Town win at Nomads

Published: 09:19, 24 August 2015

Player-manager returns to head opening goal

Gareth Thomas - on target in playing return

Oxford City Nomads 1 Thatcham Town 2

PLAYER-manager Gareth Thomas marked his first outing of the season by heading his side into the lead and on to three away points in the Hellenic League

Thomas was forced into action with regular defenders Mark Hughes, Paul Taplin and Tom Moran all sidelined, and he put his side ahead after 15 minutes when heading home a Callum Willmoth cross.

Top scorer Marcus Mealing added a second midway through the second period but saw a penalty saved by goalkeeper Chris Lawrence before Nomads gave themselves hope when substitute Billy Gillett pulled one back 10 minutes from time.

Tadley Calleva drew 3-3 at home to Amesbury Town in the clash between the two teams that just missed out on promotion from the Wessex League’s Division One last season.

Brett Denham struck twice and Ben McCready netted Tadley’s other goal.

Newbury Sport Malcolm Howe