Ascot v Thatcham 250122

A S C O T U N I T E D F C
#WeAreAscot
shooting-stars.co.uk
rory MERRICK
ASCOT UNITED vs. THATCHAM TOWN
Tue 25 Jan 2022
Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy 2nd Round
Matchday
Programme
Season
2021/22

twitter.com/AscotUnitedFC
www.ascotunited.net
T H E Y E L L A M E N
Yellow and Blue
Sam Gray (GK)
Alex Sykes (GK)
Adam Everiss
Calum Ferguson
Chris Ellis
Dan Bailey
Dan Price
Danny Walden
Denis Nortey
Duarte Surpanu
George Lock
Harry Laflin
Ian Davies
James Harper
James Richardson
Jonny Denton
Josh Masters
Keaton August
Louis Bouwers
Rashid Hamid
Rory Merrick
Sam Evans
Sean McCormack
Taylor Morgan
Toby Thompson
Tom Scott
T H E K I N G F I S H E R S
Blue and White
Jack Hopwood (GK)
Tinashe Gwavava
Cameron Rohart-Brown
Liam Campbell
Luke Donville
Carl Jenner
Josh Edwards (c)
Mo Ceesay
Lamar Koroma
Nathan Jones
Zeid Hannachi
Daniel Fosu
Harvey Harry
Lamin Ceesay
Alex Miller
Glenn Gabriel
Simeon Weekes
Kai Stubbs
Jamie Tompkins
Dan Masters
Jamie Ashdown
Bjorn Dunkley
Steve Quelch
Chad Smith
Dan
Malyon
Manager
Asst. Manager
GK Coach
Coach
Coach
Therapist
Match Officials
Sunny
Gill
Jamie Leacock
Yashwa Romeo
Sean Allaway
Declan Downing
Oliver
Kaya
Last Match:
Edgware Town
H
Sat 22 Jan
3-1
COCO
Next Match: Spelthorne Sports A Sat 29 Jan
COCO

ASCOT UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB
Racecourse Ground, Winkfield Road, Ascot, SL5 7LJ
Chairman: Simon Negus
Club Secretary: Dan Birchmore
Director of Football: Neil Richards
1st Team Manager: Jamie Tompkins
Assistant manager: Dan Masters
Coaches: Bjorn Dunkley, Steve Quelch
Goalkeeping Coach: Jamie Ashdown
Allied U18 Manager: Josh Nice
Therapist: Chad Smith
Sports Psychology: Izzy Woods
Racecourse Facilities Manager: Jo Gavin
Administration Manager: Emma Paton
Clubhouse Catering: Lisa Richards
Reporting, Comms and Programme: Neal Jeffs
Directors:
Doug Page
Mark Cooper
Rob Jones
Zoe Reilly
Phil Wray
Graham Jones
IN THE CHAIR
with Simon Negus
A warm welcome to Thatcham Town for
today's Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy
fixture.
Welcome to The Racecourse ground for tonight’s County
Cup game and a special welcome to players, officials and
fans from Thatcham.
The tragic news out of Slough/Binfield last week came too
late for me to mention it in my programme notes at the
weekend, but we joined the rest of the local football world
in paying our respects to Christian Rowe. Christian had
many links with Ascot Utd and his family live locally, so his
loss was felt very personally to many of us. All of our
thoughts continue to be with his friends and family at this
time.
After a fantastic win on Saturday to move into the top six
in the league, we hope to continue our recent good form
in the Cup tonight. The winners tonight will be rewarded
with the trip to Didcot in the next round, surely a big
motivation for all involved!?
Ascot United Football Club Limited. Registered in
England and Wales. Registration No. 6883550
Registered Office: Ternion Court, 264-268 Upper Fourth
Street, Central Milton Keynes MK9 1DP.
Affiliated to the Berks & Bucks F.A. No. Q-B&B0165
Elsewhere in the club, it was great to see our Boys U16’s
SYL team beat Sutton Utd in the League Cup on Sunday –
beating a team from the league above, in the cup, and on
penalties, is always satisfying… could that be a sign of
things to come tonight! Well done to Neil Mason and his
team anyway.
In the Girls and Ladies section, both senior teams secured
high scoring wins but I wanted to highlight the excellent
run that Mick Parker’s U15 Crystals are on – stretching
their unbeaten run to 11 games with a hard fought win at
Horsley Girls.
Just a reminder that if anyone is planning a corporate
meeting or special event, our Ascot Sports Bar is available
to hire at very reasonable rates. We have an excellent
facility available and have recently appointed Sam Knight
to be our Events Co-ordinator so please contact her to
discuss any requirements you might have.
Hope you all enjoy the game today…
Simon.

FROM THE DUGOUT
Welcome to the players, officials
and supporters of Thatcham
Town. Enjoy the game!
Jamie Tompkins
First Team Manager
Hello and welcome to Thatcham Town FC players, staff and club committee and to all supporters
in attendance for this evenings Berks & Bucks FA Cup second round fixture.
We had fantastic support on Saturday and it really helped the team continue their hard work for
the three points. Every player played their part and in particular, an outstanding performance
from Rory Merrick, drafted in out of position and played his first 90 minutes for some time.
Thatcham Town play in the league above and they are a team/club we aspire to be better than
over the next few years so the game tonight will be a great test for our squad. They currently sit
mid-table and had mixed results recently, but they certainly have talent in their side who can
make the difference.
Finally, we are delighted to announce our new signing and a warm welcome to former Yellaman
James Richardson. James will feature in the squad this evening and will make his second debut to
the club. Having played over 50 times for the club as a young and promising player, James has
tested himself at a higher level but the attraction to ‘come home’ was too much for him so we will
look forward to seeing him dazzle defenders for the remainder of the season.
Thank you to our sponsors, club officials and volunteers for all the fantastic work and ongoing
support towards our football club.
Enjoy the game! Jamie
ASCOT UNITED FC MANAGEMENT TEAM: PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
Dan Masters
Assistant Manager
Jamie Ashdown
Goalkeeping Coach
Bjorn Dunkley
Coach
Steve Quelch
Coach
Chad Smith
Therapist

W E L C O M E T O T H E K I N G F I S H E R S
W E L C O M E T O T H E K I N G F I S H E R S
ON COURSE!
With Programme Editor Neal Jeffs
Welcome to the players, officials and
supporters of Thatcham Town for this Berks
and Bucks Senior Trophy match.
Happy
reading, and
enjoy the
game! Neal
A warm welcome to Thatcham Town for a midweek fixture under the lights and a
chance to test ourselves against Isthmian League opposition, one level above us
in the pyramid. I didn’t check my records but I am pretty sure we beat Thatcham
3-0 or 3-1 here in this competition a few years back when Nathan Minhas scored
a corker somehow wrapping his feet around a shot near the edge of the box. This
season’s competition is now hotting up and the winners tonight will travel to
Didcot Town in the quarter finals, the other quarter final ties being Chesham v
Reading, Long Crendon v Wycombe Wanderers and Beaconsfield v MK Dons.
Thatcham are currently 13th out of 19 teams in the Isthmian League South-
Central having won just 5 of 22 league games, but as we all know the gap
between step 4 and 5 is massive so they will still be favourites to progress
tonight.
RIP Christian Rowe: We are saddened
by the tragic death of Christian in a
road traffic accident. Christian was
from Ascot and formerly with our
youth set up before moving on, most
recently impressing for Slough and
Binfield.
Looking back at last weekend we did really well against a lively Edgware side
and what was most pleasing was Rory Merrick’s fine display for 90 minutes
which is probably as good a game as I’ve seen him play for us. . Tonight look out
for an old favourite in the squad as the massively talented James Richardson
makes his 2nd homecoming. He has the talent to turn games around and
certainly made an impact when he was unleashed from the bench a few times
during his previous stint. Also last weekend it was great our Ladies’ teams both
won and the Reserves now only need 4 wins from 6 to guarantee the title
although in reality they might only need 2 or 3. However, I am sure they want to
try and go through the season with a 100% record and still have a cup interest to
maintain. Back to tonight, and hopefully it’s another step on our cup journey
seeing as this is the last chance of silverware this season! Enjoy the game! Neal

RESULTS AND FIXTURES 21/22
Date Opposition
H/A Comp Result Att
06-Aug Holyport
H FAC XP 3-0 450
14-Aug Southall
A COCO 0-5 50
17-Aug Tadley Calleva
A COCO 5-1 n/k
21-Aug Risborough Rangers A FAC P 1-1 175
24-Aug Risborough Rangers H FAC P R 3-2 277
28-Aug Reading City
H COCO 2-2
31-Aug Wokingham/Emmbrook A COCO 2-1
04-Sep Hythe Town
A FAC 1Q 0-1 278
11-Sep Hengrove Athletic
A FAV 1Q 2-0
18-Sep Wembley
H COCO 1-1*
21-Sep Windsor
H BBT 1Q 3-1 120
25-Sep Tadley Calleva
A FAV 2Q 4-1
28-Sep Burnham
H COCO 5-0
02-Oct Edgware Town
A COCO 4-2
09-Oct North Greenford United H COCO 3-2 101
16-Oct Windsor
A COCO 1-3
23-Oct Wallingford Town
A FAV 1 2-2 (5p6)
30-Oct Egham Town
A COCO 1-1
06-Nov Spelthorne Sports
H COCO 0-2
13-Nov Hanworth Villa
A COCO 0-3
16-Nov Newport Pagnell Town H BBT 2Q 8-2
20-Nov St Panteleimon
H COCO 3-1
23-Nov AFC Croydon Athletic A LC 3-5
27-Nov CB Hounslow
A COCO 3-0
04-Dec Southall
H COCO 2-2
18-Dec Reading City
A COCO 2-3
27-Dec Wokingham/Emmbrook H COCO 4-2
15-Jan Wembley
A COCO 2-1
159
22-Jan Edgware Town
H COCO 3-1
25-Jan Thatcham Town
H BBT 2
29-Jan Spelthorne Sports
A COCO
05-Feb St Panteleimon
A COCO
12-Feb Holyport
H COCO
19-Feb Abbey Rangers
A COCO
26-Feb Burnham
A COCO
05-Mar Virginia Water
H COCO
12-Mar Holyport
A COCO (TBC)
19-Mar CB Hounslow
H COCO
26-Mar Tadley Calleva
H COCO
02-Apr North Greenford United A COCO
05-Apr Hanworth Villa
H COCO
18-Apr Abbey Rangers
H COCO
23-Apr Egham Town
H COCO
TBC Windsor
H COCO
TBC Virginia Water
A COCO
Maidenhead United H BBT 1 H-W
Scorers
Laflin, Lock, Surpanu
Laflin 2, Lock, Morgan, Denton
Laflin
Scott, Lock, Evans
Laflin 2
Laflin 2
August, Laflin
Laflin
Morgan 2, Laflin
August, Bailey, McCormack, Nortey
McCormack 2, Laflin, Denton, Lock
Laflin, August, Bailey, Morgan
Laflin 2, McCormack
Everiss
Nortey, Laflin
Nortey
McCormack 2, Laflin 2, Denton, Morgan, Hamid, Davies
Laflin 2, Morgan
August 2, Bailey
Laflin 2, August
Laflin 2
Morgan, Scott
Gutteridge 2, Bailey, Scott
Morgan, Bailey
Morgan, O.G., Laflin
Awarded to Ascot (MUFC forfeit tie).
*Abandoned due to serious injury with 12 minutes remaining. Result stands.
COCO - Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division North, FAV - Buildbase FA Vase, FAC - The
Emirates FA Cup, BBT - Berks&Bucks Trophy, LC - Cherry Red Records Premier Challenge Cup

PHOTOZONE
A selection of photos from last weekend's win over Edgware Town (shooting-stars.co.uk).
Clockwise from Top Left: Taylor Morgan opens the scoring, Edgware gift
Ascot an own goal to make it 2-1 to the hosts, Duarte Surpanu in possession,
Rory Merrick - who starred for Ascot despite playing out possession - on the
ball, George Lock crosses from the right wing.

SPONSORSHIP
Sponsor a Yellaman! Contact Neil Richards at neil.richards@ascotunited.co.uk.

TODAY'S FIXTURES AND RECENT RESULTS
Recent results:
**There are no other fixtures this evening involving Combined Counties Premier Division North sides
Next weekend's fixtures:

LEAGUE TABLES
Premier North:
Premier South:

APPEARANCES AND GOALS
Below are the updated Ascot United appearance and scorers' records for
this season's squad.
2021-22 All-time
App Goals App Goals
D Amate 7 0 7
R Andrady 2 0 20
K August 25 6 25 6
D Bailey 24 5 53 9
L Bouwers 12 0 158 11
I Davies 13 1 72 36
J Denton 26 3 202 22
C Ellis 18 0 75 1
S Evans 8 1 25 1
A Everiss 15 1 15 1
L Farhall 1 0 1
C Ferguson 11 0 31 1
W Frank 2 0 2
B Gill 1 0 1
O Graham 6 0 6
S Gray 28 0 114
M Gutteridge 2 2 25 4
A Hall 1 0 1
R Hamid 12 1 12 1
J Harper 9 0 9
H Laflin 27 25 136 77
G Lock 27 4 151 9
J Masters 12 0 20
S McCormack 27 6 27 6
R Merrick 4 0 24
T Morgan 21 9 37 12
J Nice 3 0 5 1
D Nortey 17 3 17 3
D Price 2 0 46 10
T Scott 14 3 14 3
D Surpanu 26 1 33 3
A Sykes 1 0 2
J Tarrant 1 0 1
T Thompson 3 0 3
D Walden 5 0 5
413 71 1375 217
Need a room for your
function? The Clubhouse
is a perfect choice for
hosting work or leisure
events, please email
events@ascotunited.net
to explore availability and
pricing.

PROUD SPONSORS OF CHRIS ELLIS

MATCH REPORT ROUNDUP
ASCOT MOVE INTO TOP SIX WITH EDGWARE WIN
Happy homecoming as Yellamen triumph 3-1
Saturday 22nd January 2022 - Cherry Red Records Premier Division North -
Ascot United 3 - 1 Edgware Town
Ascot United enjoyed a winning return to the Racecourse as they beat Edgware Town 3-1 in their
first home match of 2022. The visitors hit the woodwork at either end of the match, but it was a
generally comfortable afternoon for Jamie Tompkins side who completed a league double over
the North London outfit.
Ascot, having last played at home almost one month earlier were looking for a win to leapfrog
Edgware in sixth place, although it would be a tough prospect against a side who had lost just
four league matches all season and who had raced into a two-goal lead in the return fixture. In
that fixture, Ascot eventually fought back to win 4-2, but on this occasion they drew first blood
after surviving a scare when Hafid Bounyafe stuck an upright for Edgware ten minutes into the
game.
Taylor Morgan had already seen a first-time effort saved after Duarte Surpanu had turned
provider, but the tall striker made no mistake in the 20th minute when he raced onto Harry Laflin’s
sublime pass, kept his balance and rounded Donnahban Green before slotting home. Surpanu
then shot straight at Green as Ascot impressed, but Edgware always looked a threat and duly
levelled when Novell Sony-Bruce applied the telling touch following an unchallenged shortcorner
routine; 35 minutes played. But Ascot responded immediately and restored what would
eventually be a half-time lead when defender Stephen Ellery could only bundle George Lock’s
cross into his own net under pressure from Surpanu.
Sadly, Morgan’s afternoon lasted less than an hour as he was replaced holding his hamstring by
Denis Nortey ten minutes after the restart; Nortey would be his usual menacing self in attack.
There was then controversy when the referee missed a blatant handball from Chris Ellis’s long
throw-in as Ascot screamed for a penalty midway through the half, before Edgware missed a
sitter at the other end when defender Yannick Bitsindou somehow planted a free header over
from a corner. Laflin then had the ball in the net for Ascot only for the referee to disallow the
advantage that had led to it – cue more consternations from the hosts – but it proved academic as
Jonny Denton’s subsequent delivery to the far post ended with Laflin nodding home when it was
harder to miss.
As for Edgware, Moe Khadum’s shot was tipped away by Sam Gray and the same player’s free kick
hit a post deep in stoppage time but the lively visitors were largely kept at bay in a deserved win
for the hosts. Ascot United: Gray, Lock (Walden), Everiss (Masters), Merrick, Bailey, Ellis,
McCormack, Denton, Morgan (Nortey), Laflin (Thompson), Surpanu (Davies).

ASCOT UNITED LADIES
Ascot United Ladies play in the Southern Region Women's’ Football League – the highest level at
which they have competed. The Ladies’ section starts down at the junior level with a host of teams –
beginning with mixed teams at U7 - rising through girls’ sides from U10 up to a senior Development
(reserve) side playing in the Thames Valley League. The junior sides operate on Saturdays or
Sundays, with the Seniors (First and Development) playing on Sunday afternoon. The first team are
managed by Darrel Evans and coached by Alix Todd. The reserve team is managed by Jon Swallow.
Find out more on our website. Sponsorship packages now available - ask a member of the
committee!
It was another Super Sunday for both of Ascot Ladies’ teams
who recorded emphatic victories.
Ascot United Ladies led 3-2 at the interval against Oxford City
Ladies courtesy of goals from Alix Todd (2) and Sarah Leonard,
but the second half was one-sided as Nicole Brown, Claire
Couzins, Georgia Luckhurst-McCord and Leonard again all
scored to complete a 7-3 rout in their third win over City this
season. The Yellawomen remain 4th on a day where results
went with the form book in the SRWFL.
Meanwhile, it’s 12 wins from 12 for the indomitable Reserves
who won 9-2 on the road at 5th-placed Holyport in a TVL3E
clash. Scorers were Freya Johnson (2), Clodagh Farrell (2), Lou
Pullen (2), Amy Cogdon (2), and Darcey Young. The win keeps
them seven points above Ruislip Rangers, and with six of 18
league matches remaining the title countdown has surely
begun. Next matches (30th Jan): AUFC v Southampton Reserves -
league cup /Slough Ladies v AUFC Reserves - league cup.
Ascot United 7
Oxford City
Ladies
SRWFL Premier (23rd Jan)
Holyport
Ladies
Ascot United
Reserves
TVL 3E (23rd Jan)
3
Results - last matches
2
9

St Kitts Veterinary Group proudly sponsor Ascot United Ladies
striker Sarah Leonard. The Group have practices in
Basingstoke, Yateley, Church Crookham and Hartley Wintney.
Visit stkittsvet.co.uk

Ian is a Biomechanics coach, supporting players returning from injury and
improving strength and conditioning.

PEN PICS AND SPONSORS - ASCOT UNITED
Sam Gray – goalkeeper
Solid goalkeeper, confident with the ball at
his feet. Established first teamer since 18/19
and was players’ player of the year in 19/20
when he appeared in every league game.
Sponsor:
Josh Masters - defence
Established left-back having broken into the
team in 20/21 following a move from local
rivals Holyport. Sponsor:
Alex Sykes – goalkeeper
Goalkeeping coach and reliable backup. Has
International experience having played for
the England Futsal team. Sponsor:
Dan Bailey – defence
Experienced centre back who skippered
Flackwell Heath in 19/20. Previously played
at a higher level with Marlow and has a level
2 coaching qualification. Sponsor:
Louis Bouwers – defence
A physical and dominant centre half who
signed from Faringdon Town in 16/17 and now
well-established as club captain. Made 146
appearances heading into 21/22 but must
wait to add to that tally whilst he recovers
from injury. Sponsor:
Chris Ellis – defence
Signed in 18/19, a strong and dominant
defender. Vastly experienced having played
for Camberley Town, Egham Town and
Chipstead. Looking to re-establish himself in
21/22 following a year out with serious
injury. Sponsor: Novem nine
George Lock – defence
A fearless right back previously with Binfield
and Bracknell. Technically strong and a
consistently high performer. Supporters POY
in 18/19 and has now featured in well over
100 games pushing him into the top 15 on the
all-time appearance list. Sponsor: Dave
Bucktrout
Danny Walden - defence
Ascot United Allied U18 captain who is
expected to feature for the senior side
during 21/22. Sponsor: Cox Green Academy
Jonny Denton – midfield
Former Ascot Youth team star who returned
in 17/18 after a scholarship in the U.S. A dead
ball specialist, he has now twice won the
player of the year award. 'JD' starts the 21/22
season having made 176 appearances.
Sponsor:
Tom Scott - midfield
Signed for 21/22 having had spells with
Harrow Borough and Beaconsfield. A
tenacious ball winner with great
communication. Sponsor: Lydia Baker
Calum Ferguson – midfield
Signed in 19/20 having previously starred for
a National League youth side. Also had a spell
with Highworth Town. Sponsor:
Sam Evans – midfield
Played for the U16s and U18s in 19/20 before
making his first team debut in the same
season. Sam has been with the club since
his debut for the U8s and is now an
established part of the senior side with
maturity belying his age. Sponsor: Dave
Norris

PEN PICS AND SPONSORS - ASCOT UNITED
Dan Price - midfield
Popular attacking midfielder who returns to
Ascot for 21/22 having been out for two years
with a serious knee injury. Previously
appeared 44 times in 18/19 when he scored
10 goals. Sponsor:
Sean McCormack - forward
Skilful forward signed from Walton and
Hersham for 21/22 having also played for
Maidenhead United and Bracknell Town.
Sponsor:
James Harper - midfield
A former professional with Premier League
experience, Harper played 316 times for
Reading between 2001-2010. Also featured for
Sheffield United, Hull City and Doncaster
Rovers before beginning his non-league
journey in 2014. Signed from Windsor FC in
Sept '21.
Rory Merrick – forward
Signed for 19/20 and continues to improve.
Looking to re-establish himself after injury in
an already-disjointed previous campaign.
Calm and composed figure on the pitch and
has great technical ability. Sponsor:
Keaton August - forward
Signed from Windsor FC for 21/22. Can play
anywhere across the front three and has an
abundance of pace. Has a keen eye for goal
backed up by providing plenty of assists. A
personal trainer, he works hard and is
physically strong. Sponsor:
Ian Davies – forward
Prolific goalscorer who scored 25 goals for
Binfield in 18/19 before top scoring for Ascot
with 23 goals in the curtailed 19/20
campaign. Netted another 12 from 24 games
in 20/21. Sponsor: Zipcar UK
Harry Laflin – forward
Laffers joined in 18/19 and has become a goalmachine
despite often playing out of
position. Enters the season having scored 52
goals in 109 appearances with an improving
goals-per-game ratio. Has previously won
supporters’ player of the season award.
Sponsor:
Taylor Morgan - forward
Pacey forward who impressed whilst playing
against us for Fleet Town during pre-season
20/21. Has played at a higher level including
several seasons in the US Major League.
Previous clubs include Toronto, Ostersunds
(Sweden), Falkirk, Airdrie and Whitehawk.
Sponsor:
Jamie Tompkins – manager
Highly respected throughout the club who
guided the team to league cup glory in 18/19
before taking the team to top of the league
before the 19/20 campaign was curtailed.
Football Development manager at Brentford
FC. Sponsor:
Duarte Surpanu - forward
Skilful winger with lighting quick feet, signed
midway through in the 20/21 season and has
the potential to cause problems for any
defence. Sponsor: Maidenhead Town
Denis Nortey - forward
Striker who signed in Sept '21 and scored on
his debut having previously played for
Eversley & California, London Tigers,
Aylesbury United and Rayners Lane.
Rashid Hamid - forward
Lively forward who signed from Burnham, for
whom he scored 3 goals in 11 appearances in
the curtailed 20/21 season.
Jamie Ashdown - goalkeeping coach
Needs little introduction, former professional
Jamie began his career with Reading before
making over 100 appearances for Portsmouth
between 2004-2012. A huge asset to the club
where he coaches at all levels. Sponsor:
Dan Masters – asst. manager
Dan is in his fourth season with Ascot Utd and
is a crucial part of the coaching staff.
Sponsor:

CLUB HISTORY - ASCOT UNITED
Ascot United as we know it, was founded in 1965 by a men’s team who played their games at Sunninghill with “after
match meetings” in The Wells in Cheapside village (now Mikado’s). Teams played as long ago as 1928 under the name
Ascot United but nothing to link them directly to the current club. In 1965, the club had gained permission from the Ascot
Racecourse Trustees to convert the land east of coach park 10 into a football pitch. A wooden clubhouse was built and
this team went on to win many prestigious trophies in the years that followed.
Various youth teams represented Ascot United over the years up to 1988, and 1992 the East Berks 7-a-side Association
was formed by our then Chairman Keith Wicks introducing small-sided junior games and having disbanded in 1980 the
men’s team also reformed. The club continued to grow, entering into partnership with Charters School and being
awarded FA Charter Standard status in 2004. The men’s senior team enjoyed early success through the East Berks
League gaining continued promotions to the Senior division and winning various Cups including the Fielden Charity Cup
in 1996/7. 2001 saw the 1st team join the Reading Senior League and winning the Evening Post Senior Cup at the
Madejski Stadium in 2006. Promotion to the Hellenic League soon followed in 2007, followed by promotion to the
Hellenic Premier Division in 2009. The club today has grown to become one of the largest Community football clubs in
the UK with over 1000 registered players and over 70 teams playing every weekend embracing all ages and abilities
from 5 year olds through to Vets. A new clubhouse opened in September 2010, together with an improved main pitch,
floodlights and a stand.
The club has enjoyed much success at all levels particularly in the Ladies and Girls Section where they are regularly
winners of leagues and county Cups. Our senior Ladies won promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern Region
Women’s’ Football League in 2017-18 and consolidated their position with a mid-table finish in 2018-19. Meanwhile, 2018-
19 was an outstanding one for our junior Boys’ teams who won an array of county cups at various age groups, a feat
we’ve rarely previously achieved.
The past decade has been hugely successful for our first team; our debut in the FA Cup in 2011 attracted 1,149 people to
the Racecourse on a Friday evening where the famous trophy itself was on display and the match was streamed live on
Facebook. Between 2012-13 and 2015-16 we reached the Quarter Final of the FA Vase twice, enjoyed two top-three
finishes in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division, and won both the Bluefin Sport Challenge Cup and Perpetua
Press Floodlit Cup. More recently, our players’ development took the spotlight, as a host of Yellamen have enjoyed
success with other local sides and many of our talented development players stepped up into the first team. After
finishing 2017-18 in style, in 2018-19 new manager Jamie Tompkins led his side to the top of the table for long spells,
winning two team-of-the-month awards, and finishing with league cup glory once again by defeating Windsor 3-1.
We were transferred into the Combined Counties League for the 2019-20 season, playing on our new 3G pitch facility,
which transformed the club by facilitating more of our teams’ matches and training at The Racecourse. The stronger
platform facilitated further player development, and Jamie’s young side would lead the table for long periods before
establishing what looked like a title-winning margin at the top shortly before the league was aborted due to
Coronavirus. Retaining much of the same squad for 2020-21, Jamie saw his side in and around the challengers before
another pandemic-curtailed season, although they battled through to the league cup final where they were ultimately
beaten on penalties by Redhill.
As Ascot enjoy a third season in the Combined Counties League, everyone hopes for a safe and consistent campaign,
and if silverware comes with it then that will surely be a bonus in current times!

CLUB HISTORY - THATCHAM TOWN
Thatcham Town Football Club was founded in 1894. The club were
originally known as Thatcham, with Town being added to its name in
1974. In the early years Thatcham played at The Marsh on Dunston
Green, Brownsfield (home of the Cricket Club) and Station Road, before
moving to Lancaster Close in 1949. Floodlights were erected in January
1983 with Fulham FC visiting for a commemorative friendly match. To
provide improved facilities, the club moved to Waterside Park in
1992/93, with the ground becoming known as The Stacatruc Stadium
from August 2019.
Jamie Leacock
The club joined the Reading Temperance League in 1896, winning Division Two in 1905/06. In 1953 Thatcham became founder members
of the Hellenic League and won promotion to the Premier Division as Division 1 champions in 1958/59, 1964/65 & 1972/73. The club then
won the Hellenic Premier Division title in 1974/75. Following spells in the Athenian and London Spartan Leagues, the club joined the
newly formed Wessex League in 1986 and won the title in 1995/96. After finishing second in 2005/06, ground requirements were met
and promotion to step four achieved.
The Kingfishers spent eight seasons in the Southern League Division One – seven in the South & West Division and one (2012/13) in the
Central. After sixth-placed finishes in 2006/07 and 2008/09, the club achieved its highest ever position in 2010/11. Despite being in
the bottom half of the table at Christmas, the club earned 38 points from the final 15 matches to finish in fifth, however Thatcham were
beaten at Sholing in the play-off semi-final.
Once safety was assured in 2013/14, the club resigned from the Southern League to cut costs by playing at a lower level. Town finished
twelfth in their first campaign back in the Hellenic Premier, then second and fourth in the following seasons. However in 2017/18 the
club embarked on an incredible 40 game unbeaten run which saw them overtake long-time leaders Highworth Town and eventually pip
Bracknell Town to the title in a thrilling end to the season, on goal difference.
After a season adjusting to step four football, in 2019/20 Thatcham sat on top of the Southern League D1 South table with eleven games
to play. But with the club looking certain to achieve its highest ever finish, and promotion to step three a strong possibility, the
Coronavirus pandemic struck, causing the season to be terminated.
After the subsequent departure of the club’s management and many senior players, the 2020/21 season was set to be one of rebuilding
with greater use of young, local players planned. With that season terminated after only 8 games, 2021/22 will again feel like a new
start for the Kingfishers, especially with the club being transferred into the Isthmian League South Central Division.
Thatcham Town FC have enjoyed some memorable success in Cup competitions over the years. In 1989 the club reached the last eight
of the FA Vase before losing to local rivals Hungerford Town. In the same competition a record attendance of 1,400 was set when
Aldershot Town won 1-0 at Waterside Park in 1993/94.
However in 2017/18 Thatcham went all the way and lifted the trophy at Wembley Stadium on a brilliant day for the club. Victory over
Bromsgrove Sporting brought realisation the club could be on the verge of something special, then over 2,200 attended the quarterfinal
win at Melksham Town as cup fever swept the town. Thatcham beat 1874 Northwich 1-0 and 3-2 in the two legged semi-final, and
took over 5,000 fans to Wembley as Stockton Town were defeated 1-0 in the final.
While the club are yet to progress beyond the Second Round Qualifying of the FA Trophy, 1996/97 saw Thatcham’s best FA Cup run as
they reached the Fourth Round Qualifying stage. In September 2019 the First Round Qualifying tie at home to Salisbury was streamed
live by the BBC which gave the club further national exposure, but unfortunately the visitors ran out narrow 3-2 winners.
Thatcham completed the Hellenic League and Cup double, by lifting the Hellenic First Division Cup in 1972/73 and the Premier Division
Cup in 1974/75. During 2017/18 the club reached both League Cup finals, losing to Bracknell in the Challenge Cup and Binfield in the
Floodlit Cup. Meanwhile during the 1990s Thatcham won the Wessex League Cup on four occasions, completing the double in 1995/96.
In 1974/75 the club were beaten in the final of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup but were awarded the trophy following a dispute between
the victors, Wycombe Wanderers, and the Berks & Bucks FA.