United go through in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup
Two goals from Aidan Hawtin eased The U’s past ten-man Thame United in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup tonight. Hawtin’s goals, one in each half, helped an impressive U’s through to the semi-final in a well-contested game.
The United line-up saw Jon Henly in goal behind a back four of Freddie Grant, Kenzer Lee, Sam Long and David Lynn. In midfield Scott Davies and Josh Ashby were flanked by Hawtin and Callum O’Dowda, while Josh Shama and Ty Marsh started up front.
It took 20 minutes for the breakthrough goal. Shama weaved his way through three men in midfield and ran at the back line. Having committed the defence he then slipped the ball to his right where Hawtin ran on to the ball and fired a great shot across the keeper to make it 1-0.
Thame then made life hard for themselves on 24 as midfielder Ollie Lynch chased a loose ball down and kicked at Henly as he gathered the ball on the deck. Ref Ben James had little hesitation in showing him a red card.
From then on United started to dominate possession as Shama’s good running from deep positions stretched the Thame back four. O’Dowda saw a shot saved on 32 and although Thame had one late chance in the first half as two players just failed to reach a free kick it was the Yellows who had been on top.
It took nine minutes of the second half for United to double their lead. O'Dowda’s corner from the right pinged against the near post and Hawtin was on hand to alertly stab the rebound home to make it 2-0. Thame rallied and boss Mark West will be pleased with the spirit his team showed but in truth United should have taken advantage of the extra space to add further goals. O'Dowda, Shama and Marsh all had efforts saved while Davies drove a 40 yard shot over the top.
United: Henly, Grant, Lee, Long, Lynn, Hawtin, Ashby, Davies, O'Dowda, Shama, Marsh
Subs: Hill, Humphreys, Hackett, Calvin, George