ARDLEY United boss Paul Davis expressed his delight after completing the signing of striker Leam Howards from Banbury United.

Having played for manager Davis at the Spencer Stadium, Howards goes straight into the squad for Ardley’s trip to Tuffley Rovers in the FA Vase on Saturday.

Davis, who has seen his side slip into the bottom two of the Uhlsport Hellenic League this season, said: “I’m delighted to secure the signature of Leam.

“Having worked with him before I know exactly what he will bring to us as a team, and a huge personality around the club.

“As he knows some of the lads already, he will fit straight in, and I am confident Leam will start scoring goals immediately for us.”

It’s a boost for Davis, who was highly critical of his players after their 4-1 league defeat at home to AFC Longlevens on Saturday.

After taking an early lead, Ardley conceded four goals for the second time in four days.

Davis said: “I take full responsibility for the result and the performance, as I keep picking the wrong team.

“What I mean by that is, I keep picking players, who do not want to work hard enough off the ball, and selecting creative players, who are not creating when we do have the ball.”

Ardley took the lead after three minutes, when Reece Bayliss’s free-kick was met by Bradley Cox, whose header looped in under the bar.

Longlevens levelled in the tenth minute when Ryan Dunn crossed for Dave Merrick to lot home.

Further efforts from Ardley’s Matt Cruse and Troy Bryan went begging before half-time.

The visitors took the lead after 66 minutes, when Brad Martin beat the off-side trap before shooting past advancing keeper Joe White.

The result was sewn up15 minutes from time when Shaun O’Connor side-footed a shot over White from a quick Longlevens break.

Three minutes later it was 4-1, when a backpass to White was shielded by Cox, before the unmarked Merrick nipped in to score.

With four minutes left, Ardley were awarded a penalty after Cruse was upended, but to compound a miserable afternoon, Jacob Walcott saw his thumping spot-kick rebound off the post.

Ardley’s match away to Oxford City Nomads on Tuesday night was postponed, due to Oxford City’s FA Cup replay against Bath City.

Ardley United: White, Cray, Andreou (Heap 78), Convey (Ross 70), Jackson, Cox, Tappin, Walcott, Cruse, Bayliss (Kennedy 46), Bryan. Subs not used: Knight, Foster

Attendance: 44.