A rare hat trick for centre back Ben Thomas, and one from the spot courtesy of Ryan Brooks put Ardley United back on the winning track with a 4-1 victory at Reading Town on Saturday.
Reading took the game to the Hellenic League leaders in the early exchanges, and were unlucky not to have gone ahead after 10 minutes when Tom Williams latched onto a loose ball just inside his own half, and cutting inside from the left he was allowed to get a powerful shot away which was well saved by 'keeper Joe White.
Minutes later the ball was played down the centre to Marcus Richardson who lobbed the advancing 'keeper to give the home side a well deserved lead. This acted as a wake up call to the visitors, and with 24 minutes on the clock a free kick was driven in by Stuart Bridges and Thomas headed home to level the score.
Reading had a strong penalty appeal turned down, when following a corner the ball appeared to strike a defender's arm, but was adjudged to be ball to hand by the referee. Ardley took the lead when Bridges curled in a corner, Ben Thomas was again on hand to head home.
With 45 minutes on the clock a free kick was driven at the Reading 'keeper, which he failed to hold onto and the ball fell at the feet of Thomas giving him a tap in for his hat trick and a sweet tasting cup of tea for half time.
Ardley came out and dominated the second half, happy to pass the ball around and frustrate Reading. On 58 minutes a corner was laid back to Adam Garner, his shot hit a defender's arm and Brooks stepped up to put the game out of reach of a now weary Reading Town.
