AFC Aldermaston surrendered a half-time lead before ultimately going down to a heavy 4-1 defeat to Division One East high-flyers Penn & Tylers Green on Saturday.

The Atom Men had the better of the opening 10 minutes, forcing a couple of saves from Penn goalkeeper Nigel Miller, but they appeared to have shot themselves in the foot when conceding a penalty, Jamie West brought down after he cut into the box.

However, Aldermaston stopper Kevin Butcher kept the scores level by repelling George Walker’s spot-kick, before the rebound was cleared to safety.

The visitors came again as Casey Bocarro had an effort fly narrowly over and Chris Hurst had a good low effort saved by Butcher, while at the other end, Aldermarston were also firing in some good efforts either too wide or too high.

It was the home side who took the lead on 22 minutes, though, Kai Parton-Edey picking up the ball in midfield before curling in a beauty with the outside of his left foot from 25 yards out.

However, that was as good as it got for the Atom Men, as third-placed Penn came out for the second half and immediately stamped their authority and intentions on the game.

They deservedly levelled in the 50th minute when a corner to the far post was hooked in from eight yards out by Bocarro.

A defensive mix-up allowed the away side to take the lead on the hour mark, Hurst’s persistence allowing him to claim a loose ball and walk it into the net to make it 2-1.

A third goal arrived just two minutes later, Hurst this time turning provider for Adam Harman to smash home and put his side firmly in control.

Aldermaston refused to give up, but Penn & Tylers Green put the game to bed with five minutes remaining when Bocarro bagged his second to cap off an impressive performance.

AFC Aldermaston remain 10th in the table with 15 points from their 16 games. The Atom Men travel to Sandhurst Town this Saturday (3pm), before hosting Chalfont Wasps in the Bluefin Sports Supplementary Cup on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

  • WOODLEY United had two games called off in the space of four days after their Premier Division clash at home to Tuffley Rovers on Saturday and Berks & Bucks Senior Cup quarter final at Thatcham Town on Tuesday were both postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

The Kestrels have a further chance to recharge their batteries this weekend, with their next game a home fixture against Windsor in the Perpetua Press Floodlit Cup on Monday, February 26.

  • HIGHMOOR Ibis stayed second bottom in the Premier Division after having another week without a game, their trip to Lydney Town postponed due to a waterlogged pitch on Saturday.

Highmoor are due to host Brackley Town Saints this coming Saturday (3pm), before welcoming Division One East side Wokingham & Emmbrook to Rivermoor in the Reading Senior Cup on Monday night (7.45pm).