Tompkins hails Ascot United’s ‘confidence’ and ‘character’ after they win at Wembley Stadium

Photo: Ian Longthorne

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Ascot United manager Jamie Tompkins was quick to praise his side’s ‘confidence’ and ‘character’ after they overcame Newport Pagnell Town to lift the FA Vase on Sunday afternoon.

The Yellamen came to Wembley Stadium looking to raise the silverware for the first time in history, and that they did after substitute Kai Walters found the back of the net in the 80th minute.

The game was finely poised before the number 22 broke the deadlock, with the Swans seeing plenty of the ball and looking dangerous on every attack – especially those led by Mo Ahmed.

However, with some shrewd football, Tompkins’ men gave themselves the chance to cap off a fine year of football and spark joyous scenes around the home of English football.

Beaming from ear-to-ear, Tompkins said at full-time: “To come to Wembley, win the game, pick up a clean sheet, it’s a phenomenal moment for the whole club.

“They’ve come into this game with a lot of confidence not just because of our league win and our promotion. It’s the way we’ve travelled in the FA Vase, a lot of away games, eight out of 10 games were played away.

“To travel across the country, to go to the Isle of Wight, to go up to Manchester, to go down to Devon and win those games is a huge credit to the group. They’ve shown so much character, so much togetherness, and [put in] so much hard work.”

Tompkins added: “The substitutes had a massive impact not just today but all season. Marcus Mealing came on and was a body to hold the ball up and break from there. Kai Walters, who came on early on, settled in brilliantly. He played out of position aswell. It’s his last ever game of football because he’s moving to Australia so what a moment for him to score the winning goal at Wembley.

“A phenomenal impact [by the substitutes] and that’s what we’ve had all year. We’ve had a group of players who have come off the bench at the required time and make a massive impact.”