BOSS Gareth Davies reckons Lewis Petrie proved exactly why he brought him to Fairford Town after bagging a brace on debut in a 3-3 draw at Carterton.

Striker Petrie only arrived at the club from Wootton Bassett on Monday, with Davies finally landing his man after a lengthy pursuit.

“Lewis is a quality player and he showed why we were so keen to bring him here,” said Davies.

“I have been after him for a while now and I am delighted to get him on board at last.

“He showed us all what he is about and I couldn’t be happier with the way he has gone about his business.

“He just gave us something different up front and I’m sure he’s going to be a big player for us moving forward.”

Second-from-bottom Fairford had lost their previous three matches in Division One (West) but looked on course for a shock win at Carterton.

Davies men recovered from an early setback to outplay their hosts and were only denied all three points by a equaliser just minutes before the final whistle.

The visitors found themselves behind early on but Petrie marked his debut with a bang and quickly levelled things up with a crisp finish.

Stuart Fraser then fired Fairford ahead for the first time but the home side restored parity and the teams headed into the break all-square.

Petrie’s second-half spot-kick put Town back in control but they could not quite see the job through and Carterton snatched a share of the spoils late on after both teams had a man sent off.

“It feels like a defeat after being in front for so long. We played so well but just couldn’t quite hold on,” added Davies.

“But there’s loads to be positive about because I had five reserves lads come into the team tonight as we were down to the bare bones. None of those lads let themselves down and can hold their heads high.

“We were really up against it but we put in a performance that everyone can be proud of.

“And this also brings an end to a run of games where we’ve been spanked a little bit, so we are definitely looking up.”

A last-minute Ascot United equaliser denied Highworth Town all three points in a nervy Premier Division encounter.

TJ Bohane’s spectacular overhead kick had given John Fisher’s side the lead in the first half and they had looked likely to hold onto that advantage throughout the second period only for third-placed Ascot to snatch a share of the spoils at the death.

It was also a disappointing night for struggling Shrivenham as they were beaten 3-0 at Bracknell Town. The visitors also finished the game with ten men following a sending off in the second.