ASCOT United’s hopes of another long run in the FA Vase ended in disappointing fashion at Camberley Town on Tuesday, writes Dave Wright.

Jeff Lamb’s men crashed to a 4-1 defeat in their third-round replay, that followed the goalless draw at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday.

The Combined Counties League side adapted themselves better on the rain-soaked Krooner Park pitch and a Perry Coles hat-trick earned them a fourth-round tie away to Essex Senior League side FC Romania next month.

Yet, in front of a crowd of nearly 200, the Yellaman made the better start and went ahead on 17 minutes. Dave Hancock’s deep right-wing cross caused problems in the home defence and Dave Hancock, coming in from the left, took advantage to drive the ball into the far corner.

At this stage United were defending well, with players throwing themselves in front of the ball to deny Camberley.

However, in the 31st minute they were caught out by a long ball down field with Alex Rodrigues and keeper Chris Grace unable to prevent Coles rolling the ball into an empty net.

Just before half-time the diminutive and pacey Coles raced through again, but this time Grace pulled off a superb save at the expense of a corner.

Although largely under the cosh by now, United nearly regained the lead on 45 minutes when a brilliant shot from Bradley Fraser brought out an equally good stop from keeper Craig Bradshaw.

For the remainder of the game, which was well handled by referee Neil Morrison, Ascot always looked second best.

Coles put Camberley ahead with a 22-yard shot that left Grace rooted to the spot in the 62nd minute.

Four minutes later Grace rushed out of his area, but Coles got there first to make it 3-1. And man-of-the-match Coles completed his hat-trick after 75 minutes.

“Obviously, we are all disappointed,” said Lamb. “I was happy with the first 30 minutes or so, but then Tom (McGarry) suffered a head injury and it seemed to slow our momentum a bit. Then they scored and we didn’t really get the tempo back again.

“The second half was always going to be difficult, as they (Camberley) know how to play the slope and the conditions were also tough for us. But they were the better side.”

Ascot return to league action with a home match against Milton United on Saturday before derby games at Bracknell on December 27 (1pm ko) and home to Binfield on January 2 (3pn ko).

Bracknell can move out of the bottom two of the Hellenic League Premier Division by beating fellow strugglers Abingdon United at Larges Lane on Saturday. Mark Tallentire’s improving side have taken four points from their last two games.

Binfield, having hammered Woodley United 10-1 in the Reading Senior Cup on Monday, will find it much tougher at Brackley Town Saints this Saturday.

They are then home to local rivals Wokingham & Emmbrook on Boxing Day (1pm ko).

The Sumas, bottom of the table and six points behind Bracknell, take on Brimscombe & Thrupp at The Triangle Ground this Saturday.