MARK Janes struck twice to help Banbury United to a 4-2 home victory over Hednesford Town in a pre-season friendly after signing for the Puritans from Didcot Town, writes MATTHEW BRUCE.

The striker, Didcot’s top scorer with 15 goals last season, came off the bench to score twice in quick succession as Banbury came from behind to defeat their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League visitors.

Having trailed 1-0 at the break to James Glover’s goal, Janes’s brace turned the match on its head, with Mark Bell and Felipe Barcelos netting either side of Liam Molesworth’s goal for Hednesford to complete the scoring.

Manager Mike Ford was delighted to have finally got his man after several previous attempts.

“Mark had actually agreed to sign for me last summer, but because of work commitments at the time he decided it was too much travelling and chose to sign for Didcot,” Ford said.

“I tried to bring him in again around Christmas time and was unsuccessful, so this is third time lucky and I’m glad to have him here.”

Janes’ departure comes as a major blow to Didcot, with the striker having previously agreed to remain with the Railwaymen, whose pre-season preparations suffered another dent with a third straight heavy defeat on Saturday.

Town went down 4-0 at home to Vanarama National League South newcomers Hungerford Town on Saturday, with all four goals coming from Garyn Preen.

Callum McNish as North Leigh2won 1-0 at Fleet Town, Kidlington were beaten 1-0 at home to Flackwell Heath, while Wantage Town went down by the same scoreline at Brackley Town Saints.

Reece Bayliss scored the only goal as Ardley United won 1-0 at Hanworth Villa.

Bayliss slotted home cross from Mat Cruse after ten minutes, and although further chances followed for United, they were unable to add to their tally.