Much-improved Yellawomen beaten 4-2
Much-improved Ascot United Women produced arguably their best performance of the season so far but were on the end of another defeat – this time 4-2 – where all of the goals came in a see-saw first half. Goalkeeper Emily Evans starred once again, although the non-stop energy and admirable nuisance value of Monica Ferreira up front continued to ask questions of the visitors’ defence.
Exciting first half yields six goals, but with more controversy
The home side were much improved and stunned the visitors by taking the lead in the third minute with a stunning goal. When Eliza Andrews broke down the left she would need to hand a pinpoint cross to the far post for Emma Goodwin to have any chance of converting – she did – and Goodwin volleyed right-footed over visiting ‘keeper Prout, on the run, for a quite brilliant opening goal.
At the other end, Sheffield lobbed a decent effort wide, but Bournemouth were on terms when the same player forced a brilliant save out of home ‘keeper Emily Evans, only for the ball to fall kindly for the same player to lob home; it was undeserved for Evans given the initial save.
That goal came in the 26th minute, and it was 2-1 on the half-hour mark when Whall had the easiest of tap-ins from a near post flick-on.
But Ascot’s response was immediate, and very much to their credit. Goodwin drove into the box and forced a fine save out of Prout, but Monica Ferreira was in the right place to nod home the rebound and it was all square once again inside a minute of going behind.
However, the visitors were ahead again four minutes later when Hiles’ corner found its way in albeit with the use of a hand – no foul given – and when Molly Gladwell drove a left-footed effort into the top right corner in the 36th minute to make it 4-2 there was suddenly more daylight between the sides than Ascot deserved.
That third goal for Bournemouth was a game-changer as, having just battled back on terms, Ascot were handed a sucker-punch – literally – that should never have been allowed to stand.
Goalless second half but Ascot show fight.
The second half was almost devoid of clear-cut chances, although Evans would produce another top-class save in the 76th minute, sprawling to her right to thwart substitute Freya Jennings’ low strike.
Evans’ decision-making was also on-point – especially when she raced from her line to bravely thwart another attack down the right – fully committed and down in front of the Sports attack to avert danger.
Ascot couldn’t force any meaningful save from Prout and the impressive Goodwin wasn’t able to repeat her stellar first half, but their learning is to get stuck-in and and ask questions, which they did, and coming out of the second half nil-nil is a major step forwards.
And credit their defence, as they threw multiple bodies in front of Jennings in the fourth minute of added time to ensure they kept their well-earned second half clean-sheet.
The sparse home faithful rightly applauded them off the pitch; from little acorns oak trees grow.
Ascot United: Evans, Merican, Coughlin, Rogers, Reid, Knight, Andrews, Cipriano, Forward, Goodwin, Ferreira.
Venue: The Racecourse, Ascot
Attendance (estimate): 50
Weather: 21c, cloudy, drizzle
Ascot United POM: Monica Ferreira
Entertainment: 3
Away fans estimate: 10