BINFIELD hot-shot Ian Davies has started the new season where he left off the last one, writes Dave Wright.

The club’s record scorer bagged both goals in the 2-1 Hellenic League Premier Division victory at Brackley Town Saints in April and he followed up with another brace in the 4-1 win at Ardley United on Saturday.

The Moles were quickly into their stride and grabbed a two-goal lead inside the opening 15 minutes with Davies on target both times.

It got even better for Roger Herridge’s men when they increased their lead through Jeff Brown after 38 minutes and they went into half-time well in control of the match.

Ardley, back in the top flight after winning Division One West last season, pulled one goal back with a penalty from Billy Gillett, but the Moles defence stayed firm and regained their three-goal advantage through Carlo Santoro in the 78th minute.

“It was a nice way to start, especially away from home,” said Herridge, who described it as an “unspectacular but convincing” performance from his side who were missing new signings Jemel Johnson and Danny Horscroft, as well as Charlie Tuttle, who has rejoined the club like Johnson.

“It was pleasing to score four goals away from home and we could easily have won even more comfortably with the number of chances we created.”

Moles had gone into the game with their confidence on a real high following their 3-2 win over neighbours Bracknell Town in their final warm-up game at Hill Farm Lane last Tuesday.

They were on the back foot for long periods, but defended well against their former Hellenic League rivals.

Binfield took a 20th-minute lead when Danny Horscroft, who has joined the club from Woodley United, turned in a well-flighted free-kick from skipper James Knight.

A penalty enabled the Robins to draw level through Seb Bowerman just before half-time, but defender Brown restored Binfield’s lead with a well-placed low drive on 52 minutes and four minutes later substitute Eddie Lee made it 3-1 with a shot that proved too hot for keeper Chris Grace.

Bracknell player-manager Carl Davies pulled one back five minutes from time and only the crossbar denied Joe Grant snatching a late equaliser, but Moles held on for a victory that they deserved.

Moles included Khalid Senussi, who was released by Bracknell last week.

Having played at Wantage last night, Binfield take to the road again this coming Saturday when they visit Combined Counties League side Farnham Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.

“I have a disastrous record in the FA Cup and the FA Vase and we have got to start putting that right,” said Herridge.

“Paul Clayton (coach) and myself have told the players when it comes to these ties the only problem we want is “who do we leave out, rather than who is available.”

Binfield’s first home game is against newly-named Reading City (formerly Highmoor Ibis) next Monday evening (7.45pm).