Fox on target as Yellawomen win ugly
Ascot United Women laboured to a 1-0 win over Reading FC Community Trust Women in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup on Tuesday evening. In a turgid affair, the home side toiled against a well-drilled visiting defence, but ultimately came on top courtesy of Kate Fox’s fine first-half strike.
The first half was well-balanced affair, but totally devoid of clear-cut chances, apart from the goal that separate the sides at half time and a wonder-save from visiting goalkeeper Hadrava.
Ascot set out with good intent, but were quickly pegged back by an eager Reading side that huffed and puffed but ultimately failed to threaten.
After gaining a foothold, the hosts took the lead in the 15th minute when Reading tried to play out from the back, Mia Delaney intercepted and played in Fox, and she whipped a fine effort home from right-of-goal across Hadrava and into the top left.
Three minutes later, Beth Lloyd – whose intelligent passes was one of many that went begging – turned provider for Poppy Dearlove on the left, and she curled a right-footed shot that drew a stunning, clawing save from Hadrava who tipped the effort over the crossbar.
Jacey Lane’s effort was comfortably saved late-on and Cherry Preisner had made a routine low save earlier on for the hosts, and it remained 1-0 at the break.
Mia Delaney’s free, downward header went just wide of the right-hand upright soon after the restart and substitute Goulden missed with a snap-shot after Darcey Maxted had capitalized on a loose pass to overturned possession, but it should have been all over only for the impressive Jacey Lane to blaze over first-time following Alice Balaam’s quick feet-and-cross in the 79th minute.
There was no further drama and Reading will leave with their heads held high. Defensively strong – with ex-Yellawoman Keziah Bandukah at the back – they will surely press on, but offering little up top and lacking height to trouble both Katelyn Wort and Hattie Kettle, their battles will be best won on the ground. And, good luck to them and their smattering of loyal fans who travelled on a night when the men’s senior team were also in action.
As for Ascot, it’s a job done and a trip to New Bradwell St Peter in the Quarter Final on 16th November after they also won 2-0 at Beaconsfield Town in their first round match.
Where is that?!
Just Google it! Over and out.
Ascot United: Preisner, Machado, Cox, Kettle, Wort, Maxted, Dearlove, Fox, Lloyd, Delaney, Lane. Subs used: Balaam, Curr, Luscombe, Goulden. Sub unused: Mason
Entertainment: 1
Reporter’s Star Player: Jacey Lane (Ascot United)
Attendance (estimate) 100 (20 away)