Jon Gardner scored a double as Ardley United made it seven wins in a row in all competitions with a 4-0 triumph at Milton United in Saturday’s Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division derby.

The result saw Ardley close to within five points of fourth-placed Ascot United.

Kevin Brock’s side started strongly, but it wasn't until the 20th minute that the visitors came close to taking the lead, but Craig Griffiths in the Milton goal somehow tipped Ricky Johnson’s shot over the bar.

So it did not come as a shock when Ardley took the lead on the half-hour mark.

Gardner put in a deep cross which was headed back across goal by Johnson for Luke Ingram to knock in with his head.

That was to be Ingram's last meaningful contribution as he limped off with a knee injury shortly afterwards.

Johnson's height was causing the home defence problems and he almost opened his account midway through the half, but failed to connect properly following a swift turn and shot.

And the former Banbury United striker was again involved when the visitors doubled their lead five minutes before the break.

The tall frontman had a goalbound shot blocked, but when the ball was played in again by Conor Ingram Johnson knocked it into the path of Gardner, who made no mistake with a close-range header.

Two minutes into the second half, the visitors made it 3-0.

Substitute Kieran Scott, on for Luke Ingram, pounced on a loose ball before lashing past a helpless Griffiths to give the home side a mountain to climb.

A dry pitch with unpredicable bounce was making passing football difficult, but Ardley put the result beyond doubt on the hour mark with their fourth goal.

Gardner broke clear before rifling a 25-yard free kick into the bottom corner to complete his brace.

On Saturday, Ardley travel to North Leigh United in quarter-finals of the Bluefin Sport Challenge Cup.