HELLENIC LEAGUE: Silvanus swoops late to pinch a point for Shrivvy (From Swindon Advertiser)

HELLENIC LEAGUE: Silvanus swoops late to pinch a point for Shrivvy

6:00am Monday 15th October 2012 in Sport By Ned Payne

SHRIVENHAM looked like they were going to be subjected to another Hellenic Premier defeat at Reading before they staged a late rally.

Michael McNally’s side had lost their previous four games in all competitions, conceding 19 goals in the process.

And when Conrad Joseph put Reading 1-0 up minutes before the interval, it seemed as if that torrid run would continue.

However, with six minutes left of the second period, Michael Silvanus popped up to knock in the equaliser and send his side home with a point.

McNally said: “It was a lot better than we’ve performed in the last four or five games in terms of the work rate and commitment.

“I probably would have taken a point beforehand because it’s not a very nice place to go.

“We went 1-0 down but there was more commitment and desire in the second half and we should have won it in the end.

“Richie Carter started off on the right side of midfield before going to right-back and he was very busy, and Michael Silvanus played very well.”

Fairford nearly sprung an FA Vase first round proper shock in front of more than 200 spectators at Thame, but ultimately were defeated 3-2 at the plush ASM Stadium.

Nik Rhodes gave the higher-division hosts a 12th-minute lead, only for the in-form Cameron McLarty to grab the equaliser three minutes before half time.

Boss Paul Braithwaite said: “The performance was superb, the lads moved the ball well and made the most of the pitch.

“They battled well against a well-organised Thame side who will be top six in their division.

“I don’t think there was a single person in the ground who thought we didn’t deserve extra time at least.

“Thame probably had the experience and caught us out a little bit, but I can’t take anything from my lads.”

The Division One West outfit seized the initiative through Dan Drewett after the break, but two goals in three minutes from Dan West and Ben Gray ensured the home side progressed to the second round proper.

In Division One West, Purton turned their recent form round in explosive style with a 6-0 thrashing of Hook Norton.

Chris Pethick’s injury and absence-ravaged side have not had heir typical strong start to the season but they ran riot against their visitors.

Tom Cadden took home the match ball after collecting a sublime 15-minute hat-trick in the second half, the third of these being a penalty.

Cadden’s haul came in the wake of Steve Avenall putting the Red House outfit ahead midway through the first period.

Nick Mason made it five before Richie Crocker came off the bench to bag a sixth for the hosts.

A goal from Matt Pedder was scant consolation for Lambourn as they were sunk 2-1 at home by Old Woodstock.

Craig Robinson and Danny Roberts were on target for the visitors, with Roberts’ effort arriving five minutes from time.