04/10/12….Thame Utd’s best performance so far

LEAGUE MATCH -2/10/12 Thame United 3, Newbury 1; MATCH REPORT: Thame United delivered their best performance so far this season at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday evening (02/10) when they defeated Newbury 3-1. This was no small feat as the visitors occupied third league place whilst United were, and still are, in the lower half of the table; they have however played three games less than Newbury. It was a highly entertaining game which saw some fast, good quality, end- to-end football.

United opened the scoring with 5 minutes played; Nik Rhodes hit a long ball into the area which struck the inside of the far post and bounced across goal where Luke Ricketts reacted quickly to knock it home pass the startled goalkeeper. The visitors countered and went close when a header hit the Thame post. A few minutes later home keeper Lee Farrow made an outstanding save from a free kick. As the half progressed United began to create more chances than their opponents. Dan West made a great 40-yard run, beating two players only to see his shot deflected into the hands of the grateful keeper. Alex Stewart forced a brilliant save when he met a Ricketts cross with a powerful glancing header. Just before half time Nik Rhodes met a corner and was unlucky to see his header hit the crossbar.

Second half possession was even but Thame continued to create more chances. They increased their lead in the 63rd minute, after a Mitchell Meredith free kick was headed out. Connor Hayes collected the ball and started a slick passing move, involving Nik Rhodes, which created the opportunity for Stuart Barr to thump the ball home from 6-Yards. It was the hardworking Barr who scored United?s third goal five minutes later, by meeting a great cross from Meredith with a quality header, giving the keeper no chance. With six minutes remaining visiting midfielder Ben Mc Cready scored direct from an amazing 35-yard free kick, finding the top right corner of the Thame goal. In the final minute Thame substitute, Niall Hodgkins forced a good save from the Newbury keeper.

Altogether it was an excellent performance from Thame which, if continued, will lead to a rapid rise in their league position.

Thame United: Farrow, Meredith, Hall, N Rhodes, Hercules, Hayes, Connelly, West, Stewart (Hodgkins), Barr (Gray), Ricketts.

United face local rivals Oxford City Nomads at the ASM Stadium next Saturday 6th October (Ko 3.00)

SOURCE: Contributed