HIGHMOOR Ibis’s winless Hellenic League Premier Division run stretched to eight matches following a 4-2 defeat to high-flying Thatcham Town, although they turned in a more encouraging display at Rivermoor on Saturday.

Things began perfectly for Marcus Richardson’s men when a stunning Harry Grant free-kick put them in front on four minutes, but the Kingfishers levelled just after the quarter-of-an-hour mark when Shane Cooper-Clark headed home.

Thatcham took the lead just before the break when Sam Collier pounced at the end of a goalmouth scramble, and they went further ahead courtesy of a fine Tom Melledew free-kick with little more than 20 minutes remaining.

Callum Willmoth put the game to bed almost immediately after, and Grant’s late penalty was merely a consolation.

Things got even worse for Highmoor on Tuesday when they were dumped out of the Reading Senior Cup by Thames Valley League side Woodcote Stoke Row.

After a goalless first half, Andy Bullett put the visitors in front on 65 minutes, finishing after a Jake Dillon header was blocked.

WSR hit the woodwork twice and substitute Adam Cashin-Murray also missed a glorious chance before the outstanding Ryan Corbett sealed the victory for Ross Weatherstone’s side late on.

Highmoor Ibis travel to Brimscombe & Thrupp on Saturday (3pm), before hosting Brackley Town Saints next Tuesday (7.45pm).