ARDLEY United made it three wins in a row with acomfortable 3-1 success at Ascot United on Saturday, writes Dale James.
The visitors needed a couple of vital blocks and saves to keep their lead intact, but held on without undue alarm to consolidate fifth spot in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.
Paul Davis’s side took the lead after 11 minutes when a Declan Benjamin corner eluded a mass of heads and found Chris Jackson who slotted home from six yards.
Jack Ross then hit the bar for Ardley, before – at the other end – Ryan Freshwater had to throw himself in front of a shot from Ascot’s Kai Walters that looked certain to bring an unlikely equaliser.
Sergio Guerrero and Bradley Cox then forced home keeper Matt Hill into flying saves which denied them further goals before the break.
Ardley doubled their lead just 36 seconds after the restart when a long clearance found Nathaniel Lewars, who shrugged off a challenge before netting past the advancing Hill.
On the hour mark, Matt Cruse made it 3-0 when he chased on to a through ball before shooting home.
Three minutes later the home side scored a consolation through Josh Dillon, while Ardley keeper Nick Bennion had to keep out Samir Regragui’s free-kick late on.
Ardley Utd: Bennion, Cray, Freshwater, Guerrero, Jackson, Cox, Cruse (Eyles 90), Benjamin, Howards, Ross, Lewars (Bryan 58). Sub not used: Farrow.
Attendance: 93.
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