First Win Of The Year For Thame United

LEAGUE MATCH 23/02/07 – Thame United 5, Harrow Hill 2
THAME United recorded their first win of the year last Saturday when they recorded a double over Gloucestershire-based Harrow Hill. The game was crucial for both teams as they are both fighting relegation. Whilst Thame are by no means out of the danger zone, a defeat would have meant almost certain relegation.
The match was preceded by a one minutes silence in honour of Thame United supporter and Trustee, Steve Summersbee who sadly passed away last week.

This vital game was played in heavy showers on a waterlogged pitch which at times had the consistency of glue. The first 20 minutes saw chances at both ends but Thame were gaining the upper hand when after 21 minutes Adam Rhodes hit a good cross from the right which beat Andy Read, the Harrow goalkeeper, and was then turned into his own net by veteran defender Paul Frowen. On 30 minutes, following a period of Thame pressure, Harrow were awarded a free kick in front of the Thame goal. Whilst the initial kick was blocked the follow up shot was heading for the left hand corner of the Thame goal before Thame goalkeeper Lee Farrow got a hand to it, but only succeeded in pushing the ball into the path of oncoming striker Eddie Weyman who finished well from 5 yards. The teams went in 1-1 at half time after a sometimes scrappy first half.

Eight minutes into the second half came a moment of controversy. Nathan Jack hit an astounding
‘supersonic’ shot from 25 yards which hit goalkeeper Read near the left post of the Harrow goal, hit the hoarding surrounding the pitch and bounced back onto it. What was in doubt was whether the ball had passed into the net before hitting the hoarding or had hit it to the side of the goal. With Thame players celebrating, the uncertain referee consulted his linesman, and a goal kick was awarded. It seemed that it was not to be Thame?s afternoon.

Things got worse for Thame when with 60 minutes played goalkeeper Farrow was carried from the pitch with an injured ankle and defender Dave Hocking donned Farrow?s yellow jersey. Thame regained the lead however when 8 minutes later Ant Dawson netted from close range, following a corner. On 72 minutes Weyman equalized again for the visitors following a good run on the right when he struck a 10 yard shot which gave stand-in goalkeeper Hocking no chance. With 15 minutes remaining a long pass from Jack found substitute Ben Connelly who laid on an inch perfect pass from the right for midfielder Greg Boult to score from 10 yards. The outcome was still uncertain, and Hocking was tested, but, with 9 minutes remaining the talented Jack hit one of his superb trademark, left footed, 30-yard thunderbolts and Thame were 4-2 ahead. In the 86th minute another perfect pass from Connelly found Dawson who finished confidently from 12 yards. At times it was touch and go but eventually it was Thame who deservedly took the points.

Thame United: Farrow (Kitson), Smith, Hocking, Higgs (Ansell), Eason, Boult, Saulsbury, Rhodes, (Connelly), Jack, Dawson, Moore.

Thame United visit Hereford based Pegasus Juniors next Saturday (3rd March). This will be another vital match as currently there are only 3 points separating the teams albeit Pegasus has played fewer games. Thame?s next home game is on 10th March when Bicester Town are the visitors.