North Berks League

Newly-promoted Benson AFC got off to the perfect start on their return to Division 1 with a 3-0 win over Didcot Casuals, writes PHIL ANNETS.

After an eight-year top-flight absence, Pete Ashman (2) and James Taylor were on target as Benson comfortably saw off last season’s Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup finalists.

Saxton Rovers opened their campaign with a 4-0 victory over AFC Wallingford.

Mike Weir, Kyle Allsworth, Garry Hartley and Paul Churchouse scored.

Wallingford, however, were unlucky not to grab a consolation goal when Ben Rusher’s half-volley hit the bar and Connor Mattimore fired his rebound against the same bit of woodwork.

Richard Evans bagged a brace as Faringdon Town defeated Kintbury Rangers 4-1.

David Cole and Robbie Harrington were also on the scoresheet, with Jordan Farr replying.

Wootton and Dry Sandford won 2-1 at Childrey United thanks to strikes by Tom Srawley and Ben Taylor. Joe Ledbury registered for the hosts.

The only match in Division 2 saw Marcham run out 2-1 winners at home to Steventon.

Tom Coates and Stuart Armstrong scored for the home side, with Shaun Bray on target for the visitors.

Mike van der Mortel registered the first hat-trick of the new season as Stanford in the Vale cruised to a 4-1 win at Drayton Res in Division 3.

Dan Bradbury scored the other goal, with Ashley Seamark scoring for Drayton.

Peter Soame hit a double as Coleshill United opened with a 2-1 victory at home to Shrivenham A.

The points were shared in the only match played in Division 4, a 2-2 draw between Didcot Casuals A and Steventon Res.

Ben Higgins and Aaron Scott netted for Didcot, with Dan McArdle and Alan Huntley replying for the visitors.