Frank goodness for Will as striker scores twice in Town win but Danny departs

Newbury Town made it 10 Hellenic League Division Two East wins from 10 on Saturday but were left reeling this week following the news that player-manager Danny Langford was stepping down with immediate effect.

Town extended their winning run with a 2-1 win over Didcot Town Development thanks to two goals from Will Frank, but suffered a setback on Monday with the news of Langford’s departure.

Frank, who was brought to the club with the help of Langford, scored a hat-trick on his debut two weeks ago and made it five goals in two games, including an 85th minute penalty, as a below-par Town left it late to beat mid-table Didcot.

Newbury are a comfortable nine points clear at the top of the table with two games in hand and are still in the Berks and Bucks Cup, but remain on the hunt for a ground next season and will now have to do without Langford, who played an important role on and off the pitch.

Yet another new era for Town will begin on Saturday as life without Langford begins with a trip to second bottom Holmer Green Development.

Meanwhile, Mortimer moved up to fourth after a thumping 6-1 win over Chalfont Wasps

The Villagers raced into a 2-0 lead at half time thanks to goals from Leroy Clarke and Josh Lambden before going through the gears after the break as strikes from Padraig Gorman, Hussein Fadul, a second from Lambden and a late penalty from substitute Nick Parfitt-Bowers rounded off a comprehensive win.

Mortimer travel to Watlington Town, who are below the Villagers on goal difference, on Saturday.