RESOLUTE opponents and a strong wind led to Ascot United being held to a goalless draw in their FA Vase third-round tie against Camberley at the Racecourse Ground, writes Dave Wright.

Both sides went into Saturday’s game on the back of a good run in their respective leagues – Hellenic and Combined Counties – and they cancelled each other over 120 minutes.

“We battled really, really well with the boys prepared to throw their bodies on the line,” said United manager Jeff Lamb.

“But conditions were tough and we never really got the chance to get the ball down and play like we usually do.”

In front of Ascot’s biggest crowd of the season of 240, Camberley looked the more threatening side in the opening exchanges, but the better chances fell to the hosts.

Jamie West, capitalising on a defensive error, was foiled by keeper Craig Bradshaw, saving with his legs, and he then denied Joe Grant.

The Surrey visitors then tested Chris Grace in the home goal with Perry Coles forcing him into making a particularly smart save just before half-time.

Chances were rare in the second half, but Ascot came the closest to breaking the deadlock when Bradley Frazer saw his effort come back off the crossbar.

Camberley substitute Chris Ellis fired over the bar before Grace did well to keep out a deflected shot from Matt Bunyan.

Grace again had to be alert when Rob Lazaczuk shot through a crowded area and the Ascot stopper made an even better save shortly afterwards.

In the closing stages he was beaten by a rising shot from Perry Coles and relieved to see the ball fly over the bar.

The replay is due to take place at Crooner Park on Tuesday night.

The winners will travel to Essex Senior League side FC Romania at Chestnut in the last 32 on January 9.

Ascot, fourth in the table, entertain 14th-placed Milton United in a league match on Saturday.

Lamb’s men will be seeking a double, having won the away fixture 2-0 thanks to a David Pitt brace.