MANAGER Jamie Tompkins says Ascot United are in a "very good" position as they go into the new year, writes Dave Wright.

Their 2-0 win over Longlevens on Saturday left them second in the Hellenic League, just one point behind leaders Brackley Town Saints albeit having played three more games.

"We considered December to be a crucial month for us and we won six games and drew the other, so that is very pleasing," said Tompkins.

"We have left ourselves in a very good position going into 2019. With a cup quarter-final to look forward to as well, things are looking very positive for us."

The Yellamen, however, fell short of showing their top form against a Longlevens side who now find themselves at the foot of the Premier Division standings.

"We did not perform very well, we did not play to the best of our ability," admitted Tompkins.

"I think when we play teams down at the bottom end of the table, we tend to drop our levels as well.

"We did not reach the intensity we know we are capable of reaching and did not show our usual quality in the final third.

"We should have scored four or five, we were not ruthless enough in front of their goal. There were some really good combinations in our attacking play in the final third, but we do need to shoot more."

Skipper Louis Bouvers showed his side the way to goal after 13 minutes when heading home a corner from Jonny Denton, who after the game was named his club's player-of-the-month for December.

It needed a goal-line clearance by George Lock to deny the visitors an equaliser before the Yellamen doubled their lead in the 33rd minute through Luqman Kassim, his shot from near the edge of the area taking a deflection off a defender's head and looping over keeper Ash Wintle.

Ascot totally dominated the second half, but were unable to add to their tally, although substitute Harry Laflin had a 'goal' ruled out for offside and Nathan Minhas hit the foot of the post.

United – beaten only once in their last 14 league and cup games – visit third-placed Brimscombe & Thrupp this Saturday.