Thame United Tackle Top of the League Chalfont (Contributed)

Thame United 1, Chalfont Wasps 4 – Match Report
SATURDAY’S League game (29/12/090, was always going to be a difficult fixture for Thame United. Chalfont are top of the league and have not lost a game this season. There was always hope that Thame could raise their game and at least force a draw. On the day however Thame failed to convert their chances and Chalfont deserved their win.
The first half was fairly even with both teams creating good scoring opportunities.

Nigel Swafford had a good chance to put Thame in front when, unmarked and five yards from goal, he met a cross but his ?free header? sailed over the bar. On 43 minutes both Thame keeper, Paul Searl and a visiting forward collided going for a cross and the ball rebounded off the post into the six yard box. The visitor?s Liam O?Neil managed to scramble the ball home during the ensuing scramble, and despite protests from Searl that he had been impeded, the goal was given.

Thame had a good chance to equalise 10 minutes after the restart when Luke Rickets his a perfect cross from the left wing to Nathan Jack, unmarked in the goalmouth, but although it seemed easier to hit the target than miss, Jack?s shot was over the bar. Chalfont increased their lead 20 minutes after the break when O?Neil met a cross from the left to head over Searl.

There was a glimmer of hope for the Thame faithful in the 74th minute when substitute Nick Skiller pulled a goal back. Skiller made a good 30 yard run before hitting a shot which the keeper blocked, but the determined Skiller, picked up the rebound to slot home. So, 1-2 and 15 minutes remaining. It was however game over for Thame when in the 80th minute former Thame player Kevin Franklin scored from 12 yards following a good passing move. With three minutes to play, visiting winger Johnny Mason caught the Thame defence too far up field and scored confidently from 15 yards.

Perhaps the score flattered Chalfont as possession was fairly even, as were the number of chances created, but time and time again Thame frustratingly failed to hit the target or stretch the visiting keeper.

Thame United: Searl, Thompson, Leach (Way), Ansell, Hocking, Monjou, Connelly, Rhodes, Swafford (West), Jack (Skiller), Ricketts.

NB Thame are away to Wokingham & Emmbrook next Saturday, January 5.