SHRIVENHAM shocked Premier Division Brackley Town Saints in the Hellenic League Challenge Cup first round to set-up a second round clash with neighbours Highworth Town.

Josh Bright got Gareth Davies’ Division One West troops ahead, and in the second half they were handed a boost when their counterparts were reduced to 10 men.

However, Brackley got back on terms after the dismissal, before Danny Hale finished well to seal a Challenge Cup win to the delight of Davies.

“We just try and do things properly, do things right and get the best out of our players,” he said.

“I think if you get that right and stick to your beliefs, you can’t go too far wrong.

“We went into it as underdogs, anybody who goes in playing against a team from a higher level will always be underdogs.

“We said to the players they have nothing to lose and if they gave their all, you will always have a chance because it is 11 blokes against 11.”

There was a trio of cup wins for Fairford Town, Highworth Town and Royal Wootton Bassett all progressing.

Highworth, who made nine changes to their starting XI, were forced to come from behind to claim a 4-1 win against Division One West basement side Tytherington Rocks.

The visitors took the initiative and held a slender 1-0 advantage going but a goal from Jake Kitchen meant the teams were level at the break.

In the second half, Highworth turned on the style, as Jon Davoile put the hosts ahead in the 53rd minute. A second half double from Josh Jones wrapped up the win, as the Worthians celebrate their 13th win across all competitions, with their only defeat coming in the FA Cup.

Royal Wootton Bassett have also kept up their recent form with a narrow 1-0 win against Clanfield 85, who are also from Division One West, due to Sam Collier’s strike.

Rich Hunter will be happy with his team as that victory elongates their winning streak to nine games in all competitions.

Like Highworth, Fairford had to come back from an early deficit to win in their clash with Kidlington Reserves.

George Thrussell restored parity for the hosts, before Liam Gale’s stunning strike proved to be a fitting winner to the match.

In the next round, Highworth will travel to Shrivenham, while Fairford will host Bassett, in a repeat of their FA Vase clash earlier in the season.

In Division One West, New College suffered a 3-0 defeat at leaders Ardley United, who made it eight wins from as many matches.