Thame through to next FA Cup round – just about (Contributed)

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round – 15/08/09 – Thame United 1, Bedford 0; MATCH REPORT

Thame United just about did enough to progress to the next round of the FA Cup at Wallingford on Saturday. This was Thame?s first FA cup win since their 2004 cup run, when they were eventually defeated by Forest Green Rovers. It was however a close game with United spending much of the second half defending their lead.

Thame had the better of the opening exchanges and took the lead after nine minutes. Following a Thame attack, the Bedford keeper hit a long kick which was intercepted by Nik Rhodes who played a delightful long ball ?over the top? to Mark Jones about 10 yards outside the Bedford penalty area. Jones ran at goal and confidently beat the keeper from 15-yards. When the ball was played Ben Connelly was in an offside position, but he coolly ignored the ball, and ran back on side, therefore not interfering with play.

As the half progressed the visitors gained more possession and the game went through a scrappy phase as Thame seemed to loose their ability to play flowing passes to feet. About 5 minutes before half time visiting striker Ian Thorn seemed to be unfairly challenged in the box and Bedford players appealed for a penalty. The linesman also flagged for a foul. To the relief of Thame supporters however referee A. Hyne, who was close to play, booked Thorn for diving. Paul Searl in the Thame goal pulled of a superb diving save just before the break.

The second half went a similar way to the first with Thame starting well but the visitors gradually gaining the upper hand. The home side however had several chances with both Jones and substitute Arron Rogers going close. On 70 minutes, Thame had their best chance to increase their lead when Luke Ricketts took the ball of a defender on the left and ran at goal before squaring to Tom Hoskin, whose shot beat the goalkeeper, but was blocked on the line by a defender. The final few minutes were nail biting with the Thame goal under siege. Fortunately, Searl was in stunning form, pulling off two great saves one with his feet and, seconds later, tipping a goal-bound shot over the bar. The last minute saw all eleven Thame players in their own penalty area defending a corner which was just cleared as the final whistle blew.

Thame are at home next Saturday 22nd, when the entertain league newcomers Woodley Town. They then play South Kilburn on Tuesday 25th before another home FA Cup tie on Saturday 29th August (opponents to be confirmed).

Thame United: Searl, Cowan, Newell, N Rhodes, Hocking, el-Kassir, Connelly (Rogers), A. Rhodes, Hoskin (West), Jones, Ricketts

Photo: Two mascots from Thame Boys and Girls FC, William Dack on the left and Max Abreu on the right