Thame fails to score after ‘bright start’

THAME  United were defeated 0-1 by Bracknell Town at the ASM Stadium on Saturday, a disappointing result for Thame as Bracknell are six places below them in the league. Football is however about converting chances into goals and, although United created several good scoring opportunities, they could not find the back of their opponent’s net.

A strong wind gusting behind Thame in the first half and Bracknell after the break contributed to a ‘game of two halves’ with United controlling the first half and their opponents in control for much of the second. The game saw the return of goalkeeper Lee Farrow, who was injured on Boxing Day.

Thame started brightly and created a good chance when Lewis Cordice hit a low cross from the right into the path of Luke Ricketts who narrowly failed to meet the ball. After 10 minutes, a ball from Ian Pykett created a half chance for Cordice whose shot was parried by the keeper and fell to Niall Hodgkins but the keeper also blocked his shot allowing Cordice to fire home, but it was ruled to be from an offside position. Thame were looking dangerous and Nik Rhodes Lynton Goss, Cordice and Ricketts all went close. The game was goalless at the break despite Thame having won six corners to the visitors one.

It was a completely different game in the second half. Thame struggled to threaten whilst the visitors mounted attack after attack. Farrow was on form and made several good saves. Bracknell hit the woodwork twice before taking the lead with 10 minutes remaining. A pass from midfield created the space for Martin Bradshaw to run at goal and hit a low well placed shot into the corner of Farrow’s goal, giving him no chance.

Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett, Hall, Hercules, Rhodes, Lynch, Goss, West, Cordice (Jesson), Hodgkins, Ricketts.