Chairgirls came from behind twice to secure a hard-earned point in a thrilling duel against Ascot United Women.
The Chairgirls claimed their fourth point of the season, holding league leaders Ascot United to a draw at the 1878 Stadium. Goals from Jess Watkins, and debutant, Kayla Potter, took the Blues back level after falling behind twice.
Both sides had opportunities to go ahead early in what was a high-intensity, fast-paced game from the outset. High pressing from the Chairgirls offered scope to gain the opener, but the visitors’ strong defensive line denied all attempts.
Despite the balanced effort in attack, it was the Yellawomen who took the lead in the 16th minute, as a pressing run from the opposition saw a looping, long-range strike from 25-yards out, dip over Amber Taylor.
In retaliation, the Chairgirls maintained their attacking efforts as they sought after an equaliser. It took only 10 minutes before debutant, Potter, found herself in possession of the ball in the Blues’ defensive half, sandwiched between two Ascot defenders. Quick-footed play allowed Potter to weave herself out and into space, before carving open the defence with a fantastic run, away from all but the Ascot keeper. She squared the ball to Jess Watkins who tucked it neatly away, drawing the Chairgirls level.
Eman Kassem inched close to giving Wycombe the advantage going into half-time, with some fantastic individual play taking her round various yellow shirts, firing a shot from within the box, which drifted just wide of the far post. The missed opportunity maintained the square 1-1 scoreline going into the break.
Coming into the final 45, both sides were vying for the three points in a game which could’ve gone either way. The visitors struck home in the 59th minute, regaining their lead with a powerfully-drilled strike after battling with the Chairgirls inside the final third.
A quick-fire comeback took shape only four minutes later, with newly-signed Potter working her magic to level out the game. A well-placed pass from Player of the Match, Ailish Carolan, set up Potter for a perfectly timed run, carrying the ball deep into the box and slicing home from an acute angle.
The thrilling duel ended 2-2, with the Chairgirls pleased to have taken a point away from a strong Ascot side who are currently sitting top of the league.
Manager, Carl Simon, was happy with his side’s performance, stating, “It was a real battle, which is what we were expecting against Ascot. Having said that, I thought we had good parts of the game, large parts of it we were in control and seemed the fitter team.”
The Chairgirls now face a week’s break from league action, as they prepare to host Milton United in the FA Cup on Sunday 22nd September, at the 1878 stadium in Burnham. With a strong team unbeaten in two, the Wanderers are aiming to progress to the next round of qualifying in the cup.
If you want to come and support the Chairgirls in their FA Cup journey this weekend, tickets are available on the door at Burnham – £5 per adult, and U16s going free!
