Thame United came from behind to secure a much-needed Easter Bank Holiday victory against local rivals Aylesbury United in an entertaining 2-1 win in Division one of the Pitching in South League at Chesham.
The Red Kites went into the game bottom of the table while Aylesbury sat eight points ahead of them.
Thame bolstered their line-up by welcoming James Towell, a right back who signed for the club on deadline day from Leighton Town.
He replaced Rashane Maxwell while Dani Lucas stepped in for the unavailable Matty Harriot.
United took control of the game from the start, pushing Aylesbury back.
An attacking line of Jayden Carbon, Harry Alexander, Dani Lucas and Ethel Goueth caused Aylesbury problems and produced some neat play.
But despite Thame's control, it was Aylesbury who drew first blood.
Brayden Daniel scored as he got on the end of a cross to bundle the ball over the line and give the home side the lead.
Daniel had another chance to score when he went one on one against Thame's keeper Archie Davis a few minutes later, but was denied by a good save.
Thame drew level on the 29th minute.
Mark Riddick, who produced a stellar performance, rose highest at the corner to head home the equaliser.
Chances followed for both sides before half-time but neither team could convert and it was a goal a piece at the break.
Aylesbury got the second half under way and created a couple of half chances but didn’t trouble keeper Davis.
Ryan Knight replaced Dani Lucas for the away side on the 57th minute, bringing a traditional number nine up front.
The Red Kites were rewarded for their efforts on the 78th minute when Harry Alexander scored the winning goal after a pass from Ethan Lack.
United made their final substitution on the 85th minute bringing on Louis Fountain for Jayden Carbon who had taken a knock.
With the clock ticking and stoppage time announced, Fountain and Knight had opportunities to increase their lead, but neither could convert.
United did well to maintain their lead and clinch a well-deserved win, giving them a much-needed three points to lift them off the bottom of the table.
Thame United fans can now look forward to their next game - a home fixture against second-place AFC Dunstable.
The match is set for Saturday, April 6 and will kick-off at 3pm at The ASM Stadium.
Thame know that they will need another win as the season reaches its final stages if they are to avoid relegation.
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