04/01/12…..Thame United’s unbeaten run comes to an end

MATCH REPORT: (Contributed) Ardley United 3, Thame United 1: League game – 27/12/11. THAME’S unbeaten run of nine games ended at Ardley on Tuesday, 27/12/11, when they were defeated 3-1. The result allowed Ardley United to extend their run to fourteen games without defeat and strengthen their top of the table position. Thame were without some first team regulars because of illness, injury, and suspension.

The visitors won the toss and chose to play uphill on the slippery, sloping pitch during the first half. Ardley had the better of possession but their chances were few and Thame keeper Milan Barisic was not tested until the 25th minute when, following a corner, he made a good save from a header. Ten minutes later a home striker was fouled in the box and Ardley were awarded a penalty. Fortunately for Thame, Ryan Brooks hit the spot kick just wide. It looked as if Thame would hold on until half time but with a minute to go, Brooks made amends for his miss by beating Barisic with a low, well placed shot into the left corner.

The home side increased their lead two minutes after the restart when Brooks crossed low from the left and Thame failed to clear, allowing Tom Green to tap in at the far post. Thame manager Mark West reshuffled his players and moved Luke Ricketts, who had started as left back, to his usual left wing position. Possession was far more even in the second half and Ardley were on the back foot as the visitors pressed. Thame?s goal came in the 55th minute when an in swinging Ricketts corner, from the right beat defenders and forwards alike, hit the far post and crossed the line. Thame continued to threaten with Alex Stewart and Connor Hayes both going close. With 5 minutes to play an Ardley break saw Brooks score his second when another low, corner-bound shot beat Barisic. Thame continued to press but were unable to break through.

Thame United: Barisic, Barr (Little), Ricketts, Meredith, N Rhodes, Hayes, Connelly, D. West (Davis), Stewart, Cordice( I Pykett), Keeble.

PHOTO: Thame’s scorer, Luke Ricketts