Thame Utd 1, Maidenhead Utd 0 THAME United went top of the Ryman League Division 1 table with this hard-fought victory over Maidenhead on Saturday.

But for long periods of the game, they had to play second fiddle and Maidenhead, with just one defeat this season, started the stronger of the two sides.

With the wind behind them, the visitors created several early chances, the best of them falling to Billy Cove, but Ian Moores made a smart save low to his left.

United's chances were limited, Nando Perna going close with a well-struck free kick which just cleared the crossbar in the 25th minute.

Moores was again in action in the 27th minute when a great cross from Brian Connor found Chuck Agudosi, but his touch failed him and Moores saved well.

Thame were being out-battled and were fortunate not to go behind in the 34th minute as Tim Cook provided Cove with a great chance but he blazed over. Thame showed great resilience and looked a different side after the break, going forward from the off, but still finding chances difficult to come by.

The decisive moment came in the 84th minute and the goal was worth waiting for.

Substitute Mark Jones sent Ronnie Joe away on the right wing. He outwitted two defenders before crossing to Mark West, who beat keeper Gareth Ormshaw with a powerful near-post header to seal three hard-earned points.

Thame: Moores, Joe, Gascoyne (Jones 70), Brown, Tregurtha, Saulsbury, Louis, West, G Wiliams, Perna, Fontaine (Paul 70). Sub not used: Shepherd.

Story date: Monday 22 November

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