BRACKNELL Town produced their best performance of the season in every department apart from the most important – finishing – when they lost 1-0 to Ascot United, writes Dave Wright.

The fast-improving Robins belied their lowly league position by pushing fourth-placed Ascot all the way in a thoroughly entertaining derby on Sunday.

The attendance of just under 300 was comfortably the biggest at Larges Lane this season and the fans were certainly not left disappointed.

United, still in with a chance of the Hellenic League title, clinched all three points thanks to a 30th minute goal from Jesse Wilson.

But the Yellamen had to work overtime to hang onto their lead, with manager Jeff Lamb saying: “The boys battled well and we defended excellently but it was a tough game.”

His opposite number, Mark Tallentire, and his players were left “bitterly disappointed” as the Robins had certainly done enough to earn at least a point.

With midfielder James Suarez prominent, the hosts made the brighter start and Ascot’s Chris Grace was the busier of the two goalkeepers in the opening stages.

Grace also saw his defenders, particularly Alex Rodrigues, make some timely, strong blocks in the penalty area.

Although they did win two corners in quick succession just before, it was still slightly against the run of play when Ascot took the lead on the half-hour mark.

Daryl McLean, their most threatening striker, crossed from the left and the unchallenged Wilson had time to plant a firm header past Garry Aulsberry into the net.

Tallentire commented: “It was a good cross into the right area and there is not much defenders can do about it, but perhaps we didn’t have the right player marking one of their trickiest players and we could have done better at stopping the ball at source.”

The goal lifted the Yellamen and they then enjoyed a good spell of attacking that saw Jamie West and Wilson both go close.

But generally Bracknell had the better of the opening 45 minutes which saw them make 166 successful passes compared to Ascot’s 71.

However, the Robins were unable to create too many clear-cut scoring chances and it continued that way for the rest of the game.

“It was just the final ball that let us down and where we need to improve on,” said Tallentire.

A four-man move ended with Jamie McClurg shooting wide, a teasing cross from winger Seb Bowerman only needed a touch to turn it over the line, and Suarez shot wide from a chance set up Johnnie Dyer before Bowerman had keeper Grace stretching to make a save.

Bracknell pushed central defender Callum Whitty up front in the closing stages, but Ascot held firm to take all three points.

Lamb added: “Obviously, I was pleased with the result as it gives us the bragging rights.

“After dropping points to Milton last week when we drew 2-2 after being two up, we needed to show a response and the boys did just that.

“I always thought we were gong to have less of the play being the away team and with Bracknell having a load of new players.”