Team saw Lee Farrow makes his first start in a Wantage shirt whilst Pedder and Claydon return. But Melledew, Cottrell,Deabill and Steedman were unavailable.

REPORT UPDATE - Wantage came out in a far more determined mood than they finished last Saturday’s game with Oxford City and had the better of a fairly even first half.

The game opened up in the second half and Thatcham were able to make numerous changes which game them fresh legs whereas the Fred’s squad was down to just 3 outfield subs.

As Wantage tired Thatcham took more of a grip on the game.

Wantage had a glorious chance to edge in front when a cross from Ben McCready alluded Johnson in the home goal and Jake Johns somehow managed to slice his shot wide when faced with an open goal.

Yashwa Romeo drew a magnificent save out of Gareth Tucker but from the resultant corner on 75 minutes Romeo had a free header from inside the six yard box.

In the final five minutes Wantage looked to have grabbed a late but deserved equaliser when the imperious Gavin Kidd’s inch perfect pass dissected the home defence and Matty Pedder rounded the keeper to score. Unfortunately the referees assistant deemed him to be offside despite the fact that it was clear to all but him that Pedder’s run had startedfrom the other side of the Thatcham defenders.

On a positive note Lee Farrow made a good debut in the Wantage goal in the first half. Gavin Kidd was outstanding and as always Pedder worked hard up top where the uncompromising former Freds defensive trio of Thomas, Brown and Taplin made life very difficult.

Farrow (sub Tucker 45) McCready, Cattell, Millward(c), Kidd Riccio (sub Roberts 55) Sadler, Johns, Pedder, Claydon(sub Guy) and Shaw (sub Barder 75)

Man of the match - Gavin Kidd

Meanwhile the Reserves won 3-2 at home to Abingdon Utd Reserves to make a good start to their preseason campaign