CB Hounslow

As usual in August the team selection fluctuates with holidays, work etc. so no surprise to see three changes to the starting XI from the previous week. Neill Marsh made his first appearance of the season and Chris Barnes returned to make a strong looking defence. Tom Cooper also returned to the squad but in an unfamiliar strikers role.

In truth, from our perspective the first half was utterly forgettable (later to be described by Coach Simms as 'canine faeces'). Our passing was poor meaning we regularly conceded possession giving Hounslow the chance to counter attack. They did just this after about 20 minutes when a long ball turned our defence allowing the opposition winger to race through and finish neatly.

Half time meant an opportunity to re-group and address the issues of the first period. We started the second half brightly but were unable to beat the Hounslow 'keeper in the first third of the half. Captain Griggs and midfielder White were forced off with injuries with 30 minutes to play, replaced by Brown and McKeown. Soon after, Ross Cheek equalised with his first ever goal for a Ash United. An early contender for goal of the season, Ross cheekily beat two defenders before lobbing the goalkeeper. Not long after we were ahead when Dan Moore grabbed his second in as many games leaving him joint top scorer as he was keen to remind everyone. A cross into the box was missed by the on rushing Ben Small but also by the Hounslow 'keeper who agonisingly watched it trickle into the corner of his net. We were playing much better than the first half but the third goal which would have killed off the game never came. Dainton was replaced by debutant Andy Riley with 10 minutes to play. With almost the last play of the game the Hounslow captain equalised from corner to deny us our first win of the season.

So we remain unbeaten in the league but that win still eludes us. We will need to start turning draws into wins if we are challenge at the top of the table this season. However, the second half was very encouraging and with players returning all the time it looks promising for the weeks ahead.

Team; Rider, Marsh, Small, Griggs (Brown), Barnes, White (McKeown), B.Moore, D.Moore, Dainton (Riley), Cheek, Cooper

Unused subs; Watmore, Matthews

Scorers; Cheek, D.Moore

Man of the Match; Barnes