GARETH Davies was full of praise for his Shrivenham players at the way they raised their game in the second half to secure a 2-1 win at home to Wantage Town in the Hellenic League Premier Division on Saturday.

Ryan Markham’s penalty gave Wantage the lead at the break at Barrington Park, but Davies rallied his troops at half-time and goals from Antonio Gerrish and Tom Ballard sealed a comeback win for Shrivvy.

“To come in at 1-0 down at half-time was a bit harsh as I thought we had played some decent stuff, but we gave away a penalty which could have been avoided,” said Davies.

“Considering Wantage are supposed to be title contenders, I thought we matched them in the first half.

“Apart from picking the ball out of the net, I don’t think our goalkeeper had a save to make in the first half, so if we had gone in at 0-0 at half-time, I thought that would have been a fair reflection.

“I had to tell the players a few home truths at half-time, but what we also said was that if we went up another gear and really committed ourselves, we could get something from the game.

“One goal normally brings two and we went out in the second half with a different attitude.

“We worked ridiculously hard and I thought we were well worth the three points in the end.”

Elsewhere, Fairford Town went down 3-0 at Ascot United, with Jonathan Denton scoring twice and Daniel Price once for the home side.

Royal Wootton Bassett Town were in action on Friday night and shared a 1-1 draw at home to Brimscombe & Thrupp.

Ashley Caldwell gave the visitors the lead at the break, but TJ Bohane rescued a point for Bassett in the second half.

In Division One West, Swindon New College were thumped 11-0 at Easington Sports, while Malmesbury Victoria lost 2-0 at Thornbury Town.