Badshot Lea co-manager Gavin Smith admitted his side’s first Isthmian League South Central Division victory of the season was hugely important for the club.

After promotion from the Combined Counties Premier Division South last season, the Baggies had started life at Step 4 with three defeats before Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Thatcham Town.

Captain Kane Fitzgerald scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in the 40th minute after Lamin Ceesay had been fouled in the penalty area.

The Baggies had chances to extend their advantage, but in the end one goal was enough to pick up their first three points of the season.

“It was important that we got the win,” said Smith.

“We were fully deserving of it – and hopefully now we’ve got that first win at the level it takes away some pressure.

“We lost our first two games 4-0 and 3-1 – which no one likes – so to get that first win on the board is massive.

“We got a bit of luck with the penalty – which we haven’t had all season – as I wasn’t sure it was a foul.

“If that penalty was given against us I would have been disappointed, but Kane stuck it away well.

“We had plenty of chances and still need to work on our finishing and being more ruthless in front of goal.

“We could have been two or three up and made the afternoon that much more comfortable for ourselves.

“We are creating chances – so that’s not a problem.

“Thatcham didn’t cause us too many problems, but at 1-0 they were always in the game.

“When you’re 1-0 up and the clock is ticking down and you haven’t won in the league yet it is natural to change what you’re doing and try to hold on to the lead.

“We had about 70 per cent of possession in the first half, whereas possession was more even in the second half.

“Half-time gave Thatcham the chance to change a few things.

“Thatcham had a few set pieces but we dealt with everything and we managed the game very well.

“The players were understandably delighted after the game and hopefully now we’ve got that first win it will open the floodgates for us.

“I spoke to the Thatcham manager after the game – they had a tough start last season and managed to turn it around.”

The Baggies have added to their squad with the arrival of Anour Ceesay from Uxbridge.

The new recruit came off the bench at Thatcham to make his debut for the club – and Smith is delighted to add a new face to his squad.

“Anour gives something we haven’t got,” said Smith.

“He can naturally go past players, which is so important to have in a team.

“He’s got pace, and is tricky and skilful.

“The squad is coming together nicely and we have built good relationships across the pitch now.”

The Baggies have received an injury blow with the news that James Beauchamp requires knee surgery and has been ruled out for the foreseeable future.

“James felt that something was not quite right with his knee,” said Smith.

“It’s obviously disappointing that he’s going to be out for so long, but at least we have got to the bottom of it now.”

Next up for the Baggies is a trip to Thame United in the first round qualifying of the FA Trophy on Saturday (3pm).

It promises to be an historic occasion as it is the club’s first game in the FA Trophy – and Smith is looking forward to the test.

“Thame have a lovely ground with lovely facilities,” he said.

“We don’t know too much about them but we will be going there looking to win the game.

“They have had a similar start to the season as us – so it should be a good game.

“Playing our first game in the FA Trophy is another sign of the club’s progress and we’re all looking forward to it.

“It should be a good trip to Oxfordshire and it is more history for the club.”

The Baggies return to Isthmian League South Central Division action with a trip to Guernsey on Saturday, September 16 (2pm).