Five-Star Romans enjoy day in the sun

City recorded their biggest win of the season this afternoon, firing five times past hapless Hampton & Richmond Borough at Beveree Stadium. They produced a performance to match the glorious weather with Brad Ash marking his 29th birthday with a brace, alongside goals from Kieran Parselle, Jack Batten and Jordan Tillson.

The opening goal arrived on just four minutes when Ash charged down keeper Merrick’s attempted clearance to divert the ball into the net. The hosts responded well to this early set-back but for all their neat build-up play they lacked a cutting edge up front. Their best chance came on 33 minutes when Vilhete was denied by a great tackle by Ollie Tomlinson. And three minutes later City doubled their lead, Ash crossing for Parselle to dive and head past Merrick.

Despite the two-goal lead manager Darren Way made a tactical switch at the break, replacing Ewan Clark and Jordan Alves with Alex Fisher and Batten, to go to three at the back. After an even start to the second half these changes began to pay dividends as Fisher flicked on Danny Greenslade’s 67th minute throw-in for Ash to fire into the roof of the net from six yards out. City continued to enjoy their day in West London as Mitch Beardmore’s 78th minute corner was powerfully headed home by Batten. City saved their best for last as, five minutes from time, Tillson collected the ball 25 yards from goal before unleashing a stunning shot into the top corner.