11/08/12…Thame squeeze through to the next round of the FA Cup

MATCH REPORT (Contributed) 11/08/12 – Thame United 1, Newbury 0 – FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round:

THAME United progressed to the next round of the FA Cup at the ASM Stadium on Saturday when they defeated Newbury FC 1-0. The game was played on a warm afternoon which led to low energy and a lackluster game. Thame were without several regulars due to non-availability and suspension.

The home team controlled the first half, having more ball possession and creating more chances. The goal came in the 18th minute when United were awarded a free kick on the left. Dan West took the kick which was blocked and the ball came back to him, allowing West to hit a well placed high ball into the box. After two Thame efforts were cleared, the ball fell to Ellis Hercules on the right who struck a strong, low, angled shot pass the keeper from 10-yards. Newbury chances were few whilst, towards the end of the half both Meredith Mitchell and Adam Rhodes went close for United.

The visitors came out fired up for a second half in which United were forced to defend for lengthy periods. Thame?s best chance fell to West who hit a well placed shot from the edge of the box forcing a first class save from the visiting goalkeeper. Lee Farrow made several good saves for Thame but, largely due to some great defending, he was never really troubled. Newbury?s closest chance came on 90 minutes when a quickly taken free kick hit the Thame crossbar.

United travel to North Leigh in the next round on Saturday, August 25.

Thame United: Farrow, Willett, Meredith, Hercules, N Rhodes, Hayes, Connelly (Johnson), West, Lagan, A Rhodes, Hall (Rantle)