Thame United welcomed North Leigh to The ASM Stadium in Division one of the Pitching in South League, It was third time lucky as the previous two scheduled matches were postponed due to pitch conditions. Thame were hoping to make it three games undefeated in a row for the first time this season in the league after a battling fightback on Saturday saw them come from 3- 1 down with 10 minutes to play to earn a draw and hard earned point, looking for 3 points today which would be vital it their attempts to pull away from the bottom of the table.

There was a blow for the home side with captain Jefferson Louis out of the tie with an injury picked up against Dunstable, it meant Romeo Ebonda making his first start at centre back. Ethan Lack had recovered from a slight knock that kept him out of the previous game, he replaced Piece McNamara who dropped to the bench and Eitel Goueth started ahead of Louis Fountain who also dropped to the bench. There was also a place on the bench for Matty Harriot returning to the squad after missing the previous two matches.

The pitch had dried out nicely over the pass two days, which meant the pitch was able to be rolled before kick off. There was a strong wing blowing across the pitch from left to right, which Thame had in their favour in the first half. It was however a disappointing first half and not much of a spectacle, North Leigh had set up in a low block and when they won passion used the long ball to try and push Thame back. The home side were finding it difficult to get in behind the visitors defence and gave the ball away far to often. There were no real chances for either team and the first half ended level.

The second half start in much the same way as the first half, with little creativity from either side and the home side far to often being rushed into passes which returned the ball to the visitors. Thame made their first Substitute on 60 minutes with Ollie Hogg replacing Ethan Lack and this went some way to settling the home side down with a bit of calmness on the ball Thame started to pick out passes and looked more threatening. This resulted in Thame pushing North Leigh back and after winning a corner Eitel Gouthe floated a good ball into the box and it was met by Finn Murray unmarked who headed it home, It had taken 64 minutes for the home side to get a meaningful shot on target.

Thame made their second Substitute with Matty Harriot replacing Dani Lucas, the change meant Thame took control of the midfield and started to dominate the game being more offensive now and creating the better chances, but they had to wait until the 90th minute to make the game safe. This time the ball was switched form the right hand side to the left, Ryan Knight was picked out, he drove into the box, found Harry Alexander with a neat pass and a first time shot took a slight deflection and into the net. A big relief for the team and home fans, but it wasn’t over yet as the referee added 5 minutes of stoppage time Thame continued to drive forward and in the 92 minute got a third, Harry Alexander picked up the ball on the age of the area, took a shot which the keeper could only parry, with Louis Fountain, being first to react and had plenty of time to pick his spot from the six yard box, with the North Leigh defence claiming off side. The referee did consult his Assistant Referee but the goal was given and that was the end of the action, with Thame running out 3 - 0 winners.

A difficult game for the home side with North Leigh making it difficult for Thame, but finally came out on top and secure the 3 points which takes them 5 points ahead of Kempston and on the same points as Kidlington who have a 3 goal better goal difference but two games in hand. Only three games left to play now, next up is a tough game away to league leaders Biggleswade Town on Saturday 13 April kick off 3pm.

Goals

Fin Murray 64 minutes
Harry Alexander 90 minutes
Louis Fountain 92 minutes

Line Up
Archie Davis
Oscar Lucey
James Towell
Ethan Lack (Ollie Hogg 60 minutes)
Fin Murray
Romeo Ebonda
Mark Riddick
Dani Lucas (Matty Harriot 70 minutes
Eitel Goueth (Louis Fountain 77 minutes)
Ryan Knight
Harry Alexander

Substitutes
Romeo Ebonda
Pierce McNamara
Matty Harriot
Theo Ransby
Ollie Hogg