Penn kept going in a close encounter

Posted: October 8th, 2011 by Fergus

Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup 1st Round

Thame United 1 – 0 Penn & Tylers Green FC

Thame United progressed to the next round of the Bluefin League cup on Tuesday evening, at the ASM stadium, by defeating Division 1 East club Penn & Tylers Green FC. The last time these teams met was in March 2010 in a league game at Penn. Thame United, of course, went on to become Division 1 East champions and gained promotion, whilst an unlucky Penn & Tylers Green FC team finished in last place. The team they fielded on Tuesday was a great improvement on the team seen 18 months ago which made for a close game with few chances at either end.

The boys kept battling to the end and on a few occasions had a chance to bring the tie into extra time at the fantastic brand new ASM stadium. United’s first real chance came after 20 minutes when an Alex Stewart cross was met by a diving header from Aaron Rogers, but Matt Cannings made a good save. The only goal of the match came after 32 minutes play. United mounted an attack on the right after a bit of defending indecision the ball fell to the unmarked Stuart Barr who reacted quickly to fire home from 15-yards.

Half time 1:0

The second half saw some entertaining football from both teams with Ben Connelly providing United’s main threat on the right wing and interacting well with Rogers and Dan West. After an excellent pass from the midfield Rino Sepede was unlucky in a one-on one with the Thame United goal keeper who made a good save.

With Liam Ratcliffe coming on to join the attack Penn & Tylers Green FC came close a couple of times but to no avail. Thame United held on in a close encounter and progressed to the next round.

With 10 minutes remaining it was the in-form Connelly who came nearest to increasing the lead with a 20-yard shot which was just wide.

This was a good display by the boys against opposition from a division above and the gaffer Giovanni Sepede can be proud of their performance.

It was good to see the reserve team boys supporting the lads on the night. In fact there was a good away support, which is always good to see. Thame United were excellent host on the night and we wish them well for the rest of the season.

Man of the match: Dan Arnett

Match report by Andreas Latta (Secretary)