SUMMER signing Ricardo Benjamin scored twice and set-up another as Bicester Town won 3-2 at home to United Counties League side Potten United in the Buildbase FA Vase on Saturday.

And they are joined in the second qualifying round by their fellow Hellenic League neighbours Ardley United, who cruised through 4-0 at Woodley United.

Bicester came in to their game against their United Counties League opponents without captain Danny Bone and keeper Ryan Watt, meaning that Benjamin partnered Murray Nicholls up front and Jason Hardy made his first appearance between the posts

Benjamin took only 20 minutes to make his mark, cutting inside and firing the hosts ahead.

A minute before half-time, he crossed for the unmarked Gavin Kidd to make it 2-0.

But Bicester's good work was wasted when Potten scored twice in two minutes on the hour.

Shaun Flack headed home a free-kick, before Gary Ansell-Carter reacted quickest to a loose ball from a free-kick to slot home past keeper Hardy.

However, almost immediately Benjamin latched on to a through ball and fired home to put Bicester back in front

Benjamin was close to a hat-rick late on, but put the ball just wide with the goalkeeper beaten.

After the game, Bicester Town manager Eddie Nix said, “It’s a good win considering we were without two hugely important players, but the lads that came in have done very well.

Bicester, who ground-share with now host Spartan South Midlands League side Broadfields United in the next round on Saturday, September 24.

On that date, Ardley will be away Tuffley Rovers following their comfortable win against Woodley, from Hellenic Division 1 East.

Paul Davis's side took the lead with an own goal by Josh Bailey, who thumped the ball past his keeper Alex Reed from close range.

Four minutes before the break Ardley doubled their lead when a cross from the left by Jacob Walcott was met with a bullet header by Matt Cruse.

After Reed denied both Carl Tappin and Callum Convey, Bradley Cox headed home Ardley's third goal in the 72nd minute.

Coney sealed the result with their fourth ten minutes later.

Afterwards Davis said:

“I asked the boys before the game for a professional performance and that’s what I got. To win four goals to nil away from home in a national competition is more than I could ask for."

BUILDBASE FA VASE

2nd qual round draw (Sept 24): Bicester Tn v |Broadfields Utd, Tuffley Rov v Ardley Utd.

ARDLEY United gave high-flying visitors Thame United a fright before losing 4-3 in their Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division clash on Tuesday night.

The hosts twice led through Matt Cruse before Thame stormed back and could even afford to miss a late penalty in an entertaining clash.

Cruse put Ardley ahead after 24 minutes.

But the visitors equalised before the half-time break through Andrew Gledhill’s header.

Cruse restored Ardley’s lead 90 seconds into the second half, but Thame stormed 4-2 ahead with strikes from Lynton Goss, substitute Ben Gray and Gledhill.

Ardley did not give up and two minutes from time skipper Luke Cray headed home their third goal from a corner.

There was still time for Thame to be awarded a penalty, but home keeper Lee Farrow saved Dan West’s spot-kick.

This Saturday, Ardley entertain Longlevens.

Ardley require an experienced physio to assist on match days.

Those interested should contact Norman Stacey on 07711 009198 or e-mail ardleyfc@gmail.com.