It was the Yellamen’s first defeat in 14 games and delivered a fatal blow to their title aspirations.

A Callum Convey penalty in the 75th minute was the only goal of a tight affair, moving Ardley seven points clear of The Yellamen, who remain in third place.

Wantage Town, the league leaders, also picked up maximum points with a 4-2 win over Highworth Town, which leaves them ahead of Ascot by nine points with just three games remaining.

It was a better night for Binfield, who secured their sixth successive win with an entertaining 4-3 victory at Newbury.

The Moles are now five points clear of sixth-placed Highworth Town and look like securing that spot, which will mark a fantastic finish to the season for the Hill Farm Lane outfit.

Dan Rapley twice put Binfield ahead with two fine finishes but Newbury levelled both times, before James Suarez and Seb Bowerman netted to give Moles a two-goal lead.

Newbury pulled one back late on but it was not enough and Binfield picked up all three points to cement their position in fifth place.

It was also a good night for Bracknell Town as they moved into the semi-finals of the Bluefin Sports Hellenic Supplementary Cup with a 4-0 win over Oxford City Nomads.

All the goals came in a rampant first half with Shane Cooper-Clark (2), Sam Barratt and Martin Bradshaw hitting the back of the net.

The Robins will face Maidenhead United Reserves in the semi-final at Larges Lane on Saturday, May 3.

In Hellenic Division One East, Finchampstead fell to a 2-1 defeat at Maidenhead United Reserves.

Sandhurst Town were defeated 2-1 at home to South Kilburn in Combined Counties Division One.