The royal army advanced against them, and fourteen days after the battle of Ashdown the struggle was renewed.

The fight lasted for many hours, but towards nightfall the Saxons were compelled to retreat, moving off the field, however, in good order, so that no spoil fell into the hands of the Danes.
This check was a great disappointment to the Saxons, who after their late victory had hoped that they should speedily clear the kingdom of the Danes.

These, indeed, taught prudence by the manner in which the West Saxons had fought, for a while refrained from plundering excursions.

Two months later the Saxons were again called to arms.
Somerled, a Danish chieftain, had again advanced to Reading, and had captured and burned the town.

The king marched against him, and the two armies met at Merton.