ASCOTUnited knocked FA Vase holders Thatcham Town out of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup on Tuesday, winning 3-1 in the first round.

Both sides went close in a lively opening period before the Yellamen took a 12th-minute lead. Nathan Minhas’ effort was pushed out by keeper Chris Rackley and winger Geoff Kibaki fired home on his debut. With the Kingfishers making strong appeals for a penalty, United caught them out with a swift breakaway which ended with Minhas scoring with a superb shot into the top left-hand corner on 45 minutes.

Then in time added-on, Minhas went through again, holding off a defender before brilliantly lifting the ball over the advancing Rackley.

Last season’s Hellenic League champions scored through defender Gareth Thomas three minutes after the restart and substitute Shane Cooper-Clark was not far away with a header, but Ascot also created further chances and finished the game as thoroughly deserved winners.

United remain top of the Hellenic League despite losing 3-1 at home to third-placed Brimscombe & Thrupp last Saturday.