Thame unlucky in opening match (Contributed)

THAME United were defeated 0-2 at Wallingford last night, (13/08) in the opening game of the season. Their opponents, the impressive Kintbury Rangers from Berkshire, narrowly missed promotion last season. With new management and an influx of experienced players to strengthen the squad, many regard them as favourites to take this season’s title.

The opening exchanges were even with both sides creating chances. Ben Connelly was unlucky when after five minutes play he beat his marker and hit a strong goal bound shot, which hit a defender. The trick Connelly created several good chances from the right but they were not converted. On 20 minutes, Matt Miller found the back of the visitors net with a well-placed shot but was ruled offside.

The visitors went ahead on 23 minutes from a set piece. A free kick from the left was deflected across the Thame goalmouth and Tristan Dennis, who was lurking at the far post, knocked the ball home from close range. Kintbury’s second came ten minutes later from the penalty spot.

Following a Thame attack a long ball ‘over the top’ of the Thame midfield fell to one of the visitor’s duo of strikers. Thame goalkeeper Paul Searl came out to meet the threat, but the ball was passed leaving him stranded and the goal open. Just before a shot was hit, Lee Thompson came in from the right with a perfectly fair tackle and cleared the danger. To the amazement of both teams and the spectators, referee Spink pointed to the spot. He had apparently seen a handball from Thompson, which had eluded everyone else. Shaun Doyle confidently scored the resultant penalty. The teams went in for half time with Thame Unlucky to be down by two goals.

United came out fired up for the second half and had a good opening spell. After that however, the visitors came back and controlled the rest of the game. Thame changed both personnel and formation but could not overcome the more experienced Kintbury side. Paul Searl, in the Thame goal was outstanding, and it was largely due to him that the visitors did not increase their lead.

So, a disappointing and a fair result over 90 minutes. Thame did not play badly and have the skills to get results against less formidable opposition.

Thame United 0, Kintbury Rangers 2

Thame United: Searl, Gascoyne (Jewell), Graves, Thompson, Hocking, Cowan, Connelly, Jones (Stocker), Ansell (Roberts), Miller, Ricketts.

Photo: Matt Miller whose goal was ruled off-side