JOINT managers Anthony Mooney and Declan Jacob ended their short reigns as joint managers of Highmoor Ibis on a losing note, but could still be proud of their team’s spirited performance in the Reading Senior Cup final, writes Dave Wright.

The Rivermoor men twice came from behind to level the scores at 2-2 early in the second half, but three goals in quick succession saw Wantage emerge victorious 5-3 at Madejski Stadium last Friday.

“They were the better side and deserved to win, but all credit to our players,” said Mooney.

Yet even eight goals failed to reflect the amount of action at both ends with plenty of chances being created – and wasted – and the two keepers making some excellent saves.

This all-Hellenic League clash featured the teams who had finished fourth from top and fourth from bottom of the Premier Division, but for the best part of the game, there was little to choose between them.

There was no doubt Wantage deserved their win, but they had to work extremely hard to stamp their authority over a Highmoor side who earlier in the day heard they had retained their Premier Division status despite finishing in the relegation zone.

On a sunny evening in front of a crowd close to 300, there was an explosive start to the final with both sides netting inside the opening 10 minutes.

Anthony White missed a good opportunity to give Highmoor the lead before Steve Robertson headed in a corner for Wantage in the seventh minute, but two minutes later Mitchell Parker curled home a brilliant equaliser as he cut in from the right flank and fired into the far corner.

Wantage, who had knocked out FA Vase winners Thatcham on their way to the final, regained the lead through Jack Dummall after 28 minutes as they exposed Highmoor’s vulnerability in the air at the back.

There were further scoring chances at both ends with the Oxon side deservedly ahead at half time.

But eight minutes into the second half the scores were back level, courtesy of a fine solo effort from Devonte Romeo, who made a darting run through the opposing defence before sending in a low shot that went in off the post.

However, that was as good as it got for Ibis, as Wantage snatched control of the game with three goals in the space of 11 minutes.

Dan Comer restored their lead on 57 minutes by firing home from the edge of the area, which Jim Glover quickly following up with his side’s fourth, heading home unchallenged.

It got worse for Highmoor when skipper Jamie Porter hauled back Robertson as he raced into the area to concede a penalty.

Jon Davoille’s spot-kick was parried by teenage keeper James Hillson, but Davoille followed up to head home to make it 5-2 with 68 minutes gone.

Highmoor looked a bit deflated as they had certainly played their part in a good game, but the introduction of substitutes offered them some fresh legs and they reduced the deficit seven minutes from time when Joe Joslyn was first to react after Parker had seen two efforts rebound out, one off the crossbar and another parried by keeper Curtis Meare.