Thame United battled back from a goal down as they stretched their unbeaten run in Ryman League Division 1 North to four games with a gritty performance in Essex on Saturday.

Despite being at the bottom of the table, Barking were in confident mood, hoping to build on their shock midweek win at Harlow.

And they got off to the perfect start with one of their new signings, Liam Baptiste, heading them in front after only three minutes.

Thame were not to be outdone however, and battled back well when the impressive Ben Freeman equalised only three minutes later.

The youngster won the ball out on the left, before pushing forward and unleashing a fine shot into the far corner of the Barking net.

Another of Barking's new boys, former Fulham and Woking keeper Tony Tucker, then made two superb one-handed reflex saves, firstly keeping out Andy Williams's header and then from a perfectly struck 30-yard volley from skipper James Saulsbury.

Thame were now playing with great fluency and Tucker's saves only delayed the inevitable and on 23 minutes the visitors scored what proved to be the decisive goal.

Again Freeman was prominent, driving forward on the left wing before sending in a superb cross which left striker John Mitchell with the simple task of heading in from five yards.

Much of the second half was played in blizzard conditions, but Thame kept their nerve as they held on for three valuable points.

Thame Utd: Smith, Mills, Joyce, Saulsbury, Williams, Avery (Stewart 32), Perna, Mitchell, Merritt, MC Jones, Freeman (Death 82). Subs not used: Goffe, Chowns.

Referee: J Hopkins.

Attendance: 53.