Taye Ashby-Hammond: I've Flourished

From memorable FA Cup days to a double save that hit the headlines, fulhamfc.com caught up with Boreham Wood loanee Taye Ashby-Hammond.

Before we talk about some of your best moments, how much are you enjoying your loan spell at Boreham Wood?

It’s a great group that they have there and I’ve really enjoyed being a part of that. We’re in great form which I feel has really helped me play at my best and I think from a development point of view, I’ve improved a lot this season and am playing regular games.

How beneficial is it that you're playing regular senior football?

The National League has its own unique style and it’s a difficult division to succeed in. From a goalkeeper's point of view, you have to deal with lots of crosses and balls over the top. I think I’ve flourished and still managed to develop further and learn a lot being a part of it.

You enjoyed an incredible run in the FA Cup, with your best win coming against Bournemouth. How good was that occasion for you?

It was a really good experience. As a whole, I had lots of belief in the team to go and get a result, but you never really know until the final whistle blows whether you are actually able to do that, if you know what I mean?

The lads did really well under pressure, managed to get a goal which was important and closed the game out brilliantly. I think the fact there were some ex-Fulham people on the opposing side made it a little more interesting too!

It was your fantastic double save that caught the headlines. How much can you remember about that specific moment?

It was all a bit of a blur to be honest! The first one dipped on me a bit and I pushed it into the ground before it hit the bar. Then, I got up as quick as I could and squared up Philip Billing and that’s the bit where it blurs out. It was pure instinct and reactions, and then the ref did me a favour for the third one. I must admit, I think it looks pretty cool watching it back!

Earlier in the competition, you managed to beat League One side AFC Wimbledon. Do you think that huge result slipped under the radar because of the Bournemouth game?

You’re absolutely right. Every cup game is as crucial as the next one and that win was definitely under-appreciated. It wasn’t easy but the team did a great job and we earned that victory.

I imagine the main highlight this year was getting to play at Goodison Park in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup. Although you lost the game, just how special was that experience?

It was so so special. As a football fan, it was really exciting to be there. Even just walking across the pitch before fans were there and taking in the stadium.

It was disappointing to go behind but their fans got really loud after that. They were playing replays on the main screen during the game, so I found it pretty cool being able to watch my saves back as the game was going on!

You were sharing the pitch with some top players weren't you?

When I remember that I made a save from a Richarlison shot, it’s pretty cool to think about. At the end of the day, I expect myself to be playing against this calibre of player in a few years, so it’s cool to hear now but eventually that’s what I want to be competing against every week.

The opening Salomón Rondón goal represented the first time you had conceded in the whole competition, which equates to around 420 minutes of football. That's some stat isn't it!

The boys in the defence deserve plenty of credit too, but as a 'keeper you need to be solid, whether you make a load of saves or just the right decisions, so I’m happy with that part and think I've done well overall. It was a slight anti-climax in terms of that opening goal. I’d have much preferred a stunning top bin strike.

You're doing brilliantly in the league too and very much in the mix in terms of play-offs. How confident is the squad that promotion can be secured this season?

We’re all confident but at the same time, you need to take each one as it comes. We’ve got games in hand but you have to go out and earn results, so for us and other teams it’s a long old season. This is the point when you have to really focus and I have full belief that we can beat anyone we come up against on our day.

You're trying to chase down league leaders Stockport County, which is ironically where your brother Luca is playing for a short period. How often are you two in touch?

He’s enjoying being at a different group and at a different level. He deserves to play at the highest level and I speak to him every day about it. He’s enjoying himself and hopefully he’ll get a solid run of games very soon.

Throughout our whole lives we’ve been competing against each other and that edge has pushed us on to get that extra inch in terms of our ability. Whoever gets there will rightly deserve it and we’ll be happy for one another.

How impactful do you think your experiences recently will be in terms of your future at Fulham?

I’ve played a lot of games at National League level and I think this season has cemented that I’m a solid goalkeeper who has performed at a decent level. It’s been a crucial loan period for me and I'm excited about what the future holds.