We asked Jacob Rose, from our U14 Aces and U14 Spartans, to pen his thoughts on what it’s like being an Ascot United fan on a matchday. Not just any matchday either, read all about what Jacob thought of the day the Yellas went to Corsham Town and secured themselves a place in the FA Vase Final at Wembley.
On Saturday we watched Ascot United beat Corsham Town in a gripping 2-2 game that Ascot went on to win on pens. Travelling down on the fan coach everybody was optimistic that ascot could get the result they wanted and earn their place at Wembley.
Upon arrival at Corsham their ground looked similar to Ascot with one small stand but a grass pitch in worn condition after the torrential rain that took place on the nights beforehand. We watched the boys warm up and were already outnumbered by the vast amount of Corsham fans but the yellow wall were certainly not out sung.
Come kick off the 200 travelling ascot fans were already losing their voices and bring on Brendan’s goal at around the half an hour mark the portion of ascot fans erupted. Everyone was positive as we entered the second half. However after around 15 minutes of the second half ascots dreams of Wembley suddenly seemed much more in doubt as Corsham netted two goals in very quick succession putting ascot behind 2-1.
However the players did not let their heads drop and regained control of the match and finally scoring the equaliser with just 10 minutes of normal time to play. Both teams that battled through the last ten minutes and injury time but neither managed another goal, which meant to everyone’s dismay penalties.
With some fans in tears, others not able to look, Sean McCormack picked up the ball and made the walk from the half way line to the penalty spot with a chance to send ascot to Wembley. The referee blew his whistle and as the keeper dived to his left Sean smashed it to his right and the yellow wall at the other end once again erupted with chants and cheers and in some peoples cases, tears.
Everybody stayed for a while after, talking to the players, manager and continued to chant relentlessly before getting back on the coach in which the chanting didn’t cease and headed back to the club to join the players for a party. With Ascot heading to Wembley, however nerve wracking the game was, all of the fans went home very, very happy.
