Thame Through to Another Oxfordshire Senior Cup Final After Beating Oxford City on Penalties

13th March 2025

Thame United 1 - 1 Oxford City (4 - 2 on penalties)

Thame United secured their place in yet another Oxfordshire Senior Cup Final after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Oxford City.

It was another match under the lights at The ASM Stadium as Thame United welcomed Oxford City in the Semi-Final of the Oxfordshire Senior Cup. The two teams have frequently faced each other in the latter stages of the competition. Back in the 2022/23 season, Thame defeated Oxford City 4-1 in the final, and last season, they overcame City in the Semi-Final 2-1 at North Leigh before going on to beat Kidlington in the final.

Manager Ben Williams made two changes to the starting eleven from the weekend’s victory away at Aylesbury. Fin Murray, who was suffering from a tight hamstring, dropped to the bench and was replaced by Jefferson Louis at center-back. Meanwhile, there was a straight swap at full-back, with Josh Stranks replacing Oscar Lucey, who also moved to the bench. There was a return to the squad for Leo Galpin, while Rocko Tamplin retained his place on the bench. Meanwhile, Oxford City fielded the majority of the team that had started in their previous round’s victory over Clanfield.

Match Report

The visitors started with high energy, pressing aggressively and giving Thame little time on the ball. The opening 10 minutes were frantic, with neither team creating clear-cut chances. The first opportunity of the game fell to Oxford City, with a long-range shot comfortably saved by Thame goalkeeper Matty Crowther.

Thame’s first real chance came from a free kick on the edge of the box. Greg Hackett’s initial effort was blocked, and the follow-up shots were also blocked before going out for a corner. The home side came close in the 15th minute when Ty Deacon hit the post with an opportunistic shot from inside the box.

Despite Thame dominating possession and creating more goal-scoring opportunities, the young City side held their own. Then, in the 30th minute, Oxford City took the lead. They won the ball on the halfway line and launched an attack into Thame’s half. Lewis Thorn was adjudged to have handled the ball while attempting to intercept, resulting in a free kick and a yellow card. From the ensuing set piece, Crowther tipped the ball over the bar for a corner. The delivery was swung in from the right, and Oxford captain Phil Crocker outjumped Jefferson Louis at the back post, heading down. Crowther managed to get a hand to it, but the ball found the roof of the net.

The lead lasted only two minutes. Thame responded immediately when Josh Stranks delivered a cross into the Oxford box. The ball was initially cleared but fell to the onrushing Ethan Lack, who volleyed a brilliant strike into the net from just inside the box.

Oxford City continued to show resilience and won a free kick in the Thame half after Jack Tutton fouled an opponent and received a yellow card. The free kick was played into the box and flicked to the far post, where an Oxford forward steered it into the net. However, the assistant referee raised his flag for offside, keeping the score level. Just before halftime, Hackett broke into the box from the left-hand side, but his shot flashed across goal and out for a goal kick.

Second Half

Thame came out stronger after the break, with Brayden Daniel striking the top of the bar. Jack Tutton had a free kick blocked, while Oxford City had a shot go narrowly wide at the other end.

Tutton had another opportunity from a corner, picking up the clearance, turning, and shooting just wide. Thame dominated possession, forcing Oxford City deeper into their own half. They won a series of corners, with Mark Riddick heading wide and Fin Murray heading over from another delivery.

On 63 minutes, Dan West replaced Jack Tutton, while Stranks and Lack made way for Oscar Lucey and Fin Murray. Jefferson Louis moved up front to add a physical presence. Daniel continued to impress, setting up Ty Deacon, but the striker’s shot was saved. Murray then headed over the bar from yet another corner.

Greg Hackett was replaced by Rocko Tamplin in the 80th minute as Thame pushed for a winner. Daniel switched from the left to the right wing and immediately made an impact, dribbling past the Oxford left-back into the penalty area before being brought down. Initially, the referee waved away penalty appeals, but after consultation with the assistant referee, he pointed to the spot.

Ty Deacon stepped up despite missing a penalty on Saturday. However, his attempt lacked power and precision, allowing the Oxford keeper to parry it away.

As the clock ticked down, Thame continued to press. Curtis Brown launched several long throw-ins into the box, but the home side couldn’t capitalize.

Penalty Shootout Drama

With the final whistle blown, the match went to penalties.

Thame won the toss and opted to take the first kick. Dan West confidently sent the keeper the wrong way, placing his shot down the middle. Oxford’s first penalty was poorly struck and saved by Crowther, diving to his right.

Lewis Thorn doubled Thame’s lead before Oxford converted their second penalty into the top corner. Curtis Brown restored Thame’s advantage, sending the keeper the wrong way again. The Oxford captain then matched him, making it 3-2.

Up stepped Ty Deacon, under pressure after his earlier miss. This time, he struck the ball with power, leaving the keeper no chance. With Thame leading 4-2, Oxford had to score to stay in the game. Their fourth penalty taker sent Crowther the wrong way but saw his shot hit the post and bounce out.

Thame had done it—securing a hard-fought victory and a place in their third consecutive Oxfordshire Senior Cup Final. The 218 spectators were treated to an exciting contest, with credit also due to Oxford City’s young side, who fought bravely and pushed Thame all the way.

Final Awaits

Thame will face Ardley United in the final after they overcame a young Oxford United side 3-0 in the other semi-final. The final is scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd, at Oxford City’s ground.