ASCOT United were forced to dig deep to earn a 1-1 at Brimscombe & Thrupp in the Hellenic Premier.

The hosts twice hit the woodwork, spurned numerous chances, but required a penalty to draw level after Lee Boon had given Ascot an unlikely lead just after the interval.

Brimscombe were unbeaten in 10 games in all competitions before kick off at The Meadow.

Yellamen, who were second in the table going into the clash, were fortunate not to fall behind when Ben Deakin’s angled shot struck the inside of Chris Grace’s far post and ran across the goalline without anyone getting a touch.

Luck deserted the home side again midway through the first half when Grace palmed a shot from Ollie Pitt onto both crossbar and post and out to safety.

Ascot finally threatened on the half-hour mark when Steve Deverall fired wide.

But Brimscombe were soon back on top and Tristram Dennis and Jamie West both cleared shots off the Yellamen line after the hosts forced a series of corner, while Deakin’s deflected effort also looped over the bar.

Brimscombe remained on the front foot after the restart with Kyle Pitts heading over.

However, it was Ascot who broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Deverall won possession back following a free kick and crossed for Boon to score with a left-footed drive.

Sadly, the lead lasted just three minutes as Pitt equalised from the penalty spot after Dennis had tripped Dave Woodfield.

The hosts pushed for a winner but Pitt and Christian Turners saw their efforts blocked and Deakin fired over.

Ascot weathered the storm and almost won a penalty during the late drama. Joe Grant appeared to have his heels clipped in the box with only Brimscombe keeper Steve Sparrow to beat.

But Grant stayed on his feet and the chance went begging, while Ascot’s strong penalty claims were also dismissed.

Ascot have back-to-back home league fixtures against Oxford City Nomads this Saturday (3pm kick off) and Kidlington next Tuesday night (7.45pm kick off).