THATCHAM Town went top of the Hellenic League Premier Division after winning 3-2 at Brimscombe & Thrupp despite having two men sent off on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

But on Monday they were back in second place behind Binfield after losing 2-1 to them at Hill Farm Lane.

On Saturday the Kingfishers stormed into a 3-0 lead inside the opening 30 minutes thanks to Shane Cooper-Clark, Ashleigh James and Jemel Johnson, with Ollie Pitt pulling two back in the 33rd and 81st minutes.

James was sent off after two bookable offences, while Mark Hughes was later shown a straight red.

But the nine men, with one carrying an injury, held out for a deserved win – keeper Chris Rackley taking his side’s man-of-the-match award on his return from injury.

The Kingfishers found Binfield difficult to break down despite spending much of the first period in the home team’s half.

“We were unable to get our usual momentum tempo going,” bemoaned coach Keith Pennicott-Bowen. “There was no atmosphere in the first half; it just seemed to be one free-kick after another.

“I don’t think I have ever seen so many in one game before. We thought free-kicks would create chances, but they didn’t.

“Perhaps Binfield set their stall out to disrupt the game and stop our free-flowing football.

“We did change our shape a bit in the second half and brought on a few more creative players.

“We did create one or two more chances but I can’t remember us forcing Garry (Aulsberry) into making a positive save. It was a disappointing result for us, especially after Saturday.”

A penalty conceded by Gareth Thomas led to Liam Ferdinand giving Binfield the lead on 40 minutes and the same player scored again just before the hour mark.

Thomas pulled a goal back five minutes from time, but the Kingfishers were unable to salvage a point despite late pressure.

Thatcham visit Thame United this Saturday (3pm) and then entertain Royal Wootton Bassett next Tuesday (7.45pm).

Hungerford Town

TWO goals from Nat Jarvis and an Ian Herring strike helped Hungerford Town hit back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 in their National League South game with Gosport Borough.

The Crusaders lost 2-0 at Truro City on Tuesday of last week, and visit Basingstoke Town in the FA Cup second qualifying round on Saturday (3pm).

Newbury FC

KYE Franklin and Leroy Clarke helped Newbury to a 2-0 win at Woodley United Reserves in the Thames Valley League Premier Division. They host Unity on Saturday (2pm).