Thame United off the mark (Contributed)

SATURDAY, August 30 – RESULT: Eton Wick 2, Thame United 2.
Thame will view this as two points lost rather than a point gained as they let a two-goal lead slip away in the last 30 minutes at Eton Wick.
From the start Thame were in control of the game and in the 14th minute, Ben Connelly played an inch perfect ball to Luke Ricketts, who ran from the half way line before unleashing an unstoppable shot from the edge of the 18 yard area leaving the Eton Wick keeper Mark Appleby stranded.

Thame could have increased their lead just before half-time when, following another fine ball from the right by Ben Connelly, Adam Rhodes shot just over the bar. Just the other side of the break Matt Miller shot strongly from 25yards, with Appleby doing well to get a hand to the shot, tipping it over the bar, although the referee James Bird inexplicably awarded a goal-kick to Eton Wick.

Tommy Hoskin replaced Jack Green for Thame, and played a full part in the second Thame goal shortly afterwards. Another fine cross from Ben Connelly reached Hoskin, whose header crashed against the crossbar, before Matt Miller hit the rebound from around two yards. 2-0 Thame and the game appeared won.

Within two minutes, however, Eton Wick substitute, Ryan Coupland somehow made it 2-1 in a packed penalty area. On 70 minutes Eton Wick equalised from a corner on the right as Ryan Coupland scored again, heading into the Thame goal.

Thame appeared nervous for the remainder of the game but could still have gained all three points when in the 85th minute Matt Miller crossed from the right and Luke Ricketts did well to get a foot to the ball narrowly placing it wide of the post.

Nevertheless, Thame are off the mark and travel to Highworth Town in the FA Vase on Saturday looking to inflict defeat on higher league opponents.

Thame United: Searl, Cowan, Newell, Thompson, Ansell, Jones, Connelly (Roberts), Rhodes,Green (Hoskin), Miller, Ricketts

Thame United Man of the Match: Luke Ricketts

Photo: Luke Ricketts