MARCH TO THE ARCH: YELLAS READY FOR WEMBLEY FINAL SUMAS LADIES ON SEARCH FOR PLAYERS AFTER REFORMING

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ASCOT UNITED are just one game away from clinching silverware at Wembley Stadium when they take on Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase Final.

The Yellas booked their place in this year’s Isuzu FA Vase Final in the most dramatic of circumstances. They overcame Corsham Town in a penalty shootout that went to sudden death. The teams were locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Sean McCormack hit the winning spot kick to send his side through to the final on Sunday, where they will get the honour of playing at Wembley Stadium – the home of English football.

Ascot will have a tricky task on their hands to try and complete their cup journey and get their hands on silverware when they face defending champions Newport Pagnell Town.

After reaching the final in the most dramatic of circumstances, Ascot manager Jamie Tompkins said: “What a moment for everybody. Fourteen heroes on the pitch and many more behind the goals.

“We started our journey back in August away at Long Crendon and were 1-0 down in that game as well.

“We’ve been all over the place, up to Manchester, over to the Isle of Wight, Devon, Sussex and we’ve beat them all so we can’t wait to get to Wembley.

“You have to back the players. We got through the previous round on penalties.

“Rhys (Forster) has been absolutely fantastic in goal and to be able to keep them out and give us a chance to win.

“What a moment for Sean (McCormack) who took the winning penalty – a real special moment for him. I am just so proud because he’s had a great season.

“Many people at the club have been involved for years and years and I am just so happy for them.

“This is their moment now. They can enjoy watching their club go to Wembley and seeing the Ascot United badge on that pitch. I am so proud of them.

“Let’s go and win it.” n To book tickets, visit: ascotunited.net/tickets

Newport were crowned as FA Vase champions in 2022 with a 3-0 victory over Littlehampton Town.

They ensured that they would return to the final for the second consecutive season when they beat Congleton Town on penalties.

The Yellas enjoyed a sensational season in the Combined Counties Premier North and now have their sights set on clinching the double.

They finished top of the pile in the league and ended as runaway leaders after they won an astonishing 33 of their 38 league matches which helped to amass 102 points.

Having scored a total of 99 goals from 38 games, Ascot finished 18 points above closest challengers Egham Town to get their hands on the league trophy. Their memorable league campaign means that the club has earned promotion to Step 4 and will play in the Isthmian South Central from the 2023/24 season.

Meanwhile, Newport Pagnell Town, who play in the Uhlsport United Counties Premier Division South, finished in fifth.

In their 38 game league season, Town ended on 75 points with 24 wins, three draws and 11 losses.

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today

THE newly re-formed Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies team contested their first match in a friendly against recently established Arborfield Ladies.

The Sumas started training sessions last October with a handful of players and has seen the squad grow considerably since its inception with a squad of 19 players, which is expected to increase when two further players join once they finish university in the summer.

The squad has an age range between 16 and 40, and is made up of one current W&E U17 player, with the rest of the squad split roughly in half between ladies playing football for the first time ever and the other half being players who are returning to the sport after anywhere between three and 18 years away from it.

As well as the current U17 player, one other player came through the youth section at the club, with the two due to join from university, also being former club youth players.

Thus, showing there is now a way forward for girls currently playing in the youth section, to carry on their football journey within the club.

The side is managed by Stuart Greig, who is now assisted with the coaching by Shai Humphries, who was the first player to come along to the introduction sessions last summer and has gone on to recently complete her first coaching badge.

As for the first match, a 15-7 win was achieved by the Sumas ladies, with the goals spread between four players.

The final result was not the main win of the day, that was surely that the club has a ladies team again and with growing numbers.

Next season the team will be joining the Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League, n Anyone aged 16 or over who would like to join or wanted further information, email Stuart Greig at: ladies@wefc.club