Alexcars Senior Charities Cup

Wheatsheaf 1

Ashton Keynes 3

ASHTON KEYNES completed their final group game in the Alexcars Senior Charities Cup with a 3-1 victory over Wheatsheaf of Swindon to finish with a 100 per cent win record which left them top of their pool ahead of the knockout stages.

The game against Wheatsheaf was effectively a 'dead rubber' as Ashton had already qualified and Wheatsheaf were unable to progress in the competition. But the game was played in good spirits and was an excellent battle from the first whistle.

Ashton had a majority of the first-half possession and chances but were unable to break the deadlock.

Centre back pairing of James Eddy and Chris Field kept Wheatsheaf chances to a minimum.

Goalkeeper Ben Chadwick was called into action only a couple of times and pulled off one very good save.

After half-time the game opened up on the large pitch. Ashton found more freedom on the wings where Barnaby Chadwick and Mike Blackwell created some good openings.

Supporting work by James Lally and Steve Pitt from full back meant Ashton always looked dangerous on the break.

The stalemate ended 15 minutes into the half when Greg Pilkington, on his debut, took a touch in the box before prodding the ball underneath the advancing keeper.

Ashton went further ahead after a very well worked goal. Pitt whipped an inviting cross in and Dean Wilson headed home from close range.

Wheatsheaf immediately replied when some slack defending allowed their striker to break through and fire into the bottom corner.

However the points were wrapped up when Chadwick crossed from the right and Adam Holmes rose and directed his header into the corner.

Hardworking midfield trio Louie Rastelli, Holmes and Del Fallon controlled the game and a special thanks to Martin Curtis who returned to the club after a year out and was used in a number of positions. Ashton will now await the completion of the final group game – South Cerney v Intel on Saturday – to determine who they will play in the semi-final.