Thatcham defeated in seven-goal thriller

Thatcham Town went down 4-3 against Mangotsfield United on Saturday at Waterside Park

MANGOTSFIELD United's Tom Knighton turned down a move to Paulton Rovers in midweek and celebrated by netting a hat-trick as his side won 4-3 at Thatcham Town.

Thatcham were first to strike after 10 minutes when Gareth Thomas met Carl Self's corner and set up James Clark to head home.

They held that lead until just before the break when Karim Randall pounced from close range and Knighton put Mangotsfield ahead a minute after the re-start after earlier being denied by Paul Strudley.

Substitute Danny Williamson got Thatcham back on terms but Mangotsfield struck again with 15 minutes to go when Knighton was put through, and he completed his treble two minutes later.

Lee Stevens clawed one back five minutes from time, but the visitors saw out time and might have had a fifth when Strudley did well to deny Harley Purnell.

Thatcham entertain another west country side tomorrow night (Tuesday) when Bridgwater Town are the visitors for a 7.45pm kick off.