Ascot United welcome high-flying St Panteleimon to The Racecourse this Saturday looking to build on their midweek County Cup thrashing of Newport Pagnell Town.
An online matchday programme, including guest reporter Dave Thompson’s unedited account of the Allied Under 18’s midweek draw at high-flying Westfields, is available here.
The Yellamen ended their five-game losing streak in fine style but are likely to face a sterner test this weekend as their midweek opposition fielded a young side ahead of their big FA vase match this weekend; although in truth they failed to take the County Cup seriously.
St Panteleimon have enjoyed a meteoric rise since forming in 2015 for the Greek Orthodox community in London. Initially competing in the lower echelons of non-league football, they have progressed through the Step 7 Middlesex football League through the Step 6 Spartan South Midlands League to join Ascot at Step 5 for this season after the end of season shakeup based on results of the prior two seasons.
Currently sharing with North Greenford, they are fifth in the division but with games in hand and promotion possible for 2nd-placed sides, they are in the hunt for yet another step up.
37 goals in 13 league games underlines their scoring capacity, but the breadth of goals is more impressive with 19 different goalscorers amongst the 30 players who have featured; Ahmed Douki leading the way with 8 from 14.
Coming into the game they are seeking their first win in three after Edgware and Spelthorne put the brakes on their recent charge, whereas one month ago they were left reeling by an eye-catching 6-1 defeat at strugglers Tadley Calleva.
Elsewhere this weekend The Ladies travel to Chesham United in the County Cup on Sunday afternoon whilst the Ladies’ Reserves seek a 21st consecutive victory in their home match against Abbey Rangers Reserves in the Thames Valley League Division 3 (East).