COMBINED Counties League Premier Division leaders Ascot United toiled before eventually winning 4-0 against bottom-of-the table Banstead Athletic on Saturday.

The Yellamen took the lead with six minutes on the clock as Elliott Carey swung the ball in for Harry Laflin to head home.

Usman Lalustani nodded over from a corner and Laflin saw a neat header chalked off for offside, but Ascot went into the break 1-0 up.

Ten minutes into the second half, Ascot were appealing for a penalty after Lalustani was cleaned out by home goalkeeper Aaron McGurgan following, but the Yellamen were later awarded a spot-kick in bizarre circumstances when Diaidier Diarla tumbled in his own penalty area, picked the ball up claiming a foul against him, and was penalised for hand-ball – man-of-the match Laflin tucked home the penalty.

The rest of the game belonged to talismanic Ascot striker Jon Bennett and goalkeeper Sam Gray, who made telling contributions at both ends.

Gray made two fantastic saves, but in between it was substitute Bennett who made his mark.

After coming on in the 66th minute, he volleyed home from the edge of the area in the 85th minute before racing onto Elliott Carey’s through-ball and slotting home three minutes later; his 170th goal in 249 appearances for United.

Table-topping Ascot visit Hanworth Villa on Saturday (3pm).

In Division One, second-placed Sandhurst Town – who visit Ash United on Saturday – drew 0-0 at Bedfont & Feltham, but basement side Eversley & California were thumped 5-1 at leaders Jersey Bulls.

George Marsh was the Boars' goalscorer, becoming the first player to net against Jersey this season.

Eversley previously beat Sheerwater 3-1 in the Southern Combination Cup last Tuesday, Kai Francis, Lewis Robson and 16-year-old Ben Martire with the goals.

Eversley were due to host Balham in the Challenge Cup last night (Tuesday), before travelling to Chessington & Hoock in the league on Saturday (3pm).