HARTPURY FC saw their impressive unbeaten run come to an end after a 3-1 defeat away at Didcot Town on Saturday, March 14.

The Acorns had not tasted defeat since the turn of the year, but were undone by a clinical Didcot side at Loop Meadow Stadium in their Southern League Division One South clash.

It was a cagey start with few chances of note, but the hosts made the breakthrough on 15 minutes when Owen James calmly finished a one-on-one opportunity to give the Railwaymen the lead.

Hartpury struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, with their best opening coming when a Louis Manning cross was almost turned into his own net by a Didcot defender, only for the ball to drift narrowly wide.

Didcot continued to look the more dangerous side and doubled their advantage just before the break, as Tyger-J Hall slotted home from close range to give the hosts control at half-time.

After the interval, Hartpury showed more intent and came close to pulling a goal back early on, with Nathan Jenkins seeing a powerful effort cleared off the line.

Jenkins remained a lively presence and later curled an effort just wide as the visitors pushed to get back into the contest.

Despite Hartpury’s improved display, Didcot continued to threaten and came close to extending their lead on several occasions, only to be denied by a combination of the woodwork and determined defending.

The Acorns eventually found a breakthrough late on when Sol Kent’s low delivery evaded everyone and found the bottom corner to give the visitors hope.

However, any chance of a comeback was quickly extinguished as Didcot added a third shortly after to seal the victory and bring Hartpury’s long unbeaten streak to an end.