Later today, Impetus partner club Ashford Town (Middx) play the biggest game in their history when they host FA Women’s National League Southern Premier side Oxford United in the Women’s FA Cup 2nd Round. First Team Assistant Coach Matthew Aumeeruddy spoke to Impetus’ editor Ben Gilby (28/11/21)
Above: Ashford Town (Middx) assistant coach Matthew Aumeeruddy. Photo supplied by: Matthew Aumeeruddy.
It’s been an incredible start to the season for Ashford Town which has seen them in imperious form to top the tier five London & SE Regional Premier. From Matt’s perspective, the reason for their outstanding form is down to “The hard work that the players and staff have put in. We all have the same goals this season and are determined to achieve them.”
Yet, despite the fact results are going so well, the first team assistant coach is more than aware of the challenges that come with good form.
“The hardest thing is to keep improving when the results have been as good as they can be. It is a lot easier to improve when results and performances are not going well as improvement is easily measured on match day. However, there are subtle things in our performances that we know can elevate our game.”
After coming through the qualifying rounds, Ashford Town (Middx) were drawn away to lower league side Sutton United in the First Round. The U’s are a team that Matt knew well from going up the leagues together in the past.
“It was always a difficult challenge when you play teams from a division below because there is a nothing to lose mentality and we know they have some strong players who could be very effective for them. But the majority of the focus was on us and how we were going to have an impact on the game.
Of course, the result (6-0) was pleasing but I wouldn’t say it was our best performance of the season in terms of the standards we set. But we were largely in control as well as some brilliant passages of play. We had to be patient in order to get the first goal, but once we did, we never looked back!”
The second-round draw gave Ashford the biggest tie of the round and the biggest game in their history when they were pulled out of the hat to face Oxford United, a team two divisions higher than them.
“I think I was at home at the time the draw was made,” Matt explains, “but there was more intrigue than an anxious wait. Of course, we are relishing the challenge and the players are all excited ahead of this fixture.
“Oxford United are a very good tier three team that have ambitions on promotion to the Championship. They will be well organised in all phases of the game and have players that are very capable in all areas of the pitch.
“We’re hoping for a bumper crowd and have been promoting the game through our usual social media channels. Our admission prices have remained the same (£5 Adults, £3 Concessions) in order to make it an affordable experience.
“The FA Cup is always a special competition to be involved in due to the prestige that holds. We are proud of the run we have been on in this competition and will certainly be giving our all on Sunday.”
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