Harris dismissed as Hanworth Villa stun Yellamen
Ascot United were beaten by Hanworth Villa in a frustrating afternoon for the Yellamen. Sam Merson scored the only goal just before the hour mark against an Ascot side who played the entire second half with ten men following the dismissal of Ben Harris in first half injury time.
New signings on bench, Harris and Edwards back in
Midweek recruits Louis Rogers and Kickie Dzimba were named in the squad although their contribution would need to come from the Bench later on; Harris and Josh Edwards back in the starting line-up for Aiden Payne-James and Harvey Harry in the only changes to the starting eleven that faced Hungerford Town earlier in the week.
Villa’s starting line up contained prolific hitman Merson – son of Paul – as they sought a return to form having taken just four points from their last six to leave them teetering outside the play-offs.
Chances at a premium as Harris dismissed
The first half was a close affair with both sides cancelling each other out, although it looked as if the game would play out differently after the visitors saw an effort chalked off for offside inside just two minutes.
Captain George Mills saw his weak free kick easily saved by home ‘keeper Mark Scott on the half-hour mark, before Ascot finally mustered an effort on target when Anas Igozouln’s stinging effort was palmed away by Villa ‘keeper Mark Smith six minutes before the break.
Scott got down well to keep Abdullah Javaid’s low effort out two minutes later as The Villains threatened again, and although the sides went in goalless at the break, the visitors had a numerical advantage for the second half after Harris received a second yellow card for a late challenge in first-half stoppage time.
Villa batten down hatches in lame second half
The second half was an underwhelming spectacle – once again the visitors were first to threaten – although Scott was equal to Olukayode Osu’s header, tipping it over the bar in the 58th minute.
But scarcely a minute later Hanworth Villa were ahead when Merson raced onto a Louis Collins’ pass and buried low into the left-hand corner; Ascot’s defence standing prostrate appealing for offside.
Manager Jamie Tompkins threw on his new recruits as part of four changes, but they made little impact aside from Harry’s late run to the by-line that threatened a goal but came to nothing.
Javaid fired high-and-wide for Villa with a minute of regulation time remaining – almost ten further minutes would be added in overages – and although Ascot have made a habit of last-gasp comebacks in recent weeks, this time there was no way through.
What’s next for Ascot?
The Yellamen are back on the road next weekend at Rayners Lane.
Ascot United: Scott, Goulter (Harry 64’) Jones (Payne-James 74’), Gater (Rogers 60’), Fraser, Simmo, Edwards, Igozouln (Dzimba 64’), Grant, Harris (sent off 45+3’), Holland. Sub unused: Butler.
Entertainment: 2
Reporter’s Star Man: Sam Merson (Hanworth Villa)
Away fans (estimate): 50
Image is Connor Holland being frustrated by the visitors’ defence (shooting-stars.co.uk)