Thame United 1, Downton 2

18/8/07 F.A. Cup

Thame were knocked out of the F.A. Cup last Saturday in an entertaining and close match at Wallingford. Opponents, Downton play in the Wessex League Premier Division, which is at a higher level than Thame’s, current league. The home team played well, particularly in the first half, and there were several good individual performances. Manager Mark West can take heart that although his team are out of the cup; he has the nucleolus of a team which could give him league success.

Thame had the better of the opening exchanges and more first half possession, but Downton always looked dangerous ‘on the break’ and, against the run of play, they went ahead in the 17^th minute. Striker Kevin Thick, beat his marker and hit a superb acute angled lob from the left edge of the penalty area giving Goalkeeper Paul Searl no chance. Thame countered, and equalised on 26 minutes when the ball came out from a goalmouth scramble to Matt Leach on the edge of the box. Leach reacted quickly to strike a well placed quality volley pass Glen Craven, the visitor’s goalkeeper. The home team then had several good chances and Craven was forced to make several good saves, notably from Adam Rhodes and Stuart Barr.

Second half possession was 50-50 and both goalkeepers were kept busy. On 75 minutes Stuart Braun created a good chance for Sam Cowan but, with only the goalkeeper to beat, Cowan’s shot was frustratingly high. It looked as if a replay was likely but with 7 minutes remaining the visitor’s were awarded a corner and visiting captain Mike Glavin scrambled the ball home from 2 yards in the ensuing goalmouth melee. By this time both sides looked exhausted and although Thame pushed for the equaliser, Downton held on to progress into the next round.

Thame United: Searl, Way, Watkins, Hocking, Ansell, Cowan (West), Braun, Rhodes, Reading (Rodgers), Leach (Swafford), Barr.