INFLUENTIAL centre half Sam Ockwell is to remain with Fairford Town for the new 2017/18 season.

The defender made 39 appearances last season, 30 of them as captain, as the Reds stormed to the Hellenic Division One West title.

Ockwell was the first summer signing of 2016, joining from Toolstation Western League side Corsham. He also lists Royal Wootton Bassett among his former clubs.

Fairford continued their pre-season campaign with a solid workout against Oxford United’s Academy side on Saturday.

The U’s impressed with a well-rounded performance to earn a 2-0 win at Cinder Lane, but the Reds saw a plethora of second half chances go begging.

Moving the ball well on the slick surface, Oxford scored a purler of an opener from distance to take a one goal half-time lead.

Fairford saw second-half chances for Lee Smith and Sean McKeon go close before Andy Whing’s side doubled their advantage.

It was a much improved display from the home side who now head to Roman Glass, managed by former Swindon defender Andy Gurney, on Wednesday night, to be played at the GFA Headquarters.