Yellamen beat Margate 1-0 in Trophy
‘Keeper Mark Scott was in sensational form as Ascot United held on to beat in-form Margate in the Isuzu FA Trophy 2nd qualifying round on Saturday. Scott produced several outstanding saves to thwart the Kent side’s onslaught, before Taylor Morgan struck the crucial winner with twenty minutes remaining.
Intriguing match-up is tough one to call
Both sides came into the game in stellar form with Ascot seeking a seventh win on the trot and Margate undefeated in all ten games played this season; the main question being how the home side might breach a Scrooge-esque defence that had conceded just four goals in that run.
The home side had rotated their squad for their midweek league cup victory, although were missing both Josh Edwards Sean Fraser; two big losses as the teams locked on for a rollercoaster ninety minutes.
Gate shut the door
It was quickly evident why the visitors boasted such a mean defensive record as – apart from an early Joe Gater header that looped over the crossbar after ‘keeper Tom Wray had unsuccessfully come for a cross – Ascot barely got a sniff.
The Yellamen were, however, equally resolute and it was full twenty-five minutes before Margate threatened; Harry Hudson skying over at the far post.
Ben Greenhalgh then fired narrowly over from distance, but it took two brilliant saves from Mark Scott to retain parity – the first when he beat Brandon Davey’s stinging effort away and the second to deny the same player with his legs despite travelling in the opposite direction.
Harvey Brand then missed a sitter at the far post from Harrison Hatfull’s deep cross in the ensuing play, but the Yellamen held on for a half-time stalemate.
Super Scotty makes his mark
Scott was on hand barely ninety seconds after the restart to deny Greenhalgh’s low effort with a sprawling save that had looked destined for the bottom left.
Scott, his woodwork, and a glut of Ascot defenders then combined in an almighty melee soon afterwards as Margate were somehow denied again, although The Yellamen started to get a foothold and Anas Igozouln forced Wray into a smart save after waving his way down the left and firing a powerful effort with his left-foot.
Hatfull’s dangerous deliveries continued to ask the questions of Ascot’s defence, although even when Scott was threatened just before the hour mark it was George Lock who would deny Lukas Franzen-Jones at the far post – blocking his effort barely inches from the woodwork in a heart-in-mouth moment.
Harvey Brand then fed Hatfull on the right wing to deliver a delicious cross that Greenhalgh met first-time but somewhat predictably, Scott popped up with his fourth fine save of the game.
Yellamen hit sucker punch before standing firm
And, after surviving an onslaught, the Yellamen carved open a 70th minute lead in fine style.
This time, Morgan started and finished the move – threading through to Connor Holland deep on the right wing, Holland cut the ball back, and Morgan generated enough power on his first time, side-footed volley to beat Wray at his near post to spark wild scenes on the terraces (pictured, shooting-stars.co.uk).
At this point, there was still plenty of football to play but Jamie Tompkins’s side battled with energy and intelligence to stave off anything else Margate could muster.
Dan Bailey, back in the team in Edwards’ absence, produced another titanic display alongside Joe Gater, and by this point even the home fans on the side terracing were singing.
Ascot held on to boldly go where no team has gone before this season against Margate; a perfect end to assistant manager Dean Greenwood’s 100th game alongside Tompkins.
That is number seven, and there is nothing lucky about it whatsoever. Roll on Monday’s draw – The Yellas will relish a test against anyone with this sort of display.
Ascot United: Scott, Lock, Butler, Tack, Gater, Bailey, McCormack, Grant, Morgan (Harris 80’), Mason (Holland 56’), Igozouln (Jones 80’). Subs not used: Swyer, Lalustani
Entertainment: 5
Reporter’s Star Man: Mark Scott (Ascot United)
Away fans (estimate): 30