Letcombe were missing Fraser Little, Jordan Smith and Kias Bonner-Shea, but welcomed back Josh Fower and Chad Abrams. James Wright reverted to his former role of centre back, having played in attack for most of the season. Fairford included Danny Gudger with their first team game postponed.

The first quarter of the game saw defences on top, and although Fairford had more of the ball, the best chance fell to league top scorer Fowler. A long cross-field ball from the right eluded the home defence and left Fowler with a clear run on goal, but Fairford keeper Ben Mitchell came quickly off his line to block the shot. The hosts took the lead mid-way through the half. A through ball split the Letcombe defence, and although Christy Whelehan won the ball with a fantastic last ditch tackle, it broke kindly to Danny Gudger who drove it into the far corner of the net. Letcombe equalised after 40 minutes when a free kick from Luke Polding cleared the home defence, and new signing Joe Blackwell calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner for his first Letcombe goal.

Young Aidan Ormrod replaced the injured Luke Mulvey at half time, and Letcombe had most of the possession in the second half. The visitors seldom looked like conceding a goal with Mikey Annetts and Wright outstanding at the heart of the defence, with the referee finding it hard to choose a MOM between them, but Annetts narrowly taking the crown.

A well organised Fairford defence also gave Letcombe few clear sights of goal, though the winning goal that came after 65 minutes was an outstanding strike from 35 yards from new signing Ali Thorp, who crashed a dipping shot into the angle of post and crossbar over the despairing leap of keeper Mitchell. It was a `goal of the season` contender, and was worthy of the three points it achieved. Fairford had the ball in the net with three minutes remaining, but the flag had already been raised for offside and there was also a possible foul on keeper Danny Joyce as he jumped for a high ball.

This was a real team effort from Letcombe against a talented and determined Fairford side. Sam Mulvey again lead by example in midfield, but perhaps the most pleasing aspect was the defensive display with Luke Mulvey, Ormrod and Whelehan winning numerous tackles, and supporting their two excellent central defenders as stated above.

Our thanks to Fairford Town for their excellent hospitality.

Letcombe visit Shrivenham development next Saturday for a league fixture, kick off 15:00