More spot-kick success for Burton’s Boys
Ascot United Under 18’s advanced through another FA Youth cup tie on penalties on Monday evening.
Having led at much-fancied Didcot Town, only to have been pegged back at one-all seven minutes before the end, Ascot held their nerve – aided by woeful spot-kicks from the hosts and one fine save from their own ‘keeper – to win the resultant shoot-out 2-0.
In regulation time, David Burton’s side were arguably the better side in the opening 45 minutes and had a trio of decent chances, although their hosts were left bemoaning two, if not three, decent penalty appeals waved away.
But after a goalless first-half, Didcot started the second period brightly only to be hit on the counter attack early-on when Julien Malta-Bey ran onto Jack Burton’s header, held off his marker and coolly slotted into the bottom right.
After that, an increasingly desperate home side would press, and they were eventually rewarded when a neat finish into the bottom left ultimately sent the tie straight to penalties.
But just as in the last round, Ascot held their nerve – also helped by saving Didcot’s opening penalty – and although Ascot immediately missed, Didcot would go on to twice blaze over and hit the bar in the face of Ascot’s two successful spot-kicks.
This team have made massive strides forwards since last season and the club salutes these guys for another mature performance.
Picture: screengrab of celebration video!
Venue: The Loop Meadow, Didcot
Attendance (estimate): 100 (20 away)
Weather: 21c, humid
Reporters MOM: Julien Malta-Bey
One-word summary: Proud