12/08/13 Frustrating start to the season for Thame United

MATCH REPORT – By Bob Dixon: Thame United away to Reading Town, 10/08/13: SCORE: Reading Town 1, Thame United 0.

AFTER an encouraging pre-season in which Thame United won THREE of their FIVE games, all against higher placed opposition, their Hellenic league campaign started at Reading Town last Saturday, with the home side winning 1-0. It was a frustrating game to watch as neither team played particularly well.

Defences dominated, whilst creative football and goal scoring opportunities where few. Reading, who have changed their ownership, manager, and squad, had slightly more possession, particularly in the first half.

The opening exchanges were fairly even then, after five minutes play, Thame newcomer Lynton Goss, made an impressive run on goal, beating several defenders, before eventually being beaten. The game ebbed and flowed but neither goalkeeper was really tested. The only goal came in the 28th minute from a corner from the right. The ball was only partly cleared and fell to the Reading left winger who knocked it back across goal and central defender Michael Hancock met it to head in at the far post.

The second half was similar with goalkeepers rarely tested although, with about 20 minutes remaining, James Faulkner hit a strong 25-yard shot which the home keeper only just turned round the post. With time running out, Mark West brought on Ben Gray and Callum Green to join Faulkner ‘up front’ but without success. 

In the final minute Lee Farrow left his goal for a corner kick, and was unlucky to see his header sail over the crossbar.

Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett, Willet, Hercules, Rhodes, Hayes, Connelly (Gray), Lynch, Faulkner, Goss (Green), Dell.