Rangers made one change to the side that performed well against Milton last Saturday bringing Finlay Murray into the starting line up at fullback. Rangers had more than their fair share of possession in the first half as they moved the ball around between departments and sides of the pitch creating chances. Holyport had only one thing in mind as long ball after long ball came out of their defence in hope of hitting their front three as early as possible. The first chances of the half fell to Rangers centre half Jordan Davis, who headed one opportunity over and had another saved from close range. Calvin Evans then had a direct free-kick saved by the visiting keeper. With their first real attacking effort and against the run of play Holyport took the lead. A left footed defence splitting cross from their right side was headed home from close range. Rangers responded straight away with a neat move involving more than half of the team resulted in the goal of the evening from 18 year old George Ashworth (Pictured), hitting his effort in the top corner from some 25 yards. Soon after Dan Hatton had a free-kick saved for Rangers and Jordan Rogers had efforts from distance that the visiting keeper saved. Numerous corners came to nothing for Rangers and the half ended all square.
The second half had more action and Rangers came out strong. Rangers continued to mix up styles of football and Holyport remained the same as long ball after long ball rained down on Rangers well organised defence. Hatton hit the post just after the restart then Miles Baxter cut in from the left and hit a right footed goal-bound effort that the visiting keeper turned around the post with his fingertips with the save of the night. Hatton then hit the post with another effort and Patrick Buston just shot wide. Rangers kept the pressure on and forced a number of corners, one of which should have led to the winning goal. The visiting keeper dropped the ball unchallenged and Matt Johnston was on hand to tap in from close range only for the referee to award a free-kick to the amazement of all. Murray struck the cross-bar from another corner and from the next Rangers had three attempts in a scramble to score but failed. With Rangers looking for the win and throwing men forward Holyport managed a couple of counter attacks. From one such attack they forced a corner and from distance blazed pretty much their only effort of the half miles over. Late on Rangers had one more chance to gain the points but Murray scooped his effort way over.
A game on chances alone Rangers done enough to seal victory and will go down as an opportunity missed with Holyport being the happier of both sides.
Next up for Thame Rangers is another home fixture against Wokingham & Emmbrook this Saturday January 12th.
Team:
A Davis, Smith (Jesson), Murray, Ashworth, J Davis, Johnston, Evans, Rogers, Buston, Hatton , Baxter, (Je Desouza).