Staines Tn 1, Thame Utd 2

THAME United had to fight back from a goal down to take their place in the next round of the FA Umbro Trophy, at the expense of league rivals Staines Town.

The visitors now go on to play Ryman League Division 1 leaders Bognor Regis Town in a second round tie at the Windmill stadium on December 1. The Sussex side booked their place after a 4-1 win at Dr Martens Eastern Division side Rugby United.

On a dreadful playing surface, both sides found it difficult to play attractive football, with the home side adopting a more direct style.

Thame might have gone ahead as early as the fourth minute following Justin Lee's long throw. Martin Brown flicked the ball on, but Mick Swaysland failed to get any power into his close range effort and keeper Matt Lovett saved comfortably.

Within a minute, Thame keeper Alan Foster was called into action making a good save with his legs as Dean Newman threatened.

On the half hour, Newman went close when he beat Foster to Derek Waler's left wing cross but his firm header was inches wide.

Staines opened the scoring three minutes after the break when Steve Baddams found himself in acres of space to side foot home a cross from Stuart Lake.

Chris Potter was denied by the crossbar in the 65th minute when his long range effort beat the stranded Lovatt in the Staines' goal.

United continued to work hard in search of an equaliser and were rewarded in the 79th minute.

Substitute Danny Curran's flighted the ball in the box and was met by the head of Chris Potter, the ball fell to Mark West and he nodded the ball home from close range.

The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of the home side and United pushed for a winner.

Mick Swaysland went close in the 88th minute but Lovatt produced a superb reflex save to turn the striker's effort around from the post.

From the resulting corner Thame went ahead.

Lee's corner was headed goalward by Martin Brown. Lovatt again saved well but the ball ran to West who was again on the spot to head the ball home to give the visitors the results their efforts deserved.

**Thame Utd: Foster, Saulsbury (Curran 60), Avery, Brown, Williams, Lee, Perna, Jones, West, Swaysland, Potter. Subs (not used): Bradley, Stewart, S Smith.