UNDERDOGS New Inn Sports put up a gallant fight against Southern League outfit Thatcham Town, but fitness and that extra class told in end as the Berkshire side retained the Basingstoke Senior Cup at Alton on Wednesday.

Although Thatcham had more of the possession and chances it was not until the 20 minutes from time that they made the tie safe and any chance of a New Inn comeback disappeared soon after when they had a player sent off.

The winners had their first chance on 14 minutes, but Kieran Challis made a great block to stop Sam Flegg and Adam Hooper did well to save the rebound.

New Inn then almost snatched the lead when Wayne Finn sent over an excellent centre from the right which beat the defender and Jake Hutt was inches from getting the vital touch.

Thatcham took the lead on 30 minutes through James Clark.

Further chances fell to the Southern League opponents with Ryan Evans clearing off the line when man-of-the-match Scott Rees looked certain to score.

New Inn started the second half much better, having a good spell and on 53 minutes a good ball from the left by Craig Gorka was picked up by Ashley Elward and he forced a great low save at the foot of the post from goalkeeper Paul Strudley.

New Inn were forced to make a change as Steve Hemmings replaced the injured Colin Davis and they seemed to lose their shape in midfield after this.

Hooper had to be at his best saving from Rees and then preventing an own goal from Hemmings’ half clearance.

Thatcham went 2-0 on 71 minutes as Clark’s pass was finished by Jemal Johnson.

Six minutes later, New Inn’s Gorka was sent-off after receiving a second yellow card and from the resulting free-kick Gareth Thomas fired inches over the bar.

Elward did force a save with his shot on the turn on 85 minutes, but Thatcham netted a third from Johnson.