Missing four first-team regulars as they went into their final South League Middlesex, Berks, Bucks & Oxon Division 1 match before the Christmas break, Abingdon slid to a disappointing 7-2 defeat against a skilful Bracknell side who adapted better to the slippy underfoot conditions.

Bracknell went in front with two quick goals from Paul Kaplanski and Ashley Stratton.

And although Bracknell then twice had players yellow carded for dissent, Abingdon were unable to press home their man advantage.

Another strike from Kaplanski put Bracknell firmly in command. Then Abingdon found themselves reduced to nine men as both Joe Kettle and Ron Smith were shown yellow cards simultaneously, for blocking opponents during a Bracknell break.

Ironically, although Bracknell were unable to score further during their two-man advantage, as soon as Abingdon were back to full strength Kaplanski recorded his hat-trick.

Smith pulled one back with a shot which ricocheted off two defenders' sticks.

But Kaplanski, with his fourth, and Duncan Wiggett put Bracknell 6-1 ahead before Andrew Ringsell scored a consolation second for Abingdon, with a shot from close to the back line which the Bracknell goalkeeper misjudged completely.

Finally, in the dying minutes Kaplanski rounded of the scoring with his fifth.