Ascot united Ladies produced a battling display to draw 2-2 with league leaders Moneyfields on Sunday afternoon. The visitors, with four wins from four league games and an ominous goal difference, looked to have turned the match on its head to lead 2-1 having trailed 1-0 at the break, only for The Yellawomen to strike back immediately and underline their own credentials.
Underdogs Ascot were actually the better side in the first half and might have led by more at the break – Sarah Leonard adding to her burgeoning tally by racing clear and slotting past the visiting ‘keeper – before seeing another decent chance go begging from a tighter angle.
Inevitably, the visitors rallied and were level when Lisa Phillips (pictured) could do nothing about a glancing header before being beaten from long range.
But the mark of a good side is to find a quick response and Ascot duly did that inside sixty seconds. Alix Todd picked the ball up on the centre circle, threaded in Nicole Brown, and she in turn squared for Leonard who – despite being initially thwarted by a brace of defenders – slotted home the rebound when the ball broke back to her.
Phillips was a picture of composure in the hosts goal and it looked odds-on she would be beaten when Moneys’ number eighteen went through one-one-one, but Phillips stood up and got a strong hand to the shot – which somehow also stuck in her hands.
The Yellawomen had a decent chance to nick it late on but defeat would have been harsh on either side especially as the visitors had also shaved the paintwork off Phillips’ crossbar moments earlier.
Meanwhile – yes the incredible run goes on – Hillingdon Abbots 1 -2 Ascot United Ladies Reserves was the full time result in Thames Valley League Division 3 (East).
The ladies firsts and reserve team fixtures are now updated on the website for this season.