A DRAMATIC injury-time strike from Matt Cruse gave Ardley United the Uhlsport Hellenic League double over Thatcham Town with a 1-0 home victory on Saturday, writes Dale James.

With time running out in the Premier Division clash, a long pass over the top from Carl Tappin found Cruse, who took a touch before calmly tucking the ball past advancing keeper Chris Rackley.

The late goal delighted Ardley boss Paul Davis.

“What a way to win a game of football,” he exclaimed.

“It speaks volumes about our character, the way we keep going, keep working, and it’s paid off for us today on a heavy pitch.”

For much of the game, Davis had seen his side dictate play without finding the net.

Early on, Cruse fired straight at Rackley, while Jemel Johnson shot over the bar.

Just before half-time, Cruse tested Rackley with a low shot.

At the other end, Ardley keeper Nick Bennion did well to deny Thatcham’s James Tennant, who later had shot cleared off the line by Luke Cray.

On the hour, Ardley’s Nathaniel Lewars had a shot blocked, with the rebound falling to Sergio Guerrero, whose shot was saved.

It seemed the hosts would have to settle for a point, when Rackley somehow stopped Cruse’s fierce drive in the 89th minute.

But Ardley’s persistence paid off when Cruse finally beat the Thatcham keeper.

The teams held a minute’s silence for former Abingdon Town chairman Tom Larman, who died during the week.

Davis said: “Tom gave me my first managerial opportunity.

“He was a true legend in local football, and if it wasn’t for him giving me the chance back then, I wouldn’t be here now.”

Ardley’s match at home to Bracknell Town on Tuesday night was postponed due floodlight failure.

This Saturday, they are away to Royal Wootton Bassett.