Thame United Are Back! Report By Bob Dixon

Oxford United 0, Thame United 1
AFTER weeks of disappointing results Thame knocked the holders, Oxford United, out of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup on Tuesday evening. It was Thame?s first victory since early November but this was no fluke result. Thame fought for every ball, defended well, were dangerous moving forward, and thoroughly deserved their victory. It was a night on which there were some excellent individual performances combined with cohesive teamwork.

Oxford?s team included the experienced Tom Winters, Mark E?Beyer, and Jamie Brooks supported by youth team players. Oxford may have underestimated the strength of the Thame side, many of whom were themselves playing youth football last season.

The first half hour was fairly even with chances at both ends. Alex Stewart?s height troubled the Oxford defence and he was unlucky to see two glancing headers go wide. On 33 minutes a good cross from the right from Stewart found Adam Rhodes who reacted quickly, but his fierce shot was saved well by the Oxford keeper, Gareth Tucker. The only goal of the match came two minutes later when a long overhead ball found, the on form, Darren Moore who ?blew away? two defenders and fired home to beat Tucker from 10 yards.

The second half started with 50/50 possession but as Thame gained in confidence they began to control the game, and Thame goalkeeper Paul Searl was a spectator for the final 15 minutes. After a good pass from Ben Freeman, Moore could have made it two but his goal bound shot was blocked. As Thame pressed it needed good work from Tucker to keep the deficit to one goal. Thame held out comfortably to earn a place in the semi finals.