Match report v Ascot by Cameron Donaldson

AFC Stoneham vs Ascot Match report:

The Purps rounded off their pre season preparations with a 2-0 loss against 2023 FA Vase winners Ascot United FC on Saturday afternoon..The visitors netted midway through either half to close out the Stoneham efforts and secure victory.

An early error from the visitors allowed Jamie Truckel to steal a back pass and quare it to Oliver Jenkins who drilled a low shot in but it was well saved by the goalkeeper. Jenkins caught the resulting corner on the volley, however it drifted just wide to the right of the goal.

Ascot responded with a spell of possession in the Stoneham half, forcing a shot on target well saved by Callum Lee.. Lee was in action again two minutes later as he was forced into a good save after a through ball by the visitors.

Midway through the first half, Jim Orvis whipped in a dangerous ball that was headed just over from a corner..Jamie Truckel was soon at it again, receiving the ball on the edge of the box and forcing the goalkeeper into a save to his left. Ascot soon took the lead on 23 minutes as a cross from the right was tapped home well on the volley to make it 1-0.

Just after the half an hour mark, Ascot had one shot blocked before a fierce drive was deflected behind for a corner that was headed wide..As the first half drew to a close, Stoneham had the last of the action with a Jim Orvis shot being palmed away from a freekick.

Stoneham had the first effort of the second half, with captain Alex Welch playing a through ball to Ash Pope who had his effort saved from point blank range..Callum Lee was soon called into action once more to smother a through ball before ascramble in the box was cleared away by the Stoneham defence.

Ascot soon made it 2-0 as the Purps were unable to clear the ball, resulting in Ascot taking advantage and heading into an empty net. Stoneham had another chance midway through the second half as an inswinging cross was met by Oliver Jenkins headed high and wide to the left. A further through ball from Ascot ensured Callum Lee was called into action once more, saving low down to his right.

Ascot controlled and limited the chances in the rest of the game to close out the victory.