ASCOT United became the first side to lose to Burnham this season when going down 2-1 at The Gore on Saturday.

The Yellamen were quickly brought back to earth following their midweek Hellenic Floodlit Cup 1-0 win over Thame, who are unbeaten in the league.

Burnham had lost every league and cup game this season - the worst record in Step 5 - including a 7-2 defeat at Ascot last month.

But the side now guided by former Watford strikers Gifton Noel-Williams and Luther Blissett had shown much improved form in recent weeks and had pushed Bracknell all the way before losing 2-0 last week.

The game started well enough for the Yellamen with Jack Smillie’s deflected effort striking the post. Then James Goodey and Theo Jones struck wayward shots when well-placed for Ascot.

United went ahead on 36 minutes after a six-man move which ended with debutant Gareth Chendlik knocking down Smillie’s cross for Louie Gilpin to stab home.

The lead, however, lasted barely 60 seconds. Burnham broke down the right, where Elliot Amadeau had held off Gary Smith before squaring for Calvin Kalinga to fire into the roof of the net.

Burnham should have taken a 50th-minute lead after a mix up in the Ascot defence, but Amadeau sent his shot wide.

United had strong appeals for a penalty turned down before falling behind in the 59th minute. Their defence was caught out by the pace of Amadeau, who stabbed the ball past keeper Carl Dennison.

Jessie Wilson, who had netted the winner against Thame, went close to equalising with a header from a Smillie corner, while Luke Wilson fired into the side-netting when clean through.

With Burnham down to 10 men following Kalinga’s dismissal for two yellow cards, Ascot made one final push, only for Chendlik’s shot to be superbly blocked by the home defence.

In six minutes of added time, Dennison was pushed up for two corners, but the hosts held on for a victory that their brave defending deserved.

Ascot, who were due to entertain Oxford City Nomads last night (Tuesday), travel to Kent to play Southern Counties East League side Hollands & Blair in the FA Vase first round on Saturday (3pm).