COMBINED Counties League Premier Division leaders Ascot United opened up a four-point lead over their title rivals when defeating Sheerwater 2-1 on Tuesday of last week.

But they were made to fight all the way by a lively visiting side, whose performance belied their lowly league position.

The Yellamen got off to a flying start scoring after five minutes with Jamie Richardson pouncing on a loose ball, skipping past a defender, and chipping the ball over keeper Craig Smith.

Ethan Burden struck the crossbar, but Sheerwater looked the better side for much of the half, spraying the ball around with confidence, and they deservedly drew level through Timmy Taylor's left-footed effort into the top corner.

However, United restored their lead four minutes before half-time with Aiden Higgs rounding off a swift counter-attack.

It needed two fine saves by keeper Sam Gray to keep his side ahead, while man-of-the-match Richardson twice went close to adding a third.

He also set up a chance for substitute Ian Davies, whose shot struck the underside of the crossbar and rebounded out.

Ascot were scheduled to visit Camberley Town on Saturday, but last week's Storm Ciara caused serious damage at Krooner Park with fences and even a floodlight pylon being blown down.

Jamie Tompkins' men are now looking forward to two home games, against Cobham on Saturday (3pm) and Redhill next Tuesday (7.45pm).

In Division One, fourth-placed Sandhurst Town are hoping to return to action at sixth-placed Fleet Spurs this Saturday before facing Kensington & Ealing Borough in the Esoteric Recordings Division One Cup next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Bottom-of-the-table Eversley & California take on FC Deportivo Galicia at Fox Lane this weekend.