‘Fiifi’s on fire…’ – Carter scores three as Windsor & Eton overcome AFC Winkfield

Windsor & Eton 3, AFC Winkfield 1

Fiifi Carter scored a brilliantly composed hat-trick as Windsor & Eton turned on the style to beat AFC Winkfield on Saturday afternoon and solidify their grip on second place in the Thames Valley Premier League.

This clash at Stag Meadow erupted into action after a mere two minutes, with Carter showcasing his set-piece prowess by expertly curling a free-kick into the net following a foul on Ashley Howes.

Carter seemed poised for a second goal in the 30th minute when Isaiah Chase-Kelly delivered a precise, low ball into the box. However, a crucial slip from the midfielder allowed Winkfield to hastily clear their lines.

Nevertheless, Windsor doubled their lead less than 10 minutes later when Chase-Kelly was brought down in the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty, which Carter confidently converted.

As the home supporters were still revelling in Carter's latest finish (pictured below), Winkfield were handed a lifeline in the form of a spot kick, for a foul on Luke Phillips, and Sam Whitehead stepped up to inject renewed hope into his side just before half-time.

The second half saw Ashley Howes emerge as a persistent threat for Windsor, as he nearly provided an assist with a well-weighted cross into the box before he rattled the post inside the area.

Moments of individual brilliance continued to punctuate the game, with Jemel Johnson next finding himself one-on-one with the Winkfield goalkeeper, only to be denied by the woodwork.

However, Carter wasn't finished yet, and in the 66th minute, he completed his hat-trick with a clinical finish, courtesy of an unselfish pass from Ryan Delaney.

In the dying moments, Windsor had chances to further extend their lead, with Lucas Lindstrup and Jude Van Spall both squandering promising opportunities. Nevertheless, the final whistle signalled a convincing victory for Windsor & Eton over a side that had narrowly defeated them in early December.

"A good day. I think we controlled most of the game," said Windsor & Eton manager Matty Angell. "We had a little blip in conceding the penalty but this win was just what we needed.

"We went back to basics, moved the ball smartly, and worked as a team.

"They beat us 1-0 last year - that was one of the big motivators for victory today. We all remember they celebrated quite loudly in the changing room. Now we can go and do that."

@WindsorEtonFC 2 @AfcWinkfield 0 @fiberkshire pic.twitter.com/TW2VTE3FHV

— Great Park Crew (@GreatParkCrew) February 24, 2024