Two Goals In A Minute Sink Thame By Bob Dixon

THE first half of this match was a scrappy affair with both sides missing chances. Thame?s closest effort was a high, 25-yard rocket from Alex Stewart. Swindon came out for the second half determined to get a result and for the first 20 minutes relentlessly bombarded the Thame goal. Thame defended well and Paul Searl, in the Thame goal, was outstanding.

United fought back and were beginning to threaten Swindon when the deadlock was broken. In the 85th minute central defender Roger Emms met a corner with a classic far post header. Thame players protested that he had used an elbow unfairly to beat Robbie Eason, but the goal stood. Immediately after the restart Matt Pratley made a good run on the right before firing a shot from 12 yards, which Searl did well to parry. Unfortunately for Thame the ball fell to Ryo Matsunaga who finished from close range.

The final ?goal? was a total fiasco. Marine broke from just inside the Thame half apparently beating Thame?s offside trap. Searl came out to meet the danger and Swindon passed the ball forward to elude him – a pass which all in the ground, including Swindon supporters, officials and players, saw as offside. The move ended with substitute Neil Dix walking the ball into an undefended Thame net. To everyone?s amazement the assistant kept his flag down and referee William Bull signalled a goal.

Thame United 0, Swindon Supermarine 3

Thame United: Searl, Hocking, Bradley, Tregurtha (Magld), Eason, Freeman (Hopkins), Connelly, A. Rhodes, A. Stewart (Caldwell-Smith). Moore, Bowland

Thame United entertain Paulton Rovers at Buckingham Road Stadium next Saturday, 11th February.