Two goals inside the final ten minutes sealed all three points for visiting Thame United and left Royal Wootton Bassett Town Over 50s licking their self inflicted wounds. The game swung one way then the other as the hosts went in at the break one up courtesy of Steve Lynch, only to go 2-1 down into the second half. Bassett drew level with Lynch notching a second before the late collapse dashed any hopes of finally getting off the mark in the league.

It was a busy afternoon for home keeper Ceri Stephens who was called into action early. A ball into the box fell for a Thame player and his close range snap shot was palmed over at full stretch by the home number one. In truth Bassett didn't bring their A game and Thame continued to get into great scoring positions in the opening period. Stephens made at least four superb one-on-one stops to keep his side on terms while at the other end the Thame keeper was often quick off his line to thwart any potential Bassett chances.

In recent weeks Bassett had developed the bad habit of conceding just before the break but this time they turned the tables to take an unlikely lead on 40 minutes. Steve Lynch's over hit cross sailed over the Thame keeper and found the back of the net. Even then Bassett needed a linesmen's flag to rule out a Thame goal and take the home side in ahead for a change.

Bassett manager Paul Gardner was not happy with the performance but stuck with his four-four-two formation and brought on Jim Beynon in midfield for Eddie Stephenson and Mike Rouse for Martyn Purcell out wide.

Thame came out determined to add the finishing touch to their good play. But Bassett held firm with the back four of Ellis, Jack. Mitchell and Smith working hard to contain the lively visitors who carried a real threat. Just after the hour mark Bassett finally cracked. A long throw into the area was collected on the touchline by a Thame player. In a flash he had swiveled past two covering defenders and bludgeoned a shot past Stephens for 1-1

Worse was to come just minutes later. The Thame number 10, who was a danger throughout, turned past a defender and his daisy-cutter poked effort went in off Stephens' outstretched right foot and the left hand post to put Thame United 2-1 up.

The set back jolted Bassett into action and the front two of Fisher and Lynch ably assisted by flank man Rob Mitchell created several good chances. Fisher had a header on target and Lynch fired wide on two occasions. Rob Mitchell also had efforts from distance and the away keeper now knew he was in a game claiming bravely at the feet of Bassett players on numerous occasions.

His opposite number Stephens was back in the spotlight again when a Thame midfield player hit a fierce drive that Stephens acrobatically turned up against the underside of the bar. The rebunding ball fell to another Thame player but Stephens brilliantly turned his rising effort over the bar with two hands to keep Bassett alive.

Soon after on 70 minutes Bassett drew level. A great through ball by the excellent Bryan Watson put Steve Lynch in on goal and he finished beautifully, shooting low past the keeper to double his tally and make it 2-2.

Kevin Courier entered the fray for the closing stages up front as Bassett looked to steal all three points. At the other end Stephens made yet another one on one save and displayed impeccable handling to save other longer range efforts. In front of him Paul Jack continued to perform heroics but with ten minutes remaining he had to make way as he had nothing more to give .His centre back role was filled by Jim Beynon dropping back from midfield with Eddie Stephenson back on in midfield and Roger Webb adding fresh legs wide right in place of the hard working Rob Mitchell.

Despite only having one substitute to call upon, Thame were still full of running in the final ten minutes and capitalised on a Bassett mistake and tired defending to put two firm nails in the Basset coffin.

First, Bassett lost the ball cheaply in midfield and a Thame player drove into the area unopposed to dispatch a firm strike into the left hand corner past a helpless Stephens. Then to add insult to injury the Thame number ten doubled his haul with a mazy run from out wide into the box, and a stabbed low finish to complete a 4-2 success for the visitors.

Bassett were beaten by a good side and must keep improving if they are to turn getting close into getting a win. Next up Bassett host bottom of the league North Leigh Red and everyone in blue believes they can win, but they now have to go and do it.

Credit: Ceri Stephens
Last modified on Monday 15th November 2021 at 08:45