Southern League

South & West Division

Cinderford Town 0

Thatcham Town 1

THIS win propelled Thatcham to the top of the league by the end of Saturday.

Cinderford, edged out by Bideford in midweek, can only reflect on the fine margins between success and failure.

Alex Harris took over from Ben John in the Cinderford goal because John was nursing a wrist injury. Harris was called upon to keep out an effort from Clarke at the near post and also did well to thwart Johnson, with Andy Lewis clearing Cook's follow up effort off the line.

Cinderford's best effort fell to Mike Whittington, who shot wide after being played in by Nick Hancock.

The visitors took the lead just past the hour mark when Clarke found himself in enough space to coolly pick his spot.

Harris made another fine save from Sadler as Thatcham dominated possession and shut out Cinderford's attackers with a well marshalled defence.

Cinderford still should have equalised after committing men forward in a determined late push.

Dale Evans shot over the bar, then sub Dan Harrison had an effort deflected wide of the post by Strudley.

Cinderford Town: Alex Harris, Ashley Malcolm, Matt Smith (Dan Harrison 84), Greg Lewis, Andy Lewis, Nick Hancock, Josh Egan, Dale Evans (capt), Mike Whitington (Matt Barnes 65), Lewis Sommers, Dean Lee. Subs not used: Ben John, Warren Archer.