01/11/11…..First away defeat for Thame United

Hellenic League Cup, Round two – 29/10/11 – Ardley United 3, Thame United 0 – Match report (Contributed)

THAME United suffered their first away defeat of the season on Saturday, when they lost 3-0 to 2nd placed Ardley United. With regular goalkeeper Nick Bennion injured, the game saw the debut of Elliott Bernstein, who has played at a higher level. Whereas the debut of an outfield player is generally not crucial to the outcome of a game it is not the same for a goalkeeper. Unfortunately, Bernstein had a mixed debut and although he made some fine saves, he was at fault the first goal and perhaps ?could have done better? for the third.

After an even start, Thame went behind in the 7th minute when a long cross from Ardley defender Carl Standen was misjudged by Bernstein, who turned the ball into his own net. Thame should have equalised in the 15th minute when Stuart Barr, who was in a striker role, was blatantly pushed in the back as he was about to head home in the 6-yard box. Unbelievably referee Williamson waved play on. Shortly after Ian Pykett was fouled during an Ardley attack, but Williamson also missed this infringement. A few minutes before the break, Bernstein made two good saves, and there was a one goal deficit at half time.

Ardely?s second goal came 2 minutes after the restart when winger Nick Thorn made a run on the left and his marker, Nik Rhodes, slipped allowing him to hit a shot from an acute angle, giving Bernstein no chance. Minutes later Bernstein made a quality save from a strong shot. Thame came back and Barr was unlucky to see a shot go just wide. Ardley?s final goal came from a ball through the middle which was picked up by Ryan Brooks in enough space to dribble pass the oncoming Bernstein before slotting the ball into an empty net. United brought on substitutes and Barr, who had an excellent game, moved to a defensive role, allowing Aaron Rogers and newcomer Alex Woodfine to form the striking duo. Thame pressed, and Matt Hall hit the cross-bar with a long range shot. Minutes later Adam Little hit an on-target shot which was deflected out for a corner. The hosts were forced to defend for the final 10 minutes, as Thame piled on the pressure, but they restricted further chances and will progress to the next round.

Thame United, Bernstein, I Pykett (Woodfine), Hall, N. Rhodes (Meredith), Steadman (Little), Keeble, Cowan, West, Barr, Rogers, Ricketts