‘Fast & Entertaining’ Thame United

MATCH REPORT – LEAGUE GAME 24/04/07 – Thame United 3, Fairford Town 2. By Bob Dixon
Thame United, who are currently in 19th league position, defeated 13th placed Fairford Town on Tuesday evening in a fast and entertaining game.

Thame took the lead with their first real attack when, after 4 minutes, they were awarded a free kick midway in the visitors half. Adam Rhodes hit a high ball to the far post which James Saulsbury met with a well placed header. In the 17th minute Fairford replied in spectacular fashion, when Ashley Edenborough struck a surprise 30 yard thunderbolt which hit the underside of the Thame crossbar on its way into the net. Thame had more possession than the visitors and created some good chances. On 37 minutes the hardworking Darren Moore struck a strong 18 yard shot which forced an outstanding save from the visiting goalkeeper. The Thame pressure was rewarded 3 minutes before the break when a diagonal pass found Adrian Smith 30 yards out. Smith outpaced one defender, and beat another before dribbling around the advancing keeper for a tap in.

The second half was more even and the visitors almost equalized in the 53rd minute when Edenborough was put through for a 1 to 1 with Thame?s impressive keeper, Milan Barisic, but the courageous Barisic dived at his opponent?s feet to cleanly lift the ball clear. Fairford did however equalize in the 67th minute when Phil Corcoran hit home from close range during a goalmouth scramble. Thame?s winner came on 73 minutes when, following a good move, the ball was fed to Moore who finished well from close range.

This was an encouraging performance from the young Thame side that are playing far better than their league position suggests.

Thame United: Barisic, Ansell (Watkins), Da Silva (Rickets), Matt Higgs, Hocking, Saulsbury, Graves, Rhodes, Smith (Jack), Connelly, Moore

Thame United face the potential league champions on Saturday when Slimbridge visit Hithercroft Stadium in Thame?s final match of the season (KO 3.00)