Thame Utd beaten in Bluefin cup first round

THAME United were defeated 1-0 at Milton United in a Bluefin Sports League Cup , first round fixture last Saturday (28/09), and have now lost their last three matches, albeit they were all played away from home. The side seems to be going through a lean spell, having failed to score in all three games. Saturday’s game did however see Thame reduced to 10 men for the majority of the match.

Thame dominated the opening exchanges and the game was 15 minutes old before their opponents mounted their first attack. Minutes later their second attack saw Ellis Hercules judged to have fouled in the box, and to have been the ‘last man’. A penalty was awarded and Hercules was shown a straight red card and dismissed from the pitch. Adam Bruce scored from the spot kick, driving the ball straight down the middle. Encouraged by their advantage, the home side played much better for the remainder of the half and possession was 50/50. 

Thame did create some chances with Lynton Goss forcing a good save, and Luke Ricketts dribbling round the keeper, but by doing so put himself in a position where the angle made a shot impossible. He crossed the ball but the keeper smothered it before it could be knocked home.

The second half was uninspiring. Both Lewis Cordice and Rickets had chances but their shots were high. Substitutions were made, and Thame’s 10 men had the bulk of possession but, apart from a wide shot from Taylor Collins, there were no further chances. Goalkeeper, Lee Farrow came up for Thame’s last corner which was quickly cleared and Milton broke to attack as Farrow sprinted back,  but Ian Pykett cleared the danger.

Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett, P Pykett, Hercules, Rhodes, Lynch (Davis), Goss, Connelly, Hodgkins (Collins), Cordice (Johnson), Ricketts.

After Tuesdays game against Clanfield, Thame are at home for two games. They face Abingdon United on Saturday, October 5, followed by Cheltenham Saracens on Tuesday, October 8.