Thame United v Kidlington

Match Report from last Tuesday’s League game, August 15, Thame United 0, Kidlington 3. (Contributed)
THIS was Thame United?s first ?home? game at the well-equipped Hithercroft stadium, the home of AFC Wallingford. The Thame team contained only five players from last year?s squad. Managers Alan Thorne and Richard Searl have uncovered several new talented players living within a few miles of Thame, and they now have the nucleolus of what could be a high performing team.

Kidlington, on the other hand have had few changes and played with the understanding of each other?s play that only time can develop. The Kidlington team also featured former England International Gary Parker, whose clubs included Aston Villa and Leicester City. Although, at nearly 40, Parker was not the fastest man on the pitch, his ball distribution was superb and his influence on his colleagues apparent.

Kidlington had the better of the opening exchanges and it was Parker who put Kidlington ahead on 26 minutes when his inswinging corner kick eluded both Thame and Kidlington players to finish nestled in the far corner of the Thame net. Kidlington increased their lead in the 35th minute when a through ball found Ben Moses unmarked. Moses did well to dribble the ball around the advancing Thame Keeper, Paul Searl, for a tap in. Although Thame had their fair share of first half possession, they created few chances.

Whatever the Thame Managers said at half time worked, as Thame were far more dangerous in the second half with both Nik Gibson and Alex Cairns going close. Kidlington?s third came with 10 minutes to play when, following a goalmouth scramble, the ball came out to Moses who shot home confidently from 8 Yards, giving Searl no chance.

Although this was a disappointing result, Thame can take heart from their second half performance and, given time, they could start to collect a few points.

Thame United: Searl, Gomme (Watkin), Raga, Johnson, Kitson, Connelly, Jackson, Cairns, Davis (Cakmak), Gibson, Da Silva.

Thame United are away to Carterton next Tuesday 22nd and away again on Saturday 26th at Fairford Town. Their next home match is on Bank Holiday Monday 28th when Ardley United visit Hithercroft Stadium (KO 3.00). For directions visit www.thameunitedfc.co.uk