PAUL Davis says he saw enough in last week’s Premier Division defeat by Frome to predict bright times ahead for Banbury United.

Davis was confirmed as the Puritans’ full-time boss this week and was buoyed by his side’s display, despite a 4-2 defeat.

However, the scoreline does not tell the full story as Banbury, who led 2-0, played 75 minutes with ten men after Lewis Strafford’s red card.

“The players have set the standard with that performance – especailly the work rate,” Davis said.

“I will be demanding that level of effort every week now.

“We started brightly, went ahead with a well-taken goal from Josh Shama, but the sending off has really hurt us.

“Having said that, Jacob Walcott then goes round their keeper, who brings him down and he should have been sent off too.

“That would have completely changed the game.”

Banbury entertain Dorchester Town at Spencer Stadium tomorrow still on an unwanted club record of seven straight league defeats at the start of a season.

Davis knows his side will be underdogs, but is encouraged by what he has seen so far.

“I have spoken to supporters, the committee, players and everyone has said Saturday was the best performance for 30 or 40 games,” he said “I had 38 players at training on Tuesday, but with no reserve team, I had to let some of them go based on gut instinct which is never nice.

“As well as the new faces we got last week I have brought in Joel Meade, the former Oxford City and Didcot Town defender, because it’s no secret we have been conceding too many goals.

“He will be involved in the squad on Saturday.”

The new boss added: “I have not even looked at the league table.

“I know our record, but as far as I am concerned, we have played one and lost one.

“We are starting afresh now and hopefully we can build on last week’s display.

“The players all know what I will expect from them.”

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