Thame Utd 4, Dulwich Hamlet 2

Chris Potter was Thame's hero as he bagged a superb hat-trick to give his side all three points in an eventful Ryman League Division 1 match last night.

Midfielder Justin Merritt was sent off before half-time for an off-the-ball incident, but the night belonged to Potter, who was a constant thorn in the visitors defence. Dulwich started brightly and Landy Zahana Oni put them ahead in the 11th minute when he fired home low to keeper Alan Foster's left. Thame rallied but Merritt, Wayne Cort and Rob Smith were all off target.

However, United drew level in the 37th minute, Cort causing panic in the Dulwich penalty area as he met a Smith free kick, and Potter was on hand to stab home from eight yards.

Two minutes later Merritt received his marching orders and Dulwich nearly took immediate advantage through Nick Leach. But on the stroke of half time, United went ahead, Smith heading home from a Danny Curran corner.

Dulwich worked hard to make their extra man count and they equalised in the 55th minute, Lee Endersby heading home from a corner.

It looked odds on that Dulwich would win the game, but a determined Thame side had not read the script and refused to be beaten.

The home side went in front in the 67th minute when Cort raced onto a Curran pass to provide a pinpoint cross and Potter fired home from the edge of the box.

And when Endersby was sent off for dissent, Potter took full advantage, completing his hat-trick two minutes from time.

**Thame: Foster, Saulsbury, Avery, Brown, Williams, Merritt, Potter (Stewart 89), Curran, Cort (Bradley 90), Smith, Simms. Sub: West (not used).