Ashford Blown Away In First Half - Thame United vs. Ashford Town

Rainbow Over The ASM Stadium

After an exhausting, jet lagged week at work, I wasn't keen on traveling too far but after so long away I was wanting to get to a new ground. The easiest option to satisfy both was Thame United of The Southern League Eastern Division who were today hosting Ashford Town. This was Thame's first season back in The Southern League after twelve years in The Hellenic League. They had made a decent return to this level and were in mid table. Their opponents Ashford who seem to be regulars on this blog had made a very good start to this season and were in the play off positions. Thame's last match was a 4-2 defeat against free scoring Cambridge City who won 7-3 last night against Arlesey Town.     

Kick off at The ASM Stadium

Thame nearly make a horrific start as a wayward backpass almost lets Ashford in on goal but the goalie does well to hack the ball away. The visitors continue to create chances early on and they fail to seriously trouble the keeper. Thame first efforts on goal come from consecutive corners. From the first one, a header goes just wide and then from the second one, the shot on target is straight at the keeper. Thame don't have to wait long for the opener as the Ashford defence let a wind assisted ball forward bounce and the Thame attacker lashes the ball home. They double their lead from the penalty spot after the attacker is unceremoniously chopped down when in on goal. Thame make it three before half time as Ashford give the ball away and the midfielder makes no mistake when he is played in.

Thame players try to keep a first half attack going

Ashford now have the wind behind them and they need to make a quick start. It is Thame whoever who have the first sight of goal - they get themselves in but when the attack breaks down they look for a penalty which isn't given. Ashford now begin to make chances, the first of which is a bending cross to the back post which only just eludes the man sliding in at the back post. Then the Ashford player does well to nod down a ball which is then put just over the bar. They create another great chance when the ball is pulled back into the area from the byline but this time the ball goes straight to the keeper. Thame ride out of the rest of the game to get back to winning ways in the league.

Ashford look to build an attack in the first half

As I stated at the start, it isn't too difficult to get to Thame from London. The first stage is to get a train from Marylebone to Haddenham and Thame Parkway with the quick trains taking just over half an hour. From here you can catch the regular 280 bus into Thame which takes under ten minutes. Thame is a pleasant market town with pubs to account for all tastes. If you want an ale pub with no TVs, then the former CAMRA pub of the year, The Cross Keys is an excellent starting point. If you want a no frills place to watch the football then The Nags Head does the job. If want a pub that offers both a broad beer selection as well as the sports channels then The Birdcage offers the dream scenario. If you cut through the houses, the The ASM stadium is a ten minute walk from the high street. The clubhouse had a big screen for the sports and a good selection of lagers. A friendly welcome as well as a more than decent programme awaits you at Thame.

Another shot of the stand