DECLAN Benjamin made an immediate impact on debut for Ardley United on Saturday, writes DALE JAMES.

The former Oxford City and Banbury United forward, who joined from Didcot Town last week, set up the first goal in Ardley’s 2-1 victory away to Royal Wootton Bassett in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

The visitors had to play the last 25 minutes with ten men following the dismissal of Joel Meade.

In freezing conditions, Ardley had the edge before taking the lead in the 32nd minute.

From a free-kick just outside the box, Benjamin curled the ball up and over the four-man wall, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.

The ball bounced off the base of the post and back across goal, where Jack Ross reacted quickest to fire the ball home.

Early in the second half, Will McEachran had achance to double the lead, but headed wide.

At the other end Sam Packer fired the hosts’ best opportunity off target.

Then on 65 minutes, Ardley were reduced to ten men.

Meade lashed out with a boot at Packer in frustration after losing possession and gave the referee no option, but to brandish the red card.

Ardley regrouped, and within eight minutes doubled their lead, when Benjamin and Ross combined well to slip in Matt Cruse, who rolled into the far bottom corner.

With 14 minutes left, Bassett were awarded a penalty after defender Bradley Cox was adjudged to have brought down Lewis Thompson.

Steve Yeardley netted from the spot to set up a tense finish.

Ardley had a lucky escape when the ball ran along their goalline before being cleared, but they held on.

Boss Paul Davis, whose Ardley side entertain Tuffley Rovers on Saturday, disputed the penalty award.

He said: “It was frustrating as Bradley clearly won the ball and the referee was 40 yards away.”

Ardley Utd: Bennion, Cray, McEachran (Guerrero 85), Meade, Jackson, Cox, Cruse (Heap 90+5), Benjamin, Bryan, Ross, Lewars (Knight 69). Sub not used: Farrow.

Attendance: 48.