First win of the season for Thame United

MATCH REPORT – League game: 04/10/08, Finchampstead 1, Thame United 2.

THAME United secured their first win of the season on Saturday 04/10), when they travelled to Berkshire to face Finchampstead. Thame were without experienced striker Matty Miller who was injured in mid-week training.
The game was played in a strong, gusting wind, which made long balls unpredictable and precision passing difficult for both teams. It was a close game but on balance, Thame just about deserved the three points.

The first half was fairly even with half chances at both ends. Sam Cowan, Ben Connelly and Tom Gough all went close for Thame. The teams went in for half time however with the game goalless and neither goalkeeper seriously tested.

The visitors took the lead 4 minutes after the restart. Tom Gough headed the ball to Luke Ricketts who was tackled 12 yards from goal and, although the challenge was fair, the home defender then passed
the ball to his goalkeeper. Thame were awarded a free kick close to the penalty spot and Finchampstead packed their goalmouth. Nick Rhodes took the kick, which was deflected off a defender before beating the
home goalkeeper. Thame’s lead only lasted for a minute. Finchamstead kicked off and mounted an attack during which their were cries of handball. Like the referee, I did not see an infringement but after
consulting his linesman, the referee awarded a penalty. The resultant spot kick was taken well, giving Paul Searle no chance.

Thame’s second goal came with 10 minutes remaining. Newcomer Will mail, who had just come on as a substitute, created it with a determined run from the right, beating at least two defenders before
passing to Tom Gough 5 yards from goal. Gough half scuffed, half side footed, his shot but it finished in the corner of the home net. The Final few minutes were frantic and Searle was forced to make a good
save before the referee blew the final whistle.

Thame United: Searle, Thompson, Newell, N.Rhodes, Graves, Jones El-Kassir), Connelly, Cowan, Goffe, Ricketts, Wallace (Smail).