Lalustani in irrepressible form as Ascot progress past Cribbs
Usman Lalustani was in irrepressible form in Ascot United’s 2-1 win over Cribbs FC in the extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup on Friday, sidefooting home the first half opener.
The Yellamen kicked off their campaign under the lights at the Racecourse Ground and in front of a healthy crowd, keen to see Jamie Tompkins’ men back in competitive action.
The hosts’ line up included several new faces, including ex-professional goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown, who has come out of retirement to play for the club this season.
After a cagey opening they took control from the 20th minute onwards, Keaton August robbing Cribbs’ leftback
Josh Bennett before firing over from a tight angle.
Ascot's dominance was eventually rewarded just before the half hour mark when Lalustani fired home from Jordan Ajanlekoku’s cross. The forward had time to control the ball in the box before picking his spot past Fraser McDiamid.
A brilliant run from Marcus Mealing almost created the chance for Brendan Matthew to bag a second before halftime, but he couldn’t quite control his header at full stretch. With Lalustani and Mealing dictating play, Ascot continued to carve out the game’s best chances after the break.
Matthew’s shot was deflected onto the Cribbs’ post from a Lalustani cross, and Dan Bailey’s looping header from a Jay Welch free kick was plucked out of the air by the keeper. It was only a matter of time before the second goal arrived and Matthew was the player to get it, calmly stroking the ball home after good wing play again from Lalustani.
Cribbs’ number 11, Jacob Hodgson was red carded after kicking out at an Ascot player, but despite this they grabbed a goal back from the penalty spot in the 78th minute when Dan Bailey tripped Bailey Croome in the box and Croome stepped up to convert.
David Duru had one last chance for the visitors in the final minutes, but his flicked attempt was saved by Ashdown. Lalustani had another attempt cleared off the line for Ascot, but it mattered not, Ascot had done enough to book their place in the next round.