Ascot Aces 1 vs 3 Binfield Lions U10

<p>On the back of a good point at home to Burghfield last week it was important to keep up momentum and follow up with something from a tricky game away to Ascot Aces; the Lions were fired up partly due to a reminder of how poorly they played in the home fixture when we were gubbed 3-0 and if we are honest we were lucky to get nil that day! <p>We persisted with the strategy of playing 2-3-1 from the start to try and thwart the Aces but it actually appeared to have a converse reaction as we immediatly got at Ascot and created a flurry of long range efforts in the opening minutes, if the Aces certianly new they were in a game now! After another decent effort from Harry the keeper could only parry the ball over his head which fell to Harvey all of 1 yard out and he greatfully accepted the gift to put the Lions in front, he is becoming deadly from that range!!! 0-1. <p>Rather than sit back and defend the lead both TJ and Harry were getting lots of space, OH was introduced and had the desired effect as he picked a range of passes which nearly put others in on goal. &nbsp;Rory was industrious and was working hard going forward and by keeping their winger quiet, Jack and Ollie seemed unflustered at the back and had the pace as well as strength to hold off the Aces. &nbsp;All of a sudden a few tackles were missed and a long range shot came in from Ascot which hit the arm of TJ and the referee awarded a penalty, no complaints. &nbsp;Joe had been relatively unused until this time and he pulled off a fantastic save to keep the Lions in front! &nbsp;The Aces started to find a bit more rhythm and created a few chances of which 1 hit the post, as the Lions sensed thatthe game might be slipping away Ollie conjured up and mazy run from being the last man on the half way line to pass 3 Aces and thunder s rocket into the top corner, great goal - great celebration! 0-2. <p>The goal was vitally important and came at a really good time, H/T: 0-2. <p>To their credit Ascot started the 2nd half looking a different team and were patient in their build up, creating several clear cut chances in the process but Joe was looking in fine form and pulled off some magnificent saves. &nbsp;After another fine save our luck dried up a little as the ball fell to the onrushing forward who tapped into a open goal to reduce the deficit, 1-2. <p>The goal bought a reaction from the Lions as they started to surge forward to ensure that the Aces fightback was to be made harder, some lovely passes and in particular the vision of OH nearly unlocked the defence - eventually some of those passes will get through. &nbsp;Harvey &amp; Rory continued to work hard, Jack &amp; Ollie regained their hold at the back, TJ &amp; Harry came back into the match but with Joe looking so assured in goal i dont think the result was in question? &nbsp;After several strong tackles TJ managed to get his shot away from distance which decieved the keeper and nestled into the goal to give us a bit of breathing space, 1-3. <p>The remainder of the game was played out fairly comfortably and without incident, a fantastic cheer greeted the final whistle as the Lions produced one of the performances of the day to beat a very good Ascot Aces team who will be around the top come the end of the season. <p>A special well done to Joe who put in as good performance as i have seen from any keeper for a long time, he is getting better and better by the week and a very well deserved MOM. <p>Next week we host the 3rd in the series of table toppers in the shape of Camberley Town Rockets.