Double delight for Ascot

Published 10 Sep 2010 09:00

By SHAKILA BARABHUIYA

ASCOT United celebrated a double success on Saturday with the official opening of their new clubhouse followed by an historic win against Staines Lammas in their first FA Vase encounter.

The new clubhouse, complete with a bar, kitchen, and a HD TV, concludes the extensive re-development of the Racecourse Ground over the past year.

The Saints Pavilion was opened by the Royal Borough of Windsor Mayor Catherine Bursnall, Windsor MP Adam Alfriyie and ex- Norway and Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo in front of hundreds of spectators.

Ascot Chairman Mike Harrison said: “It’s the end of seven years’ hard work.

“We had to go through a lot of hurdles but I’m delighted with the end result.”

The cost of the project was around £820,000 and brings Ascot up to the FA requirements needed to play in the Hellenic Premier Division.

To raise some cash, supporters were able to buy a brick with their name and message engraved on it to create a wall of fame permanently fixed to the south-facing wall of the clubhouse.

Flo, whose two sons play for the junior sides, are engraved on the wall, said: “I hope everyone appreciates the facilities.

“When you have a place like this, you create good players.

“Players want a good organised club with good facilities so this will attract players from all around the area.

“There are some really really talented players here. I’m really sure the club can produce the next Rooney.”

Russell Down, whose son Marcus plays for the U11s, said: “It’s got to be one of the best clubs in the area now.

“There’s not many clubs with these facilities.”

Another dad, Hamish Dabbs said: “It gives our lads something to aim for.

“They can use the facilties when they are seniors, if they are playing that long.”

*Ascot United progressed to the next round of the FA Vase for the first time in their history with a three-goal win over Combined Counties Division One side Staines Lammas.

Both teams began as leaders of their respective leagues but it was the Yellamen who took their chances late on to earn another home tie against Hertford Town.

Rob Saunders’ close-range goal in the 26th minute separated the teams at the interval but Lammas took control after the break and put Ascot under pressire.

Ascot had a scare in the 71st minute when the visitors hit the inside of the post but luckily the ball bounced into the grateful hands of keeper Chris Grace.

However, Ascot ran away with the game in the last few minutes.

Paul McGrotty scored following a corner and within a minute Sam McIntyre scored the best goal of the game when he fired home a powerful shot having run from the half-way line.

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This article appeared in Villager 10 Sep 10

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