29/03/10…..Thame UFC beat local rivals

SCORE: Thame United 1, Chinnor 0 – League match; 27/03/10 – MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

THAME United faced local rivals Chinnor on Saturday and won by a single goal. The game was played on a wet slippery pitch, and for much of the time it was raining, making it difficult for both sides to play attractive flowing football. Nevertheless, it was an entertaining game as both sides were totally committed and played with a tenacity and work rate only seen in local derbies.

Thame had the majority of first half possession and created several half chances, with Steve Newell, Luke Rickets and Mark Jones all going close. Although visiting keeper, Matt Tipping was busy, he was not really stretched. Chinnor?s attacks were few although, on 20 minutes, Adam Brooks missed a half chance.

The goal came with a minute if the first half remaining. Following a Thame attack which had broken down in the Chinnor penalty area, the ball was played out to Aaron Rogers on the right who hit a cross cum shot from 30-yards. The ball was not hard enough to be a serious shot and it seemed that Tipping would collect it comfortably. As he caught the greasy ball above his head, it slipped from his grasp and seemed to cross the goal line before the unfortunate goalkeeper recovered and cleared the ball. The linesman, who was in a good position, signaled goal.

Possession in the second half was more even although Thame created more chances than the visitors. Perhaps the best chance of the game fell to Mark Jones about 5 minutes after the restart when he met a Ricketts free kick with a close range header which flew over the bar. It looked as if Thame had increased their lead in the 65th minute when Adam Rhodes scrambled the ball home but the move was ruled offside. Both managers brought on substitutes and during the final 20 minutes, Chinnor came back, but were largely restricted to long-range shots with both Ryan Davis and Gary Marshall firing wide.

Overall, Thame were the better side for most of the game and deserved their three points. The result means that they have not conceded a goal in six successive games and are unbeaten since early December.

Thame United: Orkney, Newell, J Way, Cowan, N. Rhodes, El Kassir, Barr, A. Rhodes, Jones (Hoskin) Rogers (Stallwood), Ricketts.

Thame entertain Kintbury Rangers next Saturday 3rd April.