Playing host to League One outfit Wycombe Wanderers in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup semi final, regardless of the outcome, the scene was set for an historic evening down at the Racecourse and Ascot did not disappoint. Thé buzz at the bar, the car park filling up at pace, the youth teams gathering behind the goal, the club drum dusted off and beating away and the huge cheer as both teams entered the pitch.
Mere moments after the whistle Taylor Morgan tested goalkeeper Adam Przybek. Ascot looked to have opened the floodgates with chance after chance thereafter including a well-timed counter attack by Sean McCormack who raced down the right flank, squaring a ball perfectly to Morgan before the chance rolled centimetres wide of the post.
Flashes of pace from the young Wycombe side were on display but the experience of Ascot’s midfield often cut out any opportunities alongside the quick reflexes of goalkeeper Sam Gray.
Half Time: Ascot United 0-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Yet more chances for Ascot to break the deadlock in the second half as Duarte Surpanu and Keaton August were substituted on and proved they could match the speed of the Wycombe wingers.
Tom Scott with a serious chance in the 6 yard box as Keaton played in a well-weighted assist. Scott was able to turn in the smallest of spaces but the chance was shut down by Przybek.
Full Time: Ascot United 0-0 Wycombe Wanderers
Straight to penalties it went with a mixed bag of strikes playing out. Tom Scott stepped up first and had his chance saved whilst Wycombe missed theirs. Duarte Surpanu converted whilst Gray saved Wycombe’s second attempt. Chris Ellis skied his chance over the bar whilst Wycombe scored. Rory Merrick stepped up confidently and it was in the back of the net before Wycombe missed their fourth chance. Centre back and club captain Louis Bouwers stepped forward with the chance to secure the final for Ascot and that he did.
Ascot win 3-1 on penalties and a pitch invasion ensues.
Sam Gray was undoubtedly the ‘Player of the Match’ pulling off some tremendous saves including a sensational dive to keep out a free kick in the final moments of the game. Honourable mentions to George Lock for his battling defensive display, especially during set pieces and to Sean McCormack for commanding the right-wing.
Ascot will wait with baited breathe now to find out who they will face in the final. Reading FC are set to play MK Dons on the 11th of April in the other semi-final of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.
The official Ascot United report is here.
