IT has been a mixed week of results for Combined Counties League leaders Ascot United, writes Dave Wright.

They won 1-0 away to Guildford City last Saturday, only to lose 2-1 at home to Molesey on Tuesday, the visitors grabbing a late winner.

The Yellamen produced a battling performance on a terrible pitch at Guildford after playing for more than half the game with 10 men following the dismissal of Elliott Carey.

Seeking to avenge a 3-0 defeat at the Racecourse Ground last October, the Yellamen were soon on the attack with Ian Davies sending a lob just wide in the ninth minute, but both sides struggled on a heavy surface and scoring chances were few and far between.

The only goal of the game came just after the half-hour mark. Calum Ferguson swung over a corner which caused havoc in the area and in attempting to clear, two City defenders contrived to force the ball into their own net.

Shortly afterwards, United had defender Carey shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge.

Despite their numerical advantage, Ascot held out comfortably to secure their 10th away win in 14 league trips.

But, at home, it's been a different story, with four defeats in nine games, the latest coming with a below-par performance against fellow top-four side Molesey.

They started well enough and squandered early chances before the visitors struck in the 36th minute through Olakeko Osideko, who followed up after his first effort had been blocked by keeper Sam Gray.

United had a great chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty, only to see Ian Davies' spot-kick smartly saved by goalie Liam Allen, diving to his right.

Molesey lacked discipline and in each half had a player sent to the sin-bin, and it could easily have been more.

They were down to 10 men when Kai Walters fired home an 82nd-minute equaliser from close range following a corner.

But the scores were not level for long with skipper Joe Pratley-Jones heading home a late winner for the visitors, ending Ascot's six-match unbeaten run.

The Yellamen remain top of the Premier Division table ahead of Saturday's home game with second-bottom Hanworth Villa, holding a two-point advantage (47-45) over Spelthorne Sports, with Knaphill and Molesey both on 43 points, the latter having been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.

In the Hellenic League Premier Division, Virginia Water's home fixture with Fairford Town last Saturday was postponed as due to a waterlogged pitch.

Their next scheduled appearance at Stag Meadow is against Ardley United a week on Saturday, February 1.