At last, a win at Thatcham FC!

Thatcham’s long losing run came to an end as a determined display saw them defeat Sheerwater 2-1.

Manager Cameron Philbey’s options were limited by the suspension of Dan Smith, unavailability of Henry Paxford and injuries to the Da Cruz brothers.  Meanwhile between the sticks Ethan Wilson returned, with Maciej Wieczorek and Nathan Smith both sidelined.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between in a competitive first half which came to life deep into time added on. Archie Goode bore down on goal and was upended by visiting goalkeeper Roberto Silva, with referee Stephen Liddiard pointing to the spot.  Captain Callum Willmoth fired the penalty low to the keeper’s left, and although Silva guessed correctly the ball found the bottom corner of the goal. However, Town failed to see the half out, as almost immediately a free-kick was conceded 30 yards out, and Harvey Valter fired it into the top corner to equalise.

At half-time Archie Denton had to be withdrawn after needing treatment a couple of times in the first half after falling awkwardly.  But his replacement Kaser Chowdhary scored what proved to be the winner with his first touch, as his 47th minute header from Callum Winchcombe’s corner was spilled over the line by Silva.

Thatcham battled hard and defended doggedly to preserve a rare lead, and were handed a further boost on 72 minutes.  Goode was put through on goal again and was brought down by George Mackie 25 yards out, with the referee brandishing a red card following consultation with his assistant. With the extra man, the Kingfishers looked even more threatening on the counter-attack but failed to make the score-line more comfortable. 

Daniel Santos had a shot blocked by Silva, and had a couple of chances to round the keeper but was foiled by some last-ditch defending.  Kye Williams tried his luck from distance with the Sheers’ goalkeeper playing more of a sweeper role but the shot dropped wide.

At the other end Thatcham came under pressure from the ten men with Wilson and his defence dealing well with a series of corners, free-kicks and long throws from Daniel Watts.

Kareem Foster shot wide and there was relief all round when an injury time cross-shot from the left flashed narrowly wide of the far post.

After seven straight league defeats Thatcham remain in 19th place but the team spirit clearly remains high.  Town head into Saturday’s clash at Balham with renewed confidence, and will look for revenge after recent defeats to them in the League Cup and FA Vase.

Photos by kind permission of Thatcham Town Football Club