Farcical day for home side who battle in depletion
SEVEN-MAN Ascot United were beaten 3-0 by Westfield in farcical circumstances. Jordan Alves put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute, before Ascot ‘keeper Mark Scott saw red soon after for a foul on Jacob Breckon outside the area. The dangerous Breckon was also forced off injured as a result, but Westfield continued to dominate and they doubled their lead when Manolis Gogonas’s powerful effort found its way past stand-in ‘keeper Dan Bailey just before the break. Gogonas then added a penalty midway through the second half after Bailey had hauled down substitute Hayowa Adaje, before the hosts lost Harry Laflin, Ollie Harris and Ollie Lahtinen-Kalsi to injury having already used three substitutes. Ascot failed to register a shot on target as their six-game unbeaten run came to an end.
Earlier in the game, Ewan Lynch had lasted just ten minutes before a hamstring injury forced him off, and a dazed George Lock was replaced midway through the second half after coming off worse in an aerial challenge in the first period.
What’s next for Ascot?
The Yellamen visit second-placed Marlow next weekend, and although the Buckinghamshire side are virtually certain to be in the end of season play-off mix, they will be looking to give themselves home advantage. They are, however, inconsistent at home – something the Yellamen will be looking to exploit – even if suspensions and injuries look set to blight them on a busy afternoon for their overworked physio.
Ascot United: Scott (sent off 21’), Lock (McCormack 57’), Lahtinen-Kalsi, Tack, Edwards, Tucker, Mason, H. Grant, Lynch (Laflin 11’), O. Harris, Lalustani (Bailey 26’). Subs unused: A. Grant, McLeod
Entertainment: 2
Star man: Jordon Alves (Westfield)
Scorers: Alves 12’, Gogonas 45+2’, 68’
Away fans (estimate): 20