Mixed fortunes for West Berkshire sides

Thatcham lost to Bideford in their top-of-table clash while Hungerford left it late to defeat Paulton Rovers

IT WAS a case of mixed fortunes for West Berkshire's football sides at the weekend, with Thatcham missing the chance to go top of the league and Hungerford dislodging them in second place.

Thatcham Town lost out to a solitary eighth-minute goal from Matt Andrew as they went down to Bideford in the top-of-the-table clash in north Devon, while Hungerford left it late to defeat Paulton Rovers at Bulpit Lane, with Harry Goodger's injury time winner helping his side go second in the Evo Stik Southern Division One South and West table ahead of the festive period.

Both West Berkshire sides had held aspirations of topping the Christmas tree going into the game, but Bideford's win over Thatcham ensured it would be them leading the pack going into Christmas.

Hungerford are now without a game on Boxing Day before travelling to Wimborne Town on New Year's Eve, while Thatcham will entertain North Leigh at Waterside Park on Boxing Day looking for a first win in four matches.

Meanwhile, Newbury maintained their position at the top of the Hellenic League Division One East with a 3-1 victory over bottom side Didcot Town Reserves at Faraday Road on Saturday.

And with Hungerford Town Reserves securing a 1-0 away win at second-placed Highmoor Ibis, Newbury have now opened up a four point lead going into the festive period, still with games on hand on their nearest rivals.

Thatcham Town Reserves' home derby clash with Lambourn Sports was postponed due to a frozen pitch.