Taye Ashby-Hammond’s terrific campaign continues away from the glitz and glamour of the FA Cup. We all remember his remarkable double save at Bournemouth that secured a spot in the fifth round for Boreham Wood and a tie at Everton, but the 21 year-old Fulham goalkeeper kept a twelfth clean sheet in sixteen games as Luke Garrard’s men beat Altrincham last night to further their promotion push.
Boreham Wood are now six points off top spot with four games in hand on account of their Cup exploits, which see them head to Everton next month. Intriguingly, their pursuit of the title could become a family affair after Taye’s younger brother Luca joined leaders Stockport County on a one-month loan yesterday. He wasn’t involved as the Hatters won 3-1 at promotion rivals Bromley last night, but the sibling subplot may yet come into play as the race for the Football League hots up.
The fact that three of Fulham’s brightest young goalkeeping talents are on loan in the National League – George Wickens has kept eight clean sheets so far for Wealdstone, whose match against Maidenhead United was postponed last night – can only bode well. That demanding division gave Marcus Bettinelli and the club’s current number one, Marek Rodak, their first taste of senior football and both have gone on to enjoy stellar careers with the Whites.
Jonathon Page made his senior debut as his new side Merstham were beaten 2-0 at Margate in the Isthmian League last night. The defensively-minded midfielder played 72 minutes before being substituted, whilst a certain Barry Hayles was an unused substitute for the Moatsiders at the youthful age of 49.
There was frustration for Marlon Fossey last night as Bolton slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Burton Albion, conceding three times in the first eighteen minutes. Wanderers will look to bounce back against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
