FAIRFORD Town continued their faultless start to the new season by making progress in the FA Cup following a battling 3-2 victory at home to Enfield 1893.

Jody Bevan’s side have started their Hellenic League Premier Division programme with two wins from two games and carried that excellent form into the cup by edging home in Saturday’s extra preliminary round tie.

Fairford had looked in total control at half-time at Cinder Lane as Connor Thompson netted a brace of goals to put them 2-0 in front.

Enfield rallied in the opening stages of the second second half and two unanswered goals brought them back level on the scoreboard.

Fairford were not to be denied, though, and Ben Lodge bagged a winner to continue his side’s winning start to the new campaign and send them through to the next round of the FA Cup in the process.

Manager Bevan said: “We made very hard work of it in the end.

“We were absolutely superb in the first half. We were 2-0 up and coasting, having played some brilliant football.

“It looked as if we would go on and win comfortably but there was a mad 10 minutes at the start of the second half and we suddenly found ourselves at 2-2.

“It became a real slog after that and we are just absolutely delighted that it was us who managed to get the third goal, hold on and get through to the next round.

“I think the prize money we get for winning is £2,800, and I think there is guaranteed money in the next round, even if we go out.

“We are probably looking at £3,500 at least as a result of winning at the weekend, which is huge for a club like ours.”

Royal Wootton Bassett Town and Shrivenham were unable to join Fairford in the hat for the preliminary round draw, although they have another chance in Tuesday night replays on the road after each registered a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Chris Jackson had put Bassett ahead in their home game against Aylesbury Dynamos, although the visitors restored parity before half-time.

Shrivenham had also been in the driving seat against Holmer Green as Tom Ballard put them in front at the break, but the Barrington Park side conceded a second-half equaliser.

Malmesbury Victoria’s cup hopes are over, though, as they lost 3-0 away at Longlevens.

New College were in league action in Division One West and endured another tough afternoon, losing 8-1 at Moreton Rangers.

College had been thumped 13-0 by Malmesbury in last weekend’s season-opener.