BASINGSTOKE Town were unable to dent Thatcham Town's title hopes as they lost in Berkshire 8-0.

This was one one of only two games in the Southern League Division One South to be played on Saturday, due to the heavy rain overnight.

The home side got off to a dream start as they scored after 20 seconds, as Felipe Barcelos forced a mistake and John Mills with his first touch in a Thatcham shirt chipped the ball into the net.

On the 10 minute mark, former Tadley Calleva player James Tennant tested Aaron Watkins in the Town goal.

The Kingfishers then doubled their lead on 20 minutes from Barcelos.

Seven minutes later, it became 3-0 as Callum Withmoth's free-kick was headed in by Zak Westlake.

Former Dragon Matt Partridge then fired just over, before at the other end Dean Stow's header come back off the post and ex-Hartley man Paul Strudley in the Thatcham goal pushed the ball to safety.

The home side then completed an excellent first 45 minutes with a fourth goal as James Ollis slotted home.

Just six minutes into the second half, Thatcham made it 5-0 as Westlake grabbed his second of the game.

Then on 65 minutes, the Kingfishers added number six, as a cross is turned into his own net by Dean Stow.

A rare Town attack forced Strudley into another save in the final 10 minutes.

With three minutes left, Thatcham made it seven as Ollis volleyed home.

Then in the final minute of the game, the visitors gave up their second own goal from Adam Everiss to complete the 8-0 scoreline.

This coming Saturday, Town are at home to Willand Rovers and then three days later they have to chance for quick revenge on Thatcham as they visit Winchester City.