Badshot Lea manager Gavin Smith felt unforced errors cost his side after they slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Ascot United in the Isthmian League South Central Division on New Year’s Day.

The Baggies fell behind in the 16th minute when Jay Welch volleyed home, but Smith’s side got back on level terms on 32 minutes when Josh Keeya lashed the ball into the top corner.

Ascot regained the lead in the 56th minute through Ollie Harries, and George Hedley’s own goal on 68 minutes made it 3-1 to the home side.

The Baggies picked up another injury in the game, with Steven Sylla going off early on.

“Ascot’s first goal was a great volley – it was great technique,” said Smith.

“Looking at it Harry Cawdron has got to do better – he should be saving it. I expect him to save it.

“We were 1-0 down but they didn’t do a lot.

“We lost Steven to an injury, which was a shame.

“The equaliser was a great strike by Josh.

“Towards the end of the first half we controlled the game and had a lot of the ball.

“We went in at half-time and felt we could go on to get the win.

“For the first ten minutes of the second half we played well, but we then made an error and were punished.

“We gave the ball away and they scored.

“If we are forced into errors by the opposition I can accept that – but we’re making unforced errors which are leading to goals, which is disappointing.

“Ascot’s manager said they were waiting for us to make errors.

“Unfortunately, we’re missing our wide players at the minute. Anuar Ceesay was suspended, which isn’t ideal.

“We also haven’t got much competition at the back or in midfield. We’re looking to get a couple of players in.

“I always expect us to play well on 3G pitches, but our record on 3G pitches is poor. I can’t put my finger on it.

“We’re not going to get too down about it. As long as we’re playing the way we want to play and controlling possession that’s fine.”

Next up for Badshot Lea is a trip to Metropolitan Police in the Isthmian League South Central Division on Saturday afternoon (3pm). The Baggies then host Marlow in the league at Westfield Lane next Tuesday night (January 9).