EVEN Binfield manager Roger Herridge admitted his side were lucky to beat Ascot United 1-0 on Tuesday, writes Dave Wright.

The Moles snatched all three points thanks to a Luke Hayden goal three minutes before the end.

But Herridge conceded: “To be honest , I felt sorry for them (Ascot). I thought they were the better side.”

United's co-manager Paul McGrotty agreed, adding:”We deserved all three points. We should have been 2-0 up at half-time.”

The visitors, without a wins since November 5, introduced a new twin strike partnership in youngsters Matt Forder, a product of their youth section, and Luke Wilson.

They were two of the smallest players on the pitch, but their energy, pace and willingness to race at defenders, who found it difficult to turn on a frost-bitten surface, caused Binfield all sorts of problems.

The duo twice went close to scoring in the opening 20 minutes.

Firstly, debutant Forder fired wide as home keeper Mo Nyamunga struggled to get back into position after blocking a shot to the left of his goal, and then Wilson struck the crossbar following Forder's cross.

Having lost ex-Yellaman Matt Jones through injury, little was seen of Binfield as an attacking force, although midfielder James Knight did force keeper Carl Dennison into making a fine save late in the first half.

Nyamunga also had to race to the edge of his area to block the path of Wilson, who minutes earlier had hit the high netting.

The limping Moore did go close to scoring the Moles, but as the minutes ticked down it looked as if the crowd of more than 150 would not witness a goal.

However, on 87 minutes Binfield were awarded a free-kick that was hotly disputed by Ascot and a good ball into the area was eventually forced home by Hayden.

Undeterred, Ascot went straight down to the other end and Dan Davies got the ball into the net, only for their 'goal' celebrations to be cut short by the assistant's raised flag.

“Obviously, we are all very disappointed,” said McGrotty.

“It was not even a free kick and the lad (Davies) had ran from behind (Ascot's) Jesse Wilson who had headed it on.

“But it was still a poor goal to concede and this game sums up our season.”

Ascot have gone now eight games without a win, with four defeats coming by the goal.

United are without a week this weekend, while Binfield visit Brackley Town Saints (12 noon ko) with skipper Alex Luis returning after a one-match suspension.

Bracknell Town, who stay second in the table following their 7-0 win over Burnham on Boxing Day, are away to Highmoor Ibis on Saturday (3pm ko).

The Robins will be seeking revenge for the 2-0 defeat they suffered when playing at their temporary home at Sandhurst on August 16.

Since then, they have been beaten only once in the league.

In total, they have now rattled up 102 goals in 32 league and cup ties.

Manager Mark Tallentire will be forced to make changes as midfielders Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers are suspended following with both having totted up five yellow cards.

George Short will replace one of them providing he passes a fitness test on his injured foot.

Tallentire commented: “Our resources will be stretched a little bit, but we will still have a very competitive team with the right bodies in the right areas.”

Binfield are due to travel to Brackley Town Saints this Saturday (3pm ko).

Ascot return to league action on January 7 when they host Royal Wootton Bassett (3pm).

Binfield: Nyamunga, Broome, Dean, Smith, Leonetti (White 70), M.Walton, Seldon, Knight, Hayden, Jones (Brown 30). Subs not used; Pagliaroli, Vaughan, Suarez.

Ascot: Dennison, Smillie, Mugoya, J.Wilson, Brainch, Davies, Lamb, Gilpin, Ragragui, L.Wilson, Forder. Subs not used: Wensley, Bouwers.