DIDCOT Town are second in the fledgling BetVictor Southern League Division 1 Central table after a 4-1 opening-day thumping of Kempston Rovers.

The visitors struck after ten minutes, but a double from Jordan Thomas and Jack Dark’s strike made it 3-1 at the break.

George Jeacock added gloss to the scoreline late in the second half.

Wantage Town have already won the same number of games as last season after beating Welwyn Garden City 2-0.

The Alfredians claimed a single triumph in 2019/20 before the campaign was halted in March, but goals from Jack Alexander and Ryan Knight sealed victory for the hosts.

Herald Series:

  • Thame United celebrate their second goal against Bedford Town, scored by Greg Hackett (7)  Picture: Simon Godfrey

Ryan Blake, Greg Hackett and Dan West found the net as Thame United beat ten-man Bedford Town 3-0.

A straight red card for Matthew Harriott after just ten minutes put the visitors on the back foot, with Blake’s penalty opening the scoring on 28 minutes.

Hackett doubled the lead after the break, before West added a late third.

John Mills was on target as North Leigh drew 1-1 at home to Berkhamsted, while Kidlington lost 1-0 at Daventry Town.

In Premier Central, Andy Whing’s first league game as Banbury United boss ended in a 2-2 draw at Royston Town.

An own goal put the Puritans ahead, but they found themselves 2-1 down in the second half.

They claimed a point when Henry Landers’ late strike took a wicked deflection off Kelvin Langmead and dropped into the net.

Elsewhere, Oxford City continued their pre-season games with a 1-0 home win against Gloucester City.

Elliot Benyon scored the only goal just before half-time.