20/09/11….Classy win for Thame Boys

THAME Boys Under 13s 6, V Summertown Stars AFC 1; MATCH REPORT (Contributed by Andy MacDonald)

THAME Boys started their season with a superb win against an Oxfordshire league team they had come across in several tournaments previously and were well aware of the threat posed by a quality team.

Having signed three new strong players over the summer, Jack Kennedy, Ben Pearson and Shaun Rounding, despite their successful season last year, Thame quickly showed their class with some great attacking football and controlled the game for the first 20 minutes.

As time wore on and chances were squandered, it was only a matter of time before the counter attacking danger of Summertown punished Thame. Having pushed too many defensive players forward, an opposition clearance was latched upon by a lively strike force which outpaced Lewis who had been left isolated at the back. Summertown clinically dispatched on the break to take the lead 1-0.

Thame were given some strong advice by Manager Gerald Reilly at half time about keeping their shape, and came out looking a different team. The interplay was excellent, the players stuck to their positions and our midfield totally bossed the game allowing the strikers to run Summertown ragged. Shaun notched his first of four well taken goals, Brad smashed home a penalty and Alex slotted a sixth just before the final whistle.

With strong players like George, Matthew, Duncan, Louie, Cameron and Brad closing down every tackle, Jack was able to skilfully distribute the ball to either Max on the left or Ben on the right causing problems for an opposition defence forced to run round in circles. Lewis and Nathan stuck to their men well to nullify a very dangerous attack, with Nathan starting to enjoy his left favoured defensive role. Aiden started to show his confidence in coming out for loose balls and his communication with Duncan was vastly improved on last season.

Thame had the luxury of bringing on players of equal quality and the season ahead looks exciting. The league starts next week and this is where the business really starts. But what a great win for a team that played as a cohesive unit in the second half.

Man of the match was Shaun Rounding.