ZUF ASGHAR believes an early goal for Real Milan was the key to their 7-1 win over Maidenhead Nomads on Sunday.

The two teams locked horns in the league cup earlier on in the season where Milan struggled to break Maidenhead down in a 0-0 draw before winning 2-0 after extra time.

But, after captain Riccardo Cannon had given them a crucial early advantage on Sunday, Real Milan coasted to victory and keep up their perfect winning record in the Premier Division.

Player-coach Asghar told the Observer: “The main thing was to score early in the game, which we managed to do, because we couldn’t break them down in the cup.

“We expected a tough game but this time we scored early which seemed to settle the nerves.

“With players like Riccardo and Cheyenne Cripps up front it helps a lot. The boys didn’t look rusty from the Christmas break and we controlled the game.

“There was a scary moment midway through the first-half when they scored a really good goal, but we stepped up in the second period.

“Their keeper made some good saves but we dominated from the start to finish. Even in patches where Maidenhead were on top we were still creating chances for ourselves.

Slough Observer:

PHOTO: Real Milan (orange) ace Umar Riaz has the ball at his feet but is under pressure from Maidenhead Nomads' Ben Hynard.

“We controlled the game and got the three points, carrying on our good start from earlier in the season.”

Cannon and Cripps scored two goals each while Amin Khomsi, Umar Riaz and Nadir Shafi were also on target.

The win means Real Milan top the Premier Division by a single point but with games in hand on all their title rivals.

REAL Milan and Datchet Village are set to clash in round three of the Bob Smith Trophy on Sunday and in a repeat of last season’s final where Milan were victors.

Looking ahead to the tie, Milan player-coach Zuf Asghar said: “It’s a game that’s going to test us but we have got the squad to deal with it.

“We played Datchet earlier in the league and won 4-2, but it’s always a tough game. They never give up and I’m sure they will want revenge for the final last year.

“We know we have a good record against them but they will give us a good game.”