18/08/11…..Evening win for Thame United

MATCH REPORT – Thame United 3, Wokingham & Emmbrook 2
16/08/11-League: THAME United defeated Wokingham & Emmbrook 3-2 in an entertaining game at the ASM Stadium on Tuesday evening (16/08). The game saw the league debut of goalkeeper Nick Bennion due to an injury to regular keeper Milan Barisic.

The game started fairly evenly but the visitors went ahead after 6 minutes, when Sam Whiting hit a strong dipping volley from 25-yards. Thame countered and equalised in the 19th minute. Ben Connolly collected the ball near the right corner flag, beat his man and ran along the by-line before cutting the ball back to Dan West whose first time 15-yard volley gave the visiting keeper no chance. United created some good chances with an Aaron Rogers header hitting the woodwork and Alex Stewart forcing a fingertip save from the keeper. Thame?s second goal came after 35 minutes. West collected the ball near the left corner and hit a cross which Rogers headed home from a seemingly impossibly acute angle. The home side?s third goal came just before the break, when a slick passing move involving Rogers, West and Connelly created the space for Rogers to fire home from 15-yards.

The visitors brought on two substitutes for the second half but, although they looked stronger, their chances were few. Thame, on the other hand were creating chances but not taking them. Nik Rhodes, Rogers, Stewart, and West all had attempts on goal but they were either wide or saved by the busy goalkeeper. The visitors pulled a goal back in the final minute when the impressive Whiting ran on the left and hit a 20- yard screamer, giving Bennion no chance. Injury time was tense but Thame held out to take the points.

Thame United: Bennion, Willett, Steedman Cowan), Brown (Mitchell), N. Rhodes, Hayes, Connelly, West, Stewart, Rogers (Dean), Ricketts.

SOURCE: Contributed – By Bob Dixon