Webb Creates Chances For Thame United

Thame United 0, Dunstable town 0 – Photo: Paul Searle, who pulled off a remarkable save on Wednesday, during Thame’s match with Dunstable.

This game, on Wednesday (12/04), saw the Thame debut of former Manchester United and England player, Neil Webb, who played in midfield for the first 65 minutes.
Although at 40+ Webb strolled and trotted rather than ran, it was not difficult to see the gulf in class. Whilst many of his younger colleagues tended to ?hoof and hope?, Webb?s passing was more accurate and he created chances.
Dunstable are currently second from bottom of the league and are one of three teams who could join, the already relegated, Thame United next season. A win was therefore important for Dunstable whereas the home team only had their pride to play for.

First half possession was fairly even with both sides coming close. The pivotal moment of the first half occurred on 32 minutes, when the visitors sprung the Thame offside trap and goalkeeper, Paul Searl, was faced with two unmarked forwards on the edge of the penalty area. Ben Smith dribbled past Searl and unleashed a shot. The agile Searl however turned, somehow, held the shot and to everyone?s surprise, stood up holding the ball. It was one of the most remarkable pieces of goalkeeping seen this season.

About 10 minutes after the restart, Thame were unlucky when, following a good move, Adam Rhodes was held and thrown to the ground when in a scoring position inside the area. It looked a certain penalty to everyone except referee, Burt.
Desperate to score, Dunstable brought on the last of their substitutes with over half an hour left to play. The final 20 minutes saw the visitors frantically bombarding the Thame goal. Searl was again busy and made some fine saves. Dunstable however, where unable to penetrate a solid Thame defence and when the final whistle blew, Thame had succeeded in earning their first ?clean sheet? in the league this season.
By Bob Dixon

Thame United: Searl, Way, N. Rhodes, Hocking, Lane, Connelly (Capt.) Fisher, Webb (Groves), Moore, Hamilton, A. Rhodes.

Thame travel to nearby Brackley Town next Saturday 15th (visit www.thameunited.co.uk for directions) On Tuesday evening Marlow visit Buckingham Road Stadium (K.O. 7.45)