IT needed a late equaliser from Callum Carlisle to earn Ascot United a 3-3 draw at Bishops Cleeve on Saturday after they had squandered a two-goal lead, writes Dave Wright.

The Yellamen's new-look side came under pressure early on, but defended stoutly and then opened the scoring in the 34th minute of their Hellenic League Premier Division encounter.

Nathan Minhas, one of several youngsters signed from Maidenhead United, raced onto a long ball over the top from Jonny Denton, took a couple of touches and calmly put the ball into the net.

It was Minhas who extended his side's advantage with a lob over keeper Lewis Clayton on 51 minutes following a long free-kick by keeper Lee Allen, and Kai Walters then forced Clayton into making a finger-tip save to keep out his stinging drive.

However, the game then turned dramatically into the home side's favour with three goals in a 15-minute spell. Brad Martin, making his debut, pulled one back and Ieuan Crowe headed in Elliott Kennedy's cross to level up the scores.

Cleeve, having dropped into the Hellenic League from Step 4, now had their tails up and Kennedy's long cross-shot put them ahead in the 72nd minute.

It needed two fine saves by Allen to deny the Gloucestershire side going further ahead, but Jamie Tompkins' men stemmed the tide and were rewarded with a late equaliser from Carlisle, who beat two defenders before curling a tremendous long-range effort into the top corner.

Both sides had chances to win the game, but the Yellamen came away with a well-earned first point of the season.

Ascot see early FA Cup action when they host Combined Counties League side Camberley Town at the Racecourse Ground this Friday (7.45pm) with the winners home to Horndean or Godalming Town on August 25.

Then next Tuesday they are scheduled to visit league newcomers Holmer Green away, again with a 7.45pm start.

Wokingham & Emmbrook, who start their Hellenic League fixtures on Saturday week, August 18, drew 1-1 with Marlow United in a friendly, their goal coming from George Marsh in a game where both goalkeepers made some excellent saves.

The Sumas were following up their 3-0 success at Sheerwater, with Josh Harris scoring twice and Simeon Weekes getting the other goal.

Sandhurst' Town's return to Division One of the Combined Counties League started with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Epsom & Ewell, with Liam Roberts scoring after eight minutes and Lloyd Connelly just after the half-hour.

The Fizzers take on Lymington at Bottom Meadow in the FA Cup this Saturday.

Eversley & California opened their campaign with a 3-0 win at Chessington & Hook United with all their goals coming in the second half from Stephen Peacock, Cameron Miller and a Mo Davies penalty. Next up is a home encounter with AC London.