Hounslow Borough manager Dennis Bainborough, having gone back to the club after quitting a week ago over a row about players not being paid, had a nightmare return on Tuesday.

Not only did Borough lose 3-2 at Bicester in the Hellenic League Premier Division after leading 2-0 courtesy of two goals from newly signed Michael Meaker, a fed-up Bainborough then had to pay £70 for a taxi home because he lost his keys!

The dejected manager said: "It was a nightmare.

"I lost my car and house keys so I had to leave the car behind and get a taxi.

"The 65-mile journey meant I did not arrive home until 2am and then I had to break into my house."

For Bainborough, it was the final straw after a frustrating week spent getting back the players whom he had fixed up with other clubs.

They had followed his lead and walked out because Hounslow owed them money.

Everyone returned, apart from centre-half Mark Stevens, who remained at Hanwell.

Bainborough said: "It left us with a back-line of three right-backs and a midfielder, because our other centre-half Tom Merritt went off in the 10th minute after aggravating a groin injury.

"We were already without two defenders as Phil Merritt was injured and Jon Antonies suspended."

Former QPR star Meaker, 34, who has rejoined Borough from Southern Premier Division side Mangotsfield, showed the form he displayed last season when scoring 45 league and cup goals to earn Hounslow promotion to the Premier Division.

He scored a superb solo goal after 15 minutes then pounced again when Ryan O'Toole had a shot parried.

New striker Charlie Muldowney, formerly with Woking and Brentford, also impressed, but Borough's makeshift defence then fell apart.

Hounslow: Miles; Barnes, T Merritt (Dyer), Coldman, Charles; Bates, St John (Gullucci), Keen; Meeker, O'Toole, Muldowney. Sub not used: Fletcher.

Bainborough was already angry after Saturday's home league clash with Highworth Town was postponed when landlords Ruislip Manor declared the pitch waterlogged.

The Bor boss stormed: "I was flabbergasted because the pitch looked fine to me.

"We have spoken to the Hellenic League about the situation and in future any pitch inspection must be carried out by a referee of at least level four standard."

Hounslow now play back-to-back league games with Wantage - away this Saturday and at home on Tuesday (7.30pm).