Hadley beat Yellamen in sudden-death shoot-out
Ascot United bowed out of the Isuzu FA Trophy on Saturday after losing 7-6 on penalties at Barnet-based Hadley. Having led early-on before seeing the home side turn the game on its head, The Yellamen levelled late in the game only to bow out in sudden-death penalties after missing one which would have sent them through.
Khalid Simmo’s early shot had signalled an early warning to the host as it flashed narrowly wide, but when Fope Deru slipped Cheick Sylla in with 17 minutes on the clock, there was only one outcome as he held off his marker and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
However, Lenny Asamoah then nodded the home side level from a corner in the 27th minute, and although Ascot had the ball in the net before half-time, it remained level following an offside flag.
Asamoah’s fine turn and finish gave his side what looked like a match-winning goal with nine minutes remaining – not long after his side had seen an effort cleared off the line – but an own-goal brought Ascot level with six to play.
Two-all it finished and went straight to spot kicks. The first five were scored, Kie Plumley then saved to put Ascot ahead and they would even have a penalty to win it at 4-3, but home ‘keeper Charlie Taylor saved, before the home side eventually ran out 7-6 winners.
There have been more important spot-kick victories for Ascot in recent times, but in the moment, this one stings a little.
What’s next for Ascot?
Ascot United entertain South Park on Tuesday evening in a re-arranged league fixture; the visitors having previously enjoyed a decent FA Cup run displacing the original date.
Ascot United: Plumley, Sankoh (Lock 79’), Murray, Edwards, Lamb (Brandao 73’), Garlinge (Allsopp 67’), Deru, Le-Paih, Sylla, Simmo (Trickett 79’), Dehghani (Kamara 67’).
Venue: Brickfield Lane, Barnet
Attendance: TBC
Weather: 20c, partly cloudy/sunny
Reporter’s star man: Fope Deru
Away fans estimate: 15
One-word summary: Heartbreaking