Penalty Decider For Thame United

LEAGUE MATCH: 17/11/07 – Thame United 0, Kintbury Rovers 1. Match Report:
Saturday?s game against second in the league, Kintbury Rovers was a close affair with a penalty deciding the outcome. Thame were without several regular first team players through injury and non availability. It was pleasing however to see their places filled by reserve team players all of whom played well.
Thame started brightly and hit the woodwork after five minutes when Matt Graves deflected a Nathan Jack free kick across the goalmouth to hit the far post. After about 15 minutes, the visitorss began to get the upper hand and for the remainder of the first half, Thame?s goalkeeper, Paul Searl, was the busier of the two keepers as Thame struggled to threaten the Kintbury goal.

Thame played better in the second half and on 65 minutes, Nathan Jack was unlucky to see his powerful shot fly just over the visitor?s crossbar. At the other end Thame?s captain, Dave Hocking, did well to head a goal bound off header off the line.

Kintbury?s penalty was awarded in the 74th minute during a goalmouth scramble and I confess that I did not see an infringement, but it seems that the penalty was awarded because referee Turnbull saw a foul. It must be said however, that the Thame players did not protest too loudly. Visiting striker Shaun Thorp hit a good spot kick, giving Searl no chance. Thame created more chances in the remaining 16 minutes than they had all game with Ben Connelly and Jack forcing good saves from the visiting keeper. It was however Kintbury who took the points.

Thame United: Searl, Cowan (Watkins), Graves, Ansell, Hocking, Catlin (West), Connelly, Boult, Swafford, Marshall (Jewell), Jack.

Thame play away next Saturday at Prestwood.