BICESTER Town’s joint manager Eddie Nix ran out of superlatives for his side as they secured promotion on Monday with a 3-0 win over Henley Town, writes Tom St John.

Town could only watch on as Penn & Tylers Green won the Uhlsport Division 1 East title by beating Finchampstead 2-0 on Saturday.

Two days later, it was down to Bicester to secure second place, which they did in style, with goals from Charlie Bateman, Adam Beckett and Danny Bone, in a game which had been postponed earlier this month when Henley failed to turn up.

This is Bicester’s first season back in the Hellenic League after they were forced to fold in 2011, making the achievement even more impressive.

Nix said: “What else can John Prpa and I say about this team? They have character, endeavour, commitment, team spirit. They have everything!

“It’s been a pleasure to work along side them and the committee this season.

“When we’ve needed big performances, we’ve had them. Big goals, big saves, big tackles all at important times in important games.”

Nix added: “The only thing that’s missing is that we’re not on our home ground.

“In order to progress in to the Hellenic Premier Division, we need to be back in Bicester (Oxford Road) to get our identity back and to give us the chance to grow and develop.”

Bateman opened the scoring against a makeshift Henley.

After 15 minutes, he finished off a great move involving a Bone cross to the far post and a header from Kieran Scott that fell perfectly on to the boot of Bateman who volleyed home.

Defender Adam Beckett made it 2-0 just five minutes in to the second half with a close-range finish.

Following another excellent pass from Bone, helped on by Adam Garner, Beckett drilled past Andrew Nunn.

Bone rounded things off in style by shrugging off a challenge and rifling a left-foot shot in to the top corner.