FAIRFORD Town registered their first Hellenic League Premier Division win of the season in dramatic fashion as they came from behind to beat Abindgon United 3-2.

Jody Bevan’s side were 2-0 down until a late fight back saw them snatch all three points.

Ben Lodge and Mason Thompson restored parity with a goal apiece before Jonathan Thomas stole the show with a winner deep into injury time.

While boss Bevan praised his side for their character, he said the problem would have been avoidable if they had made a better start.

“It was important to get off the mark with the win. It has been a long time coming and it probably took a bit longer than we were expecting it to,” said Bevan.

“In the first half, it wasn’t going well and we said some harsh words at half-time. Fortunately, it was what they needed.

“I don’t want to to go overboard about it because I’ve been telling the players for weeks that we aren’t a bad side, we have just been underachieving.

“We showed a huge amount of character to pull one out of the bag like that and it is frustrating they need harsh words before they perform.

“Several times before Saturday we have gone behind, scored to get back into it but it was too late.

“The aim is not to have a bad first-half performance to start with. If we do play like we did in the second half for the whole game, we will be a dangerous team.”

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Royal Wootton Bassett Town surrendered a first-half lead to draw 1-1 away to Brackley Town Saints.

Mark James had fired Sam Collier’s side ahead, but his goal was cancelled out in the second half.

Meanwhile in Division One West, Malmesbury Victoria suffered their first defeat of the season as they lost 3-0 at home to Clanfield.

Premier Division side Shrivenham and Division One West outfit New College were both without a fixture this weekend.