TUDORS DONE BY DIDDYMEN

Diddy 3-2 Hemel

Didcot's fine pre-season continued with the best performance yet last night beating Premier Division Hemel Hempstead in an enthralling game at the Loop.

The match belied it's status as a friendly - it was highly competitive, end-to-end, and captivated both sets of supporters. That Didcot deservedly ran out winners augurs well and after a couple of disappointing campaigns it looks as though the Railwaymen might be challenging towards the right end of the South & West Division table this season. Lance Williams had the home side's best early chance but volleyed just over the bar.

Didcot's Brazilian keeper Marco Belloli then made a fine save from Alex Campana.

The opener came for Didcot on the half hour when Lance Williams and his namesake Morgan Williams combined to set-up James Clarke who forced home from close range.

Elliot Osbourne-Ricketts then converted a twice-taken penalty after he had been brought down in the box ten minutes later.

The two goal lead was immediately halved when the impressive Dave Pearce pulled one back just before the break for the Tudors.

Moments into the second half the visitors levelled through a fine strike from Charles Mpi.

But Didcot weren't to be denied and a rather generous penalty award after a challenge on Morgan Williams gave Clarke the chance to fire home the winner from the spot on 70 minutes. He shot low past Mark Osborn from the spot to give Didcot a well deserved victory.

Didcot: Belloli, Elkins, Heapy, Pierson, Thomas, Hendrson, Osborn-Ricketts, L Williams, Clarke, Haysham, M Williams subs: Tappin, Mudge, Whitehead, Bowles, Silver