NATHAN Minhas made it six goals in three games as he helped Ascot United defeat Camberley Town 2-1 in their FA Cup extra preliminary round tie, writes Dave Wright.

Their new signing from Maidenhead United was following up his hat-trick in the Yellamen’s 4-1 Hellenic League win against Ardley the previous Tuesday.

Minhas also had the distinction of netting the first FA Cup goal of the season, as it came after just three minutes of their tie played last Friday.

Originally, Ascot announced it was an own goal, with Camberley keeper Harry Birchnall thinking the same.

But Minhas was in no doubt, saying after the game: “I definitely scored it.”

It came with a header following a long throw-in from Chris Ellis, wide out on the left.

Shortly afterwards, Ellis, playing against his former club, nearly set up a second goal, with Dan Price being denied by Birchnall at the expense of a corner.

United continued to look slightly the better of two sides and deservedly led at half-time.

The pattern continued in the second half with Kai Walters forcing Birchnall into making another excellent stop.

Ascot had loud shouts for a penalty for handball turned down before they doubled their lead in the 54th minute.

From a Jonny Denton corner, James Haworth headed home via the underside of the crossbar with Ellis following up to make sure the goal stood.

But they were only two ahead for eight minutes as the Combined Counties League side pulled one back when the unmarked Brad Smith popped up at the far post to turn home a right-wing cross from Matt Glass.

Their hopes of getting back on level terms suffered a blow in the 75th minute when Dan Danisie received a straight red card for a late challenge on Waters.

Ascot were only denied a third goal by a series of saves from Birchnall, but Camberley also had a few chances as they pressed for a late equaliser.

Jamie Tompkins’ side deserved their win and will now meet Wessex League side Horndean at home on August 25.

Last Friday’s crowd of 277 included visitors from Italy and Germany plus a Norwegian ground-hopper who went on to watch the FA Cup derby between Sunderland RCA v Sunderland Ryhope CW on Saturday.

Having visited Holmer Green last night (Tuesday), the Yellamen host Lydney Town in a Hellenic League fixture on Saturday (3pm).