SOME fresh faces could be just what is needed to kick-start Fairford’s season as they head to Wantage Town Reserves this weekend.

After opening their Division One West campaign with a win at home to Shortwood, Fairford failed to notch up a win in their next three league games and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Knaphill.

Manager Gareth Davies is hoping two new signings will provide the impetus needed to push on up the league.

Fairford played a friendly on Tuesday night to put their most recent 3-0 loss to North Leigh behind them and fielded a number of trialists.

Yesterday, they completed the signing of midfielder Tom Ballard from Pewsey Vale and full back Jesse Haynes, and could add two more before the weekend, to provide competition in the squad.

“We are a little bit upbeat after arranging a friendly on Tuesday night, which we won,” said Davies.

“Last Saturday was a disappointing result and we wanted to get that out of our system and it went quite well.

“We had a few trialists in for the game who did well and we will do what we can to turn around our form.

“I think Tom and Jesse will create competition for places which will be good. I am expecting a massive response from my players. I think they will want to put last weekend right.

“Wantage are a reserve side so we don’t quite know what to expect, but we played them in a pre-season tournament and they looked like a good side.”

Elsewhere Purton will be hoping to put last weekend’s 5-2 defeat at Lydney Town behind them when they travel to Carterton, who sit just a place and a point behind them in the league.

Meanwhile, New College Swindon will be hoping to lift themselves off the foot of the table when they play host to Longlevens.