Thame Boys topple top of League Prestwood

LEAGUE CUP 3rd Round – February 07, 2010 – Prestwood Colts 0 Vs Thame Boys 4; MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

THAME travelled to Prestwood, top of Division 4 by a long way, early on Sunday, in search of a good win to provide some confidence to set the team on a good run in the league.

With a full squad to pick from, Gerald had a team all desperate to prove themselves and all keen to get a game after a long lay-off.

Thame started very brightly and piled on the pressure from the start which is encouraging given the slow starts we have had in the past. We have too often been afraid of shooting at goal and the first 15 minutes saw several shots on target from Thame. However, the early pressure failed to pay off until later in the first half.

With Alex KFC and Stuart working well up front together, Alex had a shot saved from a keeper who was about to have a busy day at the office. Stuart got put through also but just couldn?t outpace a reasonable defence. Thame should have taken the lead when Alex intercepted a poor kick from the keeper and sliced his shot wide having done all the hard work. The danger with all this pressure was a break from the opposition as we moved more players forward.

Bradley was having a strong game and made some good runs down the right side while Matthew was yet again providing a solid defence whilst putting some good balls through to attack. Cameron meanwhile was having a good game at the back providing some pace in defence.

The goal finally came when a good cross came in from Brad, and Alex was there to volley a well taken goal which saw Thame in at half time 1-0 up. The team were advised to not panic when in possession and half time saw Alex Ingle, Louie and Duncan come on. Taylor stayed on and was having a good game in midfield. Austin was moved to left back, Lewis had a rest as did Brad and Ollie.

Aiden had a quiet day but was still alert at all times and came out really well to snuff out any potential Prestwood attacks. Louie got involved right from the off with some strong tackling and it was only a matter of time before Thame extended their lead.

Alex KFC was a constant threat to Prestwood’s defence and took a well taken second of the day on the break. Alex Ingle could have added a third but shot wide and several other chances went begging as Thame surged forward looking to bury the game. George was strong as ever in defence and Cameron seemed to be everywhere, mopping up any danger. Max came on for Stuart and Ross came on in left midfield for the final third of the game.

Max scored a well-taken third and Alex KFC got his reward for his hard work and tenacity by chipping over the keeper for his first hat-trick of the season and his best game by far.

The 4-0 score could have been 7 or 8 but Gerald felt the clean sheet was important and the team was praised for their efforts and a shot at a cup competition.

The gulf was quite big between the leagues but Thame will have confidence going in to their next League game and hopefully go on a winning run to finish high up the league.

Well done to Cameron who got man-of-the-match.