ASCOT United endured a frustrating day in front of goal in a 0-0 home draw against struggling Tuffley Rovers.

The Yellamen dominated Saturday’s Hellenic Premier clash at The Racecourse, but they failed to find a way past Tuffley keeper Aaron Taylor, who made a string of outstanding saves.

Jeff Lamb’s side had triumphed at Tuffley on the opening day of the season thanks to an injury-time winner from Steven Deverall.

But they had no such luck last weekend and were forced to settle for a point and a clean sheet.

The omens were clear to see as early as the 12th minute when a looping header from Matt Jones was superbly tipped over by Taylor.

The visitors responded when Stuart Griffiths tested Chris Grace with a well-struck free kick at the other end before Ryan Williams also stung the Ascot stopper’s hands.

But it was Taylor who kept his side in the match with a breathtaking double save on 37 minutes.

First, he dived full-stretch to keep out a header from Tristam Dennis and then instinctively blocked Joe Grant’s follow-up shot.

Taylor also pulled off a flying save on the stroke of half time to keep out Jones’ header from Ryan Parsons’ cross.

Ascot were forced to make a change at the interval with Seb Costello replacing the injured Grant.

But the hosts continued to squander a number of chances as Jones fired over the bar from a great position.

However, their cause was not helped by another injury, this time substitute David Pitt tweaking a hamstring soon after coming on.

Even so, Tuffley refused to lie down and a crucial last-ditch tackle by Mark Ford denied Joe Jarra a clear shooting opportunity.

Ascot piled forward in the closing staged but Taylor smothered an effort by sub Joe Yeates before their penalty appeals for a push on Luke Dexter were waved away by the referee.

Four days earlier, Ascot United had come from behind to beat high-flying Kidlington 2-1 at home.

Lewis Coyle put the visitors in front but goals from Pitt and Bradley Fraser saw Yellamen secure the league victory.

Ascot travel to Penn & Tylers Green in the Hellenic League Cup this Saturday (1.45pm ko) then host Chinnor in the Hellenic Floodlit Cup next Tuesday night (7.45pm ko).

  • ASCOT United face a trip to Southern Premier outfit, Hailsham Town, in the FA Vase second round on Saturday, November 21. Yellamen have reached the quarter finals on two occasions in the last three years.