05/11/12…Thame fails to fend off Newbury

League Cup; Bluefin Insurance Hellenic – 3/11/12; Thame United 1, Newbury Town 3 – MATCH REPORT – Contributed:

THAME United faced Newbury Town for the third time this season at the ASM Stadium on Saturday, and although they had won the previous two games, this time were defeated 1-3. With several key players absent through injury and non-availability, United’s line up included several unfamiliar faces, particularly in attack.

The visitors made a good start, looking sharper and more dangerous than United. Thame keeper, Lee Farrow, was again in excellent form; making some quality saves. He was skilfully supported by Phil Pykett who on two occasions cleared the ball off the line. Thame went ahead, against the run of play, in the 36th minute. Jordan Rogers met a high ball from defence with a deft glancing header, placing the ball into the path of the unmarked Aaron Bonham who ran at goal and confidently beat the keeper with a well-placed 15-yard shot. Although the visitors went close to equalising, Thame went in for the break 1-0 ahead.

Newbury claimed the equaliser ten minutes after the restart, following a corner, when Kalief Madden hit the ball home from close range during a goalmouth scramble. Any thoughts of extra time were dispelled 20 minutes later when Madden buried a ball which had been cut back to him from the left by-line. Despite bring on substitutes and reshuffling players, Thame conceded their third goal with five minutes remaining; Danny Lahalz heading a long ball pass Farrow.

Amazingly, the two sides meet again in a league match at Newbury next Saturday (10th)

Thame United: Farrow, Barr, Pykett, Hercules, Johnson, Rogers (West), Evans, Jewell, Gray, Bonham (Meredith), Way (Ricketts).

PHOTO: Man of the Match, Tom Grey

After Tuesday?s home game against Ascot United, United?s next game at the ASM Stadium is on Saturday 17th November when they face, Kent based, Lordsworth in the FA Vase Second Round Proper.