Men’s and Women’s teams in [almost] guaranteed action
“Baby it’s cold outside” are the lyrics, but both of Ascot United’s senior teams will be in action this weekend; Jamie Tompkins’ side looking to extend their stellar run away at Ashford Town on Saturday (Cobham FC 3G pitch, 3pm) and Andy Cox’s Women’s team entertaining high-flying Wycombe Wanderers at The Racecourse on Sunday (2pm).
Starting in reverse order, Andy Cox spoke to ascotunited.net ahead of a potentially pivotal game – Wycombe are the only team to deny Ascot maximum points this season in a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture – and they are six points behind Ascot with a game in hand.
Asked about this Sunday’s match, Cox said: “Wycombe will be a completely different challenge to last week as they have been on a good run and have recruited well since our last meeting. However we are in great form and top of the table. We need to focus on ourselves and keep doing what we have been doing well all season. We boast an extremely impressive goal difference due to the players maintaining high standards week in week out. We look forward to the challenge this weekend and preparations have gone well.”
Last weekend, several of Stu Connor’s U18 JPL stars shone brightly once again – player-of-the-match Kate Fox bagged a hat-trick, Sophie Doyle cracked home a later stunner and debutant Alice Balaam was sensational off the bench and weighed in with a goal – Cox also commented on their involvement: “We have a large squad that consists of experience and youth, places are highly competitive and they are all working to a common goal. In a game of this magnitude experience will play a big part in the game, however I’m sure the youth in the squad will play a part in the game at the weekend.”
And, commenting the 6-0 win over Reading, he added: “it took us 45 minutes to blow off the Christmas and New Years cobwebs. We were excellent in the second half and patterns of play that we have been working on in training played a big part in the game. I have been extremely impressed with the way we have managed games this season when we have not been at our best. Collectively we are finding a way to turn around performances and manage the game professionally. There is a great togetherness in the squad that is proving to be key this season. This also includes the behind the scenes work being done by the backroom staff.”
Before all of that, Ascot United are back in action at Ashford Town on Saturday on the back of a twelve-game unbeaten run, but set your satnavs for Cobham FC whilst the Ash Trees’ ground continues its upgrade.
Ashford are currently 20th, three points and two places from safety, and come into the game in improved form with two wins and eight points from their last six.
Third-placed Ascot won an early-season FA Trophy match against Ashford on penalties, and the reverse league fixture is scheduled for April 5th.
Manager Jamie Tompkins gave his thoughts ahead of this weekend:
On Saturday’s game: “We’re feeling confident going into the game. A 12-game unbeaten run is something to be proud of, but we know that each match is a fresh challenge. The players have been excellent in maintaining their focus, and we’re eager to get back out there after the frustration of last week’s postponement.”
On keeping hungry following last weekend’s postponement: “Postponements can disrupt momentum, but the lads have stayed sharp in training. We’ve used the extra time to work on a few tactical reminders and keep the energy levels high. The competition for places in the squad has been a huge driver, and you can see that hunger in how they’re approaching every session.”
On next Tuesday’s test against step-three Hungerford Town in the County Cup: “Tuesday’s game against Hungerford will be a great test for us. They’re a strong side at step 3, and we’ll need to be at our best to compete. It’s the kind of challenge that really excites the squad—an opportunity to measure ourselves against a higher-level opponent and the winner earning a tie against MK Dons. I expect a fast-paced, physical game, and it’ll come down to how well we execute our game plan on the night.”
Saturday’s fixtures, weather permitting, are as below. And, there are some tasty ones as leaders Farnham welcome Hayes (5th), Leatherhead entertain Uxbridge (4th), Raynes Park Vale play Kingstonian (2nd) and Hanworth Villa (8th) will have the same sentiment as visitors Hartley Wintney (6th) to get their play-off hopes on track:
| Ashford Town (Middx) | v | Ascot United |
| Farnham Town | v | Hayes & Yeading United |
| Hanworth Villa | v | Hartley Wintney |
| Harrow Borough | v | South Park (Reigate) |
| Horndean | v | Sutton Common Rovers |
| Leatherhead | v | Uxbridge |
| Metropolitan Police | v | Westfield |
| Moneyfields | v | Binfield |
| Rayners Lane | v | Kingstonian |
| Raynes Park Vale | v | Southall |
Image is Leah Robertson and Beth Lloyd either side of hat-trick hero Kate Fox last weekend (David Bell).