FAIRFORD TOWN ran out 2-0 winners against Old Woodstock Town on Saturday, but were made to work for it by a determined display from the visitors.

Uhlsport Hellenic Div One West

Fairford Town 2

Old Woodstock Town 0

Fairford started the game well and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening exchanges. Nathan Gambling went clean through on 16 minutes but his effort landed just the wrong side of the crossbar.

Gambling then went close again before Matt Boucher's drive was well held by Sam Warrell in the visitors' goal. Fairford dominated the remainder of the half but could not find a way past the visitors' backline.

After the break, the Reds continued to enjoy the majority of the possession and ramped up the pressure on the visitors. The Old Woodstock captain, Sam Warrell, was enjoying a fine afternoon in between the sticks and he came to the rescue on the hour to deny Dan Bailey with a flying save.

Just beyond the hour, James Skinner came off the bench to replace Adam Smith, and the opening goal followed shortly after. A corner was met at the near post by Gambling who flashed his near-post header into the net.

Further chances came Fairford’s way with the home side now dominant. Bailey, Skinner and Parsons were all denied by Warrell before the home side finally found the net again.

A mazy run from Parsons in from the right – deep in injury-time – saw the ball crossed for Cameron McLarty who side-footed the ball home to seal the win.