GOALS from Jamie West and Ian Brooks were enough to see Ascot United through to the third round of the Bluefin Sport Challenge Cup at the expense of plucky Penn and Tylers Green.

On a sodden pitch, the hosts enjoyed the majority of the first half chances, but ultimately failed to seriously test Chris Grace, and it was the Hellenic League Premier Division side who prevailed.

The match was the first of three cup games in four matches for the Yellamen – building towards their FA Vase 2nd round tie in two weeks’ time – although the Bluefin Sports Cup has provided success for Jeff Lamb’s side in recent seasons.

Penn and Tyler’s Green, top of Division One East were hopeful of causing an upset having won eight of their 10 league matches this season.

Anton Bradley's early wind-assisted free kick sailed over for Penn, before veteran James Pritchard combined with George Weller to set up Jordan Gumbs, who was denied by a last-ditch challenge.

Another free-kick, this time from Weller, left Grace rooted as it dipped just over the crossbar after 17 minutes; Penn making the most of both the slope and elements early-on.

However, despite their early pressure, the home side found themselves a goal down following Ascot's first chance. After Matt Jones had been fouled, West stepped up and curled a free kick over Matt Cannings – who lost the flight of the ball and should have done better.

Dean Munday's far post header flashed narrowly wide as Penn sought a response, but despite enjoying the better of the first-half, they undeservedly trailed at the interval.

A crude challenge on Ryan Parsons signalled the end of his afternoon – Ross Seldon a 55th minute replacement for Ascot – before Pritchard's first-time effort for Penn had the promise if not the precision as it fizzed just wide of top right.

With the rainclouds now gone, the low sun and strong breeze made the conditions even more difficult, and Lee Boon soon made way for Seb Costello after receiving one heavy tackle too many on the equally heavy surface.

Ascot's second chance of the game almost brought their second goal, although Cannings produced a fine save to beat Jones' shot over the bar following Tristam Dennis' run and pass.

However, moments later they doubled their advantage when Jones tumbled under Cannings' challenge in the box, and Ian Brooks confidently stroked the resultant penalty into the bottom right; 70 minutes on the clock.

Jones 78th minute exit for Joe Jarra became Ascot's third and final substitution, which was the last meaningful contribution from either side, who by now had already sensed the outcome of the match.

The Yellamen were due to face Chinnor in the Floodlit Cup at the Racecourse on Tuesday evening, before visiting Lydney Town in the league on Saturday.