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Late goal denies Kingfishers all three points following battling performance against league leaders Chertsey




A 93rd minute equaliser from league leaders Chertsey on Boxing Day compounded an indifferent festive period for Thatcham Town, who managed one point from their two matches.

The Kingfishers had looked set to banish the demons from Saturday’s disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to fourth from bottom Metropolitan Police and cause an upset against the Isthmian League South Central title favourites.

Yashwa Romeo’s side were well below their best in Saturday’s encounter with the Met Police and were behind after five minutes when Alex Body opened the scoring.

Action from Saturday’s disappointing defeat against the Met Police. Pictures by Peter Bloodworth
Action from Saturday’s disappointing defeat against the Met Police. Pictures by Peter Bloodworth

Thatcham pressed for an equaliser but were caught on the counter in the final minute of normal time and Kareem Akinnibi scored to condemn the Kingfishers to their first defeat in seven matches.

Versatile defender Levi Heholt shields the ball
Versatile defender Levi Heholt shields the ball
Skipper Nathan Jones vies for possession
Skipper Nathan Jones vies for possession

Romeo’s men were much-improved for their Boxing Day trip to Chertsey, who had won 13 of their 17 league games prior to the visit of Thatcham.

A hardy core of Thatcham supporters managed to navigate train strikes and make it to Chertsey. Picture by Dan Newberry
A hardy core of Thatcham supporters managed to navigate train strikes and make it to Chertsey. Picture by Dan Newberry

The Kingfishers went ahead after 11 minutes when the in-form Harry Hoath rose highest to head in Callum Willmoth’s cross and open the scoring.

The hosts equalised three minutes later through Oliver McCoy and had the chance to take the lead in the 24th minute, only for Wayne Ridgley to miss from the penalty spot – the Curfews winger actually scored the initial spot-kick, but it had to be retaken following encroachment in the box.

Curtis Angell restored Thatcham’s lead with a header that cannoned off the post and in on the hour and the visitors held on until added time.

However, Chertsey broke Kingfishers hearts with an added time equaliser as Luke Robertson turned home a goalmouth scramble and the game ended 2-2.

Thatcham, who are 12th, travel to Badshot Lea on Saturday before beginning 2024 with the visit of Uxbridge on New Year’s Day.



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