Fairford make winning start in their opening Hellenic League match (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fairford make winning start in their opening Hellenic League match

FAIRFORD Town got off to a winning start in their opening Hellenic League game of the 2004-5 season with a 2-1 victory over Premier Division new boys Wantage Town at Cinder Lane at the weekend.

A reasonable attendance of 78 on Saturday saw the hosts take the lead in the 18th minute through a Phil Corcoran header.

More poor central defending from the Oxfordshire side allowed Corcoran to add a second goal after 31 minutes.

The visiting defence looked all over the place at this stage, and Fairford should have gone on to seal a more convincing victory.

However, in the second period, Wantage came right back into the match.

Their cause was helped when Fairford's new defender, Stuart Hodson, making his debut, received a straight red card for comments made to one of the assistant referees, and this piece of indiscipline almost cost Fairford the points.

For almost immediately, Wantage pull a goal back when goalkeeper James Price, who had a very good game overall, dropped a cross for Mills to score.

After the sending-off and the goal, Fairford were forced to defend deep and soak up endless pressure as their opponents went in search of an equaliser and a share of the spoils.

So three points, a sending-off and a booking made it a mixed day for the home side.

Tuesday evening's trip to Didcot Town ended in a close defeat for Fairford.

A crowd of 128 witnessed a well contested affair which was won 1-0 by the hosts, courtesy of a goal from Concannon in the 24th minute.

For this Saturday's league match, Fairford get set to entertain Witney United, 3pm ko.

On Bank Holiday Monday (August 30), Fairford travel to Shortwood United, 3pm ko.

And on Saturday, September 4 (3pm ko), Fairford will be looking to make progress in the FA Challenge Cup by disposing of visitors Almondsbury Town in the preliminary round of this competition.