Lock stars in 4-0 away victory
George Lock starred as Ascot United reinvigorated their play-off hopes by cruising to a 4-0 victory at Guernsey on Saturday. The Yellamen, who had stuttered recently, put in a performance oozing confidence and had effectively put the game to bed before half time, at which point they led 3-0.
Emotional day for relegation-haunted hosts
The home side were playing their last-ever home game at their Footes Lane Ground – Victoria Park awaits their next chapter when they relocate – and they paid tribute to recently deceased former mainland physio Robin Bishop ahead of kick off; a minute’s applause impeccable in his name.
The Yellamen’s trip had begun from their own stadium before 6am, and they welcomed both Lock and Nathan Jones back into their starting line-up, the latter having tactically sat out last weekend’s draw with a perilously high caution count; partly reset during midweek.
Yellamen dominant in first half
Manager Jamie Tompkins had spoken of being positive in his pre-match team-talk, and with the wind at their backs, Ascot were totally dominant in a one-sided first half.
Lock and Ben Harris both impressed, and the latter missed a decent opportunity at the far post in the 14th minute.
But, barely a minute later, Lock escaped down the right and hooked a cross to the left flank, which bounced up for Harris to get over the top of and volley home to give his side the lead.
Harris then turned provider in the 20th minute – although inadvertently – when his direct free kick awarded after Lock had been fouled fell to Anas Igozouln, who drove the ball into the bottom right.
Guernsey were desperately poor and only had Sam Murray’s glancing header – which went wide – to show for their meagre efforts.
And, The Yellamen would make it three-nil just before the half hour mark with Harris involved again. This time, he typified his own hard-press mentality by winning possession in a dangerous position, found Igozouln, and he took a touch before slotting home.
Harris was booked in the dying stages of the half for an untidy challenge, and after an earlier heavy tackle he knew he would be on his final warning as the sides came out for the second period, and was duly replaced.
Second half – can Lions roar with the wind?
The answer was no.
Now kicking into a strong wind, the visitors showed their intent with a positive start where half-time substitute Brandon Curtis saw an early effort deflect wide.
In reality, it was all about game management – not that Lock wanted to sit back – as he nicked in between ‘keeper and defence five minutes after the restart to tickle the ball home for number four; the assistant deeming the ball had crossed the line.
Tompkins was able to give all his substitutes wealthy minutes, and one of them – Harvey Harry – almost capped a weaving run in added time only to be denied by home ‘keeper Josh Addison.
The home side’s only chance came earlier when Finn Du Port’s curling effort was gathered at the second attempt by an otherwise untroubled Mark Scott.
Tougher tests lie ahead for Ascot in the coming fortnight, but this was a positive step for both them and their seven travelling supporters, who celebrated their side’s performance from the upper left tier of the soon-to-be-vacated Footes Lane.
What’s next for Ascot?
The Yellamen will face a big test next weekend with the visit of league leaders Farnham Town.
Ascot United: Scott, Lock, Goulter, Jones (Payne-James 75’), Fraser, Edwards, Grant (Simmo 68’), Harris (Curtis 46), Igozouln (Butler 75’), Holland (Harry 68’), Rogers.
Entertainment: 3
Reporter’s Star Man: George Lock (Ascot United)
Away fans: 7