*** STARTING LINE UPS ***
Thame United – Hill (gk), Peake-Pijnen, Lynn, Essex, Jewell, Ashworth, Tack, Sturgess (cpt), Goss, West, Martin
Subs used – Mepham and Evans

Aylesbury FC – Bennion (gk), Jenkins (cpt), Carby, Stevens, Merridan, Feyi, Young, Touleda, Haule, Deacon and Scott
Subs used – Odusoga Amadieu and Brito

Both sides went into this game with some hope of ending the season on a high. The whole season is now dependant in the final four games remaining. Today’s fixture did see a family atmosphere hit eh ASM Stadium with red Kite Radio broadcasting from the game, Thame Youth and Thame sponsors in attendance.

HT Score – Thame United 2 – 0 Aylesbury FC
There was a slight delay to kick off due to a moments silence for the passing of old Thame United Chairman Jim Tite. As soon as the game started Thame were pressing all over the field allowing Aylesbury no time on the ball. Thame also showed their determination in their tackles early on notably by Lynn, Essex, Jewell, Sturgess and Ashworth. Thame were awarded a free kick which was taken by Tack which did go over the bar. Then the first goal came in the 10th minute when a mistake at the back meant a cross to West in the box was neatly controlled before going round Bennion for an easy tap in to make it 1-0. Aylesbury did claim for offside but the goal was awarded. The attacking play continued from Thame and a weighted pass by Ashworth found Goss in space on the left wing who came infield to attempt a curled shot which narrowly went high and wide. There was then a period of little chances and both teams turning possession over but Thame remained in control of the game. Aylesbury’s first chance came whereby a cross from the left found Haule in the box who managed to get in front of the defender but could not head the ball into the net, this was a real missed opportunity for Aylesbury. Aylesbury not long after produced a through ball towards goal but Hill anticipated it and closed the forward down making the chipped shot difficult and could not hit the target. Aylesbury continued to attack down their right flank putting Lynn under a spell of real pressure. Thame’s centre backs of Essex and Jewell were battling hard and were winning the battle against Haule and Deacon. In comparison West and Goss were working hard to find space up top and wide in order for play to be in Aylesbury’s half and allow the side to defend higher up the field. Thame’s Tack had a positive first half with multiple touches and multiple tackles to help his side maintain control. Also in the first half Sturgess and Ashworth were working well in tandem to aid the team both in attack and defence. A moment in lack of concentration meant Martin was able to find space 30 yards out and hit a half volley 30 yards out which rattled the bar but the ball was deemed not to have crossed the line much to Aylesbury’s relief. Thame ended the half with their second goal which was much deserved by Goss who as always is clinical inside the box from any distance albeit this one was a tap in from 2 yards out.

FT Score – Thame United 4 – 1 Aylesbury FC
The second half was very much of the same early on with Thame firmly in control of possession and territory. It did not take long for Thame to score again and this time Goss was the provider for West who was able to head the ball firmly pass the goalie to make it 3-0 and surely give the home side the win. This goal was another indication of great link up play between Goss and West throughout the match. There was a delay in the second half when Sturgess require medical treatment for a possible knock to the head which did then have an effect on the pace of play after. In the 64th minute Thame had a free kick given when there was a crunching late tackle on Goss. Goss was able to get up and take the free kick himself and hit the ball towards West who flicked the ball into the net giving him his hat trick on the day. Aylesbury made three changes in the second half in search of goals and did begin to play at a faster tempo late on. Thame were continuing to counteract this by their work rate and winning tackles all over the field. In the last 20 minutes despite the scoreline the game was very much end to end. Aylesbury did find a consolation goal in the 85th minute when a free kick was struck by left footed Brito which smashed the post and went in leaving Hill unable to move to make it 4-1.

This was a physical game from both sides and a sublime team performance by the home team. This was a huge home win for Thame United who got back to winning ways and climb to 8th in the table. Thame now remain 3 points behind Didcot Town. Aylesbury remain in the relegation zone in 19th place.

*** MAN OF THE MATCH – Sponsored by Figaro's Barber in Thame ***
This was decided by ASM Auto Recycling Director Paul McDonagh. Paul decided to pick hat trick hero Thame United's #10 Dan West who was a constant threat in attack and proved to be dangerous inside the box.

*** NEXT GAME ***
Thame United v Berkhamstead FC
Saturday 13/4/19
15:00
ASM Stadium, Thame

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