Davis hoping to get a boost as Ardley lose unbeaten run

Davis saw his side’s unbeaten premier division run under him come to an abrupt end in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at the hands of Highworth Town and will be looking for a good response in next Tuesday’s game.

Ardley had to play for most of the game with only ten men after Lewis Stafford got a straight red card in the opening exchanges for a reckless challenge. That gave Ardley an even tougher task than the one they already faced.

Dean Drewitt opened the scoring on the half-hour mark and Terry Bohane doubled Highworth’s advantage on the stroke of halftime from the penalty spot.

Ardley created a couple of chances after the restart with Reece Bayliss twice going close but Nathan Gambling put the result beyond doubt in the 70th minute and Callum Parsons added a fourth goal in the final minute.

Luke Cray is set to make his debut at Kidlington and Davis is hoping Troy Bryan, who was ruled out of Saturday’s game with a groin strain, will have recovered in time.

Davis said: “The red card was difficult for us to overcome, the first goal was very sloppy and the penalty award was surprising to everyone.

“We got back into the game in the second half but the two late goals ended it for us.”