EXCLUSIVE interview with Ascot United hero Jon Bennett

Shakila Barabhuiya • Published 18 Feb 2013 08:00 0 Comments

Ascot United 2-2 Newport (IoW) AET

ASCOT United hero Jon Bennett revealed that his 95th-minute equaliser against Newport Isle of Wight was one of the best goals he has scored.

Bennett came on as a substitute in the FA Vase fifth round clash on Saturday and scored Ascot's second goal to take the game into extra-time.

The scores remained locked at 2-2 after extra-time so the tie will be replayed at the Racecourse Ground on Tuesday (7.45pm ko).

Bennett has played the role of a 'super-sub' several times this season, not dissimilar from Adam Le Fondre's role at Reading FC, and he came up trumps when it mattered most.

Speaking exclusively to the News after the match, he said: I was ecstatic, I didn't know what to do.

"It was one of my favourite goals that I've ever scored.

"There was a chance with Justin Clayton a minute before and he missed and I thought that was our chance gone.

"They went up the other end and should have scored but Gracey made a great save, then we went up the other end, literally the last kick of the game, Smiller's put it back across goal and I've got on the end of it. It's just unbelievable.

"That's what I've made a career out of so I'll keep doing what I'm doing."

The Yellamen lost captain David Hancock to injury early on, fell a goal behind, had manager Jeff Lamb sent off and scored an equaliser all in the space of a frenetic 45 minutes.

Despite going a goal down early in the second period and playing the majority of the game with 10-men, it was the Yellamen who grew stronger as the half wore on.

"We were the better team with 10 men for over 100 minutes," he said.

"I think we've proved how together we are as a squad."

He also said the crowd of 474 made a 'massive' difference in spurring them on right till the end.

He was left out of the team on Saturday, much to his disappointment but he took it on the chin and explained: "They've kept with the winning team that's got them this far.

"Obviously I'm disappointed not to play but I'll just keep coming on and scoring, that's all I can do.

"If that gets us through to the quarter-finals then I'll take that again on Tuesday.

He added: "If we play like we did today with 11 men, there's no reason why we shouldn't get through to the quarter-finals."

**Pick up a copy of Thursday's News for a full report and reaction from Tuesday's replay with Newport**

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This article appeared in Bracknell News 18 Feb 13

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