What a difference a week makes! Having lost 4-0 away to Shrivenham development on the previous Saturday, Letcombe bounced back to defeat previously unbeaten Highworth Town Reserves in this top of the table battle. Their previous attempt to play the match was abandoned a few weeks ago after only one minute because of what appeared to be a serious injury to the Highworth goalkeeper, with Letcombe already leading 1-0.

With Highworth having submitted a 7 day approach for Fraser Little, Letcombe left him out of their team and reverted to their more familiar 4-4-2 formation after a few up and down weeks toying with different formations. The game was spoilt slightly by a very strong wind which prevented good passing football, and Letcombe close to play with it in their favour in the first half. They took the lead after 10 minutes when a deflected shot looped into the air, and although visiting keeper Simon Randlesome got his hand to the ball, Josh Fowler was on hand to score from close range. Letcombe increased their lead after 27 minutes when a wind assisted free kick eluded the Highworth defence, and Fowler controlled the ball before firing it low into the far bottom corner. Highworth never really tested home keeper Danny Joyce all day but pulled a goal back with the last kick of the half. Letcombe assistant referee Des Williams indicated to referee Matthew Harris that the ball had deflected off a defender, and skipper Liam Haines deflected the ball into the net from six yards from the resulting corner.

Letcombe were forced to replace Fowler at half time with a tight hamstring, and Boyan Thorpe deputised having been missing since Christmas. With the wind behind them, Highworth had most of the play territorially, but a superb defensive performance allowed Highworth no shots on goal in the entire half. Joyce came bravely off his line to block the clearest opening, and sustained a knee injury for which Tom Steele was sent off for a dangerous tackle. Joyce managed to play on and Letcombe were pleased to hear the final whistle, but they could reflect on an outstanding team performance in which every member played his part.

Captain Sam Mulvey gave another man-of-the match performance in midfield in which he lead by example, ably assisted by Chad Abrams. Congratulations also to the Letcombe back four of Jordan Smith, Mikey Annetts, James Wright and Christy Whelehan. They covered brilliantly in difficult windy conditions throughout the second half, and won every important challenge and header. Boyan Thorpe and Ali Thorp worked tirelessly in attack with limited service, whilst wide men Luke Mulvey and Joe Blackwell tracked well to prevent any threat from the visitors in wide positions.

This was a competitive game, as would be expected from a top of the table clash. Five Letcombe players were cautioned as were three from Highworth including a red card for their debutant player. A Highworth player also receiving a second caution after the final whistle for a comment to the referee. Letcombe now have three consecutive away matches at Clanfield development, Newent Town reserves and Wantage Town development. These will not be easy games, but at least they have opened up a gap at the top of the table, although Highworth still have games in hand.