. Alice, Aidan and Nathan breaking up attacks and starting our own, Charlie and Matts' intelligently defending and James played superbly in a new position. Neither of our goalkeepers made a tough save. Callum nicked the player of the match award for staying positive to score the vital goal. 3-6 vs AFC Crowthorne Blackbirds This was a real game of two halves. In the first we looked sleepy and our concentration levels were not as they should have been. Having conceded the first goal to a lovely chip we battled hard and when Aidan and Callum combined to draw us level our hopes were high. However we switched off - a goal straight from a corner, missed tackles, poor positioning and a lack of pressure on their attackers meant that we were grateful for the half time whistle. A bit of re-organisation and a Churchillian speech (sort of!) later, we were ready to make amends. The effort, skill and determination we showed in the second half meant that we finished the game with our heads held high and feeling, well, pretty good about ourselves. A coll finish from Callum and a piledriver from Lawrence helped! Highlights Alice being fouled but bouncing straight back up while the collapsed Blackbird defender wished he hadn't bothered (he was alright in the end), two great strikes from Callum, a battling assist from Aidan, Lawrences wonderstrike from the edge of the box, Charlies positioning and clearing throughout. Man of the Match went to Nathan who pulled off some great saves and kept going even though he was left exposed in the first half - it's not easy being a keeper! 0-5 vs California Sharks (Plate) When we got drawn against the team that beat us 10-1 in pre-season, I imagine most of the parents were a little nervous about the prospect of a repeat performance. However we have come a long way in a month and although the scoreline looks comprehensive, it doesn't truly reflect the balance of action. We started sharply and put the Sharks under pressure. We hassled and hurried them and when the chances came we were very unlucky to hit the woodwork 4 times in the 1st half! Two breakaway goals hit our confidence hard and when half time came we were pretty low. The second half was again frustrating as the refs ineptness handed Sharks a third and a couple of lapses of concentration were punished with goals. However the majority of the team kept going and a great move between Ralph, Alice and Callum nearly resulted in a deserved consolation. The lesson to learn from this game is that we must never give up and must always keep going. Highlights Alice's control and spin to beat a defender, Some good saves from Aidan and Nathan, Charlie again making brave decisions in defence. Hitting the woodwork 4 times! Ralphs goal line clearance. Man of the match went to James for a battling display on the wing and upfront (both new positions to him this year 0-5 vs Binfield Bison The scoreline is unfortunately familiar and the performance was the most disappointing of the season. Again we had a good share of the early action and were holding firm. However when we had the chance to make important tackles we didn't, their forward waltzed past 4 players and the ball flew into the top corner giving Nathan no chance. A second weak goal was soon conceded and we reached half time 2 down. We knew that we shouldn't have got ourselves in to that position and although we went out confidently at the start of the second half, it wasn't long before we let our defences slip and the Binfield players had the easiest win their likely to get this season. If we want to start getting some results we are going to need to win some tackles, make headers, not be scared of the ball and keep trying to play passing football even when things aren't going well. Highlights Alice and Matthews determined tackling, Some brave saves from Nathan who was often unprotected, Ralphs rampaging run down the right wing in the first half. Man of the match went to Lawrence for showing how to tackle and head the ball without fear and for not giving up. 0-7 vs Whitegrove Hawks For those who weren't there this would look like a drubbing, but it was a strange game that held lots of positives for us. With only 8 players available we started brightly, putting pressure on the Hawks and competing much better than the week before. There was a vast improvement in the players attitude and they stayed positive even after going 2-0 down with first an unstoppable 20 yard-er and then a heavily deflected shot. Nathan made a good save and was unlucky that their player finished the rebound from a tight angle to make it 3-0. Charlie was working hard at right back and Lawrence was brave with his headers. Callum worked tirelessly and when we reached half time trailing by 4 it was harsh. I told the players that the score was irrelevant and that they should go out in the second half and give it their all. They did just that and we matched Whitegrove, despite playing up the slope and when we pressured their defence they looked vulnerable. Unfortunately we conceded 3 almost identical goals which Ralph was disappointed with however he should remember the very courageous save he made when rushing out to block a certain goal. We almost got some reward for our efforts when Callum played in Nathan whose first time shot beat the keeper but rolled agonisingly past the wrong side of the post. Highlights Charlie's determined tackling, Nathan's shot, Lawrence's heading, The whole teams all round effort and commitment. Callum won the Man of the Match award for his many crunching tackles, blocks and interceptions and for starting some good attacks. 1-0 vs Finchampstead 'B' This was a terrific team performance with everyone giving their best for the whole game. We started the game strongly and used the slope to our advantage. We looked menacing going forward and tight in defence. Midway through the first half, James and Callum combined well on the left, leaving Callum with a one on one with the Finch keeper. The keeper did well but Callum managed to hook his foot around the ball while prone on the floor and the it rolled into the bottom right hand corner. Jamie had Finch worried with some dangerous corners and we could have reached half time more than a goal up. We started the second half well up the slope and James, Matt, Lawrence and Charlie worked hard to put the Finch defence under pressure. As the half wore on though Finch started to apply more pressure and we found it harder to clear our lines. however for all their pressure they failed to really test Aidan who was assured in goal. A very tense final 5 mins seemed to last 20 but when the final whistle eventually blew we were relieved but very happy. Highlights Matt and Charlie playing on the wing and upfront. Aidan and Lawrence looking unbeatable in goal. Jamie, Callum and Ralph tackling like their lives depended on it. James two shots on goal. Any of our defensive three could have been man of the match but Ralph took it for an absolutely barnstorming performance 1-3 vs Curley Park Rangers Raiders Ashridge made a bright start with most of the play in the early stages taking place in the opposition half. Unfortunately the pressure did not reap any reward and CPR attacked on the break and they had scored with their first real attack. There followed another period of pressure from Ashridge but no end result. Then we had deja vu as, with an absent defence, they scored again. More pressure from CPR drew out a great save from Nathan and we reached half time 2 goals down. In the second half there were some good moves, with Lawrence and Callum linking up well down the left wing. Some excellent tackling from Jamie also ensued as the game flowed back and forth. CPR then broke from midfield and unfortunately we did not match them for pace leaving Nathan facing 3 CPR players bearing down on him and CPR had scored again. 3 - 0 CPR. Almost immediately, Callum picked the ball up in midfield, went past their midfield, ran at the CPR left back, cutting inside before letting fly with a great shot into the far corner. The latter minutes of the game saw Ashridge sitting deep and soaking up the pressure with Jamie making a goal saving tackle near the end. Man of the Match was Jamie. He kept his position at left back - loads of running and great tackles and some excellent goal kicking which was putting CPR on the back foot rather than us. Highlights Nathan made some good saves, Ralph made some great clearances and tackles, Callum gave a very energetic performance and scored a wonder goal, Jamies excellent goal kicks Match Reporter: Warren McAdam 1-4 vs Bracknell Blades This was a really disappointing result. We looked the stronger team in the first half and had the Ref kept up with play properly, he would have seen our second 'goal' which would have turned the match. Our goal was a the result of a good passing move involving Ralph, Aidan and Callum. We could have tackled better, we should have kept our heads up and we should have been more competitive. We were the better team but if you don't work hard then you end up with this sort of result. Highlights Lawrence's brave point blank save, Nick's mazy run and shot, Matthew showing good strength in the target man role. Man of the match went to Aidan who competed hard for the whole game and put in the cross which led to our goal. 2-1 vs Ascot United Panthers Wow! What a reaction from the players after last week. This was the best performance of the season by a long way. Ascot are a strong team who are pushing for promotion and play good football but we matched them in every area of the pitch and dominated them in some. We were a little unfortunate to go behind mid way through the first half, Nathan made a good save but the Ascot striker got to the rebound first and slotted home. We reacted well to the setback, Jamie and Nick tackled hard, Ralph got the ball down and started some good passing moves. Lawrence, Alice and Aidan put in great team performances on the wings while Matthew and Charlie played upfront and really worried the Ascot defence with their strength and close control. We played up the slope in the second half and continued to battle hard. Ascot had a few long range shots which we dealt with well. Eventually our determination paid off, Ralph and Callum put pressure on the Ascot defence and after a bit of ping pong the ball fell to Lawrence who lifted his shot over their giant keeper. 1-1. The fans went wild as this was the least we deserved. Ascot came back at us and Nick cleared off the line, Nathan made a good save at the feet of their striker and Jamie won every tackle he made. At the other end Matthew evaded the tackles of about four Ascot defenders before playing in Callum who got a ball/knee in the face for his troubles. With 5 minutes to go, we again moved well down the left and amid a goal mouth scramble, Callum got his toe to the ball and it rolled (agonisingly slowly from my angle!) into the goal. 2-1! The last few minutes were hard fought with Aidan, Ralph, Lawrence and Charlie covering a lot of the pitch to stop Ascot attacks. The final whistle blew and we had our first come-from-behind win of the season. A brilliant end to the year and happy Christmas to all Ashridge players and supporters. Highlights Jamie and Nick tackling everything that moved and making interception after interception. Nathan confidently keeping goal and distributing the ball quickly and cleverly. Callum and Lawrence battling hard and scoring deserved goals. Charlie and Matthew holding up the ball and giving the Ascot defence a really hard game. Alice and Aidan working the wings and supporting both the defence and attackers. Ralph running the midfield and displaying an awesome range of passing. Man of the match went to the player that inspired from the start, won ball after ball, started attacks, made last ditch tackles and was second only to Nathan in the dirty shirt stakes - Well done to Nick. Bracknell Cavalier 1-4 The first half was excellent. We were 1 - 0 up going ahead through a goal from Callum - Matt passed to Callum, he took the ball round a defender, shot, the keeper parried and he tapped in the loose ball. All the pressure in the first half came from us and I can only remember Aiden having to save 1 shot. Jamie and Nick were immense at the back. Unfortunately it all started to unravel second half. Their first goal followed a defensive when the ball stuck in the mud and their attacker got in sharpish and tucked away the goal. The second goal was an excellent cross and header from Bracknell and would have been difficult for anyone to stop. Goals 3 and 4 were both due to defensive lapses due to players not maintaining their positions. Lawrence (GK) didn't have much chance of stopping them. Highlights The whole teams first half performance was excellent. Nick shaded the MOM from Jamie. Match reporter: Warren McAdam vs Pinewood Panthers 1 - 1 Pinewood dropped down to our division at Christmas after a difficult half season in Div 2. Before the game the focus had been on scoring goals from different players and within a minute of the start Ralph had taken it on himself to do just that. A bustling run and cross shot put us ahead and had the fans in raptures. We continued to battle hard and were controlling the game nicely when the referee gave Pinewood a penalty for a push by Nick which was a good few yards out of the area. The Pinewood striker slotted the ball home and we reached half time level. The second half was a very even affair, with Pinewood threatening at corners and Callum going close for Park. We looked comfortable and it was a shame when the ref blew for full time as I think we could have gone on to win. Highlights Ralphs first goal of the season, Matt and Charlie's work rate up front, Nick clearing his own 'clearance' off the line (!). Ralph won the man of the match award for a commanding display and fine goal. vs Binfield Bison 0 -1 After a promising start from Ashridge, Binfield pressed forward for an attack. A tussle in the box between a Binfield attacker, Callum and Nathan, the ball bobbled and went in off Callum. 1 – 0 down in the first 5 minutes. Ashridge reacted well and showed real grit by putting Binfield on the back foot. There were some very good pressing runs on the right wing from Nick and Callum. About 15 minutes in James and Alice combined well and James got a good effort towards goal. At the start of the match the Team were asked to fire in some efforts from range and it was pleasing that Ralph and Callum had a couple of long range shots on goal with Callum twice hitting the post. Charlie worked hard up front as the target man. Jamie and Nick held the defence well but the whole team was guilty of bunching and on occasion giving Binfield too much time on the ball so they were able to pick their passes. Other than the goal a relatively quiet half for Nathan in goal who performed well and kept his focus. In the second half the commitment and effort from the team was noticeably better and Binfield were really under pressure. A much better second half for Jamie, and Nick put in another great performance. It was a quiet second half for Aiden in goal which is a tribute to the fact that most of the Binfield attacks were broken down by stout defending. Highlights A very pleasing performance all round with defence doing their bit and another good performance from Jamie and Nick. Very difficult to pick Man of the Match with so many good performances but in the end Kevin picked Callum for his consistently high work rate. The Team can feel very proud of their performance. The opposing Manager commented that we deserved at least a point and he complimented Nick on his defending. A special mention to Matthew for coming along to support even though it is his rest day – this shows real support and commitment to the team. vs Curley Park Rangers Tornadoes 0 - 8 This was always going to be a tough match and losing the services of Aidan and Jamie meant that we didn't have a lot of flexibilty with the team selection. CPR are easily the best team in the division and have totally transformed themselves from last season Overall I was pleased with the spirit and determination shown in spite of regularly conceding goals. Most of the goals were down to little mistakes and CPR didn't really have to work too hard for them. I would hope that if we ever get into the position of being comfortably ahead in a game, that our supporters would show more class than our hosts supporters did. The opposition team and manager, who conducted themselves well, were let down by some of the comments I overheard. Highlights Ralph shrugging off a nasty knock and tackling hard in the 2nd half, Callum's all action performance, Charlies last ditch tackle to stop another attack. Nathans brave double save in the first half, some other good stops and the fact he didn't get down inspite of the score meant that he won Man of the Match. He injured his arm in the second half and still kept going.