HEAD coach Gareth Horner admits he still believes in Amesbury Town’s title bid despite slipping up in the tasty top clash in a remarkable finale to fierce-rivals Tadley Calleva.

As a result of conceding two goals in two stoppage time minutes to lose 2-1, The Blues were left scratching their heads as they are now seven points adrift of Tadley in Wessex Division One, but have a game in hand on them.

Things were going smoothly at Bonnymead Park when Danny Finnigan looked like he pinched the winner on the 80th minute. Ben Pryce’s throw-in fell to Cameron Roach whose shot was parried and the rebound was rammed home by the goalpoacher.

Despite the Blues having chances to extend their lead, they exploded in injury time as Tadley gatecrashed the party.

Grant Powell made the most of Pryce’s slip to level things up and then a minute later, an uncleared corner saw headtennis being played in Amesbury’s box and Ben Wickens got the final touch to steal victory and complete the league double.

And to add more pain to The Blues, goal-scorer Finnigan picked up a second yellow card and was sent down the tunnel.

“Obviously we were left deflated after the game,” said Horner. “The players were well prepared and ready for the game and were so unfortunate not to get the points.

“We matched Tadley and for the majority the game was a very even affair but when we scored with nine minutes to go we could be forgiven for thinking we were almost there.

“To concede two goals with one minute of normal time remaining is a bitter pill to swallow! The reaction from the Tadley bench for the equaliser showed you that the draw would have been a good one for them but somehow we found ourselves conceding again.”

Horner has taken the defeat – Amesbury’s first since the 4-1 reverse Tadley inflicted seven weeks ago – on the chin and believes the title race is open.

“Do I still think we are in with a chance? Of course,” he added.

“If you told me in August we would be where we are now I would have taken it.

The players are good enough and as a group I believe we have what it takes to push the leading pack all the way. It's funny because, really, the pressure is off us slightly now as it's not ours to lose anymore so we can just go into every game and enjoy it.

“We are third in the league in two semi finals so although we didn't feel that great at 4.45pm on Saturday, we can be very proud of what a have done to date. It's just important we keep progressing now.”

  • Ex-Pewsey Vale man Kieran Stephens has resigned for Amesbury Town for a second season.