Yellas are special against K’s in 2-2 draw
Ascot United got the point they needed at Kingstonian on Saturday to book a historic place in the Isthmian League Play-Offs. On a nerve shredding afternoon, Ascot came from behind to lead before being pegged back again, although both sides ultimately relaxed in added time when news filtered through of South Park’s late winner over play-off rivals Hayes and Yeading.
High stakes on tense afternoon
In the final game of the regular season, Ascot knew that a draw at Kingstonian would be enough to book a play off place. Defeat, however, would see the hosts leapfrog them, meaning Ascot would then be reliant on either Hanworth Villa or Hayes & Yeading losing their own matches elsewhere to avoid being one of the four sides chasing three remaining knock-out berths.
The Yellamen came into the game having kept five consecutive clean sheets, although The K’s had also found a bit of form at the right time for them making it a tough one to call, although Ascot’s striking options were boosted by the surprise return of Taylor Morgan for his 101st appearance.
The maths were, however, simple. The question was whether The Yellamen could find the right formula in a thrilling finale to the season.
Ascot impress in first half
Ascot created the most chances in an initially cagey first half, the first of them coming in the 12th minute when home defender Harry Mill slipped, Anas Igozouln nipped in to cross for Morgan, and he clipped a right-footed effort just wide of the right-hand post.
Igozouln then saw his shot from a tight angle scooped off the line by Stan Flaherty, although The K’s would threaten when Arsen Ujraj and Ed Simon combined on the right, the latter crossing for Dan Rowe, whose shot was blocked by the Ascot defence.
But when the hosts broke down the opposite flank in the 28th minute, they took the lead. This time, Simon and Brad Wilson were involved – the latter’s turn of pace opening up the visitors – and he picked out Rowe unmarked at the far post; he had time to take a touch before hammering home.
At this point, Ascot had dropped from 3rd to 6th place, but to their credit they responded and Igozouln drew his side level by scoring directly from a corner; the ball arrowing into the top right under the angle of crossbar and post (pictured celebrating, shooting-stars.co.uk).
At half time with all the contenders drawing, it was as-you-were.
Yellamen get over the line in dramatic second half
After the break, the visitors had a golden chance to take an early lead when Conor Holland’s superb ball over the top teed up Igozouln, but he fluffed his lines with a weak attempted lob when one-on-one with home ‘keeper Liam Allen.
Elsewhere, Hanworth Villa scored two quick goals to go 3-1 up – and at that point Ascot dropped to fourth.
But a moment of quality gave Ascot a deserved lead in the 58th minute. Morgan, who was impressive on his return, did well in the build-up, Grant swung in a delicious cross from the left, and Holland planted a sweet header across Allen and into the right hand corner to send the noisy 80-or-so travelling supporters behind the goal into delirium.
That goal sent Ascot 3rd and Kingstonian 6th – one place outside the play-offs – and at that point the home side knew they needed to find an equaliser.
And, they duly did just four minutes after Ascot’s goal when Simon played a neat one-two before drilling a fine effort into the bottom right to make it 2-2; the sides returning to 4th and 5th place.
At this point, Ascot had the double security of Hayes and Yeading being held at South Park, but they went for the proverbial jugular when Grant saw a direct free kick deflect over the woodwork before Louis Rogers’ cross beat Allen but skimmed off the front of the crossbar.
There were nervy moments when Flaherty’s shot fizzed agonisingly wide for Kingstonian but a 96th minute winner for South Park made it all academic, and with three of six added minutes still to play, the two sides stood and watched as Mark Scott enjoyed a couple of minutes with the ball at his feet before finishing with a relaxing kick-around.
Kingstonian will travel to Uxbridge in their knock-out match.
What’s next for Ascot?
The Yellamen face a play-off semi final at Hanworth Villa on Wednesday evening.
Ascot United: Scott, Lock (Simmo 71’), Jones, Rogers, Fraser (Butler 89’), Edwards, Grant, Morgan (Goulter 77’), Holland, Igozouln (Harry 62’), Gater. Sub unused: Payne-James
Entertainment: 4
Reporter’s Star Man: Nathan Jones (Ascot United)
Away fans estimate: 80