Bradley Fraser maintained his excellent start for Ascot United by scoring the goal in his side's 1-0 win over Highmoor Ibis at Palmer Park on Saturday.

A new signing from Farnborough Town, the former John Madejski Academy scholar had scored one and set up the other two goals in the Yellaman's 3-0 defeat of Abingdon United last week.

"He's is a good addition to our squad," said Ascot manager Jeff Lamb. "We had him in the summer, but he decided he wanted to have a go at playing at a higher level. But I don't think he got into the team. He is only young and wanted to get back playing regularly, so he's come back to us.

"He produced a good finish today (Saturday) and I hope he continued to enjoy his football with us."

Fraser's second-half winner gave United an early-season double over Highmoor, which left Lamb "over the moon."

He added: "This (Palmer Park) is a very difficult place to come to, so getting six points against Highmoor is excellent, as we lost both games to them last season."

Like most other encounters in recent seasons, there was little to choose between the two sides.

The respective defences generally had the measure of the opposing forwards and clear cut chances were few and far between.

Mo Davies had a chance to break the deadlock late in the first half when he headed wide from a good position, but then just after the break Mitchell Parker had keeper Chris Grace scrambling across his line to save at the second attempt.

The winner came after 57 minutes when Joe Grant threaded the ball through to Fraser, who moved into the area before hammering a shot past keeper Michael Cadle.

Fraser later squandered a good opportunity to score again when he seized onto a misclearance in the home defence.

Player-manager Marcus Richardson made three substitutions, including bringing himself on, and they put Ascot under pressure.

A good chance fell to Sanchez Commack, but his weak effort proved no problem for Grace.

To add to Highmoor's woe, Ibe Bangura had to be carried off the field with an ankle injury.

"Obviously, I was very disappointed with the result," said Richardson. "I am not saying we created a lot of chances, but we created more than them, but they had one real chance and took it.

“My defence has been fantastic this season, but I felt we made mistakes in letting them score. We gave the ball away and then the defence dropped off and failed to hold their line. We made it easier for him (Fraser) to score.

"Making mistakes does hurt, but I hope we learn from them and we will go again next Saturday."

l Highmoor secretary Chris Gallimore, a qualified Step 7 official, had to fill in as one of referee Richard Dow's assistants on Saturday after Mohammed Mahboob had been caught up in the massive traffic jam on the M4. Mahboob left Abingdon at 1pm and did not arrive at Palmer Park until around 4.30pm.