LUQMAN Kassim made a memorable debut for Ascot United by scoring an outstanding goal in their 2-0 win at Windsor on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

Back in England after a spell playing in Finland’s third division, the former John Madejski Academy (Reading) striker cut in from the left and arrowed a cross-shot into the top right-hand corner.

The Hellenic League Premier Division leaders had dominated the opening half with Nathan Minhas their main threat, but had to wait until 10 minutes into the second half to take the lead through the impressive Kassim.

Spurred on by the goal, the Yellamen took control of the game, playing with confidence and unity, and it came as no surprise when they doubled their lead on 70 minutes, Minhas racing clear to slot past keeper Hugo Sobte for his 19th goal of the season.

Ascot’s Lee Allen made a fine save to prevent a headed own goal 15 minutes from time, but there was still time for substitute Geoff Kibaki to run rings around the tiring Windsor defence and sting Sobte’s palms from close range.

Manager Jamie Tompkins commented: “Tight games need moments of brilliance to win it and we got that from Luqman and Nathan,” adding a solid defensive display also played a big part.

Ascot, named as the Hellenic League’s team of the month for September, have been drawn at home to Marlow or Didcot Town in the second round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.

United are without a league fixture this weekend.

  • BINFIELD slipped to a 1-0 Hellenic League Premier Division defeat at the hands of Bishops Cleeve on a day when nothing went right for them in front of goal.

“They were a well-drilled side, but you get fine margins in football and they didn’t go in our favour,” admitted disappointed manager Roger Herridge.

The Moles were unable to pull back a 15th-minute goal, headed in by Brad Martin.

Skipper James Knight tried to show his forwards the way to goal, but his long-range effort was brilliantly saved by the keeper at the expense of a corner.

They continued to miss chances and then saw Sean Moore sent off after being shown his second yellow card.

Binfield make the long journey to Lydney this Saturday (3pm).

Last night (Tuesday) they were due to visit Wantage in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup with the winners hosting Milton Keynes Dons in the second round.

  • WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook crashed out of the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy, going down 4-0 away to Thames Valley Premier League side Wrightchoice & Unity.

Manager Dan Bateman conceded his side “never got going” and were deservedly beaten.

Due to injuries and suspension, Bateman was able to name only two substitutes and both were on in the first half following injuries to defenders Ben Winship and Will Day.

Trailing 3-0, they battled hard in the second half and the industrious Josh Harris, his side’s best player, was not far away from pulling a goal back, forcing the home keeper into making a fine save.

The Sumas, who were scheduled to visit AFC Aldermaston in the Hellenic League Division One Subsidiary Cup last night (Tuesday), face Milton United in a Division One East fixture at Larges Lane on Saturday (3pm) then visit Abingdon Town in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup next Tuesday (7.45pm).

  • IN the Combined Counties League Division One, Sandhurst were held to a 2-2 draw by Dorking Wanderers Reserves at Bottom Meadow, their goals coming from Tom Cooper and Mitchell Cooper, who was also voted their man-of-the-match.

This Saturday the Fizzers visit Chessington & Hook (3pm).

  • EVERSLEY & California blasted Southern Elite Intermediate League side Staines Lamaas 10-0 in the Southern Combination Cup last Tuesday.

It took them 24 minutes to get off the mark through a Joe Pantony penalty and he scored again before half-time.

But in the second half there was no stopping the Boars with Brad Brown completing a hat-trick, Cameron Miller and substitute Stephen Peacock both bagging a brace and Mo Davies netting the other.

This evening (Wednesday) they have a Division One fixture against Bagshot at Fleet Town (7.45pm) and then on Saturday host Wessex League Premier Division side Horndean in the first round of the FA Vase (3pm), the visitors having won 10 of their last 11 league and cup ties.