Ascot United bid to etch their name in yellow-and-blue folklore this Saturday when they go for glory against Reading FC Academy in the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup Final (Arbour Park, 3pm).
Jamie Tompkins’ side have already surpassed all expectations in the competition, causing three upsets in a six-tie run to the final to set up the ultimate David-and Goliath match-up. And, whilst Reading’s squad will comprise their U23s, they are nonetheless a fully professional outfit who compete in the Premier League Division 2 (South).
The gaffer was on air this week talking to BBC Radio Berkshire about his side’s chances, what he will be telling his players before the biggest game in the club’s history, and how his squad look after themselves in and around training routines. Follow the link and fast forward to 3:15:30 (1.15pm) of Sarah Walker’s “Disco Night Outs” programme (full interview: 5 minutes 30 seconds).
Home from home for Yellamen
There will be an air of familiarity for The Yellamen when they walk out at Arbour Park. Slough Town’s 3G pitch, together with the splash of yellow in the surroundings, will resonate with the team, who also trained at the National League South’s stadium last week. And, Ascot have already won a cup tie at Arbour Park; a 3-1 league cup triumph over Chalvey Sports back in 2018. That game was a poor spectacle, but one which current squad members Chris Ellis, James Richardson and George Lock, together with the injured Elliot Carey and Dan Price, all featured in.
Fans to be twelfth man
After a record-breaking 1,267 fans packed into The Racecourse for the semi final win over Wycombe Wanderers, there is a real sense that many of them – and more – will make the short journey to North Berkshire and get behind the team. Reading FC’s senior side are in Championship action at Luton Town in a lunchtime kick off on the same day, so the ratio of Yellamen to Royals is likely to be very much in Ascot’s favour. Either way, this will be the largest ever travelling support Ascot have taken to a match and there is a decent chance 10% of the town’s population of 11000 will once again be backing the boys. Tickets are still available here for the 2000-capacity match.
Trend to be friend?
Tompkins has led his side to three cup finals in three campaigns. After victory over Windsor in 2019’s Hellenic league cup final, Redhill beat Ascot on penalties in 2021’s Combined Counties League Cup final following a COVID-scrapped 2020 competition. Therefore, 2022 is the season to return to cup winning ways!
Ascot’s recent record in cup finals is as follows:
7 May 22 Reading FC ?-? Berks and Bucks Senior Cup Final
29 May 21 Redhill 0-0 (2-4p) Combined Counties League Cup Final
6 May 19 Windsor FC 3-1 Combined Counties League Cup Final
21 Apr 16 Brimscombe and Thrupp 2-0 Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup Final
4 May 15 Ardley United 0-2 Hellenic League Cup Final
6 May 14 Ardley United 2-1 Hellenic League Cup Final
Match report?
Don’t expect too much sense here on Saturday afternoon, but we’ll do what we can do! Twitter is the place to follow it live, and there will be photographers and Football in Berkshire in attendance covering the game.
Only one thing left to say – COME ON YOU YELLAMEN!
