Thame United through to second round (Contributed)

OXFORDSHIRE Senior Cup 1st round – 17/11/09 – Thame United 2, Old Woodstock Town 1 – MATCH REPORT

Thame United progressed to the second round of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup at Wallingford on Tuesday evening, when they defeated Old Woodstock Town 2-1. The visitors lie 17th in the premier division of the Hellenic League, which is where Thame will play if they are promoted. The game was close, and although United had more ball possession, the visitors defended well and were able to snuff out most of Thame?s chances.

Thame started brightly, but the visitors soon got into their stride and went ahead in the 15th minute when a ball from the right found striker, Adam Lovegrove, in enough space to hit a strong shot passed goalkeeper Lee Orkney from 15-yards. Thame countered and Ben Connelly was unlucky to see his shot cleared off the goal line. The equaliser came just before half time. Ed Barnett took a throw-in near the right corner flag which was knocked on to Mark Jones who hit a shot which the keeper seemed to have covered until it was deflected by a defender into the top left corner.

The second half continued in similar vein with Thame winning more possession and putting together some good moves only to see them break down near goal.

With about 30 minutes remaining, Thame defender Matt Higgs was carried off on a stretcher due to the re-occurrence of a knee injury. He was replaced by Tom Goffe who normally plays as a striker, but played surprisingly well in the centre of defence.

There was drama a few minutes later when United defender Barnett was harshly judged to have fouled a visiting player in the box, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Lovegrove took the spot kick but Orkney managed to block his shot, Lovegrove followed up and again Orkney blocked, the ball again went to Lovegrove, but this time Orkney held his shot. Remarkable goalkeeping.

The winner came with about 20 minutes remaining and it was a moment of real quality. Following good work on the right, Jones played a ball to Aaron Rogers, in space about 25 yards from goal. The on-form Rogers hit a strong, well-placed shot giving the visiting keeper no chance. The final minutes saw Thame ?on the back foot? and Orkney was again on form.

United will be at home in the next round, to either Launton Sports or Ardley.

Thame United: Orkney, Barnett, Meredith (Jones), Cowan, Higgs (Goffe), El-Kassir, Connelly, A Rhodes, Rogers, Braun (West), Barr.

Thame United’s next home game is on 12th December when Newbury Town are the visitors.