Brave Battle For Thame United (Contributed)
MATCH REPORT – North Leigh 2 -Thame United 1, 2nd December (SATURDAY) Away match.
IN Thame United?s first game in two weeks, they came up against North Leigh, 2nd in the Premier Division of the Hellenic League, the game being played in a picturesque setting in the grounds of Eynsham House.
North Leigh started strongly and had most of the play in the first 10 minutes with Thame goalkeeper Paul Searl having to make a superb save to block a shot from Kevin Lewis after 4 minutes. As the half progressed, Thame came back strongly and at 15 minutes Nik Gibson smashed a pass from Nathan Jack just over the bar. A few minutes later Nathan Jack managed to put the ball in the back of the net from an impossible angle on the goal line from a cross by Jo Da Silva. At 22 minutes Nathan Jack had the ball in the back of the net again but was judged to be off-side. At 37 minutes Paul Redding had another shot saved by Richard Barratt, the North Leigh keeper. Thame finished the first half one goal up.
The second half was a different story with North Leigh starting strongly and Liam Hope scored almost immediately. North Leigh kept up the pressure with Thame Goalkeeper Paul Searl having to make several fine saves. Thame had a chance to go ahead again when Nathan Jack sent the ball just wide of goal but after 27 minutes of the second half, Andy McCabe scored North Leigh?s second goal. Despite Thame battling bravely, they were unable to pull back the deficit and the game ended 2-1 to North Leigh.
Thame United: Paul Searl, James Tripp, Chris Watkins, Matt Graves, Mark Bell, Sion Kitson, Nik Gibson, Ben Connelly, Paul Redding, Nathan Jack (Captain), Joe DaSilva, Graham Jackson (83 mins), Alex Cairns (83 mins).
Thame United Reserves beat Kintbury Rangers Reserves 3-1 at home. Kintbury, who had gone five games unbeaten, were undone by goals from Weaver, Hudson and Miller.
Thame United face an away trip to Milton United this coming Saturday, with the Reserves facing Wokingham and Emmbrook at Lord Williams?s School.
