Didcot Town’s eight-game unbeaten run in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West came to an end in controversial fashion at Shortwood United.

In a game of few chances, the all-important goal was scored by home skipper Ashley Thomas with seven minutes remaining.

Thomas, who was playing his last game for Shortwood before moving permanently to California, headed home a free-kick from close range.

But he was very fortunate not to be penalised for a foul on Luke Carnell as he had both hands on the Didcot player’s head, holding him down, as he nodded home over keeper Marcos Belloli-Pereira.

Joe Tustain flashed an early chance just over for the home side, while Didcot’s only effort on target in the first period was a Tom Wray header, which was comfortably saved by Tom King.

Just before the break, Morgan Williams shot inches wide.

After the interval, Didcot’s best opportunity fell to Williams, who burst clear of the Shortwood defence before dragging his shot narrowly wide of the far post.

The home side hadn’t forced Belloli-Pereira into a meaningful save, until Thomas’s controversial late winner.

Didcot Tn: Belloli-Pereira, Elkins, Stanley, Osborne-Ricketts (Tappin 85), Carnell, Allaway, M Janes, Heapy, Meade, Wray, M Williams. Subs not used: Benasconi, Hepburn, Pereira.

Attendance: 99.