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, writes Dave Wright.

A new signing from Farnborough Town, the former John Madejski Academy scholar had scored one and set up two in the Yellamen’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 and I hope he continues 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 recent encounters, there was little to choose between the sides. The respective defences generally had the measure of the opposing forwards and clear cut chances were few and far between.

Mo Davies threatened to break the deadlock late in the first half when he headed wide, 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 hammered a shot past Michael Cadle.

Fraser later squandered another opportunity when he seized onto a misclearance in the home defence.

Player-boss 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. “We created more than Ascot, but they had one real chance and took it.

“My defence has been fantastic this season, but I felt we made mistakes. We made it easier for him (Fraser) to score. I hope we learn from our mistakes and we will go again next Saturday.”

l IBIS secretary Chris Gallimore, a qualified Step 7 official, filled in as one of referee Richard Dow’s assistants on Saturday after Mohammed Mahboob was stuck in an M4 traffic jam and did not arrive until 4.30pm.