AFC ALDERMASTON lost out in a five goal thriller as they were beaten 3-2 by visiting Headington Amateurs.

It was a very even clash between the sides four and fifth in the Hellenic League Division One East table.

The Atom Men are known for their slow starts, but this game it was different as with only three minutes on the clock, a quick attack had the ball fall at the feet of Liam Tackley on the edge of the Headington box.

The midfielder curled a strike towards goal, which got deflected along the way leaving the visitor's goalkeeper helpless.

The lead did not last long as Headington pushed AFC back into their own half and started applying some pressure towards the back line of the reds. Just over 10 minutes on the clock and a free-kick was whipped into the box where a Headington head met the ball for the equaliser.

Both teams started trading blows and tackles started to fly in what looked to be a fiery contest. Midway through the first half Karl Hanks, playing his first game after a two month lay off due to a hamstring injury weaved his way through a couple of players before delivering a delicious ball across the penalty area which met Michael Porter's head and flew agonisingly wide.

After the break, Aldermaston came out the stronger and it took them only 4 minutes to restore their lead when Tackley rode a few challenges and the played a delightful through ball which found the feet of Porter who lobbed an onrushing goalkeeper with a finish which got the AFC bench and fans 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.

With 30 minutes left the game started getting scrappy and the winner came seven minutes from time as a ball was delivered from out wide and fell to a Headington striker on the edge of the box who's strike deflected of the unlucky Hanks into the top corner.

Aldermaston will look to recover some form after two defeats in a row as they host Wokingham and Embrook on Saturday.