SIlver ending for Thatcham

Cup final win gives Thatcham a consolation after missing out on promotion spot

THATCHAM TOWN gained some end of season consolation when beating Tadley Calleva in the Basingstoke Senior Cup final this week.

Thatcham won 4-1 in the final at Andover New Street with Mark Hughes cracking two penalties in his hat-rrick and Charlie Mpi heading their other goal after Dave Brewer had volleyed Tadley into the lead.

“It was good that the players got some silverware,” said manager Gary Ackling. “They have worked hard all season and deserved something.”

Thatcham's Zamaratto League play-off defeat at Sholing last week denied them a promotion chance that was taken by Frome Town, who won 1-0 at Sholing on Monday, leaving Ackling looking towards next season and a converted effort at a promotion push.

“The target has to be to get into the play-offs again at least,” he said, “and I think we can do that with just one or two more players, although I know it won't be easy.”

Thatcham will hold their end of season presentation evening on Friday night, after which Ackling will be looking to add a new coach to his team as his close season signing.