FAIRFORD Town returned to the top of the Hellenic League Division One West table with a 3-0 away win over Easington Sports.

After dropping two points last time out against Clanfield 85’, Gareth Davies was desperate for his side to redeem themselves.

The Fairford boss was made to wait as the first half ended with neither team able to make the breakthrough but five minutes into the second half, the visitors took the lead when Matt Boucher notched the game’s opening goal.

Levi Cox chipped in with Fairford’s second 10 minutes later, which is his 11th goal in nine games for the club, before Lee Smith completed the scoring two minutes from time.

“To be fair, I thought it was a professional performance because you always have to work hard to get anything from Easington,” said Davies

“We went out with the right attitude and it was very workmanlike, and once we got our noses in front, I don’t think we were going to lose the game.

“It’s huge that we got the win because the Clanfield game was so disappointing for obvious reasons. The players realised that if they wanted to achieve anything, they can’t afford not to deliver.

“I thought we looked solid. The back five were very good and going forward, I think we are always a threat.”

Fairford now sit at the top of the league standings, with second-placed Hook Norton two points behind with a game in hand.

“We play Hook Norton in a couple of weeks, which will make it very interesting. We just need to keep our heads down and work hard,” added the Fairford manager.

“We can’t rely on anybody to do us favours. You have to go out and do it yourself.”

Davies’ side now have a quick turnaround as they face Flackwell Heath in the Floodlit Cup tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Elsewhere, Purton showed no lack of match sharpness as they registered a routine 2-1 win away at Clanfield.

Justin Miller’s men took a 2-0 lead into the break with goals from Matt Bennett and David Coleman before Michael Duerden got one back for the hosts.

However, Shrivenham endured a weekend to forget as they lost 2-0 to Cheltenham Saracens, who have only won four games this season.