Bridgwater United 0-1 Ascot United

To lose an important game to a deflected shot is always going to be a disappointment but under- strength United gave it all that they could. The game was so close that it made you think what the outcome might have been if they could have selected from a full squad.

Over the duration of a game played in excellent spirit and well refereed, Ascot did have more scoring opportunities. Jake Viney was “worked” more than Ascot’s ex-football league keeper Jamie Ashdown but United, defending with great resolution, didn’t look like conceding until the goal arrived. A goalless 90 minutes looked odds-on and the Robins would have fancied their chances in a penalty shoot out.

To put this game in context, Ascot had been on a 21 game unbeaten run and had scored over 100 goals already this season. Many had them as favourites to win the Vase. Some may have felt that they would roll over a United team shorn of half a dozen  regular starters. However, it wasn’t like that at all and Ascot will know that they have been in a hard match.

The first half was even-stevens. Understandably both teams seemed unwilling to commit to all out attack and chances had to be carved out of granite. In the middle of the first half both sides should have scored. When the ball was swung over towards the far post, Ascot’s Usman Lalustani had two close range strikes at goal in quick succession, which were both expertly repelled by Viney. However the ball dropped conveniently for Brendan Matthew who must have been appalled as his sliced shot screwed well wide. Then United went closer still. George King’s beautifully clipped cross was anticipated by Jack Thorne and his controlled half volley hit the outside of the left post. It was the clearest chance that United would have.

Sadly, defensive pillar Jacob Spence had to leave  the fray due to injury after just 25 minutes. This led to yet another reshaping of the defence with Ollie Hebbard having to play at left back and Jordan Greenwood moving into Spence’s spot. Nevertheless, United looked solid at the back, as did Ascot, and they were scrapping like tigers in midfield with the inspirational Mark Armstrong leading the way.

Bridgwater Mercury:

The second half opened with Ascot raising the tempo and the Robins looking a bit more uncomfortable. Matthew tested Viney with a shot on the run and when Matthew laid a pass into the path of Sean McCormack. He should have done better than to ripple the side netting.

United’s persevering front two of Conor Hartley and Thorne were keeping Ascot honest. Hartley twisted and turned and found a yard of space for a shot into the side netting.

King had seemed a peripheral figure in the Robins midfield since the second half started and he seemed to be carrying an injury. So it was not a surprise when he was substituted with 20 minutes left. This gave the fans a chance to see the new French signing Allen Mabia. He didn’t have a lot of the ball but it looks like he has pace and good ball control.

After 77 minutes Ascot scored. A free kick on the right went beyond the far post and was sent back into the middle. Harry Grant took a shot from just inside the penalty area which looked to be aimed towards the top right corner of the net. However, a deflection took it the other way and left the already committed Viney unable to respond. Bad luck.

Playing with plenty of pluck and desire , United pressed forward and had one more good chance before the game’s end. A ball delivered from the left wing was misjudged by Ashdown , who palmed it down,  and it fell to Ross Edwards. He managed to get a shot away but a defender threw his body in the way of the shot and the danger passed.

There is no need for any recriminations following this defeat. The crowd could see that the players commitment was total and that they were beaten by a good side. On another day , it could easily have swung in the favour of the Robins.