ASCOT United defeated Badshot Lea 1-0 on Saturday to record their third win in six Combined Counties League games at the Racecourse Ground, writes Dave Wright.

“In the run of form we’ve had recently, it was a very good three points for us,” said manager Jamie Tompkins, whose side have been showing a tendency to produce better performances on their travels with nine wins from 12 games.

“Our results at home haven’t been as good as those away, but this is still a new pitch for us and it’s a nice place to play for visiting teams. Sides coming here are really motivated and want to beat us.

“Our players are learning how to manage and deal with that, and last weekend was a prime example.”

The Yellamen largely dominated the game against a Badshot Lea side that passed the ball around neatly most times but appeared reluctant to take it forward too often.

Ascot could easily have won by a wider margin, hitting the woodwork on three occasions and being denied by keeper Kallum Lunn as well as brave blocks from defenders.

“We were not as clinical as we usually are in front of goal,” admitted Tompkins. “We dominated for long spells and kept a clean sheet, and that’s something we’ve really put a lot of focus on in the last week.”

The only goal of the game came on the half-hour mark and it arrived gift wrapped. A Badshot defender slipped up as he looked to get the ball away and Ben Hodges nipped in to cross for Aiden Higgs to head home.

Ascot’s number one fan, David Bucktrout, went home happy not only because of the three points, but due to the fact he received a Christmas card signed by all the players along with enough money to cover his admission ticket to every home game for the rest of the season.

Ascot, who are second in the table, are away to Frimley Green this Saturday (3pm).

In Division One, Sandhurst visit Cove, while Eversley & California face British Airways at Bedfont. Their fixtures last weekend were postponed.