Ascot United substitute David Pitt came off the bench to score a second-half brace against Milton United, inspiring the visitors to an ultimately comfortable 2-0 win. After a goalless first half at Milton Heights, the Yellamen worked their way into the game, before Pitt’s sublime shot on the turn and separate penalty kick sealed victory for his side.

 

The Yellamen took six points off Milton last season, albeit courtesy of a last-minute Joe Grant winner at The Heights and twice recovering from a goal-down to win 3-2 at the Racecourse.

 

This season, Milton, with six points from six matches heading into the match, were still reeling from their shock FA Cup exit at Division 1 (West) Cheltenham Saracens a week earlier, and the first chance arrived for Ascot after ten minutes when Daryl Mclean's delightful through ball sent Grant clear. However, last season's match winner squared unselfishly but inaccurately to the unmarked Jamie West, who checked his run allowing the home defence to recover.

 

Injuries and unavailability forced Ascot’s Joe Jarra into an unlikely right-back starting position whilst his bench were limited to three substitutes including manager Jeff Lamb, whereas the hosts could only name manager Paul Bedwell as a lone replacement on their teamsheet.

 

Pitt's introduction for Lee Boon - who received a knock and limped off - saw an early introduction from the Ascot bench after just 16 minutes, but it was Milton who almost took the lead three minutes later. After forcing a corner, Tom Austin rolled his delivery to Matt Biddle on the edge of the area, and Biddle's first-time effort brought a strong one-handed save from the diving Chris Grace.

 

Easing their way into the game, Ascot created a smattering of chances on the half-hour. In their best move of the half, Grant and Jesse Wilson's interplay allowed Mclean the chance to deliver another defence-splitting pass, which Pitt struck low and hard, but which ‘keeper Craig Griffiths beat away. Moments later, Mclean beat a couple of defenders before seeing his shot blocked, before Pitt created his own chance to shoot low once again; Griffiths this time saved with his legs.

 

At the other end, Alex Rodrigues recovered well to block Danny Langford's shot after he had checked back onto his right foot in a promising position, but it remained goalless at half-time.

 

Ascot were livelier in the second half and the hosts survived a flurry of early corners, including a Luke Dexter effort at the far post which was cleared off the line and half-chances for both Mclean and Steve Deverall.

 

However, the pressure finally told after 60 minutes, with Mclean once again involved. Surging forwards, Mclean picked out Pitt, and with his back to goal the substitute turned and arrowed a low drive into the bottom right corner.

 

Now in the ascendancy, Pitt’s skill led to Ascot’s second goal after 74 minutes. This time, he taunted the home defence before threading the ball through to Grant, who was upended as she shaped to shoot.

 

Up stepped Pitt to take the resultant penalty, which he duly smashed into the centre left of the goal.

 

Milton battled courageously, unable to make any tactical changes, but were unable to create any chances in a one-sided second half. Wilson then headed straight at Griffiths from a Pitt corner as Ascot continued to pressurise in the closing stages, but the hosts restricted any further damage despite enduring five minutes of added time.

 

2-0 the final score, and Ascot prepare to lock horns with Wokingham and Emmbrook on Tuesday, the first of four scheduled matches with the Sumas before Christmas.

 

Ascot United: Grace, Jarra, Deverall, Dennis, Rodrigues, Dexter, Boon (Pitt 16), Wilson, Grant (Brooks 79’), West, Mclean. Sub unused: Lamb.

Ascot were due to take on Wokingham & Emmbrook in the league last night (Tuesday).