The relegated Brading team. Picture by Mave Siddons.
BRADING Town were relegated to Division 1 of the Sydenhams Wessex League on Thursday night.
Needing at least a draw against Hamworthy United at the Peter Henry Ground, the Romans let go of a 1-0 lead to lose 3-2.
This left the Romans with 36 points, the same as New Milton Town, but New Milton had a better goal difference and escaped the drop.
The game began brilliantly for Brading, as Jordan Browne gave the hosts a 17th-minute lead. But Hamworthy came back strongly and by half time had a 2-1 lead.
With 20 minutes to go, Scott Lawson scored a vital equaliser for Brading but just a minute later, Hamworthy regained the lead and although the Romans threw everything at their opponents, and were camped the mainland side's half, they were unable to find the vital third goal.
Club chairman Paul Morris said: "We are all obviously so disappointed. We will just have to aim to bounce back up to the Premier Division straight away."
• A full match report will be in the May 11 edition of the County Press.