10 men Fairford fall to high flying Hooky

Fairford Town had their first home game of the season and it was to be a tough test as they took on visiting side Hook Norton. Fairford had recalled Luke Cordery and Scott Chilcott to the starting lineup after the defeat at North Leigh and It was an even start to the game on a very hot afternoon.

But with the first real chance of the game the visitors stormed forward through the middle of the park and Luc Thornton slotted the ball home. The first half however was a game of few chances with Hooky happy to sit on their lead until just before half time they double their advantage. In a stunning attack centre back Dan Watkin caught Fairford on the break down the left and his cross was tapped home by Jamie Wyatt. The visitors were deservedly in front at half time as they controlled the game and looked solid at the back.

Home stopper Ben Mitchell had to get down well early on in the 2nd half to keep out a low shot but Town began to build up a head of steam and pressure in a much improved 2nd half effort. Skipper James Townsend header one just over the bar from a corner on 55 minutes and sub Scott Griffin was brought on for Danny Hale to try and capitalise on the hour. Then came the turning point of the game - visiting midfielder Danny Poole committed a bad foul on Dan Hill having already been booked but referee Mr Peacock decided to take no further action. Almost immediately afterwards skipper Townsend was late with a challenge on Poole having also been booked previously. No second yellow once more but even more surprisingly a red card instead came out of the top pocket. A harsh double decision and just when the momentum had been building Town had the stuffing taken out of them. It didn’t affect them immediately as winger Lee Smith hit a cracking drive on 65 which smacked against the post - which would have been a good reward for some good play from him on the day.

In an attacking move boss Gareth Davies brought on an extra forward in Josh Skeates for Tom Ballard but it backfired almost immediately when a swift move saw Dan Reeves fire in at the back post and effectively seal the points on 66. Town to their credit continued to put in a shift but no reward was forthcoming. Overall a much improved 2nd half but the sending off changed the game in the end.

Up next Clanfield at home next Saturday - 3pm kick off.

Team - Mitchell, Hilderby, Taylor (sub Hall 75), Townsend (c), Dainton, Hill, Ballard (sub Skeates 65) Cordery, Smith, Hale (sub Griffin 60), Chilcott. Subs not used - Alexander and Roper