Scrappy win for Thame against Henley

Henley Town 0, Thame United 1 – League game 16/03/10 -MATCH REPORT (Contributed)

The problem with playing the same opponents twice in a week is that there are few surprises. Players get to know each other?s play and set piece routines which they can then counter. The result is a lack of free flowing, passing football with teams cancelling each other out, leading to scrappy play, which is uninspiring for spectators. That?s exactly what happened at Henley on Tuesday evening when for the second week in succession Thame United defeated Henley Town. Last week it was by two goals but there was only one goal in it this time.

The first half was goalless with possession fairly even but few chances created at either end. Thame played better after the break and Sam Cowan was unlucky to see his goal bound shot deflected for a corner. Adam Stallwood had a good chance but his header was too close to the home goalkeeper. The deadlock was broken in the 65th minute when United were awarded a free kick near the right touchline. Mitchell Meredith hit the ball to the far post, just close enough for the goalkeeper to come, but to miss the ball, Nik Rhodes then cleverly headed from the left by-line into the 6-yard box where the unmarked Stallwood finished comfortably. Inspired by the goal United continued to press and they created some half chances. Towards the end, Henley began to reassert themselves without really coming close to an equaliser.

Although not pretty to watch, Thame ground out the needed result and are now seven points clear at the top of the league.

Thame United: Orkney, Meredith, J Way, Cowan, N. Rhodes, El Kassir, Barr, A. Rhodes, Stallwood, Jones (Baylie), Ricketts.

United entertain Rayners Lane at Wallingford next Saturday 20th March.