FA Cup 2nd qualifying round

Thame Utd 1, Oxford City 3

OXFORD City avoided a potential banana skin to book their place in today’s third qualifying round draw, but only after their Hellenic League hosts had given them a scare at the ASM Stadium on Saturday.

The home side led at the break courtesy of a Martin Brown penalty, but City’s class told in the end, as they sealed a comfortable victory.

City made much of the early running, Darren Pond’s goalbound header being tipped over by Thame keeper Nick Bennion.

Wayne Blossom was also denied by Bennion, before Thame took the lead.

Jack Ashton lost possession inside City’s half, allowing Alex McDonald to run into the area.

Blossom’s challenge was adjudged to be a foul, and Brown stepped up to fire in the resulting penalty.

But a minute into the second half, City were level.

A long clearance by Jason Mooney went deep into the Thame half.

As Bennion ventured out of his goal to intercept the ball, Steve Basham got there first, lobbing the stranded keeper.

And within two minutes, City went in front.

Basham played in Felipe Barcelos, who calmly placed the ball into the opposite corner.

City had regained their authority and composure, and scored a third goal just after the hour.

Andy Ballard crossed into the centre, where Pond slotted in.

The visitors might have scored a fourth goal when Connor McDonagh hit the side netting.

But by then, the job was done as Mike Ford’s side eased into today’s draw.

Thame Utd: Bennion, I Pykett, P Pykett, Steedman (Hocking), Brown (Rhodes), Cowan, Connelly (Barr), Hayes, McDonald, Rogers, Hall. Subs not used: Barisic, Wakelin, Green.

Oxford City: Mooney, Ballard, Ashton (Martin), Fleet, Pond, Blossom, Clarke, Benjamin, Basham, Barcelos, Clark (McDonagh). Sub not used: Cradup.

Attendance: 462.