Run Of Defeats Ended By Thame United – Report by Bob Dixon

Thame United 2, Paulton Rovers 2
THAME united ended their run of seven successive defeats, and could have secured all three points, but for an equaliser scored deep into extra time.

Both sides missed chances in a scrappy first half, but the pace quickened after the restart with both teams looking sharper. The first goal came in the 73rd minute when Paulton?s Lee Bryant headed in a good cross from five yards. Thame equalised five minutes later when a free kick was headed on to Darren Moore, who fired home from close range. With two minutes of normal time remaining, Thame took the lead. Following a good run, Gavin Way threaded the ball though to Luke Fisher who scored from 10 yards with a blistering shot from an acute angle.

Just when the Thame faithful were preparing to celebrate, Paulton won a corner. The Thame defence failed to clear the danger and the ball broke to Paulton defender Steve Briggs who found the back of the Thame net with a superb shot from the edge of the area.

Robbie Eason was man of the match but there were also excellent performances from Majid Raja, Daren Moore, and Luke Fisher. Luke would have scored in the first half but for a great save from Paulton?s goalkeeper.

Thame United: Searl, Hopkins (Way), N. Rhodes, Eason, Hocking (Groves), Raja, Fisher, A. Rhodes, A. Stewart, Moore, Boland.

Thame are away to nearby Beaconsfield SYCOB next Saturday, 18th February.