Thame’s missed chances at Highworth

MISSED chances and some poor defending ultimately cost United on Tuesday, March 31, as they lost to FA Vase semi-finalists Highworth Town.

Image courtesy of Highworth Town FC

It could, and perhaps should, have been very different if United had taken their early chances. After only 20 seconds of the match, a good move down the Thame left saw Adam Morris cross to an unmarked Andy Gledhill whose header from six yards went narrowly wide. Two minutes later and a first time 20-yard effort from Ben Gray went wide with, on nine minutes, Gray again placing his effort wide.

After 16 minutes, Gledhill’s low cross along the edge of the six yard box looked to be heading to Gray at the far post, but the home keeper somehow managed to push the ball away before Gray connected.

United were made to pay five minutes later. A shot from Callum Parsons came back off the bar, before Dan Drewett headed over. However, the referee – who had a thoroughly undistinguished match – seemed to see an offence after the header had been made and awarded a spot kick, that Bohane scored comfortably.

The remainder of the half was fairly even, albeit United could have equalised on 36 minutes when, after good inter-play on the edge of the Highworth box, Dan West was put through but his effort was scuffed and Kevin Tate cleared.

Highworth had the benefit of the wind in the second half and extended their lead on 51 minutes. Parsons was given time and space in the Thame box to turn and fire beyond Matt Tapping. United then enjoyed a spell of possession without really creating any opportunities, with the lead extended further on 69 minutes when Liam Edmonson headed a corner home despite the presence of a Thame player on the goal line.

United continued to press and almost scored a consolation on 86 minutes when a close range header was well saved by the home keeper.

Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division – Highworth Town 3 Thame United 0

United:

Tapping, Evans (Hazell), Jesson, Hercules, Hall, Lynch, Connelly, Morris, Gray, West (Hurley), Gledhill.