A first-half brace from Ian Davies was enough to secure all three points for Binfield, despite a late strike from the visitors setting up a nervy finish.

It had been a shaky start to the season for Binfield, crashing out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking and falling to a defeat at home to Oxford City Nomads.

But the Moles have taken seven points from their last three games - conceding just once - and it looks like they could be hitting form, as Herridge predicted at the start of the season.

The Binfield assistant manager was pleased with what he saw on Saturday, adding that it was a lot more comfortable than the scoreline suggested.

“We were really good value for the win,” he said. “We created several chances and it could’ve been three or four at half-time.

“Credit to Newbury they gave it a little go in the second-half but we were comfortable and deserved winners.

“We created a lot of chances and played with energy that was lacking in our last game.” He continued: “There were a lot of positives from today. Ian Davies grabbed two goals and that’s what he is all about.

“If he isn’t scoring goals then he’s not happy. Unusually he didn’t get a chance against Holyport but he was in the right positions on Saturday and got two but could’ve had four.

“There were a lot of good performances though. Alex Luis made his debut and showed what a good player he is.

“He was only 75% fit but we got a good 70 minutes out of him and he showed what he can do.

“Joe Havermans is another. He’s just come back from injury but his performance was pleasing and he did what he had to very well.” It was a solid performance from Binfield, who were ahead from the 10th minute onwards when Davies headed home from a Callum Whitty cross.

Hill Farm Lane was treated to a first-half of attacking football as the Moles carved their opponents open on numerous occasions.

Seb Bowerman was at the heart of everything and created an opening for Josh Warren, but he could only fire against the crossbar as Binfield looked to extend their lead.

It was 2-0 on the half hour mark when Davies helped himself to his second of the game as the visitors struggled to get close to him.

Binfield were good value for their lead at half-time but Newbury improved in the second-half and were more of a threat throughout.

Dan Weait was forced into action on a couple of occasions but the Moles were also creating chances of their own.

Appeals for a penalty were waved away when Jemel Johnson was brought down in the box, whilst Johnson’s cross shortly after was headed just wide by Davies.

Matthew Pedder pulled one back from a direct free-kick in the closing stages but Binfield held on to secure an important three points and move up to sixth in the Hellenic Premier Division, just three points off leaders Flackwell Heath.

The Moles travel to Ardley United on Saturday (3pm), looking to build on their recent good form.

Herridge is expecting a tough trip but hopes Binfield can continue their good record against Ardley over recent years.

“It’s never an easy place to go,” said Herridge. “They’ve lost a couple of players and suffered a few injuries so far this season but they’re a good team.

“They’re one of those teams that you look at at the start of the season and think if we finish above them then we’ll win the league.

“We had some hard battles last season and they beat us 3-0 one game but we tend to have had the upper hand recently with them.

“We’ll be well prepared and looking to build on Saturday’s victory.”