THATCHAM Town manager Danny Robinson was left fuming over a controversial penalty decision had cost his table-topping side two points at Ascot on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

The match ended 2-2 after the Kingfishers had twice taken the lead. Ascot’s second equaliser came 15 minutes from the end when Thatcham’s Danny Lachacz went into a challenge with Joe Grant just inside the area.

It looked like a 50/50 challenge, but referee Irenous Christodoulou pointed to the spot.

Robinson said: “I don’t think anybody appealed for even a free kick. I never moan about officials, but I feel a little perplexed about the referee.

“His decision probably cost us two points. We are all a little bit gutted.”

With title rivals Flackwell Heath not playing, the Kingfishers lead the Premier Division by two points.

They went into the game without player and co-manager Gareth Thomas, who suffered a groin injury during a midweek friendly at Basingstoke and it’s feared he could be out for “four or five weeks.”

Fellow defender Mark James also picked up a hip injury in the same game, which Thatcham lost 2-0, and so right-back Mark Hughes switched to the heart of the defence at Ascot.

Hughes was outstandinga nd it was he who headed home an Adam Morris cross for the opening goal in the 10th minute.

Thatcham dominated the opening stages, but Ascot edged their way back and equalised on 30 minutes through Joe Grant.

Thomas made two changes after 65 minutes with Josh Helmore and ex-Ascot star Jon Bennett coming off the bench.

He explained: “The game was getting a bit stale and we wanted to freshen things up.”

It was Helmore who restored Thatcham’s lead in the 69th minute, firing home after Hughes’ long throw-in had caused confusion in the home defence.

But they were ahead for only six minutes before the penalty incident occurred. Thatcham are home to sixth-placed Longlevens this Saturday (3pm).

Hungerford crashed 4-0 at National League side Chester in the FA Trophy although the scoreline failed to reflect the tremendous effort they put in to this second-round tie.

It wasn’t until the 64th minute when the hosts broke the deadlock and Crusaders had Scott Rees sent off for two yellows in quick succession before conceding three goals in the final 10 minutes.

Hungerford are away to Biggleswade this Saturday. The sides are lying eighth and ninth respectively in the Premier Division, both on 42 points. Then on Monday (7.45pm) they host Winchester City in the third round of the Red Insure Cup.

Fourth-placed Newbury visit leaders Marlow United in the Thames Valley Premier Division this Saturday (2pm).