Hellenic Premier

Thatcham Town 3

Brimscombe & Thrupp 0

BRIMSCOMBE and Thrupp’s seven-match winning streak was brought to an abrupt end on a difficult afternoon against high-flying Thatcham Town at Waterside Park.

Sam Prior’s men made the trip to one of this year’s FA Vase quarter-finalists, whose victory against the Lilywhites saw them secure an incredible twentieth win in a row.

Ambitious Thatcham are pushing for a return to the Southern League next season, but were held off by Brimscombe in the first-half on another difficult playing surface.

Ashley Gale produced a superb penalty save to deny the hosts. Liam Ferdinand’s effort from 12 yards was well stopped to his left.

Meanwhile at the other end a ball into the box almost saw Brimscombe take the lead, only for the post to deny them the chance to secure a goal against the run of play.

After the break Thatcham’s attacking power finally saw them edge in front after a previously patient and well conducted Brimscombe defensive display.

Lewis Bronwhill, brother of Bristol City midfielder Josh, burst through just before the hour mark to put them in front despite looking suspiciously offside, and they didn’t look back.

A second goal followed minutes later when despite a foul on Harrison Reeves in the middle of the park, play was allowed to continue by referee Alex Emery, and this time Ferdinand made up for his first-half penalty miss by coolly finding the back of the net.

Substitute Edd Major became the latest Brimscombe player to hit the woodwork after an eye-catching sweeping team move, but after the hosts hit the post themselves through front man Shane Cooper-Clark, their leading marksman did eventually snatch their third in the final few minutes.

Ollie Pitt’s free-kick tested the fingers of Chris Rackley in the home side’s goal near the end, but for the first time since before Christmas, the Brimscombe attack failed to register.

The Lilywhites return to home action for the first time since mid-January on Saturday when they face another difficult match up against Hellenic Premier Division leaders Highworth Town.

THATCHAM: Rackley, Brownhill, Browne, Moran, Jarra, Melledew, Bayley, Elliott (Francis-Brown), Grant (Rapley), Ferdinand (Cook), Cooper-Clark

Subs not used: Angell, James

BRIMSCOMBE: Gale, Pitts, Greenhough, Pates, Marks (Major), Hill (Vadasz), Caldwell, Evans, Reeves (Smith), Pitt, Blackie

Sub not used: Deakin