Published: Tuesday, 29th September, 2009 10:00am

Ascot hit back to claim battling point

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NEWLY formed AFC Ascot came from two goals behind to claim a point in their inaugural home match against Braybrooke at Locks Ride on Saturday.

Second half goals from Matthew Panton and skipper Mike Cooper rescued a 2-2 draw for the East Berkshire League Division Three side.

Ascot started brightly and Brett McChesney headed over a Nick Aira cross before Jonathan Manuel hit the post.

It was Braybrooke who took the lead on the half hour mark, though. And that was enough to see them lead at the break despite good chances for McChesney, Panton and Aaron Wawman.

Braybrooke added a second after the break as AFC looked to be heading to their first league defeat. However, buoyed by a great support from the sideline, they rallied late on.

Panton beat several defenders before firing home to give Ascot hope before Cooper played a captain's role.

With time ticking away he powered a free-kick from the edge of the box into the top right hand corner to put his side level.

Second half substitute Julien Serrano nearly stole all three points at the death, but Braybrooke held on.

AFC Ascot: Stringer, Crompton, Tarrant, Geldsetzer, Aira, McChesney, Cooper, Gant, Manuel, Panton, Wawman. Subs: Dearnaley, Serrano.