04/01/2011………Thame United lose at home to Ardley

LEAGUE GAME: Monday, 04/01/11 – Meadow View Park: Thame United 1, Ardley United 3. MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

ALMIOST Almost 250 spectators braved a cold Bank Holiday Monday to watch Thame United face league leaders Ardley United at the ASM Stadium. They saw an entertaining, keenly contested game which the visitors won 1-3, a score which flattered them. All four goals came in the second half.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with both teams looking a little rusty, having not played since early December. Thame first chance fell to Stuart Braun but he scuffed his shot wide. Minutes later a strong volley from Sam Cowan forced a good save from the visiting keeper. Much of the Thame threat came from their on-form wingers, Ben Connelly and Luke Rickets. A Connelly cross was met with a strong downwards header by Aaron Rogers but the keeper just managed to scramble the ball clear. At the other end Thame keeper Milan Barisic was busy, and did well to win a 1 on 1 with visiting winger Danny Bone, by diving and bravely deflecting the ball from his feet. Barisic was in action a few minutes later, reacting quickly to tip a 30-yard shot over the bar. In the final minute of the half, Braun was unlucky to see a defender block his powerful shot on the line with the keeper beaten.

Thame created two good chances in the first few minutes after the restart but were unable to convert them. The deadlock was broken in the 55th minute. Ardley were awarded a corner and as the ball was cleared referee Murdoch saw an infringement and blew for a penalty, indicating that a Thame player had unfairly pushed an opponent. Ian Concannon took the spot kick well, giving Barisic no chance. Encouraged by the goal, the visitors increased the pressure on Thame and netted their second goal four minutes later when striker Stuart Bridges side-footed in a cross from the right. Ardley continued to push and, on 62 minutes, were awarded a corner on the left. The ball came in close to goal, just below the crossbar, and as Barisic jumped to collect it, he spilled the ball to the feet of Lewis Trovers, who tapped home.

Thame fought back and scored with 15 minutes remaining. Following a blocked run on the right Connelly played the ball back to Stuart Barr who hit a long ball which Alex Stuart met with a glancing header into the top left of the goal. Manager Mark West brought on 3 substitutes, including newcomer Connor Hayes, but there were no further goals. Ardley played out the final few minutes with some slick passing, keeping the ball, thus denying possession to Thame.

Thame United: Barisic, Barr, Newell (Meredith), Saulsbury, Brown (N Rhodes), Cowan, Connelly, Braun (Hayes), Stuart, Rogers, Ricketts.

Thame are again at home next Saturday, 8th January, when Flackwell Heath are the visitors.