Flippance brace brings Thatcham Town a point against Bristol Manor Farm

Thatcham Town secured another positive result as they headed west to face promotion chasers Bristol Manor Farm on Saturday.

A week prior, Yashwa Romeo’s side had beaten Larkhall Athletic in their first victory since December.

Romeo had admitted that he expected nothing from this fixture though, viewing it as something of a free hit.

His reasons for this were made apparent in the seventh minute, as the hosts went 1-0 up.

This was against the run of play though, with Thatcham showing real determination to take the game to Bristol.

This bravery was rewarded just ten minutes later, as a Kyle Daniel-Spray’s cross from the left flank was flicked on into the box by Maidenhead loanee Jamie Davies.

There to finish the chance was striker Harvey Flippance, who levelled things up for Thatcham.

Thatcham kept battling, and had another chance before half-time but Jadyn Dundas shot wide.

This continued in the second period, and on the hour mark Thatcham found themselves ahead.

Kensley Maloney whipped in a dangerous ball to find the head of Flippance, who made no mistake at the near post.

Manor Farm chased the game, and found an equaliser with ten left to play, but that’s all they could muster in terms of a comeback.

A point on the road was pleasing for Romeo.

“That’s a game I marked down as zero points,” he said.

“It was a really gritty performance, we haven’t been doing a lot of that.

“Harvey Flippance was really good. Everything just stuck to him.

“He stepped up to the plate, very vocal.”

Jadyn Dundas also drew praise, a mainstay since arriving with Davies on loan.

“He’s one of those who go under the radar,” he said.

“He does all the dirty work.

“He rats around, breaks up play, drives with the ball and brings people into play.

“He’s made a difference.”

Former Hungerford, Bracknell and Binfield midfielder, Kensley Maloney, had a good afternoon and provided an assist.

“He’d been missing for four or five weeks,” he said.

“When he’s around the team, his experience is second to none.

“He’s played step three and really brings a calmness.

“He’s got quality in abundance.”