Abingdon Tn 2, Flackwell Hth 3: Abingdon's fine run of form ended yesterday as they went down to only their second defeat of the season in Ryman Division 2.

Town's Anthony Burden, left, and Dave Tregurtha in action

Town, second going in to the game on the back of five straight league victories, were edged out in a match that featured three penalties.

Abingdon had an early let-off when Ashley Smith struck a post following a goalmouth scramble in only the second minute.

The first penalty - and the first moment of controversy - came on 19 minutes, when Town's Adam Oram chased a hoof forward and was kicked in the stomach by Flackwell keeper Lee Knott, who had come out to claim the ball.

The linesman saw the incident, and after lengthy treatment for Oram, the referee consulted and a penalty was awarded. However, no card was shown to Knott, much to the bemusement and displeasure of the Town supp- orters.

Chris Potter put the spot-kick away to give Town the lead.

But it did not last long, as Flackwell were level on 28 minutes, the referee again pointing to the spot for a push in the box.

Jason Bowler made no mistake, beating Town keeper Jon Beames to his right.

Town lost the influential Garry Parker to an injury at the break, and it got worse within two minutes of the restart, Baker heading home a free kick to give Flackwell the lead.

The home side levelled moments later, however, Oram pressurising a defender into a hurried pass that Chris Harper pounced on before rounding Knott.

The Boxing Day crowd had barely had time to digest all the action before Flackwell were ahead again, Bowler scoring from the spot after a Flackwell man was fouled in the box.

Town battled back, and they had chances to square things, Potter, Dave Tregurtha and Curran all going close.

Abingdon Tn: Beames, Bianchini (Curran), Harper, Beauchamp (Squires), Tregurtha, Parker (Burden), Hendra, Didcock, Oram, Timms, Potter.