Yellamen lose to in-form Southall
Ascot United returned to league action after a two-and-a-half week break with defeat against high flying Southall on Saturday. The Yellamen, who had not played since beating Binfield due to postponements and a blank Saturday, fought back after going two-down at the break, but ultimately came up short despite playing over thirty minutes with a man advantage.
More tough opposition in free-scoring ‘All
Southall were promoted from Step 5 one year before Ascot, but have quickly established themselves as a step four force and came into the game sniffing around top spot after going on an unbeaten run since losing their opening league game back in August. And, with 33 goals in 11 league matches, they provide another tough test on the conveyor belt of challenges recently heading the hosts’ way.
Southall lively in first half
Jaden Thompson-Brissett almost opened the scoring for the visitors midway through the half when his shot cannoned back off a post, struck ‘keeper Hugo Sobte and spun along the goal-line. However, his side were gifted a 35th minute lead when Sobte’s clearance struck Kevin Songolo and ricocheted into the air before Songolo outjumped Sobte to the ball and tucked it into an open goal. Southall scored again just before the break when when Darreon Mark outjumped the home defence to head home a second goal that his side’s industry had deserved.
Laffers adds life but Southall ultimately stroll to victory
In the second half, the impressive Thompson-Brissett clipped a first-time effort onto the underside of the bar as Southall sought a third early-on, but they were reduced to ten men when William Montague saw red in the 53rd minute following a rash challenge on Harry Grant. Substitute Harry Laflin gave Ascot renewed vigour and he linked up with Brendan Matthew for George Lock to halve the deficit with a well-taken strike midway through the half (pictured, shooting-stars.co.uk), but the euphoria was short-lived when Thompson-Brissett’s cross-shot beat Sobte at the other end to make it 3-1 barely two minutes later. Visiting ‘keeper Michael Edegbe made fine saves from Harvey Killeen and Matthew before Killeen later struck a post, but Southall ultimately ran out comfortable winners.
What’s next for Ascot?
Having initially been given a handful of midweek dates, recent postponements means that the Yellamen’s Tuesday tours get underway during midweek with a visit to Waterside Park, where Thatcham Town await them in three days’ time.
Ascot United: Sobte, Lock, Lahtinen-Kalsi (Harris 66’), Edwards, Tucker, Killeen, Ajanlekoko, Matthew, Balogun (Laflin 46’), H. Grant, Lalustani (Elkis 55’). Subs unused: Morgan, Bailey
Entertainment: 3
Reporter’s Star Man: Jaden Thompson-Brissett (Southall)
Away fans (estimate): 20
