TEN-MAN Almondsbury Town were sunk by a late goal at play-off chasing Thatcham.
The game changed on 27 minutes when Adam Mahdi received a straight red card for abusive language towards the assistant referee.
As the first half closed a Ross Stearn free kick beat keeper Paul Strudley but hit the crossbar.
The second half started slowly but the Almonds still managed to press with a Jack Pitcher cross narrowly headed wide by Dean Griffiths on the hour.
On 70 minutes substitute Danny Williamson attacked down the right and crossed dangerously but everyone in the box missed the ball.
On 76 minutes Nick Dunn hit a half volley from 30 yards but Strudley caught cleanly and one minute later the goalkeeper saved a Dean Griffiths shot.
On 80 minutes Thatcham were awarded a free kick and Matt Pedder fired the ball towards the wall, where it hit a shoulder and deflected into the top left hand corner.
The last chance fell to Griffiths but his effort was saved by man of the match Strudley.
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