United Ease to Victory against Robins

The result strengthens Thame’s 6th league position. It was an entertaining game, particularly for United supporters, with the on-form Niall Hodgkins scoring 3 goals before half time.

After an even start Thame started to win more of the ball and create chances, going ahead, from a corner, in the 23rd minute. Taylor Collins took the corner kick which fell to Matt Johnson whose shot was parried by the home Keeper. It then fell to Hodgkins whose shot appeared to be cleared off the goal line but, as Thame appealed, the well placed linesman signalled that the ball had crossed the line and a goal was awarded. On 30 minutes Lynton Goss ran at goal and was scythed down just inside the penalty area. Hodgkins scored confidently from the penalty spot. With a minute of the half remaining, Collins made a run on the left and hit a good shot which the keeper blocked but ‘poacher’ Hodgkins was in the right place to collect the rebound and hit the ball home to complete his first half hat trick.

The home side came out ‘fired up’ for the second half but, after a few anxious moments, and a good save from Lee Farrow, Thame again established their control. United’s final goal came on 66 minutes when a Collins free kick was met by the head of Nik Rhodes, but his header was going wide until Simon Lynn got his foot to the ball to finish confidently near the far post. Bracknell went down to 10 men a few minutes later when substitute Danny Oliphant unfairly challenged Farrow and was shown a red card. Thame continued to look dangerous and the goal-hungry Collins forced a good save from the home keeper. With the game won, Thame were able to rest tired legs, and substitutes, Tom Sykes, Luke Hurley and Jordan Davis came on for the final few minutes.

Overall it was a good performance from the Thame team who are currently playing some good football. Long may it last.

Thame United: Farrow, I Pykett, P Pykett, Lynn, Rhodes, Lynch, Connelly, Johnson, Collins (Hurley), Hodgkins (Davis), Goss (Sykes).