TWO early strikes from Billy Gillett sent Ardley United on the way to a comfortable 3-0 victory at home to Kidlington Reserves in their opening Uhlsport Hellenic League Division 1 West game on Saturday.

Ardley, who asked to be relegated from the Premier Division due to concerns over their playing strength, scored all their goals in the first 23 minutes and were never threatened.

The first goal came in the eighth minute. Alex Feaver’s well-struck shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the inside of a post and came out to Gillett, who slotted home.

Five minutes later, Gillett made it 2-0 with a superbly taken individual effort.

The striker, who had been causing havoc to the Kidlington defence, raced into the area before cutting inside two players and planting a right-foot shot into the far corner of the net.

Ardley put the game beyond the reach of their visitors when Connor Harris skipped his way past two defenders and pulled the ball back from the bye-line to Feaver, who placed a great first-time shot out of the keeper’s reach.

The second half saw Ardley dominate possession again, but without taking theirchances.

The best of them fell to Mason Courtney, who struck a post.

Kidlington did have one good chance, but fired wide from six yards out when it would have been easier to score than miss, but it just was not their day.

Ardley boss Craig Adey, whose side are away to Shortwood United Res this Saturday, was delighted with the result.

“All three goals came from exactly how we want to play and obviously a clean sheet is always pleasing, “ he said.

“The second half was a bit of a non-affair and we didn’t move the ball so well, so we still have things to work on. But the signs are positive.”

Bicester Town also started their league campaign with a victory, winning 2-1 away to Wallingford Town in Division 1 East.

Both their goals came in the first half-hour from Wayne Blossom and Gavin Kidd.

The hosts, making their return to the league after ten years, pulled a goal back through Joe Morris just before half-time.

Bicester’s defence endured some uncomfortable moments in the second half, but hung on for a welcome victory.

They will be hoping to continue the good work on Saturday, when they entertain AFC Aldermaston at Ardley’s Playing Fields ground, their base for this season.