Abingdon Utd 2 (Weedon 6, Osbourne-Ricketts 44 pen)

Thatcham Tn 0

Abingdon United claimed victory in a Division 1 South & West game (Zamaretto Southern league) that will be remembered as much for the officials’ baffling decisions as for the quality of the football.

Abingdon took the lead in the sixth minute when Jeff Brown’s fierce drive was parried by Paul Strudley to Ben Weedon, who fired home from ten yards.

Danny Keen scooped a good chance over for Abingdon, before there was real controversy.

Having been awarded a free-kick for what appeared a fair challenge, Abingdon won a corner and Billy Beechers unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards into the bottom corner.

The referee seemed to signal a goal, but then ruled it out for offside after speaking to his assistant.

Abingdon were then indebted to a goalline clearance by Richard Peirson which denied Dean Stow an equaliser.

United doubled their lead just before the break.

John Mills sprinted into the area and went round Strudley with ease, before sliding the ball to Beechers, and his shot was palmed away by left back Paul Taplin.

Taplin was sent off, and Elliott Osbourne-Ricketts stroked home the penalty.

Thatcham were then awarded a penalty when Jeff Brown handled, but Jon Beames saved Sam Rea’s spot-kick.

Mills hit the bar early in the second half, before Beechers was denied by a fine save by Strudley.

Abingdon Utd: Beames, Brown, Organ, Peirson, Franklin, McCalmon, Osbourne-Ricketts, Beechers (Goodrham 80), Mills, Faulkner, Weedon. Subs not used: Hunt, Haysham, Elkins, Odhiambo, Thorne.

Attendance: 111.