North Berks League (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

North Berks League

PHIL Riding and Oliver O'Hanlon hit a goal apiece in as many second-half minutes to give Ardington and Lockinge a 2-0 victory over last season's Division One runners-up Faringdon Town.

Both sides contributed richly to the game but it was the young Faringdon team, prompted by Steve Olphert, who started brightest with Matthew Pill and Robbie Owen unable to beat veteran Ardington keeper Simon Bunce when in good positions.

Faringdon's keeper Mike Kelly did just enough to deflect Tom Weeks' shot wide early on.

At the start of the second period, Town's Chris Benson had a shot cleared off the line by Adam Learoyd after a tricky run.

Just as the game needed a goal Riding struck, finding space and squeezing a shot under Kelly.

Moments later Faringdon could scarcely believe it as O'Hanlon tried a 30-yard shot, which Kelly got fingertips to, but could not keep out of the net. Ten minutes from time, Faringdon's frustration culminated in Robbie Harrington being shown the red card for a dangerous tackle.

Saxton Rovers also fielded a young side and they gave a determined display to defeat Harwell International 2-1, with both goals coming from Kevin Giddings.

Meanwhile, Lambourn Sports had the edge over East Hendred with a Craig Hill goal settling matters.

Coleshill United received an almighty shock in their first game in the top flight as they went 3-0 down in the first 25 minutes to Marcham.

They recovered however to rescue a point in a 4-4 draw, with a hat-trick from Garry Sutton and a goal from Steve Reeves.

In Division Two, Shrivenham A have started well and top the early table after an 8-0 win over Northcroft. Liam Humphreys grabbed a treble with others from Danny Prescott (2), Neil Sutton (2) and Marc Pugh.