Ascot United aim to continue their perfect start to the season and book an Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying spot when they travel to near neighbours Holyport on Saturday (3pm).
The Yellamen have won all three of their matches so far – two league wins and an opening-day FA Cup win over Cribbs FC – compared with improving Holyport who backed up their stunning FA Cup win away at Risborough Rangers with a pair of draws in the league.
So, with both sides undefeated heading into Saturday it’ll be interesting, and even if something ‘doesn’t give’ it’ll be a midweek replay if the scores are level at ninety minutes.
‘Port deserve a lot of credit; their end-of-season grittiness last campaign included a 3-0 thumping of Ascot with Usman Lalustani starring for the hosts – and that would ultimately help them to stave off relegation – although Lalustani rejoined Ascot pre-season and has once again shown the magic that he produced in his first spell with Ascot.
The Yellamen produced a “proper performance” in coming from behind to win it late-on against North Greenford last Tuesday, and once again it was the substitutes who shone albeit with a different contribution to the five replacements introduced in the extreme heat at Windsor FC last weekend; Harry Laflin and Keaton August scoring after coming on against the visitors.
Saturday’s tie provides an opportunity for both sides; Holyport, who finally won an FA Cup tie at the 10th attempt two weeks ago, will look to build on that milestone, whereas Ascot know that victory would set up the chance to better their best-ever run to the First Round Qualifying.
There are a host of other local sides in action this weekend, check them out here.
Match report will follow shortly after full time on Saturday. But for now, all roads lead to Summerleaze Village.
Up the Yellas!