TOM McGarry’s goal shortly before half-time secured all three points for Ascot United against battling Ardley United.

The much-changed Yellamen laboured to victory on Saturday against an Ardley side desperate for points – which arguably they deserved a share of.

The winning goal came just after Ardley had wasted their best chance of the opening period when Elias Katsoloudi scooped over from close range; the Yellamen turned defence into attack and stung the Oxfordshire side two minutes before the interval.

Daryl McLean forced a corner, Gurkan Gokmen delivered, and McGarry stabbed home after Kieran Beesley’s diving save had initially denied Jamie West’s header.

After a stagnant opening 10 minutes, Ascot had the first chance when Beesley was at full stretch to deny Adam Cashin-Murray’s goal-bound effort after McLean had laid the ball off, before McGarry’s free header from the resultant corner was off-target.

At the other end, a flying Katsoloudi was close to connecting with Jacob Daffern’s right-wing cross as the quarter-point approached, but it was only a superb interception from Ardley defender Chris Jackson that diverted Joe Grant’s effort wide on the half hour.

Ade Talabi’s effort then fizzed over for the visitors, West scuffed wide for Ascot, and Katsoloudi’s audacious swipe missed the target for Ardley as both sides traded chances. Sadly for Katsoloudi, his key miss soon followed – as did McGarry’s crucial contribution.

The home side survived an early scare in the second half when Chris Grace’s poor clearance found Talabi, and after the defence recovered to block his shot, a smattering of visitors – Katsoloudi included – somehow failed to convert the rebound.

Yinka Salami was pivotal in the home defence with an impressive display – as was Ardley defender Lewis Strafford who helped deny Ascot a crucial second goal in a commanding performance.

Reece Bayliss drilled his own rebounded free-kick back through the wall and narrowly wide as Ardley threatened again, before wind and rain descended on the Racecourse.

Jesse Wilson’s 64th-minute introduction for Cashin-Murray was a welcome sight for Ascot following his injury lay-off, before David Pitt replaced West.

Ardley looked more likely to score as the game progressed, and they were appealing for a penalty after 75 minutes when Steven Deverall charged down Daffern’s powerful cross.

The best move of the game brought Ardley even closer with 10 minutes remaining; Conor Grant and Talabi exchanged passes before crossing to Katsoloudi who shot wide when off-balance.

Having created little in the second half, Pitt drilled narrowly wide as Ascot then countered with intent – Gokmen the provider two minutes later – before the pair linked up again when Pitt wriggled clear and shot straight at Beesley.

However, those missed chances were inconsequential as the Yellamen held on to climb to second in the table ahead of a home derbt against Wokingham & Emmbrook next Tuesday (7.45pm).