Royal Navy 3 Middlesex 0

Despite several last minute call ups, due to drop outs, and a frustrating coach journey which resulted in a delayed kick off, we more than held our own for the opening 45 minutes and had the better scoring chances.

Ollie Blackman’s long throw helped put the Navy defence under pressure.

Kian Siabi headed against the Navy crossbar in the third minute from a Ben Jones corner and, after 26 minutes, skipper Malachai Bulley hit the post with a header.

Then, in the 35th minute, Charlie McCarthy headed over from a corner when well placed.

Our defence was looking solid.

The Navy’s best chances came in the 32nd minute, when a timely interception by left back Davy Anderson thwarted them and a minute later when keeper Craig Ross was well positioned to comfortably gather a good diving header from Richie Hope (CTCRM).

Then, in added time after 45 minutes, disaster struck.

A speculative cross from the left by Dan Boere (ASC Bovington) floated over keeper Ross’s head, struck the far post and rebounded into the goal.

The home side capitalised on this after half time, had the better of play and added 2 more goals to their tally.

After 56 minutes, Richie Hope scored with a drive which Craig Ross got his hands to but couldn’t stop.

Then in the 67th minute the same player converted a corner taken by Shea Saunders (CTCRM) with a close range header.

Middlesex had very few second half chances.

Middlesex: Craig Ross (Ashford Town (Middx)), Courtney Laidley (Harrow Borough), Davy Anderson (Brunel University), Jack Duffy (Wealdstone), Ollie Blackman (Ashford Town), Charlie McCarthy (North Greenford United), Malachai Bulley (Ashford Town) (capt), Dave Kenyon (Brunel), Ryan Nelson (Old Uffingtonians), Kian Siabi (Brunel), Ben Jones (Ashford Town).

Substitutes: Erkan Ozerek (Harrow Borough) (for Nelson 69 mins), Archie Lawrence (Brunel)(for Jones 77). Wesley Beckles (AFC Hayes).

Manager: Neil Cumming

Coach: Dan Holmes

Physio: Gary Strudwick