HUNGERFORD Town suffered a disappointing two defeats in three days as they were edged out 2-1 by Kettering Town in the Southern League Premier Division on Saturday, before crashing out of the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup 3-1 at home to Aylesbury on Monday.

The Crusaders gave a debut to Shane Gore in goal at fallen giants Kettering, the 'keeper replacing Paul Strudley between the sticks.

In front of an excellent crowd of nearly 600, James Clark nearly gave Hungerford the lead with a dangerous free-kick, while James Brighton then went close at the other end, his shot looping over the bar.

However, it was Kettering who took the lead after only 10 minutes when Gary Mulligan netted after the visitors failed to clear an in-swinging corner, but Clark went close when his lob over the advancing keeper flew just wide.

The Crusaders were then unlucky on two occasions, when, with the ball loose in front of goal, they failed to get a finishing touch and each time it was a defender who hacked the ball away.

Early in the second half Gore saved well but he gave away a penalty in the crowded goalmouth, then redeemed himself by getting up to save Dubi Ogbonna,s spot kick.

Hungerford made a triple substitution but went further behind after 77 minutes when Courtney Baker-Richardson made it 2-0, and although Mark Draycott scored from the penalty spot in the closing minutes, it was too little and late to salvage anything from the game.

On Monday, goals from Ken Feyi, Ryan O'Toole and substitute Lynton Goss helped Aylesbury claim their 3-1 success.

Hungerford return to league action when they host Bedworth United this Saturday (3pm).

Thatcham Town crashed out of the FA Vase following a 2-0 reverse at home to Brimscombe & Thrupp on Saturday.

The Kingfishers were on top for the opening 20 minutes but could not find the finishing touch, and they suffered a set-back when Tom Moran had to be substituted in the 32nd minute after receiving what appeared to be an elbow to the face.

Callum Willmoth was unlucky not to score when, after a good run into the heart of the visitors' defence, his shot was deflected into the grateful arms of Steve Sparrow in the Brimscombe goal.

Just after half-time, Thatcham substitute Gareth Thomas was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area and was dismissed, Ollie Pitt scoring the resulting penalty.

The Kingfishers battled for an equaliser but the game was effectively won by the Gloucestershire side when Simon Clarke scored a second.

In the last 10 minutes, Josh Helmore had an effort cleared off the line but it was not to be Thatcham's day as Brimscombe held on to win.

Town had previously maintained their excellent Hellenic League Premier Division form with a 6-1 drubbing of rock bottom Wokingham & Emmbrook on Tuesday of last week.

Right back Mark Hughes scored twice and Mark James, Adam Morris, Ian Davies and Josh Baines were also on target.

Thatcham face a key clash with fellow high-flyers Oxford City Nomads this Saturday (3pm).

Newbury FC suffered a disastrous defeat at Thames Valley Premier League table-toppers Reading YMCA, crashing to a 10-1 defeat.

Visiting goalkeeper Ewan Ainsworth saw red early on, and the Padworth-based Young Men then ran riot.

Ryan Adams scored a sensational four-timer, Matt Drake bagged a brace and Dan Donegan, Jordan Cox, Darrel Fairbrother and Jonny Adey were also on the scoresheet to complete the rout, while Conor Lynch netted Newbury's consolation.

The Faraday Road side visit Hurst on Saturday (2pm).