Marcus Richardson’s side ended the clash with 10 men, but a second draw in three games would have been more of a concern for Ibis.

It is now just two wins in six games for the early season Hellenic Premier Division pacesetters, who are still holding on to top spot, but the closing pack have games in hand as they look to overtake them.

The teams struggled to get into the swing of things early on, and chances were at a premium in a lacklustre first-half that saw no shots on target in testing conditions.

Danny Lingwood had the only opportunity of note in the first-half for the hosts, but he blazed over the bar from an excellent position.

It was a similar tale in the second-half, with the lowly visitors happy to sit in and stifle Ibis, looking to break on the counter-attack whenever possible.

Midway through the second-half though and the direction of the game changed, when Richardson’s side were reduced to 10 men.

Justin Forde was adjudged to have missed the ball, and the referee brandished a second yellow card, dismissing the Ibis midfielder.

The red card incensed Ibis, who complained heavily to the referee, but to no avail as he stuck by his decision.

Richardson’s men found courage from the face of adversity and pushed forward looking for a winner that would stretch their lead at the top of the Hellenic Premier Division.

But Thatcham were solid in defence and could’ve won it at the death, when a rare attack saw Simeon Howell head against the crossbar with Robert Tebby in the Ibis goal beaten.

There was still time for one more chance though, and Ibis were left wondering how they hadn’t won it in added time.

A superb cross from deep was headed towards goal with pace and power from Sanchez Commock, but from point-blank range it was pushed away by Chris Rackley, denying Ibis a last-gasp winner.

The Palmer Park outfit remain top of the league, three points ahead of nearest rivals Kidlington, who Ibis host on Saturday (3pm) in a crunch clash.

Richardson will be hoping his side can improve on their recent form, in front of what promises to go a long way to deciding who will remain top of the table come Christmas time.