New Ash Green Veterans 3 vs 3 Range Rover Cobra Vets

Range Rover Cobra Vets travelled to The Pavillion in New Ash Green on 12 September 2026 for a 2:00pm kick-off in a fiercely contested cup away match against New Ash Green Veterans. The encounter ended in a pulsating 3-3 draw after 90 minutes of intense football, with both sides exchanging blows in a game full of drama and goals.

Range Rover Cobra Vets lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, deploying a solid defensive unit and a midfield designed to control possession and create chances. Chris Minta took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four consisting of Steve Foy at right back, Tom Horse and Steve Haynes as central defenders, and Keith Newbury on the left. Sitting just ahead of the defence was Georgi Ivanov in the holding midfield role, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball effectively.

Ahead of Ivanov, the midfield was packed with creativity and width. Dan Nash operated on the right wing, Jared Galvan and Nathan Pope occupied central attacking midfield positions, while Shaun Pullen provided width on the left. Leading the line was striker Dave Finch, expected to spearhead the attack and convert chances into goals. On the bench, Jimi Rodgers and Elliott Barnes were named as substitutes, ready to influence the game if called upon.

The match burst into life early on with New Ash Green Veterans taking the lead in the 21st minute. Their opener came as the home side capitalised on a defensive lapse, sending the Cobra Vets into an early deficit. Range Rover Cobra Vets responded with urgency, and their efforts paid off in the 35th minute when Dave Finch found the net to level the scores, showcasing his poacher’s instinct in front of goal.

However, the joy was short-lived as New Ash Green Veterans struck again immediately, restoring their advantage before the break. The first half ended with the visitors trailing 2-1, prompting a tactical change at the interval. Just before the whistle, Range Rover Cobra Vets made their first substitution with Jimi Rodgers replacing Nathan Pope, aiming to inject fresh energy into the midfield.

The second half resumed with New Ash Green Veterans extending their lead in the 57th minute, putting Range Rover Cobra Vets under significant pressure. Yet, the visitors showed remarkable resilience. In the 63rd minute, Georgi Ivanov’s precise assist found Shaun Pullen, who expertly finished to bring the scoreline back to 3-2 and reignite the contest.

Range Rover Cobra Vets continued to press, and their persistence was rewarded in the 72nd minute when Shaun Pullen converted a penalty, expertly dispatching it to level the match at 3-3. This goal was crucial in maintaining the visitors’ hopes of progression in the cup.

Shortly after, in the 74th minute, the second substitution was made as Elliott Barnes replaced left back Keith Newbury, likely to shore up the defence and maintain the intensity in the closing stages. Despite both sides pushing for a winner, neither could find the decisive goal, and the match concluded in a thrilling 3-3 stalemate.

This encounter was a true test of character for Range Rover Cobra Vets, who showed determination and attacking verve to claw back from behind twice. The 4-1-4-1 formation allowed them to balance defensive solidity with midfield creativity, with key contributions from Ivanov and Pullen in the middle of the park and up front. The substitutes also played their part in maintaining the team’s momentum as the game wore on.

Ultimately, the draw takes the tie straight to penalties , with both teams demonstrating their quality and fighting spirit in a captivating cup clash at The Pavillion.

At 3-3 after 90 minutes, it went straight to penalties. After the first five it was locked at 4-4, sending us into sudden death before New Ash Green eventually edged it 7-6. A horrible way to go out, but there's plenty to be proud of.

To fight our way back into the game and take a team of that level all the way to sudden-death penalties shows the character we've got in this squad.

Tom Horse was Managers Man of the Match for this one.