The win moves Jeff Lamb’s side up to second in the Hellenic League Premier Division table, with a game in hand on league leaders Highmoor Ibis that would see the Yellamen go top with a win.

Ardley arrived at the Racecourse looking to avenge their 3-0 defeat at home to Ascot earlier in the season, and they had two golden chances to take the lead in the first five minutes.

John Gardner went close with a free-kick, before Kieron Scott headed wide of Chris Grace’s post when it was easier to score.

The two let-offs failed to wake Ascot up and they were again fortunate to not fall behind when Joe Eyre headed into the side netting.

But the Yellamen seized the initiative moments later when a low Joe Grant shot squirmed under Jack Harding.

The keeper had been involved in a challenge with Leon Yarnie a few minutes previous and was still struggling when the shot came in, failing to stop the effort as Ascot took the lead against the run of play.

It was a more even game from then on and Ascot competed well, with Grace saving from Scott the only other chance of the half as Ascot went in a goal to the good at half-time.

The Yellamen came out firing in the second half and felt they should’ve had a penalty when the influential Daryl McLean was seemingly brought down in the area, but the referee waved away the protests.

Moments later Saunders fired against the crossbar from a free-kick as Ascot looked to double their lead.

But just as Ascot had, the visitors scored against the run of play to level the score with 20 minutes remaining.

A left-wing cross saw Gavin Kidd beat Grace to the ball to head into the net and set up a tense finish.

With the rain falling heavily, it was always going to be a scrappy ending, with both teams nervous about pushing too many men forward and risk losing the game.

The defining moment in the game though came in the 77th minute, when Kidd went from hero to villain as he hauled down McLean in the box to give Ascot the chance to win the game.

Saunders stepped up and converted it confidently to put Ascot back in control and they dug in to ensure all three points would be staying at the Racecourse.

The visitors threw caution to the wind late on and pushed forward but they couldn’t test Grace as the referee called time on an exciting clash.

The Yellamen now sit second in the division, with a game in hand on leaders Highmoor Ibis.

It was a slow start from Lamb’s side but they’ve found their form at the right time, winning 14 of their last 18 games in all competitions.

Ascot were due to play a Berks & County Senior Trophy tie against Thatcham Town last night (Tuesday), and return to league action when they host Shrivenham on Saturday (3pm).