23/11/10…Woodstock ends Thame’s winning run

THAME United 0, Old Woodstock Town 2 – League game 20/11/10; MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

Thame United?s last game at Wallingford ended their run of four winning games with a 0-2 defeat at the hands of impressive Old Woodstock Town. Thame were without several regular players due to suspension, injury and non-availability. As a result, they were on the back foot for most of the game and, if it had not been for some capable defending, the margin could have been much greater.

The visitors dominated the opening exchanges and it was 15 minutes before United created their first chance when Sam Cowan found himself in a 1 to 1 with the keeper, but his shot was high. The visitors took the lead in the 23rd minute when a ball from the right found striker Luke Ingram in space and he finished well from 15 yards, giving Thame keeper Paul Searl no chance. Just before the break, United?s Luke Rickets created a chance with a quality run on the left, but his shot glanced off a defender taking the pace off the ball, allowing the keeper to make a comfortable save.

United started the second half brightly, but soon their goal was under siege with a lengthy period of sustained pressure. Martin Saulsbury and Nik Rhodes were inspirational in defence as attack, after attack hit them. Thame recovered, and with about 20 minutes remaining, Manager Mark West came on as a sub. His first touch was on the left by-line where he was unfairly tackled, and the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Adam Rhodes took the spot kick but the keeper got a hand to the ball, pushing it wide for a corner. A Thame head met the resultant corner kick but the ball was cleared off the line by a defender. A minute later Woodstock increased their lead when a break away on the right resulted in a 20-yard shot which found the corner of the Thame goal. A few minutes later Searl, who was in good form, made a great save with his legs. The final few minutes saw the visitor?s content to defend as Thame pressed unsuccessfully for a consolation goal.

At the end of the game, Cathy Searl conducted a ceremonial throwing of the frying pan which she has used to make countless bacon rolls since United moved to Wallingford more than four years ago. Her days of serving in the tea bar are finished.

Thame United: Searl, Meredith (J Way), Newell, N Rhodes, Saulsbury, Hunt (West), Barr (Gomersall), A Rhodes, Cowan, Braun, Ricketts.