Thame fail to score at Dunstable but static in the table

THAME United saw early drama at Creasey Park, Dunstable, on Saturday (March 02), when ten minutes before kick off, the Thame visitors had to make a late change to the starting line up due to injury to top scorer, West.

He was replaced by midfielder Peake-Pijnen, playing on his 21st birthday, and Thame’s Fasanmade made the late move to play up front. AFC Dunstable elected to play the first half with the wind which was to have an impact on both teams’ play.

The first five minutes was tentative from both sides until the first chance of the game fell to Dunstable when a move down the left wing resulted in a shot from distance going wide of the post. Thame made a tactical change and were attempting to hit balls to the flanks and started to have more possession of the ball via Tack and Peake-Pijnen, and forward Fasanmade.

In return AFC Dunstable were trying to find Christie playing up the top to the left. But Dunstable were found offside multiple times in the first 15 minutes. Their direct play towards Christie and behind the defence did actually work in the first half, making it a difficult for Mepham, Essex and Jewell. One of the best passages of play in the first half came when Thame threatened from their left wing, when an attacking run by Fasanmade led to him cutting inside the defender and drilling a shot inches past the post – much to Green’s relief.

Thame appeared to be more organised, keeping their formation and pressing as a team. Then, against the run of play, no challenge on the midfielder led to a through ball to Hall who was able to slot the ball past Hill to make it 1-0 to Dunstable. The home side continued the pressure for the next five minutes with successive corners, one of which created a half chance for a goal, when Ajayi in the box narrowly headed wide. Thame had to wait some time until another opportunity. Then, a well struck half volley by Peake-Pijnen hit Green’s legs for a corner.

The half ended in controversy whereby a foul on Goss, which appeared dangerous, was deemed only a yellow card by the referee and resulted in seven minutes of injury time. This led to verbal exchanges between both sides following the half time whistle.

Second half

Thame responded with a positive start to the second half, playing the ball on the ground rather than in the air. The first chance of the half led to an unmarked Tack shooting over the bar. Thame continued the positive spell by another amazing run by Fasanmade down the right wing, crossed towards a running Tack inside the box who appeared by taken out by the defender. But no penalty was awarded – much to Thame’s displeasure.

Dunstable slowly made it into the second half and in the 60th minute a diagonal ball behind the defender found Christie unmarked who scuffed the shot. But the placement was there for the ball still to find the net to give Dunstable a 2-0 lead at home. In the 65th minute a foul outside the box led to a free kick which was fired in, and Thame’s sturgess lept up attempting to head the ball away, but instead headed the ball into the top corner of the net to seal the victory for Dunstable. Thame were still searching for a goal attempting crosses into the box from both flanks. But often these were easily picked up by the Dunstable defence.

The final scoreline flattered Dunstable but it was a case of taking the key chances when they came. Dunstable did however play well to the conditions, and the tactic of getting the ball to Christie when possible paid off. This may not have been a pleasing game of football to watch for a neutral because of all the stoppages in play but it certainly wasn’t without drama.

Following three points on Saturday, AFC Dunstable have climbed the table up to 10th place and just four points behind the playoff hunt. Despite the defeat on the road, Thame have remained in fifth place due to Berkhamstead losing at home to Bedford Town.

*** NEXT GAME ***
Thame United v Corby Town
Saturday 9/3/19
15:00
ASM Stadium, Thame