ASCOT United manager Neil Richards remains confident his side can haul themselves out of trouble in the Hellenic League Premier Division, writes Dave Wright.

The Yellamen are joint bottom with more than half their fixtures completed following their 2-0 reverse at Longlevens on Saturday and on current form, it is not looking bright for a club more used to being in the top six.

However, Richards remains optimistic about the rest of the season, particularly as he has started to strengthen his squad.

Last week he signed Trevor Muerto, previously with league rivals Highmoor Ibis and a product of Reading FC’s Academy, having earlier brought in experienced striker Ben Harris and seen Matt Jones return after a long lay-off with a knee injury.

Richards told the News: “Our performances over the last few weeks have been getting better and with Matt back and Ben now here, we should have the cutting edge that’s been lacking.

“I am absolutely confident we can get out of trouble and climb the table. Just a couple of wins or so will take us up.

“We are looking more solid at the back these days and not losing heavily. When we get players back from injury and the new players settle in then I think we will be in good shape.”

The Yellamen certainly gave an encouraging display against a Milton Keynes Dons side containing six professionals when losing 2-0 in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup on Wednesday of last week.

“I was really pleased with our performance,” added Richards. “The lads acquitted themselves very well and I was pleased with their effort. We were unlucky not to have got a goal or two back."