Yellamen back in play-offs after big win
Veteran striker Ben Harris scored a hat-trick as Ascot United brushed aside a poor Westfield side on Saturday. Harris scored a wonder-strike in the middle of his treble, and Ascot nicked back into a heavily-congested play-off berth on goal difference after their 6-0 triumph.
Big final push required for play-off chasing Yellamen
After indifferent form of late, the home side knew that a win was crucial to keep their bid for the play-offs alive, and with matters still in their own hands, it was time to roll up their sleeves and re-invigorate their chances.
Harris (picture celebrating, shooting-stars.co.uk) was a welcome return up-top in an attacking line-up also including Harvey Harry, Anas Igozouln and Connor Holland, whereas mid-table Westfield’s starting eleven included ex-Yellaman Sam Balogun; a legend in this corner of Berkshire.
Harris at the double as Ascot take control
After an initial scare where the visitors threatened twice inside the opening four minutes – Mark Scott producing a fine save to keep his side in it – Ascot took control and were well worth their commanding half-time lead.
The first goal came in the 14th minute when Khalid Simmo met a left-wing cross and Harris reacted quickly to flick his lay-off into the bottom right; visiting ‘keeper Paddy Lima-Stoltmann wrong-footed.
Stoltmann then tipped Holland’s rising drive away at his near post after Igozouln had turned provider, before Simmo cracked the outside of the post from a tight angle following Harry’s well-disguised reverse-pass.
Harry turned provider once again for Simmo just after the half-hour mark – Simmo doing well to get the ball out of both his and a defender’s feet before firing over – but two goals in the closing stages gave the hosts a comfortable half-time advantage.
The first was a Harris special. Simmo was adjudged to have been fouled at least 25 yards out – cue Harris – and he cracked a brilliant free kick into the top right hand corner; a contender to rival Declan Rice’s strikes for Arsenal earlier in the week.
And, with the last kick of the half in the third minute of stoppage time, Harry’s virtuoso effort made it three – twisting back and forwards before finally opening up space for a shot – although Stoltmann should have done better as Harry’s low shot squirmed through him and into the net.
More of the same in stellar second half
After the break, Igoulzoun’s trickery teed up Harris to bundle home his hat-trick in the 55th minute – Harry once again involved in a fine display from him – before man-of-the-match Harris left to a standing ovation shortly afterwards.
But with manager Jamie Tompkins still barking the orders from the dug-out the tempo didn’t drop, and Igozouln scored another contender for goal of the season with a mazy run three minutes later – taking on and beating five defenders – before cooly rolling into the bottom right; simply outstanding individuality.
Igozouln then stung Stoltmann’s palms after substitute George Lock – on his 299th appearance – had teed him up, but Simmo had the last word in the 89th minute with another strike out of the top drawer. This time another substitute – George Butler – picked out Simmo down the left wing. Simmo had work to do, but he cut inside and fashioned the space for a right footed shot that curled across Stoltmann and into the top right.
Just before that, Scott was alert at the other end to beat visiting substitute Abid Merali’s diving header away, and that intervention combined with the sixth for his side soon afterwards sent The Yellamen fifth – above Hayes and Yeading United – by virtue of goals scored.
It’s all to play for. Ascot started playing to their potential again. It’s all good again in SL5.
Buckle in for what remains of the ride.
What’s next for Ascot?
The Yellamen face a stern test on Tuesday at play-off rivals Hanworth Villa; a match restaged after the abandonment two weeks ago.
Ascot United: Scott, Jones (Butler 63’), Fraser, Gater (Lock 63’), Edwards (Rogers 63’), Simmo, Grant (Goulter 63’), Harry, Igozouln, Holland, Harris (Mason 55’).
Entertainment: 4
Reporter’s Star Man: Ben Harris (Ascot United)
Away fans estimate: 10