Draw For Thame United

League game:31/03/07 Highworth Town 1 Thame United 1
THAME picked up another precious point in this dour battle against a competitive Highworth Town side. With leading scorer Nathen Jack having a subdued match, it was his strike partner, Darren Moore, who notched the vital goal only 4 minutes into the game. Highworth defender Andy Minturn made a hash of an attempted clearance leaving Moore through on goal and although keeper, Ian Gill, parried his initial shot, the Thame man followed up to slide the ball home.
Thame had gone into the game without skipper Greg Boult (holiday) and Ben Connelly (injured) so new signing from Oxford City, Jon Steedman, came into the side to have an impressive debut and Jack Green, back home from university, also came into the squad.

The home side equalised after 20 minutes when Matt Pratley netted from close range after good work and a fine cross from Paul Hunt down the right wing. But Thame were not finished and Moore brought a good save from the keeper ten minutes later but Highworth too had their chances and just before the break, Tom Dingle headed just wide when well placed.

In an evenly fought match it was Thame who started the second half as they had the first with Moore through on goal only to be thwarted with a good save from keeper Gill.

The conditions, a very windy day on an exposed and bumpy sloping pitch, were making good football difficult for both sides and grit and determination were the required qualities to succeed. Thame were fortunate in having players on show who displayed these attributes in abundance. Centre backs Dave Hocking and Matt Higgs (who improves with every game) battled manfully to contain the Highworth strikers whilst in midfield James Saulsbury, now almost back to full fitness after an injury ravaged season, covered acres of ground in neutralising the skilful Highworth midfield.

Chances were few and far between in the closing stages and although Matt Graves went close for Thame and Hunt missed with a diving header for Highworth, both sides were satisfied with the draw.

Thame United: Barisic, Ansell, Steedman, Saulsbury, Matt Higgs, Hocking (captain) Graves (sub West), Rhodes, Jack, Moore, Da Silva (sub J Green). Sub not used Ricketts.

Thame are without a game on Easter Saturday but are ‘away’ at Wallingford against Landlords, AFC Wallingford on Easter Monday k.o. 3pm. Two days later, on Wednesday 11 April, they are at home to high flying Hungerford Town k.o. 7.45pm.

Bob Dickson