Thame FC entertain at North Leigh

LAST Saturday’s, January 12, was big match that saw place fourth Thame United travel to 19th placed North Leigh to play where Thame were on the hunt for a vital away win to remain in the playoff picture, where as North Leigh were attempting back- to-back wins to fight off relegation.

The match saw the return of Thame number one, Craig Hill between the posts. North Leigh dominated the first half in possession, set pieces and shots on target and Thame went into half time fortunate to be 0-0.

Some of the key highlights included on two minutes Craig Hill having to make a save with his legs. There was a relentless number of runs/dribbles down the left by North Leigh’s Noah Alabi in the first 10 minutes putting the Thame defence under real pressure. North Leigh were also unfortunate not to take an early lead when Seacole fired a shot straight at Hill which then fell back to the forward who did manage to contact the follow up but over the bar. Not long after this Thame created a chance against the run of play whereby Goss’ pressing led to him getting the ball in the box and poking it between the goal keeper’s legs. The shot was cleared off the line by North Leigh’s centre back, much to the crowd’s amazement. On 23 minutes Thame were awarded a free kick which was hit with power towards Gledhill who got up above the defender and hit a firm header which went wide of the goal.

On 34 minutes, Goss played a corner outward which caught North Leigh by surprise and the shot by Thame did not hit the target but went over the crossbar. A final chance this time fell to Peake-Pijnen in the box when he received a diagonal ball which was only stopped by a tremendous last ditch tackle which stopped him from getting the shot away.

Second half

Following the half time break, Thame showed an increase in tempo and work rate. Thame also began the half closing North Leigh down all over the pitch trying to force errors including a higher defensive line early on. The first real chance in the second half fell to Thame from a free kick which was hit over the bar by West. One of the greatest plays of the game was when Alabi was standing at the shoulder of Mepham and got behind him before dribbling 25 yards down the left wing and putting in a sublime cross for Seacole which he chested towards goal resulting in Hill having to make a split second save to top it over the bar for a corner.

North Leigh continued to push for a goal and it took a long diagonal ball towards Seacole which was headed firmly across goal given Hill at full stretch no chance. Thame manager Mark West made a double substitution late on in the second half bringing on Jack Tutton and Duran Martin. The two subs were crucial to Thame’s turnaround.

In the 82nd minute, Thame was awarded a free kick 28 yards out which was taken by left-footed Peake-Pijnen. It was hit perfectly; so much so that the goak keeper, in an attempt to save it could only parry it on to the post and in. This goal sparked a continued drive and desire by all players. Late in the 87th minute, five Thame players were running towards North Leigh’s goal and a ball from the middle was passed wide left to an unmarked Martin who, on his weaker foot slotted the ball across goal on to the post and in.

It was a nervy last few minutes but Thame was able to see the final spell of pressure off and manage the game by keeping the ball in North Leigh’s half.

Overall this was a thoroughly entertaining match. North Leigh will feel disappointed to not have gained anything from the game, or at the very least to have remained in 19th place. Credit must be given to the Thame coaching staff for making key substitutions and installing the belief in the players for yet another memorable comeback. Thame will leave Eynsham Park on cloud nine and no doubt relishing the big encounter against Didcot next Saturday (January 19).

Full time score 1 – 2

Man of the Match – Craig Hill (Thame United) who made countless top draw saves from start to finish, yet again proving he is one of the elite goal keepers in the division.

SOURCE: Contributed