TEN-MAN Ascot United showed true grit in the face of adversity to beat Flackwell Heath 1-0 in the Bluefin Sport Challenge Cup semi final last night.

In a battle between Hellenic Premier champions Flackwell and high-flying Ascot, it was the home side who came out on top at the Racecourse to secure their place in the final where they will meet Ardley United at Didcot Town FC on May 4.

Windsor FC had already done the Yellamen a favour two days earlier by proving the Heathens’ long unbeaten run could be dented by defeating Flackwell in the county cup final on Tuesday.

And Ascot’s confidence was sky high before Thursday night’s showdown following a run of seven consecutive victories.

Flackwell, though, started on the front foot and saw Dan Burnell’s deflected effort brilliantly saved by Ascot keeper Chris Grace.

But the hosts hit back and only a fine stop by Rob Bullivant prevented Daryl Mclean from putting the Yellamen in front.

Mclean was proving to be a real thorn in Flackwell’s side and he twice went close again with shots that narrowly missed the target.

But Ascot’s hopes took a severe blow on the stroke of half time when defender Jesse Wilson was shown a straight red by referee David Nicholson on the advice of his assistant.

As expected, Flackwell were determined to make their numerical advantage count in the second-half, with Burnell’s header forcing Jon Keogh to clear off the line.

Burnell threatened again moments later and Grace saved a shot from Ben Sturgess as the visitors pressed forward.

But Yellamen continued to look dangerous on the break with Joe Grant stinging Bullivant’s hands at the other end.

They continued to grow in confidence as the second half wore on and grabbed the all-important winner with 14 minutes left on the clock.

Jon Bennett drove forward and threaded a pass through to Grant who cut back onto his right foot before smashing the ball into the top corner from long range.

It was a goal worthy of winning any game, though Ascot were forced to dig deep in the closing stages during which Flackwell substitute Baboucarr Jarra spurned a golden chance to level.

Nevertheless, the hosts could also have snatched a second goal two minutes from time when Bullivant kept out Bennett’s thunderbolt with a brilliant block.

The Yellamen confidently saw off any remaining Flackwell threat at the death to secure a memorable cup victory against all the odds.

The Yellamen now face three Berkshire league derbies in the next six days – all of them away – before their cup final date with Ardley United at Didcot Town’s ground on May 4th.

Ascot travel to Bracknell Town this Saturday (3pm), Binfield FC on Monday (7.45pm) and Reading Town next Thursday (7.45pm).

Ascot Utd: Grace, Hancock, Dean, Rodrigues, Keogh, Wilson (sent off 43), Burrell, Saunders, Bennett, Mclean, Grant. Subs unused: Brooks, Cooper, Lamb, Seldon, Yarnie.