A further six players received bookings, plus Manor Farm manager Lee Lashenko, though this was rarely a match of bad fouls or flashpoints.

The prolific Louis Britton opened the scoring for the visitors on 3 minutes, converting a Dan Dodimead cross. Joshua Bissett almost made it two but was denied by a great save from James Sharlott, re-signed on loan from Reading after Callum Smart was recalled by Gosport.

Alfie Bridgman and Zion Nditi were off-target as the Kingfishers gradually imposed themselves on the game as the half progressed, though the visitors always looked a threat on the break.

Early in the second half Roberto Nditi fired narrowly wide, while Sharlott again denied Bissett. But on 53 minutes Manor Farm were reduced to ten men as Dodimead received his second yellow for seemingly kicking the ball away.

The Kingfishers punished their opponents as Roberto Nditi again created space for himself on the edge of the box and blasted it home, giving the keeper no chance.

Jacob Spence then saw red for scything down Sam Tanner to leave the visitors with nine men. However Manor Farm still committed men forwards as they won a succession of corners, and Sharlott had to be on hand to deny Britton.

Callum Willmoth saw a free-kick deflected narrowly over, then Jenson Mansel headed over from a corner as time began to run out.

Then Tanner received a second yellow, seemingly for a dive in the middle of the park to make it ten versus nine. But Thatcham eventually made their numerical advantage count in injury time. Manor Farm failed to clear Willmoth’s corner and as the ball looped in the air, Andy Matthews got himself in position to plant a firm header into the back of the net.

Team : James Sharlott, Zion Nditi, Callum Winchcombe, Callum Willmoth, Oli Bourne, Andy Matthews, Sam Tanner, Roberto Nditi, Mo Ceesay, Alfie Bridgman, Kyle Daniel-Spray.
Subs on : Harry Thorpe, Harvey Fox, Jenson Mansel. Sub unused : Kartel Forde