ASCOT United manager Neil Richards cannot wait to see Ben Harris leading his side’s attack, writes Dave Wright.

The Yellamen’s lack of fire power proved costly as they went out of two competitions in the space of three days – losing 1-0 to Hellenic League Division Two West side Bishops Cleeve Development in the Bluefin Sports League Cup on Saturday and then 2-0 at Binfield on Monday in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup.

Harris, who is set to link up again with former Windsor teammate Rob Lazarczuk, has been playing in New Zealand and this week Ascot are awaiting to receive his international clearance.

Looking forward to seeing Harris make his debut, Richards commented: “He will score goals for us.” His side certainly created enough scoring opportunities to have avoided defeat particularly in the tie at Bishops Cleeve, where they were beaten by an 89th-minute goal from substitute Drew Humphries.

The Gloucestershire side were down to nine men at the time following two red cards in the previous 10 minutes.

Ascot were missing skipper Lazarczuk (pictured left) in their two cup defeats, but he is due back from Mexico in time for their league match against Tuffley Rovers on Saturday (3pm).

Another boost for Ascot is that forward Matt Jones is back in match action after more than seven months out with a knee injury which required surgery. He came off the bench to play the last 15 minutes at Binfield.

“It’s good to be back on the pitch,” said Jones.

In addition to being knocked out of two cup competitions in quick succession, Ascot also find themselves bottom of the Hellenic League Premier Division table with Fairford going above them following their 3-1 win at Burnham, another struggling side, on Saturday.

The club are, though, hoping to install a 3G pitch at the Racecourse Ground in time for the 2019-20 season.

United boast one of the largest youth sections in the south of England, meaning they have to hold coaching sessions at other centres, including Charters and Garth Hill schools.

Mark Cooper, who is chairing the committee looking into the proposals, said both the club and local community would benefit from such an exciting development.

Ascot United – who have dropped to the bottom of the Hellenic League Premier Division table – return to action with a home game against Tuffley Rovers on Saturday (3pm).

The Yellamen have an attractive game next Wednesday, November 22 (7.45pm) when they entertain MK Dons in the second round of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup.