Oxfordshire clash challenges Thame

THE big Oxfordshire clash between Thame United, fourth in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central, against fifth place Didcot Town, kicked off in Thame on Saturday (19/01) with vital points for both sides up for grabs in the race for the playoffs.

Even in winter the pitch at The ASM Stadium continues to impress and provides a feast of entertaining football. Thame were aware before kick off that a draw or win would keep them above Didcot in the league. Thame entered the match with three wins in a row where as Didcot were from an away defeat to Bromsgrove.

*** STARTING LINE-UPS ***
Thame United FC – Craig Hill (GK), Harry Mepham, David Lynn, Jamie Essex, Andy Gledhill, Jack Tutton, Liam Tack, Ben Sturgess (C), Lynton Goss, Dan West and Matt Peake-Pijnen
Subs used – Duran Martin
Didcot Town FC – Leigh Bedwell (GK), Sam Bardell (C), Morgan Williams, Lewis Hayden, Cameron McNeil, Luke Carnell, John Dennis, Callum McNish, Lance Williams, David Murphy and Greg Hackett
Subs used – Ollie Thomas

*** FIRST HALF ***
HT Score THAME 0 – 1 DIDCOT

IT was a tentative start for both sides with very little chances created. Didcot had control of the game in terms of possession and were awarded multiple throw-ins and free kicks in midfield. Thame played sensibly at the start trying to avoid any early mistakes. It became evident early on that Didcot’s approach was to attack the flanks. Didcot in attack were pushing numbers of players forward and Thame were trying to close down early.

The deadlock was broken when a controversial throw-in was awarded to Didcot on the left wing. From the throw-in Hackett made a run into the box and was able to pass the ball back across goal to an unmarked Murphy who was able to pass it into the net. Murphy nearly made it 2-0 when a cross directed towards him was headed over the bar and at this point.

Thame were losing the midfield battle. They had to rely on Gledhill at the back numerous times to clear the ball with strong headers away from the box. During the first 25 minutes, neither goal keeper had much to deal with and Thame’s West had to drop deeper to try and influence the game in Thame’s favour.

Thame’s winger, Peake-Pijnen, did manage to create half a chance when his chipped a cross towards Goss who was unable to guide it into the net. The last 15 minutes proved to be a positive period of play by Thame. There was a change in tactics whereby the defence had pushed higher up to try and keep play in Didcot’s half. Thame were awarded a free kick on 31 minutes which was treated as a shot on goal by Peake-Pijnen, a shot which found the middle of the goal and was comfortably saved by Bedwell. Thame continued to ‘knock on the door’ and put several chances wide of goal. Both teams continued to show a high work rate throughout the first half until the 45 minutes were up. This half had a strong flow to the game with very little stoppages in play.

*** SECOND HALF ***
FT Score THAME 0 – 1 DIDCOT

The second half of the game began at a slower pace due to a few stoppages in play. Didcot were awarded a free kick from a long distance which, when taken, took a nasty deflection and only just went over the crossbar. Didcot created another positive run in the game on the left side which was taken inside before a 25 yard attempt at goal found both hands of Thame’s Hill. Soon after, Mepham made a surging run up the right wing and was able to fire a dangerous cross but players were too far away to capitalise. Captain Ben Sturgess became more influential in midfield trying to disrupt play and aid Thame’s control the midfield.

Thame upped their tempo of play and attempted the difficult challenge of getting behind the Didcot back line. For the next few minutes, the attempted a series of long distance shots including a 30 yard strike by West, highlighting his side’s frustration. Despite this, Didcot still remained on the back foot and a further chance came to Tutton on a difficult half volley which again could only find the goalkeeper. Didcot were determined to have men behind the ball and counter when possible, but this threat was anticipated by Mepham who made a switching pass to Peake-Pijnen on the run who then fired the ball along the ground before shaking the post.

Thame’s manager could be heard from the Dug Out saying to his players that the goal will come. Thame then brought on Martin with 15 minutes left and he was able to find space on the right and fire a cross which took a huge deflection that sent the ball just past the Didcot post. A dramatic few minutes then followed whereby a penalty was awarded to Thame against the Didcot goal keeper who was booked for holding West. There was a delay in play before Goss was able to take the penalty which was saved by Bedwell to his right side, tipping it wide for a corner.

Thame finished the game with some more late chances including Essex’s half volley which went straight down the middle to Bedwell. A final chance to save a point came when Goss was able to push forward and put in a cross towards his team mate West, who couldn’t get the right angle to avoid it going wide. After four minutes of injury time, the whistle blew and Didcot were joyful in their celebrations.

Saturday’s game highlighted that literally one chance can win a game. This was an entertaining game for a neutral, but a nervous affair for fans of either side. Thame gave everything in the second half but no equaliser found the net. Didcot dug in deep in the second half and Carnell provided some great leadership in the back line. Didcot will be pleased to leave the ASM Stadium getting back to winning ways and climbing to fourth positon. Thame United have dropped to fifth place but results elsewhere were favourable and they remain four points clear of sixth placed team Berkhamstead FC.

Thame should be proud of their performance and on balance a draw would have been a fairer result.

*** INTERVIEW

Speaking after the game, Thame’s Captain, Ben Sturgess said: “We knew Didcot were a very good team and their team was on top the first 15 minutes before we got into the game. In the second half we dominated in possession and the chances created. It’s important not to get too downbeat over the result as last week we came from behind to win. Also, we don’t have the time to dwell on the result as we have a big week ahead back in training Tuesday/Thursday and the next game comes around quickly.

“Next week we are away to Bromsgrove and it is a massive game for us, as in this division any one can beat any one!”

*** MAN OF THE MATCH – sponsored by Figaro’s Barber in Thame ***

The Thame United man of the match was Harry Mepham who is sponsored by Jack and Ross. Thame’s right back displayed a high work rate throughout, full of energy. Harry made numerous attacking runs and dribbles, not to mention putting in some dangerous crosses. In regards to his defensive duties Harry had a tough opponent to deal with and Harry more often than not won the battle.

Despite the defeat, Harry’s performance has earned him a wash and cut at the new Figaro’s Barber shop in Park Street, Thame.

*** KEY STATS *** 
Shots on target – Thame 4 – 3 Didcot
Corners – Thame 7 – 3 Didcot
Yellow Cards – Thame 2 – 2 Didcot
Red Cards – Thame 0 – 0 Didcot
Penalties – Thame 1 – 0 Didcot

*** NEXT GAME ***
AWAY @ The Victoria Ground, Bromsgrove
Saturday 26/1/2019

SOURCE: Contributed