Chances were few and far between in a disjointed first half with the players finding the conditions under foot difficult - a slippery and uneven surface making the bobbling ball hard to control.

The hosts’ keeper Chris Waller made one fine reaction stop to deny Yarnie although it took until the 40th minute though for the Yellamen to make the breakthrough in the Berkshire derby.

After a long ball down the middle, the Newbury defence switched off, and this time Yarnie was just too strong and alert for them to easily slide the ball home for a 1-0 half time lead.

The second period was equally devoid of chances, although Grace made one decent save to keep his side in contention and acted as sweeper on several occasions to thwart a livelier Newbury side.

However, the crucial second and final goal came in the 71st minute - Boon applying the final touch to a low cross across goal from the left wing.

The Yellamen face a crucial game in their bid to stay in title contention when they welcome table-toppers Highmoor Ibis to The Racecourse Ground on Saturday (3pm ko).