A number of new summer signings joined the squad for our Thame United U18s this first preseason friendly was an opportunity to showcase the vast range and depth of talent in this young but experienced and creative under 18s squad.
With 18 players travelling to Aylesbury Vale Dynamos for this evening match the competition for places was there to see with players keen to impress as Manager Mark Britton and Assistant Manager Richard Hall were joined by recently appointed Coach Cally Evans looking on from the side lines in preparation for the coming Allied Counties Youth League season set to kick of in October.
Both teams started well with high tempo and commitment as an intelligent and crisp passing game quickly developed well executed by both sides. Thame had the better of the early exchanges and came close on a number of occasions but were denied by some solid goal keeping from the Aylesbury keeper.
Throughout the first 45 minutes Thame increased the pressure forcing half a dozen corners but failed to deliver the break through goal. With efficient and creative passing through the Thame midfield time after time supplying the front line. The pressure continued to build and this was well supported by an unshakeable defence dealing with breakaway attacks in a calm and confident manner, resetting and moving forward turning defence into attack at every opportunity
As half time arrived both sides went into the break at 0-0 having tested each other well in the first 45 minutes
Second half and Thame with 9 changes came out on the front foot continuing the fine work of the first half creating opportunities to press deep into the corridor of uncertainty and putting the Aylesbury back line under significant pressure. With the opposition backing off from another attack the midfield brought left back C. Lay into the game who calmly struck a superb curling shot past the keeper into the back of the net and the breakthrough goal was netted! Thame 0-1
Continued Thame pressure forced Aylesbury back and after some great battling V. Ndusha chased down a shot blocked by the keeper to nicely head in from close range and push Thame even further ahead 0-2.
Thame continued the high tempo dominance in midfield breaking up the play and pushing through to set up H. Alexander who again with a superbly taken strike put the game to bed and wrapped up the evening with a 0-3 away win for Thame.
Man of the Match O. Wilkins was exceptional in the defensive back line that took the sting out of the opposition attack and moved the ball forward to launch the counter attacks that were the signature of this Thame United U18 performance.
A superb start to the pre-season campaign with excellent performances from the whole squad
Scorers: Lay, Ndusha and Alexande
