The Pythons’ first cup-tie of the season saw them travel to Ascot to face the Aces – and what a game it turned out to be.

The opening half was a tense midfield battle, with both sides working hard to gain control. The Aces enjoyed more possession and won a string of corners, but the Pythons’ defensive shape stood firm. On the one occasion the home side did find a way through, Oliver was sharp to parry their shot and keep the score level.

After the break, fatigue began to creep in and chances finally started to appear. The Aces took advantage of a rare lapse in concentration, slipping the ball into the box where their striker finished to make it 1-0.

That setback seemed to spark the Pythons into life. Far from letting their heads drop, they raised their intensity and began pressing the Aces higher up the pitch. A clever free kick delivery nearly brought the equaliser – Oliver going close before Sammy’s follow-up effort flashed just wide.

The key moment came midway through the final quarter. With the Aces threatening to double their lead, Leo, now between the posts, produced a superb low save to deny them. It proved to be the turning point. From there, the Pythons surged forward with belief, piling pressure on the hosts.

Their persistence was rewarded late on. From a throw-in on the right, Aaron launched the ball towards the edge of the box. Sammy battled bravely with the defender, came out on top, and smashed a right-footed strike into the bottom corner – a goal the Pythons fully deserved. Moments later, Sammy almost won it, weaving his way through defenders before the ball just ran out of reach.

The final whistle blew at 1–1, a result that felt like a victory after such a determined comeback.

This was a performance built on teamwork, resilience, and never giving up.
Man of the Match: Leo Andrade