Surprise win for out-of-form Thame

WITH  Kidlington unbeaten in the league since Christmas, and United with seven players missing and suffering their worst form of the season, few would have predicted the result at Yarnton Lane.

Luke Ricketts, who scored Thame’s only goal against Kidlington on Saturday

The absenteeism meant changes to the starting line-up, with Jon Coverely coming in at centre back following a month on the sidelines through injury, Shannon Jesson moving to left back, and Andy Gledhill playing off centre forward Ben Gray. Playing with a strong wind in their favour in the first half, United enjoyed plenty of possession although chances were limited. The first real opportunity came on 20 minutes when Gledhill turned his marker on the edge of the box, but his effort on goal was blocked. Dan West then saw a shot go over the bar, whilst the nearest Kidlington came to a goal was on 28 minutes when shot across the face of the goal saw keeper Matt Tapping lose his footing and the ball went wide of goal.

The only goal of the match arrived two minutes before the break. Kidlington were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell to Luke Ricketts on the wide left, whose first time half-volley flew in to the far corner of the net giving the home keeper no chance. It was a much deserved half-time lead with united anticipating defending for much of the second half given the weather conditions.

Whilst that proved to be the case, Tapping was rarely troubled and, indeed, the best chance of the half fell to West on 61 minutes when, after another goalmouth scramble, his first time effort from 8 yards was blocked. For their part, Kidlington pressed, and their best opportunities came from deep crosses in to the box, but whether finding the head or feet of the home strikers, the efforts went wide.

As it was United held on for three points to complete the double over a Kidlington side who, before the match, were sitting third in the table.

Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division – 28 March 2015 – Kidlington 0 Thame United 1

United:
Tapping, Evans, Jesson, Hercules, Coverley, Gledhill, Connelly (Hazell), Morris, West, Gray, Ricketts

SOURCE – Contributed