ROGER Herridge heaped praise on striker Ian Davies after seeing him blast a quickfire double in Binfield’s 3-2 win at Lydney on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

“He has such an influence on the side,” said the Moles manager, pictured right.

“We’ve got someone at No. 9 setting an example at the age of 32. He gives you energy, works hard and chases lost causes. He scored two great goals and must have been disappointed not to have got a hat-trick.”

Davies opened his account after six minutes, only for Frankie Johnson to equalise for the hosts three minutes later.

In-form Davies, with his 22nd goal of the season, restored Binfield’s lead on 16 minutes, but once again it was short lived, with Jack Rutter quickly making it 2-2.

“It was certainly an eventful first 20 minutes,” said Herridge.

He then saw Sean Moore put the Moles back in front after 35 minutes and this time they were able to stay ahead for the rest of the game.

“I think that is the first time I have gone down there and managed to get three points, although I have drawn a few times,” added Herridge, whose side had won 2-1 at Bishops Cleeve Development in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup last Wednesday. “It was certainly not the easiest place to go to especially on the back of the long trip we also had to make in midweek.

“The pitch was playable, but it was difficult to play on and a leveller.”

Herridge felt his Moles were “by far the better side”, adding: “We missed a few chances and it was our mistakes that kept them (Lydney) in the game.

“Considering the long trip and the conditions, it was a great three points.”

Moles, who had Liam Gavin making his debut, stay sixth in the table, but with now a five-point lead over the seventh club, Brimscombe & Thrupp, who lost 4-0 at Brackley Town Saints, with a game in hand.

“Hopefully, we are in the top six to stay,”said Herridge.

The Moles went on to beat Oxford City Nomads 3-2 last night.

The home side led 1-0 at the break, but a 55th-minute penalty from Carlo Santoro and a quick-fire brace from substitute Liam Gavin earned Binfield the points despite a late Connor Mattimore effort.

Binfield are without a game this Saturday. A week later they are back in Gloucestershire, with Longlevens their destination.