ALDERMASTON suffered a first home loss in five weeks after a 3-2 defeat to Headington Amateurs on Saturday.

The Atom Men are known for their slow starts to games but that was different this time around.

With only three minutes on the clock, the ball was at the feet of Liam Tackley on the edge of the box and the midfielder curled a strike towards goal that deflected past the helpless keeper.

Their lead did not last long as, with just over 10 minutes on the clock, a free-kick was whipped into the box and met with a header into the net.

Aldermaston came out stronger in the second half and it took them just four minutes to restore their lead.

Tackley rode a few challenges and played a delightful through ball which found the feet of Michael Porter to lob the onrushing keeper with a finish that got the bench and supporters off their feet to applaud.

The lead only lasted 10 minutes as once again Headington showed grit and determination to get back into the game.

A ball was sent down the right wing and, with the Aldermaston back line making the chance an easy one, a tap-in restored parity at 2-2.

The game looked as if it would see a winner from the chances each team created and that was the case in the 83rd minute.

A cross was delivered from out wide and fell to a Headington striker on the edge of the box. The shot deflected off an unlucky Karl Hanks and into the top corner.

The goal deflated Aldermaston and left the players beat on the pitch with heads looking to the heavens.

Aldermaston will now look to recover some form after back-to-back defeats when they host Wokingham & Emmbrook at the Aldermaston Recreational Society ground on Saturday (3pm).

The home team are now fifth in the table with Wokingham ninth and five points behind.