Thame last night went out of the FA Trophy in exactly the same way as they did the FA Cup in the cruellest of ways - a penalty shoot-out.
The Ryman League Division 1 leaders had only themselves to blame as they had the visitors on the ropes for 120 minutes in this first-round tie but were unable to find the knock-out punch.
Thame started well as Worthing keeper Richard Waters saved well from Jefferson Louis and also twice denied Wayne Cort. When Cort did get the better of him, Mark Burt was on hand to clear off the line. Worthing were playing on the break and managed their first shot in the 32nd minute when Lee Cox shot over.
Worthing's Simon Funnell struck a post in the 58th minute. Then a poor clearance from Moores fell to the feet of Burt, but the keeper redeemed himself with a fine save.
Thame should have snatched a 90th-minute winner when Mark Jones found Martin Brown on the far post, but his downward header bounced over the bar.
Extra time failed to break the deadlock and the game went to a penalty shoot-out.
Worthing went ahead through Stuart Tuck, with Nando Perna levelling. Burt put the visitors back in front, only for Jones to see his kick saved.
Damien Webber blazed over to give Thame hope, but then Moores put his kick wide.
Danny Smith kept his cool to restore Worthing's advantage, Adam Hamp replying for Thame. Mark Andrews sealed their fate with a superb strike to spark the visitors' celebrations.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article