Thame United 2 United 1
United’s youngsters were beaten at the death at Thame this evening.
The U’s fielded a very young side of scholars and new faces at the Academy with Tyrone Marsh the only senior player against a good Thame side who always play decent football at their impressive ASM Stadium.
It was Marsh who showed the younger players the way with a well taken goal on 25 minutes as he latched on to an astute pass from left-back David Lynn and calmly slotted the ball across the keeper to make it 1-0.
Marsh had one or two other half chances and Lynn blazed a long range effort close to goal, but Thame matched their visitors for most of the first half and drew level on 31 when former United youngster Dan West strode forward and thumped the ball home from 20 yards for a fine goal.
The second half saw sub James Roberts slide two shots just wide of the far post and United make a number of subs to give everyone a game. However chances became fewer as the game lost momentum. The U's looked the more likely side to grab a winner. It was Roberts again who nearly found the winner with a fierce drive on 85 that smashed back off the post.
In the end the second goal failed to materialise and the home took advantage with five minutes to go as Cameron Legan drove home a loose ball after a scramble. The young players should take heart from a spirited display which promises much for the season ahead, despite the result.
United
Palmer (Crocombe h/t), Wright (May 67), Long, M. Ekpiteta, Lynn (Woodley h/t), Reid (Niangasa 70), Humphrey (C Ekpiteta 75), Martin, Ingram (Roberts 57), Marsh (Niangasa 75), Hughes (O’Dowda 67)