Ten-man Town tighten title grip

Substitute Bennett strikes twice after first half dismissal sees Thatcham trailing

Longlevens AFC 2 Thatcham Town 3

THATCHAM survived the first half sending off of Callum Willmoth to tighten their hold on top spot in the Hellenic League’s Premier Division.

With Flackwell Heath being held to a 1-1 draw at Bracknell Town and Kidlington’s left shell-shocked by their 4-0 home battering by Essex side Bowers and Pitsea in their FA Vase Quarter Final replay, Thatcham overcame that setback to go four points clear at the top.

Josh Baines had given them an early lead before Craig Martin levelled the scores and Willmoth collected his second yellow card just before the interval with Scott Montgomery adding to the punishment by putting the home side ahead.

But Thatcham turned it around withint 10 minutes of the second half geting under way, substitute Jon Bennett firing in a deflected effort and then heading Town back in front for a lead they may have increased when Tom Melledew hit the woodwork.