Ascot United win 2-1 against Bristol side Cribbs FC on a Friday night under the lights in the Extra-Preliminary Round of the FA Cup leading in both halves of the ninety.
The hosts starting line-up contained a number of new faces including ex professional goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown who had come out of retirement for the current campaign.
After a cagey opening with Ascot dominating possession, the first meaningful action came in the 21st minute when Keaton August robbed Cribbs left back Josh Bennett but could only fire over with a left footed shot from a tight angle
However their possession was rewarded just before the half-hour mark when Usman Lalustani side footed home following Jordan Ajanlekoko’s cross which he controlled in acres of space before beating Fraser McDiarmid with a composed finish.
Just before the break Marcus Mealing’s brilliant run down the left wing almost led to a second goal for Ascot but Brendan Matthew couldn’t convert Mealing’s deep cross with a header at full stretch.
HT – Ascot United FC 1-0 Cribbs FC
Lalustani and Mealing dictating much of the play for Ascot and just two minutes into the second half saw Matthew’ shot was deflected onto the post and scrambled clear after Lalustani fizzed in a cross from the left wing.
The hour mark rolled over and Ajanlekoko was fouled and a Jay Welch freekick landed deep in the box with a looping header by Dan Bailey plucked out the air by Cribbs keeper, Fraser McDiarmid. Moments later and Lalustani was making light work of the wing once more posting in an easy ball for Matthew, who finished calmly to make it 2-0.
73 minutes in and Cribbs number 11, Jacob Hodgson saw a straight red from the referee after kicking out.
A penalty at 78 minutes as Dan Bailey tripped Bailey Croome in the box and the Cribbs substitute stepped up and converted after slotting it in the bottom left corner. With less than 10 to go, David Duru of Cribbs tried to flick an attempt over Ashdown but the attempt is no match for the keeper and the equaliser is denied.
Into the final minute of the game and Lalustani’s shot is cleared off the line after a striding run from Ollie Harris puts pressure on the Cribbs defense.
FT – Ascot United 2-1 Cribbs FC
Ascot are through the next round of the Emirates FA Cup and will face either Holyport or Risborough Rangers
Ascot United: Ashdown, Merrick, Masters, Ajanlenkoko, Bailey, Tucker, August (Harris), Welch, Mealing (Laflin), Matthew (Bouwers), Lalustani
