30/03/10……Thame Boys show their true capability at last

MATCH REPORT – Contributed by Andy McDonald – SCORE: Thame Boys 6 ? Chalfont Saints 1; Sunday, March 28, 2010.

THAME Boys thrashed Chalfont Saints at home in a style so pleasing to all coaches and parents, that it left many scratching their heads as to why Thame were not fighting for top spot in this league as opposed to battling at the other end of the table.

Many reasons, including many cases of bad luck or poor decisions but in the end this display was full of confidence and that is the main factor in turning domination into wins.

In this game Thame started as they have so many times, with the first 10 minutes of panic clearances leading to the first goal being conceded through the first opposition break of the game. But this game was different as Thame quickly gathered themselves and heads stayed up and our attacks continued. Passing became slicker and the through-balls were getting more accurate with an attacking midfield of Louie, Brad, Matthew and Duncan helped by Max just sitting in front feeding the pace of Alex KFC.

Our equalizer came quickly with Alex being fed by Max and rounding the keeper to tuck in the first of what was to become many. Thame took the lead with another well taken goal from Alex, using his pace to out-run the defence, this time fed in by Louie with a precision pass. Louie then got in on the action by taking a nicely lobbed third. Gerald made some changes with Ross coming on for Brad and Alex Ingle coming on for Brad.

Half-time came and players were warned about complacency and concentration levels. Our recently solid defensive line looked vulnerable at times and a few small changes were made to settle things down. Taylor was having a good game in goal and demonstrated his ability to come out and command his area really well. His kicking was also strong. Ross added some width and Alex Ingle showed battling qualities and determination which made things easier for the attackers.

Alex KFC cleverly rounded the keeper again to be brought down in the box for a penalty. Alex dispatched this confidently into the top corner for a 4-1 lead. Ross fed Alex for his fourth with some nice footwork on the left allowing Alex to neatly lob the keeper for a 5-1 lead. Stewart came on and showed real battling qualities to chase down every opportunity and nearly get in the act several times.

Opposition attacks were rare but those that did take place were quickly snuffed out by Ollie who was having a great game at left back. Showing his versatility Ollie seems to have claimed this place for his own with some fabulous clearances and passes to the midfield. George had another good game with some solid headed clearances and Cameron once again used his pace well to snuff out any Chalfont counter attacks. Thame rotated well with the evidence of squad quality showing by Gerald having the luxury of changing things around regularly once the game went quieter.

Not content with four goals, Alex was brought on again and soon dispatched his fifth by rounding the keeper again having outpaced a worn defence, run ragged by what was now a four man attack including Stewart, Ross, Max and Alex, the first time they have all been on together.

The whistle went for full-time and Chalfont were finally put out of their misery. This display was a great team effort and the quality of passing and movement after the initial 10 minute panic period was the best of the season so far. Thame seem to have found their best formation and can only hope that results go their way over the next few weeks.

Alex McDonald was awarded man-of-the-match for his five goals and owned the biggest smile seen on a Thame player. The boys enjoyed this game and enjoyed playing together as a team. Thame now have a few weeks off while others catch up on their games and our hope is that Marlow lose all their games, and Penn & Tylers lose three and win against Marlow. We also need Chalfont to beat both Penn & Tylers and Marlow at home and for us to beat Flackwell at home. It is still possible but the main thing is to repeat the performance shown against Chalfont and to enjoy training in the meantime.

Andy McDonald