ASCOT FACE SPELLY TEST AHEAD OF LADIES’ CURTAIN-RAISER

Ascot United are back on the road on Saturday with a difficult trip to Spelthorne Sports (3pm) (Spelthorne Sports Club, 296 Staines Road West, Ashford Common, Middlesex TW15 1RY). The home side are using the NHS COVID19 QR CODE alongside the Evepass Track & Trace App but will maintain a ‘pen & paper’ alternative. The clubhouse is open but masks must be worn when moving around and it is table service only.

Back to the action, and The Yellamen go into the game off the back of two wins on the road, although they know they will need to raise their game having scraped past rock-bottom Redhill last weekend courtesy of Harry Laflin’s late header. Last season’s visit was a dramatic encounter as Ascot held on for a famous 2-1 win having been reduced to nine men at one point and were clinging on kicking uphill and into the wind. And, the Yellamen repeated the score line in front of 260 fans just prior to lockdown; Spelly would ‘finish’ in 2^nd place.

Like Ascot, Spelly have lost twice already this season – against Knaphill and Badshot Lea – whereas their FA Vase interest ended at the first hurdle with defeat against Arlesey Town.

This weekend’s programme sees many clubs in FA Vase action (below) but with four of the top six involved in league matches there is once again a chance to steal a march on the chasers.

Looking ahead, Ascot United Ladies open their league campaign at home on Sunday (vs. Woodley United, 2pm) and a reminder that for next Tuesday’s home game against Cobham tickets should be purchased in advance here.