MP John Howell attended Thame United's home fixture against Coleshill Town on Saturday. Both sides went into this game with some good form in their last few games. Despite MP John Howell's presence, Thame couldn't find the win. Thame can still get a play off place this season but the defeat means it is likely to go down to the wire.
HT Score – Thame United 0 – 1 Coleshill Town
Coleshill showed their tactic from the kick off whereby they were very physical all over the field including attack and the first shot of the game fell to the away side who shot over the bar. Thame’s Lynn and Sturgess both had to make strong challenges to exert control early on. The early states were scrappy with the ball going direct box to box from both sides. A defensive error by Thame game Coleshill the breakthrough whereby Mclesworth in possession inside the box was able to dribble past Hill for an easy to tap in to give Coleshill an early lead.
Thame United responded by pushing players forward and playing with a higher defensive line led by Gledhill and Essex in an attempt to force Coleshill back into their own half. Both teams continued to play fast, and attempting to play the ball behind the defense. The ball was being turned over in possession by both sides whether this be goal kicks or throw ins. Thame nearly equalised when a 40 yard free kick was hammered in by Lynn but the header on the end of it was unsuccessful and went wide. Lynn was able to put in another cross which this time was not dealt with first time round and there was a moment of panic from the defense and perhaps a missed opportunity for Thame.
Thame United continued putting pressure and Sturgess inside the box attempted to flick the ball over his head with his back to goal which hit the defender and then bounced towards Goss who could only half connect with the shot into the hands of Hathaway. There was then a long delay in play when Washburne went down injured and required medical treatment. An excellent moment by Tack saw him dribble down midfield found West who had his shot blocked. Coleshill were appearing worried at the back. Later in the half Fasanmade showed great strength to win a tackle, get quickly getting up off the turf to drive the ball towards goal and hit an amazing strike 25 yards out which narrowly went wide. Thame’s teamwork was proving to be successful and Coleshill counter acted by dropping deeper as a side to absorb pressure. Coleshill changed strategy by playing on the counter attack and when in possession they broke forward quickly but were often caught offside. Thame’s West was struggling up the top to find space as he was often marked by 2 players. In injury time there was real drama when a run towards goal by Tack saw him brought down and a penalty awarded much to the dismay of Coleshill Town. Thame’s captain stepped up to take the penalty but it was saved and parried back out and with the follow up Sturgess shot the ball back into the hands of Hathaway who showed great concentration.
FT Score – Thame United 0 – 2 Coleshill Town
There was a change of tempo early on and both sides were able to find space in attack but with no end product. Tack made another surging move with the ball down the left wing who fired a shot which was blocked and went out for a corner kick. The following corner was put in and a scuffed shot by Fasanmade was able to be cleared away from danger.
Thame’s Mepham was able to find Fasanmade down the right wing who cut inside the defender and was able to get a shot away on his left foot which sadly for Thame flew over the bar.
Coleshill Town then produced their best attack of the match when Webb drove forward with the ball from defence into midfield, passed forward towards Mclesworth who crossed the ball before a shot was saved by Thame’s Hill but led to a follow up shot which Hill was able to deal with again. This was an important double save by Hill to keep Thame in the game. Thame were awarded another free kick and this time Essex leapt up high but narrowly headed the ball past the upright. Coleshill responded by a chance of their own when a cross from Webb was headed wide by Halsall who was able to find space inside the box. Another corner kick from Tack found the head of Essex again which had to be cleared off the line by the defence and no goal was awarded by the linesman. Thame came close again to that equaliser when a cross from the right reached West who rattled the cross bar much to Hathaway’s relief in goal. The chances kept coming for both sides and this time a cross for Coleshill Town from Webb was headed over the bar by Smith. The game then began to go flat which frustrated Thame captain Sturgess. The game was put to bed when Nordat in possession 25 yards out was able to fire a beautiful left footed shot into the top corner of the net giving Hill no chance. The lead was nearly extended when a cross from the right hand side hit the top of the net much to Hill’s relief. Thame ended the half by throwing bodies forward in hope for a goal but failed to create a clear cut chance. Coleshill were able to slow the game down and finish the half comfortably for a huge win in Thame.
This was a scrappy and physical game. Thame United may have injury scares to players such as goalkeeper Hill going into the next game. This was a huge away win for Coleshill Town who climb to 7th in the table. Thame United however now drop back to 9thbut are a close 2 points behind the final playoff place of 5th which is now held by Sutton Coldfield.
*** STARTING LINE UPS ***
Thame United – Hill (gk), Mepham, Lynn, Essex, Gledhill, Tutton, Tack, Sturgess (cpt), Goss, West, Fasanmade
Subs used – Peake-Pijnen, Martin and Ashworth
Coles Hill Town – Hathaway (gk), Webb, Cole, Jackson, Clark, Smith, Mclesworth, Halsall (cpt), Nordat, Leek, Washburne
Subs used – Hendrie, Dainty and Sandhu
*** NEXT GAME ***
Thame United v Peterborough Sports
Tuesday 26/3/19
15:00
ASM Stadium, Thame
