Hellenic Premier

Fairford Town............................................ 1

Thatcham Town......................................... 3

Fairford Town produced a determined performance on Saturday afternoon, going down 3-1 to Hellenic League Premier Division promotion chasers Thatcham Town who extended their unbeaten run to 18 games in an eventful Cinder Lane showing, writes Chris Tanner.

The Reds could have taken the lead with just 30 seconds on the clock but an effort from Conor Lynch, making his first Fairford start, struck the post.

However the visitors were soon into their stride with Shane Cooper-Clark hitting his 41st goal of the season inside two minutes.

Thatcham doubled their advantage on 18 minutes with Harrison Bayley on target, but Fairford continued to plug away and went in two goals down at the break.

Jody Bevan’s side got back into the affair when Lynch found the back of the net just before the hour to open his Fairford account with a fine finish.

Midfielder Dan Bailey then almost drew the Gloucestershire level but his effort hit the post.

Liam Ferdinand rounded off the scoring 22 minutes from time to seal an 18th consecutive victory, as Fairford ended with ten men following the late dismissal of Josh Gregory.

Boss Bevan said: “I’m disappointed with the result today, but pleased with the performance. We gave a very good Thatcham side a scare at times.”

NEXT UP Fairford take on top of the table Highworth Town at The Rec next Saturday, 3pm.