Match Report Holyport FC

Uhlsport Hellenic Premier
Monday 2nd Jan 2012
FT Thame Unite 1 v 1 Holyport

Port Remain Unbeaten Over Xmas

Holyport were looking forward to the trip to Thame as they have found some form and also Thames pitch is one of the best you will play on all season.  Unfortunately a strong breeze ruined any chance of a great passing game but Holyport rode their luck to come out with a point.

The first half Holyport defended against the strong breeze, strange enough it was during this half that they played their best football and outplayed Thame for periods but when in good positions they let themselves down with the final piece of quality required.

Thame had plenty of procession but struggled to adapt to the strong breeze in their favour and over hit passes and crosses.  Thame did have the beater chances as the half as wore on, the number 9 had a simple volley from 6 yards out but somehow missed the ball and Dennison pulled over a fantastic reaction save onto the bar to keep Thame at bay.

With 2 minutes of the half left and it looking like Port had done exceedingly well in keeping out Thame a corner was punched clear by Dennison to the edge of the box.  The Thame player pounced on the loose ball and hit a looping volley into the top corner over the fully stretched Sturgess who was on the post.

Thame took this lead into half time.

Holyport were buoyed by the fact that they would have the wind aiding them in the second period but as the game wore on it was Thame who should have won the game and who created the chances.   The first chance of the half fell to Dan Rapley, a hopeful ball was missed by the full back and Rapley was clean through and with the keeper rushing out to narrow the angle Rapley took his chance early but curled his effort wide.

Thame grew in confidence from this and they had numerous chances to win the game and on another day could have scored three goals.  A mixture of bad finishing and good goalkeeping from Dennison somehow kept Thame at bay.

With the clock ticking down Holyport made two changes and replaced the central midfield pairing of Rolfe and Jeffries for Coull and Jones.  Jones first piece of work was to somehow clear a goal bound volley with his thigh to keep the score at 1-0 to Thame.

Ross Crawford for Holyport received the ball at centre back and seeing an opportunity drove forward before playing a ball into the channel for Handscomb.  Handscomb stole the ball from the full back and drove into the Thame box and crossed for Rapley who volleyed home.

With 10 minutes left it seemed that either side could now go on and win the game.  Coull came closest as a header curled inches wide with the Thame keeper a bystander.

As the clock ticked down the Thame number 9 was sent off for a mixture of a bad tackle on Jerrum and bad language.
Holyport will be the more pleased team with this result and they remain unbeaten in four, with Wantage to come on Saturday.

MOM – Jamie Handscomb

Team, Dennison, Ovens (c), Sturgess, Crawford, Bailey, Jerrum, Rapley, Jeffries, Rolfe, Wright, Handscomb

Subs Used, Jones, Coull, Ackerman.