Thame United Fail To Convert Chances

MATCH REPORT, League game Saturday, 26/08/06 – Fairford Town 3, Thame United 0

THIS was a game in which, despite the score, there was little to choose between the two teams. Thame had their fair share of possession and created as many scoring opportunities as their opponents. Fairford however converted their chances into goals, whereas Thame were unable to get the ball into the Fairford net.

Thame had the better of the opening exchanges and, after 9 minutes, Luke Fisher forced a good save from Ian Gill the Fairford keeper. On 20 minutes Fairford won a corner and, as the ball came over, Fisher was judged to have deliberately handled the ball. Fairford captain, Kevin Coles clinically despatched the resultant penalty, giving goalkeeper Paul Searl no chance. The second goal came 8 minutes later when a high ball from the right found Ryan Pratley unmarked about 10 yards from goal. Pratleys powerful, low header forced a good fingertip save from Searl, but unfortunately the ball fell to Phil Corcoran who finished well. Then came a period of sustained Thame pressure with a strong Nathan Jack shot blocked and Nik Gibson putting a header wide, when it seemed easier to hit the target. The sides went in 2-0 at half time.

The second half was fairly even but, as Thame pushed men forward, they inevitably left defensive gaps. This lead to the third goal when, in the 82nd minute

a defensive clearance fell to Corcoran, who bore down on the Thame goal, beat his defender, and launched a powerful shot from 15 yards beating Searl.

So, lack of finishing and defensive errors cost Thame this game. The season is still young, but Thame United, who are probably the youngest team in the league, need to address these problems.

Thame United: Searl (Capt.), Jackson (Hocking), Watkin, Kakmak (Gomme), Kitson, Connelly (Da Silva) Fisher, Cairns, Miller, Gibson, Jack