Fabien Etienne netted the winner as Ascot United returned to the top of the Hellenic League table following their 1-0 win over Bishops Cleeve at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday.

Having played more games than most other teams in the top half, they may not stay there, but there is no doubting they are one of the best young sides in the league.

Driving rain on a cold and windy day and on a pitch that was only just about playable were certainly not conducive for a good game of football, but both sides deserve heaps of credit for serving up an entertaining match.

The Yellamen always held the edge, playing with increased confidence that has been built up during a decent run. This was their fifth successive league win and sixth in all competitions.

They made the brighter start with Luqman Kassim soon testing keeper Lewis Clayton in the visitors' goal and poking the ball inches wide of the post after a Bishops defender had headed down a corner at his feet.

The visitors, who had lost only two of their previous 17 games, occasionally threatened, but Jamie Tompkins' men continued to look the better side going forward and deservedly took with 42 minutes gone.

Jonny Denton, enjoying a good run with goals and assists, fired over an excellent corner from the right towards the far post and Etienne met it perfectly to head home.

And only a fine save by Clayton prevented Minhas adding to his 30-goal tally shortly before the interval.

With rain continuing to fall and more water appearing on the surface, there was a pitch inspection during half-time, but all credit to young referee Andrew Batten for allowing the game to continue on a day when nearby matches at Maidenhead and Holyport were both abandoned.

The Gloucestershire side went near to equalising through Elliott Kennedy before Harry Laflin and Kassam going close at the other end.

Ascot thought they had increased their lead when Etienne headed home, only to see his effort ruled out with the referee spotting a push on a Cleeve player, while Minhas had a shot pushed aside by the diving Clayton.

The Yellamen, who were scheduled to play Chalvey Sports at Arbour Park last night (Tuesday) in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup, make the long journey to Lydney Town this Saturday, although there must be a good chance of the game being dependent on a pitch inspection.