Thame United 3 Highmoor Ibis 2

With United still 2-0 down as the clock ticked past the 85th minute, few could have envisaged what would happen in the final five minutes, especially as Highmoor had controlled much of the second half to that point. Indeed, goals from Anthony White via a header in the 27th minutes and Justin Forde with a strike from the edge of the box after 70 minutes, had put Highmoor in a commanding position with, to that point, the best effort for United being a Conor McDonagh effort that hit the outside of the post with the game still goalless.

Then, in the 86th minute, a hopeful ball forward by centre back Ellis Hercules found substitute Ben Connelly whose lobbed effort beat Tebby in the Highmoor goal. The goal changed the whole pattern of the game as United pressed forward and the hitherto solid Highmoor defence started to show signs of weakness. The equaliser then arrived in the 89th minute after United first hit the bar and then the post before Dan West was able to steer the ball home from close range.

At this point, United would have taken a draw, but going in to injury time the ball found its way to Luke Ricketts on the wide left, who comfortably beat his marker before delivering a cross from the by-line that was met by Dan West only a couple yards out for a clinical, low finish that gave the keeper no chance. Cue scenes of jubilation amongst the players and supporters as there was just about time for the re-start before the referee blew the whistle for full time.

United will now entertain Southern League Premier Division side Burnham in the next round on 13th September.