Thame Utd 0, Leyton 2: Thame were sunk by two first-half goals as Leyton maintained their challenge for championship honours in Ryman League Division 1 North at Windmill Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors went ahead after only seven minutes when leading scorer Trevor Paul capitalised on a sloppily defended corner to put his side in front.

Thame, to their credit, competed strongly, and from one of their corners, midway through the first half, Leyton goalkeeper James Courtnage fell heavily after punching the ball clear, and had to leave the field to be replaced by James Hasell.

Just before the break, second-placed Leyton went 2-0 up when Michael Deane netted from close range.

Thame came out fired up for the second half, and Nando Perna went close on two occasions.

Alex Stewart, too, had scoring opportunities, but was out of luck.

Kevin Franklin made a welcome return following six months out with a broken leg when he came on as a substitute for the last 20 minutes.

But Leyton, who are advised by ex-Spurs and Sheffield Wednesday manager Peter Shreeve, also threat- ened.

And Carl Fannon might have done better in the 85th minute when he fired over under pressure from Thame skipper James Saulsbury.

In the dying seconds, Hasell made a fine fingertip save and, from the resultant corner, John Mitchell saw his shot deflected away from goal.

The defeat sees Thame drop a place to 15th, while Leyton remain seven points adrifit of leaders Yeading with a game in hand.

Thame Utd: Smith, Gardner, Perna, Saulsbury, Williams, Avery, Freeman (Franklin 70), Mitchell, Merritt (West 80), Jones, Stewart (Goffe 84). Subs not used: Barisic, Hocking.

Referree: S Humphrey.

Attendance: 168.