Chris Ellis put in a great performance marking his 100th appearance for the Yellamen. Resolute defending throughout and some incredible long throws which helped guide the team to victory writes guest reporter William Powell
The game started off slowly with neither side posing any real threat. Ascot’s first half decent chance came in the 5th minute when a Jay Welch free kick found Brendan Matthew at the back post who rattled his close range effort against the woodwork.
GOAL for Ascot! Chris Ellis played a vital part in the opening goal. A huge throw in finds the feet of Brendan Matthew who calmly slots home into the bottom left corner (12 minutes).
Chris Ellis continued to cause havoc for North Greenford’s defence with his long throws nearly resulting in another couple of goals.
North Greenford’s best chance of the half came in the 34th minute when a sloppy bit of passing from Ascot was intercepted by their number 10 Harvey Killeen but a poor cutback allowed Louis Bouwers to clear.
Then, what a fantastic goal for the Yellamen. Intricate passing in midfield leads to Harry Grant playing a sublime through ball to Sean McCormack who’s cross deflected of North Greenford’s number 5 Joe Gritt into the path of Duarte Surpanu who hammered his effort from just inside the box into the top right corner. That was the last action of the first half; Ascot deservedly ahead at the interval.
Ascot’s best chance of the second half came only two minutes in when Brendan Matthew fired over from the edge of the six yard box.
The first change for Ascot saw Harry Grant replaced by Jordan Ajanlekoko. Relentless pressure and non stop running as always from Harry.
There weren’t many chances throughout the second half for either side but the better chances came in the latter for North Greenford.
North Greenford’s keeper Ryan Burke saw red in the 75th minute for pushing Keaton August in the face as he refused to give the ball to him.
Rhys Forster was called into action late on making 3 brilliant saves to deny North Greenford any hope of a late comeback.
That was it. Full time. The Yellamen pick up 3 key points on the road. They now turn their focus to the huge FA Vase quarter final tie this Saturday against West Didsbury & Chorlton.
