JONNY Denton bagged a brace as Ascot United defeated Fairford Town 3-0 at home on Saturday in a game which saw both sides finish with 10 men.

The first half was largely devoid of chances and those created came mainly from the visitors.

But, having failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, the Yellamen engineered an opportunity in the opening minute of the second half with Nathan Minhas being denied by keeper Chris Randall.

Then Geoff Kibaki shot across goal and wide as Ascot turned up the pressure.

Their opening goal came in the 64th minute when Dan Price’s 25-yard free-kick flew over the wall and into the bottom left-hand corner.

Soon afterwards, Kibaki smacked an upright from a tight angle following a cross from Minhas.

The provider was involved in the second goal on 80 minutes when he found Denton, whose low left-footed cross-shot slipped through the gloves of Randall.

Fairford were reduced to 10 men with Robbie James being shown a second yellow card for a foul on Price and shortly afterwards Ascot skipper Louis Bouwers received a red card for a clumsy challenge which appeared to warrant nothing more than a yellow.

Denton wrapped things up in added-on time with his second and United’s third.

Having beaten Virginia Water 3-1 on Tuesday last week, Jamie Tompkins’ men have now won five matches in a row and occupy second place in the Hellenic Premier, two points behind Brackley Town Saints, but having played two more games.

This coming Saturday, they host fifth-placed Bishops Cleeve, who have at least three games in hand over the four sides above them.

Then next Tuesday (7.45pm) the Yellamen take on Chalvey Sports at Arbour Park, Slough, in the second round of the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup.

Following an impressive trial match last weekend, Ascot’s James Richardson has been named in the England Under 18s squad for a friendly match against the RAF at Cosford on January 5, after which the official 18-man squad will be named for their international programme.

EVERSLEY & California lost 2-1 at home to Ash United, who were bouncing back following their 3-2 home defeat by Sandhurst Town a week earlier.

After a goalless first half in which Ash missed a penalty, Neil Hardy broke the deadlock for the visitors, only for Brad Brown to bring the scores level from a free-kick.

Ethan Dixon struck a late winner, although there was a suspicion of handball during the build-up to his goal.

The Boars, 13th in Division One of the Combined Counties League, face a tough task as they visit second-placed Bedfont & Feltham this Saturday.

SANDHURST Town were unable to follow up their victory at Ash, losing 2-1 away to Godalming Town.

They were behind from the 12th minute when Ollie Stevens netted and conceded a second goal on 55 minutes with Jack Cleevely’s shot taking a deflection on its way into the net.

Haydon Richardson, who before the game received the club’s player-of-the-month award for November, pulled a goal back just after the hour mark, but the Fizzers’ hopes of an equaliser were hit when they were reduced to 10 men with Luke Burrows being sent off for two yellow-card offences 15 minutes from time.

“We were not at the races,” commented disappointed manager Michael Herbert.

His eighth-placed side host British Airways this Saturday.