ASCOT United crashed out of the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy after a 3-1 defeat at home to Binfield on Tuesday, writes Dave Wright.

Binfield produced a devastating first-half performance with their front two, Liam Ferdinand and Jemel Johnson – with Josh Howell in close support – causing major problems for the Ascot defence.

Ferdinand and Johnson both went close before the former broke through, only to be denied by Alex Rodrigues and keeper Chris Grace.

It came as no surprise when the Moles went ahead on 21 minutes with Johnson setting up Ferdinand, who fired a left-footed shot past Grace.

Ferdinand was then denied by Grace and the striker was also involved in the move which saw James Knight go close.

In front of a crowd of nearly 100, Binfield doubled their lead after 28 minutes. They gained possession in their own half when a pass from Ascot skipper Dave Hancock went astray and Johnson raced down the left flank before setting up the chance for Howell to strike a crisp shot past Grace.

After the Moles had cleared a Joe Grant effort off their line, Binfield returned to the attack with Johnson and Ferdinand continuing to give the home defence a torrid time.

Binfield were not as effective as an attacking force in the second half, with Ascot better organised in defence and battling to get back in the game.

Mark O’Connell cleared off the Binfield line and Silver was also kept busy, which included helping to block a piledriver from Joe Yeates after United were awarded an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area.

But Silver was eventually beaten after 82 minutes when Grant raced onto a long ball from Adam Cashin-Murray to head home unchallenged.

Ascot went looking for a late equaliser, but three minutes from time were caught out on the counter-attack with Ferdinand cutting in from the right before finding Howell at the far post and he made no mistake.

Ascot were twice pegged back during a 2-2 draw at Highworth Town in their Hellenic League Premier Division clash on Saturday, debutant Ed Smith grabbing both goals.

Third-placed Yellamen host Longlevens on tomorrow (3pm) before visiting Carterton in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup on Tuesday (7.45pm).