A record attendance, free programmes, a pitch invasion, and a semi-final victory.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022, will forever be a day to remember for Non League Ascot United, as they defeated Wycombe Wanderers of League One in the Berks and Bucks FA Cup semi-final 3-1 on penalties, following a 0-0 draw at the Racecourse.
We’re ready for the @BerksandBucksFA! A joint effort tonight 😎 @BagleyLdr @MattJoy96 @NonLeagueCrowd pic.twitter.com/OZcYDrRPys
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) March 22, 2022
Before the match even kicked off, there was a party atmosphere in the Royal Borough of Berkshire as 1,267 people descended on the stadium which boasts a 4G pitch, recording the Yellamen’s highest-ever record home attendance.
This smashed their previous record of 1,149 spectators which was against Wembley, in a FA Cup extra-preliminary round, in August 2011.
ATTENDANCE | We can confirm that the official attendance at the Racecourse for this @BerksandBucksFA Senior Cup Semi-Final between @AscotUnitedFC v @wwfcofficial is 1267
— Berks & Bucks FA (@BerksandBucksFA) March 22, 2022
A new ground record and another HUGE turnout. Thank you to all who have made the journey 👍#BBFACountyCups pic.twitter.com/WvWveXyQJW
Going into the match, several Wanderers first team players made an appearance against the Combined Counties League Premier Division North outfit with the likes of Jack Grimmer, Sullay Kaikai, Adam Przybek, and Chris Forino all starting against Ascot.
Non League tradition 😎 🇲🇾 @BagleyLdr @MattJoy96 pic.twitter.com/xm1eJfyM5D
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) March 22, 2022
Other notable names included the likes of Jack Young, Jack Wakely, and Andre Burley, whilst four trialists began the defeat against the Yellows.
Despite Wanderers’ strong squad, Ascot were the better side throughout the contest as Przybek was kept busy saving a flurry of United attempts throughout the first-half.
Goalmouth scrambles, dangerous set-pieces and great defensive work saw Wanderers keep themselves in the game as the home side were dominant during the opening stages.
And it’s all over! @AscotUnitedFC are through to the @BerksandBucksFA final following a 3-1 win on pens over @wwfcofficial! Cue mad scenes at the Racecourse! pic.twitter.com/APfoeDpVy1
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) March 22, 2022
The first period petered out with Wycombe resulting in long-range efforts, but you have to give credit to Ascot, as they defended in numbers and sniffed out any danger, as both sides went into the break goalless.
The second half was similar to the first with Ascot dictating the play as Przybek again needed to be on guard to keep the flurry of attempts out, whilst Wanderers tried to break down the Non Leaguers with counter-attacks.
What an unbelievable night watching @AscotUnitedFC who fully deserved their win against @wwfcofficial To many good performances to single people out. Tonight showed why we are the best local club, the buzz around the ground was fantastic #WeAreAscot #Yellamen pic.twitter.com/mZVRDFuJnF
— Tom Howland (@thowland81) March 22, 2022
Attack was the best form of defence for both teams during the second period, as it finished goalless.
No extra time was played so it went straight to a penalty shootout, and after the coin toss saw Wanderers face the Ascot fans behind the home goal, there was a sense of predictability that a cup upset was on the cards.
Pitch invasion ensues! pic.twitter.com/BH1XlVkNvZ
— Football in Berkshire 🥇 (@fiberkshire) March 22, 2022
The United fans were loud in voice and made their presence known which ultimately helped the home side progress into the final.
This is what football is all about. A memory for life for this young fan. Top work @DickinsonTyla #Chairboys https://t.co/SbD6XRX7Eu
— Phil Catchpole (@bluntphil) March 23, 2022
After both Wycombe and Ascot missed their inaugural spot-kicks, the Yellaman recovered and scored three of their five penalties, whilst Grimmer and Burley failed to convert theirs.
The stage was set for Louis Bouwers to seal a famous win for Ascot.
He duly converted which led to scenes that the Berkshire outfit had not seen for several years.
— Louis Bouwers (@LBouwers) March 23, 2022
They’ll either play Reading or Milton Keynes in the final, whilst Wycombe will turn their focus onto pushing for that play-off place in League One.
Well done to Ascot, and good luck in the final.
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