Excellent win by Thatcham Town!

The Kingfishers picked up 3 points from their first home fixture of the season, withstanding a gallant second-half performance from the ten-men visitors.

At half-time Thatcham led by two goals and had a man advantage following a straight red card for Jake Heighes.  But Bedfont pulled one back and, despite creating chances, Town were unable to make their lead more comfortable.

Thatcham got off to a flying start, scoring on 3 minutes as Kye Williams picked up a loose ball mid-way inside his own half, surged past the Bedfont back-line and knocked the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

Kyle Tooze and Callum Winchcombe fired shots over the bar, then Levi Heholt’s inviting cross rolled across the six-yard box and out.

For Bedfont Cyril Ocansey hit a firm 35-yard free-kick straight at Maciej Wieczorek, before they shot themselves in the foot when Heighes was sent off for a high challenge on Tooze.

Town’s second goal arrived on 37 minutes after Dontae Hamblin won a corner, and Callum Willmoth’s centre was cleared as far as Josh Baines who shot low into the corner from 20 yards out.

Towards the end of a dominant first-half, Hamblin almost made it three, as he weaved his way into space and blasted a shot at goal which was parried by George Armstrong.

Charlie Knight replaced Tooze at half-time and saw a couple of attempts at goal blocked by Bedfont defenders but the ten men started to press.  They won a penalty after Archie Denton leaned on Jake Beck-Nardoni and the substitute converted from the spot.

Thatcham struggled to take advantage of the extra man, though substitute Elliot Emm worked some openings down the left, crossing for Knight and then Heholt who both blazed over.

For all their exertions, Bedfont largely failed to trouble Wieczorek, with Nathaniel Mensah’s late header going over the bar.

Winchcombe struck the post from outside the box as Thatcham saw the game through to get off the mark for the season.

Before kick-off, a minute’s applause was held for Ted Hyde, Trustee & Committee Member who sadly passed away last week.