United Secure First League Win

The visitors have had an indifferent start to their season having won 1 game and lost 2, during which they scored 5 goals but conceded 9. The result lifts Thame from 15th to 11th place in the league. All three newcomers, Lynton Goss, Ollie Lynch and Taylor Collins, have settled into the side well and made a major contribution to the result.

After an even start Thame started to win more of the ball and threaten the visitor’s goal. The opening goal came on 8 minutes when the promising Collins beat his marker then ran at goal before passing to the unmarked Ben Connelly, who controlled the ball well, and hit a strong 10-yard shot which received a deflection off a defender on its way into the goal. Thame controlled the remainder of the half with goalkeeper Lee Farrow rarely tested although he was forced to make a good save seconds before the half time whistle blew.

Three minutes after the restart Collins created a good scoring opportunity for Niall Hodgkins but he was hacked down as he shot, and his effort was wide. Referee Blanch immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Captain Nik Rhodes placed the spot kick well but it was saved by the visiting keeper. Thame were playing well with Matt Willett and Connelly interchanging to provide a constant threat from the right. United’s second came in the 61st minute when Lynch found Goss on the left who beat his man and ran to the by-line before cutting back and striking a well placed 10-yard shot which, once again, hit a defender before crossing the goal-line. Job done! Substitutions were made to replace tired legs and it was good to see the home return of Luke Ricketts after several months out through injury. The remainder of the game was without incident as Thame cruised to their first win.

Thame United: Lee Farrow, Willett, I Pykett, Hercules, Rhodes, Jewell, Connelly (Ricketts), Lynch, Hodgkins (Green), Collins, Goss (Dell).