Thatcham given a tough time at home

Thatcham slipped to a home defeat to Abbey Rangers, losing 2-0 at the Mettal Stadium.

The visitors made a quick start and opened the scoring through Danilo Cadete on just 3 minutes. Not long after, Cadete forced debutant goalkeeper Hugh Scott into a near-post save as the play-off chasing visitors continued to press, then their top scorer Jake Beck-Nardoni was also denied by the new keeper.

It seemed like the visitors had an extra man on the pitch as they attacked with pace, and a second goal followed on 36 minutes. Cadete’s cross-field ball was controlled perfectly by Dan Bone, whose second touch was a low shot across goal into the bottom corner for a sublime finish.

The Kingfishers had more of the ball in the second half as they fought to claw their way back into the match.

Archie Goode, Kaser Chowdhary and Kenny Antony were off target with attempts from outside the area. After a sweeping move Goode’s far-post header from Antony’s cross was held by the Rangers keeper. But Abbey’s first half dominance was enough for them to see the game through.

Thatcham’s preparations were disrupted in the warm-up with full-back Callum Winchcombe pulling up, and Will Stantiford having to take his place in the starting line-up. In addition to goalkeeper Scott and winger Antony, Mackenzie Creech came off the bench at half-time to make it a trio of debutants.

The matches don’t get any easier, with games against third-placed Knaphill and leaders Cobham coming up.