United extend their lead at the top

MATCH REPORT: Thame United 2, Henley Town 0, 09/03/10 -League match – CONTRIBUTED

Thame United extended their lead at the top of the league at Wallingford on Tuesday evening when they defeated Henley Town 2-0. The visitors have twice drawn with rival title contenders Wokingham & Emmbrook, so a close game was anticipated. In the event Thame controlled the first half but, for the second game in succession, were under pressure after the break.

United started brightly and after 2 minutes Luke Ricketts forced a save from the visiting keeper. A minute later, however Ricketts met a beautiful cross from Ben Connolly and coolly side-footed the ball pass the keeper from 8-yards. Thame increased their lead in the 21st minute when Nik Rhodes met a well-taken Ricketts corner with a powerful far-post header. Thame were enjoying 70% of ball possession with only occasional ineffective threats to their own goal. It could have been 3-0 shortly before half time when Aaron Rogers pounced on a defensive error to hit a 25-yard lobed shot which beat the goalkeeper before glancing off the crossbar.

The visitors started the second half strongly and Thame Keeper, Lee Orkney was busier in the first few minutes than he had been in the whole of the first half. Thame came back and the hardy, but cold, spectators were treated to some entertaining end-to-end football, with Rogers again going close for Thame. The final minutes saw United defending their lead with Orkney forced to make a good save from a point-blank header. Minutes later the visitors were awarded a free kick about 20-yards from goal. Thame were still preparing their wall when a quick-thinking Henley player took the kick which was heading for the bottom right hand corner before the alert Orkney showed his experience and agility by diving and pushing the ball wide.

Overall, it was a good performance from Thame, who are currently playing well enough to win the league title.

Thame United: Orkney, Newell, J. Way, Cowan, N. Rhodes, El-Kassir, Connelly (Wakelin), A. Rhodes, Braun, Rogers (Jones), Ricketts.

United are at home for the next two Saturdays. On 13th February they entertain Finchampstead, whilst on 20th Rayners lane are the visitors.