Thame defeated by stronger Oxford side

THAME  United faced a strong Oxford United team in the quarter finals of the Oxford Senior Cup, at the ASM Stadium last night, and were defeated 0-2. The Oxford team comprised five players who have played for the first team, together with regular members of the development squad. Thame gave it their best shot but struggled to compete after going down to ten men half way through the first half.

Image courtesy of Oxford United http://www.oufc.co.uk/

The first 10 minutes were fairly even and when Luke Ricketts tested the visiting keeper with a long shot it looked as if the teams were evenly matched. Once the visitors settled however they won more possession and went ahead on 20 minutes. Josh Shama dribbled pass three Thame players and ran at the Thame goal before feeding the ball to Aiden Hawtin, on the right, who hit a superb low 20-yard shot, from an acute angle, which flashed pass Lee Farrow.  Minutes later Lewis Cordice forced the Oxford keeper to block his shot and Ollie lynch followed up but the keeper dived to collect the ball just before Lynch clattered into him. The referee reached into his pocket to pull out a red card, and Lynch was dismissed. Just before the break Ian Pykett made a run on the right but was rewarded with an injury and, although he tried to play on, it was too severe, and Ian was replaced by his twin brother Phil.

Oxford increased their lead nine minutes after the restart. They took a corner on the right which rebounded off the near post and Hawtin was on hand to force the ball home from close range. Thame were forced to defend for long periods and Lee Farrow was compelled to make some excellent saves. Thame managed to mount the occasional attack and the hardworking Cordice created a half chance, but his shot was wide. Thame’s final chance came from a Shannon Jesson free kick which was met by Ellis Hercules, but his header flew over the bar.

Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett (P Pykett), Hall, Hercules, Rhodes, Lynch, Connelly, West (Johnston), Jesson, (Kedzierski), Cordice, Ricketts.

United are at home next Saturday 15th February when Brimscome and Thrupp are the visitors.

CONTRIBUTED by Bob Dixon