HAVING come within the width of a hand from winning on Saturday, Ascot United were on the receiving end of a 7-0 hiding in their FA Cup replay at Tonbridge Angels, writes Dave Wright.

The Yellamen had played out of their skins to hold the side who play two levels higher to a 2-2 draw at the Racecourse ground on Sunday with Paul Coyne seeing his stoppage-time penalty pushed away by the keeper Tony Di Bernardo.

But, perhaps understandably, Jeff Lamb’s men were not able to raise their game to the same high standard in their first-qualifying round replay on Tuesday night.

The Ryman League high fliers, having been hugely relieved to escape defeat two days earlier, stamped their authority on the tie straight from the kick-off in front of a crowd of 376.

They put the Ascot defence under immediate pressure and on 12 minutes Jesse Wilson deflected a cross from Damien Scannell into his own net.

Former Football League professional, Nathan Elder, was soon causing the Ascot defence problems, and in the 22nd minute he headed in the second goal from a corner.

Keeper Carl Dennison made several fine saves before being beaten for a third time when Scannell raced on to a through ball in the 39th minute.

Luke Allen made it 4-0 with a low shot from distance on 55 minutes and 11 minutes later substitute Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson further extended the Kent side’s lead.

The Yellamen were becoming tired and frustrated, and things got worse for them in the 78th minute when Ryan Britnall was shown a straight red for a nasty-looking tackle on Allen.

Dennison was beaten for a sixth time in the 84th minute when Scannell’s corner curled straight into the net.

And the Angels were in seventh heaven when Tom Phipp hammered in a free-kick just before the final whistle.

Ascot will be looking to bounce back when they entertain Tuffley Rovers on Saturday and bottom club Burnham next Tuesday.

Bracknell Town, having won their last three league games and scoring 12 goals in the process, will be looking to continue their good run when they travel to Oxfordshire club Hook Norton in the FA Vase on Friday (7.30pm).

John Gray is suspended, while fellow defender Dave Hancock could miss out due to a hamstring injury.

Binfield, fresh from their 3-0 win over Highmoor Ibis on Monday, are also in Vase action, visiting South Midlands League side Buckingham Athletic on Saturday.

Manager Roger Herridge commented: “They play in step six, but have started the season reasonably well, so we will certainly not be treating them lightly.”

He added: “Personally, I don’t have a great record in the Vase and that is something I would like to improve on this year.”

Binfield play Thatcham Town at Hill Farm Lane on Monday, the sides currently occupying the top two places in the Hellenic League.

The Moles could be adding even more names to their 30-plus squad by bringing in Courtney Lawrence from Burnham and Mo Davies, previously with Highmoor Ibis.

Wokingham & Emmbrook, having won 3-1 at Rayners Lane last weekend, are away to Binfield Reserves in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup on Saturday.