Thame United (1) 3 Fairford Town (1) 2

Thame’s opponents were relegated from the Hellenic Premier League last season but have improved significantly since then, mainly by signing a younger squad. It was a closer game than many anticipated with United having to work hard and come from behind to gain their win.

Thame’s largest crowd of the season of 213 spectators watched the match. Many were parents of Thame Boy’s under 6 squad who played before the match, lined up in to columns to welcome the teams onto the pitch, and entertained the crowd at half time with a penalty shoot-out.

Thame had the better of the opening exchanges and went ahead in the 12th minute when Nik Rhodes headed in a Luke Ricketts corner from close range. The game ebbed and flowed but as the half progressed Fairford grew in confidence, winning more of the ball and pressurising the home goal. Thame keeper, Lee Farrow was in good form, making some quality saves before he was eventually beaten by 17 year old Cameron Mclarty in the 41st minute with an effort from the edge of the box that deceived Farrow. It was 1-1 at the break.

The trend continued in the second half and Fairford went ahead in the 60th minute when the impressive Dan Drewett hit a well-placed 20-yard shot into the bottom left of the Thame goal. Realising they were in danger of losing; Thame upped their game and scored the equaliser when Dan West met a cross from the right with a delightful finish in to the corner of the visitor’s goal. Two minutes later substitute Ben Gray met a high Ben Connelly cross from the right with a well executed far post header and United took the lead. With 8 minutes remaining Gray had a half chance to increase United’s lead but his shot struck the post. The visitors tried to come back but it was too late, and it is United who will feature in the draw for the next round.

Thame United: Farrow, P Pykett, Hall, Rhodes, Hercules, Hayes, Connelly, West, Hodgkins (Rogers), Barr (Gray), Rickets.