This is Kevin's match report...
"Playing against our divisional opponents, Saints were right on it from the start with Tom looking really sharp flashing a shot wide within the first couple of minutes. Then a nice flowing move, started by Jamie and with a couple of 1-2's between Julien and Tom, saw Tom flash a shot past the 'keeper. However Ascot hit back after a nice possession piece of football and the right winger flashed a shot passed Josh into the top left hand corner of the net. Julien then restored the lead - after missing an easier header moments earlier - lashing home a right foot shot. Still Ascot came back but really the goal should never have happened... a bit of indecision allowed the Ascot forward in and Josh clipped his foot to bring him down for a penalty. Josh nearly made amends by getting a hand to it but in it went.
A couple of changes were made with Seb, Matt and Joe R coming on and almost immediately Matt and Seb combined and Tom finished. Still more goals to come with Josh parrying a shot only for another Ascot player stroked it home, half time 3-3.
The second half saw the Saints take better control of the midfield and playing the ball quickly and simply. Seb capped a fine display with a fine run down the right and a cracking shot into the top corner of the net to put Saints 4-3 up. Still another comedy of errors at the back saw the ball not being cleared and Alex M, when trying to clear, lashed the ball against Josh and into the net. Saints though stepped up a gear and Tom completed a hat trick before then adding a fourth with a chip over the 'keeper. Julien returned to action to round off the scoring just before the end.
Overall a much better, controlled performance with everyone getting used to playing together. The players today should be pleased with themselves but, as today saw, we now have strength in depth for every position and I will use each of the players at different times as conditions and opponents dictate. We have a higher tempo to our play and pace throughout the side. Football is a squad game and everyone has a part to play this coming season.
Mentions; Jamie H - showed good control and better commitment, Seb - impressive debut, Joe R - full of running and craft, Matt - again another top display in midfield and defence, Ross - another raiding performance and solid defence, Connor - a much more disciplined display.
Man of the Match - Tom Richards
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