The Yellamen had to come from behind to defeat a plucky home side whose spirited performance belied their lowly league position and off-field problems.

Ascot went into last Thursday’s re-arranged fixture as hot favourites, having won nine and drawn one of their previous 10 games, while Reading had lost 11 league and cup games in succession which left them in the relegation zone of the Hellenic League Premier Division.

Town also went into the match without any substitutes, so it came something as a shock when the hosts took a 15th-minute lead.

From Stephane Akmel’s cross, Josh Helmore’s effort was blocked by keeper Chris Grace, but the striker followed up to score at the second attempt.

United, however, looked the more dangerous side in attack and nearly equalised when Matt Cooper’s corner struck the crossbar.

The pace of Joe Gritt and power of Jon Bennett caused Reading problems, as did Ed Chappe on his return to one of his former clubs.

But it took an hour for the Yellamen to get on level terms. It was thanks to Bennett, who was first to react after the keeper had done well to push out Brooks’ effort.

Seven minutes later United took the lead through a superbly-struck dipping volley from Joe Yeates.

Town, who had last their previous two home games 7-2 to Thame and 4-0 to Flackwell, refused to throw in the towel and shook Ascot by equalising on 71 minutes when Helmore raced through the middle of the Ascot defence to net his second goal of the evening.

Ascot looked a little frustrated and Brooks earned a booking for kicking the ball away and, accidentally, hitting the referee.

But in the 74th minute Brooks put that frustration behind him to become the Ascot hero when he was on hand to fire home after Bennett’s shot had come back off the crossbar.

Midfielder Brooks will now be hoping he will be in the starting side when Ascot defend the Bluefin Sports Cup against Ardley at Didcot Town’s ground on Monday (3pm).

Bennett and Joe Grant were among those who suffered knocks last Thursday and player-manger Jeff Lamb will check on their fitness before naming his side.