JAMES Brazier shrugged off a head injury to score a goal that set Ascot United on their way to a 2-0 win over Milton in their FA Cup tie on Friday night, writes Dave Wright.

The brave centre-back was hurt when he was accidentally caught in his face by the studs of team-mate Jake Parsons as they went to clear the ball.

He was bandaged up by physio Natalie Stearn and five minutes later, on the half-hour mark, he opened the scoring from close range following a corner.

It was to prove a lead that the Yellamen never really looked like relinquishing as they secured a home preliminary round tie with Didcot Town from the Southern League Division One South & West.

“We only signed James on Thursday,” revealed manager Jeff Lamb.

“He has been with us before. He is ex-Bracknell and has been training with Binfield.”

With a number of new signings and other players not available, Lamb’s starting line-up was much changed from the one beaten 2-1 by Highmoor Ibis in their Hellenic League Premier Division opener last Tuesday and, not surprisingly, they took a little time to settle.

However, Charlie Samuels and Luke Wilson soon started to test the Milton defence with their pace and the former was not far away from opening the scoring with a shot that just cleared the bar.

But further pressure earned them a corner which led to Brazier putting them ahead.

Spurred on by this goal, the Yellamen started to look even more threatening in attack and Wilson was twice denied by keeper Ben Maidens before Samuel fired another shot over the bar.

Ascot had a close escape just before half-time when Dan Piscopo squandered a great opportunity to equalise for the Hellenic Division One West outfit.

But the hosts continued to look the stronger attacking force and they doubled their lead three minutes into the second half when Samir Regragui sent Samuels racing through to smash an unstoppable left-footer into the net from 15 yards.

“He looks a really good asset for us and he took his goal well,” said manager Jeff Lamb.

Samuels nearly scored again shortly afterwards, as did Wilson, while defender Jon Naish missed a golden opportunity to get Milton back in the game.

Rob Saunders nearly marked his return to the Ascot side with a goal and the ever-dangerous Samuels was also not far away once again.

“Rob did well. He hasn’t been around for about a year, but he answered our SOS call,” revealed Lamb.

Substitute James Goodey saw his long-range effort saved by Maidens, while Samuels grazed the woodwork.

Watched by a crowd of 156, it was a good and well deserved win but Ascot will probably have to improve, especially tightening up in defence, if they are to overcome Didcot a week on Saturday, August 20.

Ascot visit Carterton in the league this Saturday.