Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.31 2022-23

Ascot Utd 2 Eastleigh 0
Ascot United capped a fine season by clinching the
League Cup to go with their runners up place in the
Southern Region League Premier Division,
courtesy of a 2-0 win over Eastleigh in the
Community at the climax of Cup Finals day at the
Rivermoor Stadium.
The match was an even contest throughout
and looked destined for a shootout from the penalty
spot until two late strikes, the second coming with
the last kick in the eleventh minute of additional
time, saw the Yellawomen celebrating.
As in the first match, it was the goalkeepers of
both teams who caught the eye with some excellent
work. Lucie White for Ascot was in action early with Philippa Holden is challenged by Mizuki Ikeda
a spectacular sortie beyond her area to twice deny (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
Eastleigh attackers whilst Leah Etheridge was also
quick off her line to deny Philippa Holden by turning her low shot past the post on 24
minutes.
Chances were far from plentiful despite both teams impressing with good build up
play but just before the break, Ascot went very close to taking the lead. First, Holden's long
range effort smacked the bar and then Nicole Brown's follow up was superbly saved by
Etheridge's strong hand to deflect the ball beyond the post.
Misuki Ikeda had an effort held by White on the restart whilst Etheridge was kept busy
with Ascot attackers Brown and Hayley Cruickshank. A Sarah Davern corner nearly allowed
Georgia Luckhurst-McCord to convert at the far post on the hour but the shot was wide.
Maya Gibbons almost gave the Spitfires the lead but White was able to save her low
shot with her feet on 78 minutes. Ascot achieved the breakthrough on 85 minutes when
Brown fired in a powerful shot from Laura Spark's pass. The ball looped up from
Etheridge's save and finally dropped in for the crucial opener.
White was forced into one further save from Sophie Keenan but Ascot managed their
lead very well. A series of injuries dictated there would be a lengthy spell of additional time
and it was in the 101st minute that a Hannah Bennett free kick from distance sealed the
destination of the League Cup.
As always this enjoyable day showed the quality and commitment of players,
supporters and officials of the Southern Region Women's Football League.
Ascot Utd: Lucie White, Chloe Connor, Georgia Luckhurst-McCord, Hannah Bennett,
Laura Spark, Alix Todd, Dom Carrington, Philippa Holden, Tiffany Skinner, Hayley
Cruickshank, Sarah Davern. Subs: Nicole Brown, Claire Couzens, Sarah Killick-Bird,
Amelia Kimble, Lisa Phillips.
Eastleigh: Leah Etheridge, Sarah Bradshaw, Molly Metcalfe, Kat Littleboy, Grace
Laidlaw, Lena Stroem, Sophia Keenan, Freya Phillips-Foreman, Mizuki Ikeda, Catherine
Browning, Chelsea Bates. Subs: Molly Pinnick,
Maya Gibbons, Tiegan Stevens.

news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk