09/01/13……Thame lose tempestuous game against Slimbridge

LEAGUE GAME – 5/1/13 – Thame United (Home) 1, versus Slimbridge 2; Thame United were narrowly defeated 1-2 by promotion hopefuls Slimbridge at the ASM stadium last Saturday in a bad tempered, and often physical game. The visitors came into the game on a run of nine games without defeat. After two weeks weather-enforced rest, Thame were at full strength and played well but it was simply not their day.

Thame players and management will be frustrated that the visitors managed to take the points despite not scoring a goal in open play.

United started brightly and went close after five minutes when Nik Rhodes met a corner with a header which hit the goalpost. Ben Gray then forced a couple of decent saves from the visiting keeper before, against the run of play; Slimbridge went ahead in the 17th minute. They were awarded a free kick on the left and knocked a high ball into the box which, during some header bagatelle, the ball was deflected into the net by a Thame player. The visitors grew in confidence as the half proceeded and Thame Keeper, Lee Farrow, was kept busy.

United came out fired up for the second half and shortly after the restart, Ben Connelly hit the crossbar. Thame were playing well and deservedly scored the equaliser in the 63rd minute. Dan West took a corner which was nodded towards Gray whose spectacular close range overhead kick found the roof of the visitor?s net. The parity only lasted for three minutes, as during a Slimbridge attack, Matt Willet was harshly judged to have unfairly held an opponent back and a penalty was awarded. Stuart Gates took the spot kick well, giving Farrow no chance.

Thame pressurised the visitor?s goal for the remainder of the match and, with a few minutes remaining, Farrow left his goal and joined his teammates in the Slimbridge penalty area for set pieces. Just before the final whistle Ben Connelly hit a quality cross which beat the goalkeeper and defenders, before falling to Substitute Matt Johnston but frustratingly his header flew over the bar.

Sadly, both Luke Ricketts and Dan West received injuries during a physical last 20 minutes, and are doubtful for Tuesday?s cup fixture.

Thame United: Farrow, Willett, Hall, Meredith, Rhodes, Hayes, Connelly, West (Johnston), Hodgkins, Ricketts (Barr).

Both the first team and reserves are without a fixture next Saturday 12th. The next home game is on 19th January when Reading Town are the visitors.