Gutsy Thame United Lose Latest League Game

Sutton Coldfield 8, Thame United 0.
THAME United suffered their heaviest defeat of the season last Saturday (01/04) at Sutton Coldfield. The home team was playing for a playoff place and, as this could come down to goal difference, was relentless in attack.
Thame were missing several of their regular players and also had a man sent off; but nevertheless delivered a gutsy performance. Paul Searl, in the Thame goal was in excellent form and was applauded off the pitch by the home fans.
Sutton came out guns blazing and scored 5 in the first 23 minutes. The first came in the fourth minute when the defence allowed space for Rowe to lob Searl. Four minutes, later Grocutt met a corner with a good header. Dodd got Sutton?s third in the 14th minute with a superb strike from 25 yards, giving Searl no chance. Sutton?s fourth followed a clearly offside pass, which put Moran in a one-on-one with Searl who stood no chance from an excellent finish. Rowe got his seconnd and Sutton?s fifthth in the 23rd minute following a goalmouth scramble.
Thame recovered from the initial torrent and on 40 minutes, Luke Fisher fired a fierce shot which brought an excellent save from the Sutton keeper. This was closely followed by an excellent shot from Steve Groves, which went just wide of the goal.
Just before half time with Searl beaten, Rob Hopkins reacted on the line with his hand (an excellent save) and was sent off. The subsequent penalty was wide of the goal.

The second half saw Sutton keeping Thame in their own half for much of the time. Searl kept the score at 5 ?0, with some superb goal keeping, until the 60th minute. After a fine parry from Searl, the rebound was picked up by Markman who netted Sutton?s sixth. Five minutes later searl was again faced with a one-on-one with Moran, only to be beaten again. Thame came close to a consolation goal when Nik Rhodes took a superb free kick and forced the Sutton keeper to produce another excellent save. The home team continued to dominate keeping Searl busy and forcing him to dive low to his right to make what was the save of the match. Hughes got Sutton?s final goal in the 66th minute.

On the positive side, Ben Connolly did a good job in midfield giving Sutton a lot of problems. The Thame lads continued to fight and certainly did not deserve the score line on effort. Once again, they dug in and battled to the final whistle.

Thame United: Searl, Way, Hopkins, N Rhodes, Hocking, Connolly, Fisher (Lane) Morgan, Bowland, Bradley, Groves.

Thame United are at home to Willenhall Town next Saturday 8th April. The following Wednesday, fellow strugglers Dunstable Town visit Buckingham Road Stadium. (7.45)