Kingfishers battle hard during derby-day loss
THATCHAM Town conceded with the last kick of the game as they lost 4-3 away to Basingstoke Town on Boxing Day, writes MATTHEW BATEMAN.
After withstanding some early pressure, Thatcham took the lead on seven minutes.
A good run from Glenn Gabriel down the left ended with the ball finding its way to Daniel Fosu, who slotted the loose ball into the bottom corner.
The game turned shortly before half-time when Thatcham’s Cameron Rohart-Brown was shown a straight red card after a tackle.
Shortly after, Basingstoke were awarded a penalty, allowing Stefan Brown to equalise from the spot.
Thatcham held firm with 10 men until the 70th minute only for a deep cross to find former Kingfishers striker Connor Lynch, who slotted home low past the keeper.
Thatcham kept going and equalised on 83 minutes as keeper Paul Strudley spilled an effort from Jones, allowing Weekes to follow in and score.
With only a couple of minutes of normal time remaining Brown raced through and squared for Lynch to roll into an empty net and restore Basingstoke’s advantage.
In the 95th minute Thatcham forced a corner with the keeper coming forward to add an extra body in the box.
The ball was headed back across goal and was bundled home by Fosu for a dramatic equaliser.
A fantastic effort from Thatcham with 10 men, but incredibly there was still time for Basingstoke to find a winner with almost the last kick as a thunderous effort from McKoy Palmer arrowed into the top corner.
After the game, manager Jamie Leacock said: “Whilst we’re all gutted about the result and the circumstances, I can’t be prouder of our club.
“From players, fans, committee and all connected with the club, we ended the year showing what we are capable of.”
In the Combined Counties Premier North Division, Tadley Calleva secured a 4-1 win away to Reading City.
Brett Denham (2), Ben Wright and Shaun Dallimore were all on target in the win.
In Division 1, AFC Aldermaston suffered a 5-0 home defeat to Eversley & California.