13/04/10…Three more points for Thame! (Contributed)

AWAY MATCH – Saturday, April 10, 2010 – NEWBURY 1, THAME UNITED 4

WITH promotion confirmed in their previous game at Eton Wick, United travelled to Berkshire looking to collect another three points in their bid to secure the league title.

On a warm April afternoon, it was the home side who settled quickly in to their game, taking the lead after only 12 minutes when a free kick on the Thame right floated over the head of keeper Lee Orkney and in to the back of the net. United looked to respond swiftly, with Luke Ricketts and Ben Connelly on the left and right wing respectively, causing most problems for the home defence. However, United rarely tested the home keeper, and the best chance over the next twenty minutes fell to centre back Mitchell Meredith who placed a header just wide from a corner. United did, however, find the equaliser three minutes before the break. Striker Adam Stallwood did well to win a corner, and was then on hand to meet Aaron Rogers?s cross with a glancing header that beat the home keeper.

United opened the second half brightly but were initially unable to take advantage of their greater possession. Indeed, they were indebted to Orkney in the 52nd when he made a point blank save to keep the scores level. Five minutes later and United were ahead. Rogers raced on to a through ball from right back Steve Newell and, starting the ball wide of the goal, expertly curled the ball around the keeper and in to the bottom corner of the net. Ten minutes later and United made it three. Luke Ricketts refused to give up on a through ball from Lawrence El-Kassir, collecting it on the bye-line before beating his marker and squaring for Stallwood who was on hand to comfortably place the ball wide of the keeper.

Whilst Newbury continued to press, United were happy to play on the break and the fourth goal duly arrived on 82 minutes. Man of the match Luke Ricketts collected the ball just inside the Newbury half and beat three defenders before racing in to the penalty area and driving the ball wide of the keeper and in to the bottom corner of the goal. Five minutes later and Ricketts nearly repeated the feat and, despite several other half chances, United ultimately had to settle for a relatively comfortable 4-1 win.

On Saturday (17th April) United travel to second place Wokingham and Emmbrook knowing that a win against their nearest rivals will almost certainly give them the league title.

Thame United: Orkney (Searl), Newell, Meredith, Cowan, Way, Connelly (Hoskins), El-Kassir, Rhodes (Braun), Rogers, Stallwood, Ricketts.