Yellamen make it 5 on trot before Yellawomen reclaim top spot
After stellar wins for Ascot United’s men’s and women’s teams over the weekend, ascotunited.net caught up with their respective first team managers – Jamie Tompkins and Andy Cox – to reflect on the performances and what lies ahead.
JT, let’s start with you. Firstly, congrats on making it five wins on the spin. Saturday’s result at Raynes Park Vale was pretty impressive. What’s your view on the performance?
~Thank you! Saturday was a huge test for us, and I thought the lads were resilient, showed great character and togetherness to deal with being down to 10 men for the final 30 minutes. Raynes Park Vale are a tough side, but we approached the game with confidence and discipline. It’s great to see the team growing in belief and momentum.
Andy, over to you! Many congrats to you too after leading the Yellawomen back to the top of the table after victory at Sholing. What was your take on the performance?
~We needed a response after a very disappointing performance last week in the Berks and Bucks [cup]. We have been working extremely hard in training and the players have been very perceptive with a new training regime. We were very patient in possession and worked extremely hard to get the ball back. We created lots of chances and scored some quality goals. We also limited a good side to very little opportunities.
JT, back to you, whilst I know you always focus on the team and their togetherness, ascotunited.net gets to ask about individuals! Let us ask about a few of them if we may. Firstly, Saturday’s man of the match Chad Goulter re-signed in October and has got better and better in the fans’ eyes. Give us your take on his contribution.
~Chad’s been fantastic since he came back. He’s someone who brings stability, physicality, and experience to our squad. He is willing to go the extra mile for the team. Whether it’s winning a key header, making a block, or organising those around him, he’s been a vital part of our recent success.
Secondly – Nathan Jones – in club secretary Ricky Simons’ words “what a signing he is”. He’s made a place in the starting line-up his own; what does he add to the set-up?
~Nathan’s been brilliant. He’s a player who gives everything every time he steps on the pitch. His energy, versatility, and ability to break up play have been key. But it’s not just his defensive work – he’s got a real knack for turning defence into starting attacks, and his decision-making has been first-class. He’s earned his place, and the team is better for it.
Finally – Harvey Harry. He started on Saturday and weighed in with an assist. He was a livewire against Milton in the County Cup, but what prompted you to start him in such a big game?
~Harvey is young, hungry, and full of potential, and he’s impressed both in training and in the minutes he’s had. Starting him on Saturday was, well to be honest, due to another player being delayed, but it was an opportunity to show what impact he can make on a game.
Andy, how are you feeling having taken the managerial position so early on in the season?
~I am extremely proud to come into a side with such a high calibre of players. I hope to build on the foundations in place and get the club to the next level. I have a wonderful team of coaches and physio team around me, all being extremely supportive in the cause.
JT, Sean’s last match before his move to the US is imminent. We spoke about his contribution and planning for his move last week, but can you remind us when his last game is and what, if anything, the boys have got planned?
~Sean’s last game is coming up next Saturday and it’ll be tough to say goodbye. He’s been such an integral part of this team for a few seasons, and his presence on and off the pitch will be missed. I won’t spoil any surprises, but the lads have definitely got a few things lined up to show how much he means to all of us.
Andy, this is a tough league to get out of with only one team being promoted. We’ve been the proverbial bridesmaids but never the bride in the past few seasons. What do you think will be the difference this season if we are to get promoted?
~ Both the Coaches and Players are all pulling in the same direction and that is promotion, we have 51 players now across the women’s senior section. We have recruited players experienced at playing at the next level and we believe with the existing players we have a squad to get us over the line this time around.
JT, a final one for you – it’s a week off before Rayners Lane swing by next week. What is your take on them?
~Rayners Lane are a strong side, and they’ve been having a good run of form after promotion last season. We know they’ll come at us with pace and physicality, so it’ll be another big test. But having this week to reset and prepare will be important. We’re in a good place right now, and we’ll be ready to give it everything when they come to Racecourse Ground.
Andy, a couple more for you to round off. There’s some real quality in this side and the supporters can see that on the pitch. How excited are you for both the ‘elder stateswomen’ and the younger crop coming through under Stu [Connor], whose U18’s continue to make their mark in the senior rank?
~Not only do we have a fantastic pathway at U18, we also have a crop of younger girls that are also training up in the U18’s. It is important we keep building the foundations up. We also have a reserve side doing extremely well in tier 6 that are also now feeding the First Team. the balance of youth and experience is showing on the pitch. Not many grassroots clubs can boast the quality we have in depth.
And finally, there was a brilliant away following at Sholing for the league match on Sunday, including the mums, dads, and other relatives of the players on what was a weekend of awful weather. What message do you have for them?
~We were fortunate enough to have the wind and rain at our backs, I can imagine being battered for 90 minutes head on was awful. However, despite the rain and Gail we could still hear all of your encouraging support throughout the whole game.
JT, Andy, thanks for talking to us and I know the supporters really appreciate you taking the time to engage with them through the website. Best wishes for the week ahead and beyond.