HEAD coach Aaron Steadman says Ascot United have exceeded expectations after seeing them finish seventh in the Hellenic League's Premier Division, writes Dave Wright.

"We've all learned a lot this season," he commented. "We have a great group of young players who have achieved more than we could have hoped for. Just to be involved at the right end of the table all season has been amazing."

Having finished 14th the previous year, the Yellamen spent much of the season in the top four or five, but were left with a final placing of seventh following their 1-0 defeat at Flackwell Heath on Monday.

Steadman tweeted: "Rubbish game, rubbish performance."

Yet, his side were unlucky in the 16th minute when Sheridan Campbell fired against the crossbar from Fabien Etienne's left-wing cross.

Campbell went close again in the second half, while Kai Walters saw his flick strike the crossbar.

Flackwell also had their opportunities as they looked to get back to winning ways following their 6-0 hammering by Windsor last week and they secured all three points with a goal from substitute Ashley Howell in the 72nd minute.

Howell was only denied a late second goal by a brilliant close-range block by keeper Sam Gray, United's man of the match.

Jamie Tompkins' side came through the game without any injury worries and so should be at full strength for their Bluefin Sports Cup final against Windsor at Ardley on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6.

l PADDY Gardner bagged a brace as Sandhurst Town won 3-1 at Epsom & Ewell in Division One of the Combined Counties League.

Ashley Ledger opened the scoring on 23 minutes from a chance set up by Bobby Mitchell and Grant Kemp.

Six minutes later Ledger's cross was headed home by Gardner, who netted again on 40 minutes following a long clearance by keeper Matt Watson.

Jordan Gallagher pulled one back for the hosts in the 68th minute, but the Fizzers always looked in control of the game, producing a good all-round team performance.

They are sixth in the table ahead of their visit to fourth-placed Tooting Bec this Saturday, their final fixture of the season.

Eversley & California conclude their season at home to Chessington & Hook United this coming Saturday (3pm).