Cinder Lane side picks up three points after thumping Shortwood (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Cinder Lane side picks up three points after thumping Shortwood

FAIRFORD Town continue to slug it out on the periphery of the Hellenic Premier Division title race after picking up maximum points at the weekend.

The in-form Cinder Lane side moved up to seventh place in the table with a fourth successive win, thumping their Shortwood United visitors by five goals to two.

The Fairford team, who have their new-look strike force to thank for this comprehensive victory, were also pleased to see the return of Lee Kilfoyle after a long-term injury.

Phil Corcoran claimed an early brace and fellow forward Neil Matthews hit a hat-trick to leave manager Mark Webb singing the pair's praises.

"We were deadly in front of goal today," said a well pleased Webb.

"Phil and Neil were superb throughout and so clinical with their chances. They have struck up a great partnership."

It was Corcoran who got the ball rolling with two goals inside 20 minutes. Chris Hughes played in the recent signing from Stratton for the first and the second was a delightful chip from distance.

And Corcoran then teed up Matthews to make it 3-0 before the break. Matthews himself struck twice more in the second half before Shortwood reduced arrears with two late consolation goals.

For this Saturday's Premier League fixture, Fairford prepare to entertain a Southall side who won 5-0 at Chipping Norton in Tuesday evening's league match, and who are just three places above Fairford in the table, 3pm ko.

Fairford will also be keeping an eye on the Norman Matthews Floodlit semi-final second leg between Premier League rivals Slimbridge and Gloucester United, set to be played on Tuesday, February 3, with Slimbridge holding a 1-0 lead.

For the very next evening (Wednesday) and having reached the same stage of this competition, Fairford visit Gloucester United with a 2-1 advantage and also knowing who their opponents will be should they make it to the final.