Binfield Lions 1 vs 0 Ascot Aces

<p>The talk since Christmas has always been about this match and given the fact that it was postponed until the Sunday it made for less distractions like sibling matches, a number of the lads were a bit nervous so as we had plenty of time we slowed the tempo of the warm-up until the nerves had gone.&nbsp; We were already going through our routine whilst the Aces started to arrive. <p>We had a game plan but it was going to be harder to work to it against a very strong Ascot Aces team.&nbsp; The team looked full of committment from the start and were keen to win all the early exchanges against their opposing players.&nbsp; It was a good contest with the Lions looking dangerous on the break and the Aces looking to exploit the space in the channels, as the game continued it appeared the Lions were on top but were struggling to get bodies forward, so we made some changes to the formation and tried to take initiative in the match.&nbsp; We moved OH up front who was starting to recapture the form of the last few weeks with his flicks and passes causing problems, the midfield trio of Harry, TJ &amp; Harvey all with a job to do.&nbsp; Cam, Jack &amp; Joe were completely dominating the Ascot forwards, Ollie was being his combative best.&nbsp; As we continued to push forward it was looking like a bit of stalemate as the final ball wasn't coming in the final 3rd - Ascot were equal to everything we threw at them.&nbsp; Then with about 10 mins to go until half time OH had his heels clipped after another decent turn, it was a free kick about 20 yards from goal and to the right corner, Oh was told to take it and he produced what has to be as good goal as has ever been witnessed on that pitch, an absolute screamer then went like an arrow into the top corner!! Fantastic goal and it had been coming for a number of weeks now. Straight away OH was told to revert back to his old position and help reinforce the centre of midfield. 1-0 Half time. <p>During the interval we spoke about not letting Ascot back into the match as the game&nbsp;was there&nbsp;for the taking, it was important to stress that they couldnt look to sit on the slim lead as it could work against us.&nbsp; What we saw was a magnificent show of strength and belief that restricted Ascot to a few half chances in the 2nd period, it looked more like the Lions might get something on the break.&nbsp; Every player stuck to the task in hand, Ollie was everywhere in the 2nd half, Harry was playing&nbsp;with self imposed discipline and minimising his attacking runs. Harvey &amp; TJ were making the running going forward, with Cam, Jack &amp; Joe really looking solid as a back line.&nbsp; Finally the ref blew his whistle and brought the magnificent gamne to an end, both teams had contributed to a pulsating cup tie which would have been worthy of the final, the Lions delight was clear for all to see as this time our luck wasn't against us. <p>OH was rightfully given MOM after a wonder strike good enough to win any game, this performance from him and the team had been coming!&nbsp; We next face Burgfield in the semi-final which is likely to be at Finchampstead as its on a neutral pitch.&nbsp; The cup run must now be 'parked' for a bit as we must gets some much needed points on the board in the league.