Whilst the Men’s football campaign is already underway, there is growing interest in the Ascot United Women’s section as they gear up for their season-opening league encounter on Sunday 1st September.
New manager Nathan Baker has already moved to strengthen the squad ahead of another assault on the Southern Region Women’s Football League Premier Division, and pre-season has gone well with wins over Maidenhead Women Development, Ashford Town and Sutton United, together with a draw at Dorking Wanderers.
The league constitution has increased by one team compared with last season, with the three outgoing sides being Bournemouth Sports (promoted to step 4), Eastleigh and Warminster. These are replaced by four incoming sides; AFC Portchester (promoted from step 6), Selsey, Reading FC Community Trust (voluntary demotion from step 2) and Sholing.
The Yellawomen’s initial league programme has been released and this comprises 4 league fixtures and 2 cup ties, including a home Adobe Women’s FA Cup 2nd qualifying-round tie against the winners of the 1st qualifying round tie between Ruislip Rangers and Denham United.
The opening six fixtures are below, together with the league constitution and distances to be travelled (one-way) to each away game (based on what the editor currently understands to be the club’s home ground!). These are three trips to the south coast – Selsey (West Sussex), Sholing (Southampton) and Portchester (Portsmouth).
Opening fixtures (league matches unless stated):
1st September – Woodley United (H)
8th September – AFC Portchester (A)
15th September – Wycombe Wanderers (A)
22nd September – Ruislip Rangers / Denham United (H) – FA Cup
29th September – Badshot Lea (H)
20th October – Tilehurst Panthers (H) – County Cup
Constitution:
| Opposition | Location | Distance (one-way) |
| AFC Portchester | Portchester | 63 |
| Badshot Lea | Badshot Lea | 21 |
| Oxford City | Oxford | 45 |
| Reading FC Community Trust | Slough | 11 |
| Selsey | Selsey | 74 |
| Sholing | Sholing | 59 |
| Winchester City Flyers | Winchester* | 43 |
| Woodley United | Reading | 13 |
| Wycombe Wanderers | Burnham | 13 |
*King George Playing Fields TBC (pre-season friendlies played at Basingstoke Town FC)