ASCOT United secured three vital points by defeating Spelthorne Sports 2-1 in their top-of-the-table Premier Division clash on Saturday – despite being down to nine men late in the game.
They nearly got off to a flying start when from Jonny Denton's free-kick, Harry Laflin saw his volley crash off the underside of the bar and away from the goal.
The home side immediately went up the other end and Vitor Monteiro’s rising shot on the turn whistled just over the top-right corner, but the half belonged to Ascot, and James Richardson almost created an opening goal in the 19th minute after crossing to Ian Davies, who lifted his shot over on the turn.
However, the Yellamen went ahead seconds later when Davies threaded the ball through for Aiden Higgs to race onto and hammer the ball low past keeper Henry Poole.
Richardson helped set up the second goal in the 28th minute. Higgs’ deflected effort was palmed away by Poole, but Davies was on hand to hook the ball into the net.
After Ascot’s Mitchell Gutteridge had been dismissed in the 77th minute for his second yellow-card offence, the Ashford-based hosts upped the tempo and Lewis Flatman went close with two headers before fellow substitute Josh Ramedios forced a fine save from Sam Gray.
The visitors were reduced to nine men when Calum Ferguson was sin-binned, but he was back on the field by the time Jack Mills netted for Sports in stoppage time.
This win left Yellamen top of the standings, one point better off than Spelthorne.
Last night (Tuesday) they were due to host Sheerwater and this coming Saturday they visit Camberley Town at Krooner Park.
Eversley & California were beaten 3-0 by Kensington & Ealing Borough in the CCL's Esoteric Recordings Division One Cup.
On Tuesday of last week, the Boars drew 2-2 at home to fellow Division One strugglers Chessington & Hook United, with Cameron Edwin netting both goals including a penalty.
However, they remain bottom of the table ahead of this Saturday's fixture at Godalming Town, the side immediately above them in the placings.
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