Thame United were back in Pitching In Southern League Division One action after two consecutive weekends of cup matches, when they travelled to Barnet to face Hadley FC. When these two teams met back in March at The ASM Stadium it turned out to be an eight goal thriller with the points shared in a 4 - 4 draw, and last season the teams were separated by three points and one place in the table. Manager Ben Williams made two changes to the starting line up from the previous game against Moneyfields, with Curtis Brown and Jenson Wright replacing Harry Alexander and Louis Walsh who dropped to the bench, Ethan Lack was missing after being concussed in the last match.

Thame got the game underway kicking up hill from left to right, It was a cagey opening start with both teams probing looking for an early break through, And conditions were very challenging with thunder ringing around the ground and a torrential downpour the first 10 minutes were played in heavy rain and hail stones. Thame were looking good on the break with Greg Hackett and Curtis Brown causing the Hadley full backs a few problems and Jenson Wright looking to feed the ball out wide when he had the chance. Although there wasn't much goal mouth action in the opening 15 minutes it was the visitors who looked more dangerous. However it was the home side who made the break through after Thame were looking quite comfortable but a defensive mix up on the right flank allowed the Hadley winger to pick the ball up run into the box unchallenged and square the ball back for Jordan Edwards to side foot the ball past keeper Crowther on 17 minutes. Thame fought back and were level within 4 minutes, Thame pushed forward and were awarded a penalty when a Hadley player handled the ball in the box, stopping a shot which appeared to be heading towards goal and cleared off of the line. Thame appealed for a red card, but the referee gave a yellow card and awarded the spot kick. Curtis Brown stepped up and drove the ball into the top right hand corner.

Thame were in the ascendency and were forcing the home side back, Greg Hackett and Curtis Brown were really threatening in the wide areas creating several runs into the box putting the full backs under pressure. The pressure paid off right on half time, with Thame winning the ball back on the half way line, Jenson Wright drove forward on the right hand side with only one defender in front of him, he squared the ball to an unmarked Curtis Brown who fired the ball into the net. The Hadley players were convinced it was off side. But after consulting with his Assistant Referee the goal was given, much to the annoyance of the Hadley Manager who was shown a red card for something he said. With three added minutes to play in the first half, it looked like Thame would go in at the break in the lead, however it was another defensive mixup that allowed the home team to equalise, this time the defence didn't put in a tackle and allowed Finley Aldridge to run in on goal and equalise, which was the last action of the half.

The second half started with Hadley showing a bit more fight and pushing forward and within 3 minutes of the start had taken the lead, Thame failed to clear a ball over the top and Alphonso Kennedy ran into the area to slot home Hadley’s third. Thame made their first substitution with Louis Walsh replacing Alex Monroe, with Curtis Brown moving to full back. The home side were on top and pressing for a fourth and that came on 54 minutes again poor defending allowed Alphonso Kennedy to score his second of game. After looking fairly comfortable it had been a very challenging 10 minutes for the visitors conceding three goals. Harry Alexander replaced Jenson Wright on 62 minutes and Ty Njogu came on for Jack Tutton. And for the final 15 minutes Thame dominated play, camped in the Hadley half winning a number of corners and creating several chances, the visitors pulled a goal back on 84 minutes when a cross was deflected into the goal by a Hadley defender. And as much as Thame tried for the equaliser the defence held out and the home side came away with the three points, and Thame will be kicking themselves for letting this game slip away from them after taking the lead on the stroke of half time.

Next up its back to FA Trophy action as Winchester City are the visitors to The ASM Stadium this Saturday for a 3pm kick off.

Goals
Curtis Brown (21 minutes Pen, 45 minutes)
Own Goal (84 minutes)

Starting Eleven

1 Matthew Phillip Crowther
2 Callum Foday Hall
3 Alex Monroe (Louis Walsh 45 minutes)
4 Finlay Edward Murray
5 Luke Tingey
6 Mark Riddick (Captain)
7 Jack Tutton (Tyrae Njogu 76 minutes)
8 Jenson Wright (Harry Alexander 62 minutes)
9 Greg Hackett
10 Lance Williams
11 Curtis Brown

Substitutes

12 Harry Alexander
14 Tyrae Njogu
15 Louis Walsh

Attendanc