Gabon 2-3 Mozambique ( att : 5,000 est ) – 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations

December 28, 2025

Today’s early afternoon kick-off in the Africa Cup Of Nations was a Group F match between Gabon and Mozambique. Both sides had lost their opening fixtures by a 0-1 scoreline, Mozambique to Ivory Coast and Gabon to Cameroon. Therefore, both sides were in need of a victory today if they were to have realistic ambitions of being one of the four best third placed teams and to proceed to the last 16 knock-out round.

This would be the first time both countries had been featured in these diaries.

Gabon

Gabon is located on the Atlantic Coast of Central Africa, with Equatorial Guinea to the north-west, Cameroon to the north and Congo Republic to the east and south.

Gabon covers an area of 270,000 square kilometres and has an estimated population of 2.3 million. A former French colony, Gabon achieved independence in 1960. Consequently, French is the official language and is spoken by an estimated 80% of the population. There are 40 Bantu languages spoken in Gabon, of which Fang is the most widely spoken, and is also spoken in Equatorial Guinea and parts of Cameroon, Sao Tome and Principe and Republic of Congo.

The capital of Gabon is Libreville, which has a population of over 700,000, and 80% of country are Christian.

Its currency is the Central African CAF Franc, which is also the currency in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo and Equatorial Guinea.

Football in Gabon

The top level of football in Gabon is the Championnat D1, which for the 2024/25 season consisted of 13 sides and was won by Mangasports, from the inland town of Moanda, who finished 22 points clear of FC Libreville. The season ended in May, but it is not known when the new season will commence.

In the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, Mangasports played Rahimo of Burkina Faso in the First Round, but after two 0-0 draws, they lost a penalty shoot-out 2-4.

In the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, FC Libreville were drawn against Zesco United from Zambia but despite winning the home leg 2-0, they crashed 0-5 in Ndola to be eliminated.

Gabon currently had a FIFA ranking of 78 and are known as The Panthers. They had never qualified for the World Cup Finals, but in the recently completed World Cup qualification campaign, Gabon finished second in their group behind Ivory Coast with an 8-1-1 record. Home and away victories were recorded over Gambia, Kenya, Burundi and The Seychelles, but against Ivory Coast they could only draw 0-0 at home and lost 0-1 away.

Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga ( 53 caps ) scored 8 times in the group whilst Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ( 85 caps ), the ex-Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea striker, found the net 7 times. Aubameyang is the record goalscorer for The Panthers having 39 goals to his name and at the age of 36 is still playing for Marseille.

Gabon’s second place entered them into CAF’s play-offs for a place in the Intercontinental play-offs, where they faced Nigeria in a one-off game in Morocco. Although it was 1-1 after 90 minutes, Nigeria went on to win 4-1 in extra time.

Gabon qualified for AFCON 25 by coming second in a four-team group behind Morocco with a 3-1-2 record, with all 6 matches played in 2024. Gabon did the double over Central African Republic ( H 2-0, A 1-0 ) and had the better of Lesotho ( H 0-0, A 1-0 ) but were thrashed twice by Morocco, 1-5 at home and 1-4 away.

Gabon Squad

In addition to Aubameyang, three other members of the Gabon squad had played in the English Premier League. Captain Bruno Ecuele Managa played five seasons for Cardiff City including their one season in the Premier League in 2018/19 when Fatbear saw him play at Arsenal, with Aubameyang in the Arsenal XI. Ecuele Manga is Gabon’s record cap holder with 109 appearances, and is now playing in the third level in France.

Defensive midfielder Mario Lemina ( 40 caps ) played for Southampton, Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and is now with Galatasaray, and had Marseille and Juventus on his CV. Midfielder Didier Ndong ( 53 caps ) played for Sunderland and is now playing in Iran for Esteghlal.

Only one of the Gabon squad played his club football in his home country, striker Malick Evouna ( 32 caps ), who had played in China, Morocco, Egypt, Portugal and Tunisia.

The rest of the squad of 28 players were spread across 12 countries, France being the highest represented with 9 players, followed by Turkey with 4 and Italy, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Iran each providing two players.

Midfielder Andre Poko ( 87 caps ) had played for Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Croatian side Istra 1961 and four sides in Turkey, including current employers Amedspor, and Guelor Kanga ( 84 caps ) numbered Sparta Prague, Rostov and Red Star Belgrade amongst his former clubs and is now playing in the Turkish second tier.

Head Coach Thierry Mouyouma was an ex-Gabon international ( 32 caps ) and played overseas in Portugal and South Africa.  

Mozambique

The Republic of Mozambique is located on the south-east of Africa on the Indian Ocean, with Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the north-east, Zimbabwe to the west and Eswatini and South Africa to the south-west.

Mozambique covers an area of just over 800,000 square kilometres and has an estimated population of 35 million. A former Portuguese colony, Mozambique achieved independence in 1975 and Portuguese is the official language, although 5 regional languages are also recognised.

The capital of Mozambique is Maputo, previously known as Lourenco Marques, which has a population of over 1 million. 60% of country are Christian.

Its currency is the Metical, which replaced the Portuguese Escudo in 1980.

Football in Mozambique

The topflight league in Mozambique is known as the Mocambola and consists of 14 sides who play each other twice for a 26-game season. With four founds to be played in the current season, UD Songo, from an inland town close to the borders with Zambia and Malawi, were 18 points clear of second placed Black Bulls, the 2024 champions, from the capital Maputo, so were assured of their fourth title since 2017.

In the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, Black Bulls faced AC Leopards from the Republic of Congo and won a penalty shoot-out after two 0-0 draws. In the second round Black Bulls beat Rivers United from Nigeria 1-0 in the home leg, but then were defeated 1-3 in the second leg to exit the competition.

In the 2025/26 CAF Confederations Cup, Cup Winners Ferroviario de Maputo faced AS Fanalamanga from Madagascar and after 1-1 home draw, won 2-1 away to progress to the second round, although the return leg was also played in Maputo. However, in the second round AS Otoho from the Congo Republic were too strong, winning both legs to progress 3-0 on aggregate.

In colonial times, Mozambique provided a number of players to the Portugal national team, with the most notable being Eusebio ( 63 caps and 41 goals ), centre-back Vicente ( 20 caps ) and left-back Hilario ( 40 caps ), who were all key players as Portugal won Third Place in the 1966 World Cup. In more recent times, ex-Everton, Liverpool and Middlesborough Poseidon look-alike Abel Xavier ( 20 caps ) performed with distinction for Portugal during Euro 2000, whilst Jorge Cadete ( 33 caps ) played in Euro 96, as well as for Celtic, Sporting CP, Benfica, Bradford City and Partick Thistle.

Mozambique National Team

Mozambique currently had a FIFA ranking of 102 but had been as high as 66^th in 1997.

Mozambique had never qualified for the World Cup Finals, but this was the 6^th time they had qualified for the AFCON finals, although they had never previously got out of the group stages, or even won a match.

In the recently completed World Cup qualification campaign Mozambique finished in third place in their group with a 6-0-4 record. They did the double over Botswana and Somalia, but lost at home to Guinea ( 1-2 ) but won the away fixture ( 1-0 ) but had the reverse with Uganda, winning 3-1 at home but losing 0-4 away. The two games against group winners Algeria resulted in defeats, 0-2 at home and 1-5 away.

Mozambique qualified for AFCON 2025 with a second place finished in their group behind Mali with a 3-2-1 record. A double was recorded over Guinea-Bissau ( both 2-1 ), and although back-markers drew 1-1 in Maputo, the return, played in South Africa, was won 3-0. Against Mali, Mozambique drew 1-1 in the opening group fixture in Bamako, but fell to a 0-1 loss at home.

The nickname for the Mozambique national team is The Mambas.

Mozambique Squad

11 of the Mozambique squad plied their trade in their domestic league, with Black Bulls and UD Songo each providing 4 players. Portugal supplied 7 players and the rest of the squad were spread across 10 countries.

The only player from Mozambique to play in the English Premier League was ex-Lille and Atletico Madrid and current Sunderland full-back Reinildo Mandava ( 54 caps ). Midfielder Alfons Amade ( 13 caps ) was now playing for Dunfermline Athletic, having previously been with Oostende and Bulgarian side Septemvri Sofia.

Winger Geny Catamo ( 37 caps ) played for Sporting CP and defender Mexer ( 74 caps ) had played for Rennes and Bordeaux in France and Nacional and Estoril in Portugal but was now playing in the second tier in Turkey. Portugal born midfielder Guima ( 22 caps )  now played in Azerbaijan for Zira, and was a rare white player in AFCON, whilst winger Witi ( 47 caps ) played for Madeiran side Nacional in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, and presumably leaves supporters rolling in the aisles !

42-year-old captain and centre-back Domingues was the record cap holder on 118 and was the second highest goal scorer with 17 goals.

Coach Chiquinho Condo ( 43 caps ) played for 8 sides in Portugal including Sporting CP, and New England Revolution in the USA.

Matchday Information

The match was being played at the 45,480 capacity Adrar Stadium in Agadir, which is home to Hossania Agadir.

All AFCON matches were being shown live in the UK over the Channel 4 network, and this match was streamed on the 4seven channel ( Sky Channel 137 ).

Bet365, who also live streamed the game made Gabon 4/5 favourites, with Mozambique at 15/4 and the draw 12/5.

Online tickets for the game ranged from 100 to 300 Moroccan Dirhams ( £8 to £25 )

The weather at the 13.30 local kick-off time ( 12.30 UK ) was sunny and 17 degrees.

Gabon were playing in yellow shirts with blue shorts and socks., whilst Mozambique were in red shirts with black trimmings, black shorts and red socks.

Gabon made four changes from the side that started against Cameroon. In came Aubameyeng, Lemina, Kanga and Red Star Belgrade’s Shavy Babicka ( 19 caps ). Out went Alex Moucketou-Moussounda, Royce Openda, Teddy Averlant and Eric Bocoum

Following their loss to Ivory Coast, Mozambique two changes to their side with Domingues and Faisal Bangal ( 10 caps ), who plays in the 4^th tier in Italy, back into the side, and Manuel Kambala ( 39 caps ) and Stanley Ratifo ( 38 caps ), of 4^th tier Chemie Leipzig in Germany, were dropped.

The referee was Mehrez Melki from Tunisia.

Match Report

The crowd was spartan at the kick-off although there were around a thousand or so Gabon supporters concregated around the half-way line in the upper tier of the open stand.

The start of the match was lively as first Kanga’s 20-yard shot produced a diving save from Mozambique keeper Eman Siluane ( 29 caps ) at the expense of a corner. The set-piece was cleared, and a left footed cross from the right wing was well claimed by Mozambique keeper.

Catamo set off on a good run for the Mambas, and a left footed shot from the edge of the area was deflected wide for a corner, at which Kanga was fouled for a free-kick to Gabon.

In the 6^th minute Diogo Calila sent a dangerous cross into the Gabon area but the glancing header from Witi bounced well wide.

Siluane continued to show safe handling, coming to the edge of his area to catch a floated ball over the top, ahead of two on-rushing Gabon attackers.

The game entered a quiet phase until the 17^th minute when a long ball put Catamo clear with just Gabon keeper Loyce Mbaba ( 14 caps ) to beat, but the midfielder took a heavy touch and Mbaba able to kick clear.

Witi then won a corner off Anthony Oyono ( 29 caps ) from which Mandava rose highest but couldn’t direct his header, which went high and wide.

Gabon and Angers left-back Jacques Ekomie ( 19 caps ) produced a great piece of defending, first stopping Bangal from getting a cross in, then kept the ball in play, and was then fouled to win a free-kick.

In the 25^th minute Witi produced a lovely dummy but a superb sliding interception from Ecuele Manga prevented the return pass from Bangal reaching Witi.

Two minutes later, a 30-yard free-kick from Mexer would have been a fabulous conversion in rugby, but in football it only resulted in a goal-kick. A minute after this, Mexer attempted a 30 yard left footed effort, which again went high over the bar to keep the rugby scouts interested.

With 30 minutes played, a through ball put Guima clear but rather than attempt to slide the ball past Mbaba he opted to pass square to Witi but a sliding tackle Oyono prevented the Mozambique winger from having a shot. Guima should have gone for glory himself.

Five minutes later an awful backward pass by Bangal was latched onto by Bouanaga who ran into Mozambique area, but his left footed shot was a comfortable low save for Siluane.

Bangal quickly redeemed himself though, when he met an in-swinging corner from Catamo and unmarked, he sent a glancing header into corner from 6 yards. 0-1 after 38 minutes.

Almost immediately after, Rodrigues nicked the ball off Ecuele Manga close to the Gabon byline and a shirt pull brought him down for an obvious penalty. The Gabon captain was shown a yellow card and Catamo sent the keeper wrong way from the spot. It was now 0-2 with 41 minutes on the clock.

Gabon were rocking, and flowing Mozambique passing move looked to give Bangal a chance in the right-hand side of the Gabon area but an important tackle by Ecuele Managa took the ball off Bangal just as he was about to pull the trigger.

An over hit cross from Bouanaga was plucked out of the sky by keeper impressive Mozambique keeper.

Mozambique could have extended their lead in the first added minute of the first half as a back-heel from Bangal found Witi in space, and his curling 20 yard effort crashed back from the crossbar. Guima ran onto the rebound and blazed first time wildly over from 10 yards when he had time to take a touch.

The Mambas paid the price for that miss as in the 5^th added minute Ndong had a go from 30 yards and Siluane made a block. However, Aubameyeng slid in with a predator’s finish from 6 yards to pull one back for the Panthers. Siluane would probably have felt he could have done better to push away from the goal, but it was 1-2 at half-time.

Gabon made three changes at half-time, including taking off captain Ecuele Manga but it was Mozambique who scored next when a super left-footed cross from left by Witi saw right back Diogo Calila ghost into the area to head past Mbaba from 8 yards. 1-3 after 52 minutes.

Gabon should have pulled one back almost immediately. Bouanga cut inside on left and delivered an inviting cross, but with a free header on the 6-yard line, Aubameyang somehow put the ball wide. It was a glorious chance !

Gabon continued to press and forced two corners but the next chance went to Mozambique when Catamo went on a good run and shot left footed from just outside area, but Mbaba made a regulation catch above his head.

A Gabon free-kick was sent beyond far post but Aubameyang couldn’t keep it in play with his head.

With 15 minutes remaining Siluane made a great double save. First, Aubameyang was put clear after lovely through ball from Ekomie but was denied at close range by the Black Bulls keeper. Lemina ran onto rebound but his shot from 10 yards was pushed away by the keeper for corner. Gabon sent the corner into the mixer and Ekomie’s blasted left footed shot 12 yards produced another great reflex save from Siluane, but substitute Moucketou-Moussounda slid in to score from just inside 6-yard box. It was now 2-3 with 76 minutes played

It was all Gabon now and after lengthy treatment Siluane was shown a yellow card, presumably for time wasting. Poko sent a good cross from the right wing but Lamina’s glancing header was at Siluane, who made the save and then went down injured again after kicking the ball off for a throw. However, he was able to continue again.

Mozambique got the ball into the net in the 90^th minute after a quick counter. A 20-yard shot struck the shoulder of Catamo and diverted into the top corner of the net. However, Catamo was clearly offside and the goal was chalked off.

Gabon were getting desperate and Lamina’s 25-yard attempt rolled through to keeper, but the effort from the same distance by Kanga went just over the bar.

Throwing players forward, Gabon were suspectable to counter-attacks and a long throw by Nanani sent Catamo clear but Mbaba saved the attempt with an outstretched foot.

In the 8^th added minute Siluane caught a high cross from the left wing and the referee blew his whistle to end the game.

Mozambique had their first ever victory at AFCON but may still need a point against Cameroon to progress. Gabon would have to beat Ivory Coast in their final match to have any hope of reaching the knock-out stages.

Highlights : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHKH0RFVVVU

Gabon : Mbaba – Oyono ( Moucketou-Moussounda ), Ecuele Manga ( Onfia ), Lemina, Ekomie – Poko, Ndong, Kanga – Babicka ( Openda ), Aubameyang, Bouanga ( Matouti )

Mozambique : Siluane – Diogo Calila ( Nanani ), Mexer, Mandava, Langa – Catamo, Guima, Domingues ( Kambala ), Amade, Witi ( Gildo )– Bangal ( Chamboco )

 

Thame United 4-0 Leverstock Green ( att : 125 est ) – 2025/26 Southern League Division One Central

December 27, 2025

Today’s Christmas entertainment saw a meeting of two sides geographically close, but with no real history of playing each other to make it a derby, as Thame entertained Leverstock Green.

Thame United Update

The last visit of these diaries to Thame United was in mid-November when they succumbed 1-2 to Milton Keynes Irish in a game played in terrible conditions, which left Thame in 12^th place in table. Since then, Thame had played 5 away matches but only one at home, in which they beat Northwood Town 6-3. In the away games they had beaten Rayners Lane 4-1, lost to league leaders Leighton Town 1-3, drawn 2-2 at Ware, beaten Biggleswade 3-2, then last Saturday won 2-1 at Marlow. Thame were unbeaten in December and had taken 7 points from three away games.

Consequently, Thame now stood in 9^th place but with games in hand on the sides in the place off places.

In the meantime, Thame had signed defender Luca Perrin from Holmers Green, but midfielder Jenson Wright had returned to Didcot Town.

Harry Alexander was now the leading goal scorer with 9 goals, followed by Louis Walsh on 8 and Greg Hackett on 7.

Leverstock Green FC

Leverstock Green is a village close to Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire. Its football club were founded in 1895 and after playing mostly in Hertfordshire County Leagues, Leverstock Green moved up to the South Midlands League in 1991 but were relegated in 1993 due to a lack of floodlights.

Leverstock Green returned to the step 5 Spartan South Midlands Premier Division in 2003 and spent 21 consecutive seasons at that level until a fourth place finish in the 2023/24 season. In the promotion play-offs, Leverstock Green beat Harpenden Town 3-1 and FC Romania 3-0 to be promoted to step 4.

Last season they finished 18^th in the Southern League Division One Central, staying up by 1 point after winning their last three games to overtake King’s Langley.

Leverstock Green play at Pancake Lane, with the ground now called The Lords Builders Merchants Stadium, which has a capacity of 1,500. Their home colours are all green and unsurprisingly, one of their nicknames is The Greens, but they are also referred to as The Trees and The Levy.

Leverstock Green This Season

Leverstock Green arrived at the ASM Stadium with a 3-10-9 league record, but were 1-6-5 away from home. They were in 19^th position, one place above the relegation zone on goal difference but 7 points adrift of the nearest side above them. The Greens were due to host Stofold last Saturday but their pitch failed an inspection following heavy rainfall.

Leverstock Green started the season reasonably well. Although they were held to a 0-0 draw at Aylesbury United and lost 1-2 at home to Barton Rovers, they won 3-2 at Stotfold and beat Thame 2-1 at home.  However, they then embarked on a run of 16 league games without a win, although that did include 9 draws, before a 2-0 home victory over Beaconsfield Town. They immediately crashed back to earth with a 0-3 home loss at the hands of Biggleswade Town

Leverstock Green exited both cup competitions at the first hurdle, exiting the FA Cup with a 0-1 home defeat to step 5 Ilford of the Essex Senior League, and 0-2 at step 4 Lowestoft Town in the FA Trophy.

Leverstock Green average home league attendance to-date this season was 91 with the highest being 131 for the visit of Aylesbury United.

Leverstock Green Squad

Belgian striker Jeffrey Sekyere, on a season long loan from Wealdstone, was The Trees top scorer with an impressive 16 goals, which made him the third highest scorer in the Division.

Ex-Beaconsfield Town, Risborough Rangers and Three Bridges Spanish attacking midfielder Iker Noguera Leon had found the net five times, as had forward Joe McCarthy. Romanian forward Rada-Mihal Stefanoaica was in his second spell with the club, having scored 46 goals in 86 appearances in his first stint.

Keeper Harry Way had played for Kidlington before playing in the USA, veteran centre-back Steve Brown was ex-Chesham United, midfielder Ryan Carruthers had played for Edgeware Town, and forward Mitchell Weiss numbered King’s Langley, Hayes and Yeading, St Albans City and Chesham United amongst his former clubs, and appeared in these diaries for St Albans in the National League South Promotion Play-Off Final against Oxford City.

Central midfielder Dan Pett had played for Edgeware Town and Northwood, defensive midfielder Lewis Rolfe was another ex-Chesham player as well as having played for Hitchin Town whilst defender Callum Neal joined from Harefield United.

Assistant Coach Scott McGleish, now 51 years old and formerly with Orient, Barnet, Wycombe Wanderers, Colchester United and Northampton Town amongst others, has made three substitute appearances this season. McGleish remains deeply unpopular with Brighton fans after his antics as an Orient player at the Goldstone in 1997 !

Previous Meetings

The sides met for the first time last season when Thame did the double, winning 4-0 at home in December, and 1-0 away in April.

Leverstock Green opened their account against Thame with a 2-1 home victory on the August Bank Holiday Monday, with Noguera Leon twice on target, including a 97^th minute penalty.

Matchday Information

The journey from Leverstock Green to Thame is 30 miles and according to AA Route Planner should normally take 47 minutes via the A41. There were three Green’s fans behind the goal their side was attacking in the first half with two flags draped over the fence, with a few more dotted around the main stand.

The weather at the 15.00 kick-off was grey and overcast and 6 degrees, but it was freezing at the end of the match !

Entrance to the game was £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, £3 for Under 16s, whilst under 5s went in for free. A cup of tea was £1.50.

An online programme had been produced for the match and free team-sheets were available at the turnstile.

Leverstock Green made six changes to the side that started against Biggleswade Town. In came Tommy Boxer and Dan Casey at the back, Jamal Yates, George Mitchell-Gears and Joe McCarthy in midfield and Jack Allen up front. None of the 6 players missing out were named as substitutes. New signing, ex-Aylesbury United and Aylesbury Vale Dynamos defender Prince Madu, was named as one of the substitutes.

Thame made three changes to the side that was victorious at Marlow. Goalkeeper Matt Crowther was back after being out injured for three months, and Abu Khan and Luke Tingay were back in the defence. Jack Tutton dropped to the bench, whilst Lance Williams and Wycombe Wanderers loanee keeper Johnny Pettitt were missing.

Leverstock Green were in a change kit of all grey with lime trimming whilst Thame were in their usual red and black shirts.

Matchday Report

Frankly, this won’t be a game that will live long in the memory. For the first 70 minutes, if one was being generous the words to describe the match could have been battling, endeavour, committed, industrious or hardworking etc. If one was not so generous, mundane or mediocre might have been appropriate.

There had not been much quality on show, apart from ironically, three quality finishes which gave Thame a 3-0 lead. The game improved in the final 20 minutes as Thame started to pass the ball confidently with Leverstock Green looking a beaten side, then Leverstock Green had a good spell near the end as they strove for a consolation. The game finished with a fourth quality goal for Thame.

The start of the game was delayed a couple of minutes whilst everyone waited for the Leverstock keeper to come on to the pitch. I didn't know why he wasn’t ready in time but unless it was for something instructed by the referee, the game should have started on time with Leverstock a player short ! However, it turned out the referee had ordered the Leverstock keeper to change his shirt......

Leverstock looked much the better team in the opening phase of the match, as Thame looked out of sorts. In the first minute, ex-Harrow Borough striker Allen optimistically tried his luck from 30 yards but the ball rolled harmlessly through to keeper Crowther, then immediately after Thame’ Curtis Brown ran onto a long ball, prodded the ball past the onrushing keeper but Green left-back Freddie Newing was back covering and cleared the ball, which was probably going wide anyway, off for a throw-in.

After Thame had a corner headed clear, McCarthy set off on 50-yard run and released Allen down the right-hand channel, but the cross was poor and went straight to Crowther for an easy catch.

A Thame long throw-in bounced across the Leverstock area but Harry Alexander could only spoon the bouncing ball high over the bar.

In the 8^th minute Sekyere laid a pass off to Mitchell-Gears, but his shot was blocked and looped high in the air and went well wide for Leverstock’s first corner of the match, which was headed well wide by Mitchell-Gears.

Thame’s wayward shooting continued when Louis Walsh sent an effort out of the ground after exchanging passes with Alexander.

Alexander’s accuracy improved as after chest controlling a pass from Dan West, he sent a left-footed volley goalwards, only for keeper Way to tip over the bar. Thame centre-back Fin Murray was unmarked at the corner but his header bounced gently through to Way.

At the other end, a left-wing cross was punched away by Crowther to Mitchell-Gears, who had his shot blocked by a Thame defender. After Leverstock reworked possession, Mitchell-Gears shot again and Crowther produced a full-length diving save to push the ball away.

A mix-up in the Thame defence allowed Allen to run onto Way’s dropped goal-kick but the Leverstock forward’s lob over the advancing Thame keeper went comfortably wide. It was a good chance missed.

A minute later, Sekyere ran clear onto a long ball down the right-hand channel and despite looking suspiciously offside, play continued. The Wealdstone loanee cut back inside, but his shot from the edge of the area was blocked by Tingey.

The game became very scrappy, with neither side seemingly able to hold onto possession or string three passes together. Dan West’s free-kick for Thame came to nothing, then after a nice move involving Khan, Lack, Alexander and Walsh, Brown shot high over the bar from 20 yards.

Out of the blue, Thame scored the opening goal of the Thame. There didn’t seem to be much on but the mercurial Walsh skillfully turned past Carruthers and sent a delightful shot from just outside the D curling into the bottom corner and past Way’s despairing dive. It was an outstanding finish and Thame led 1-0 after 32 minutes.

Leverstock looked to quickly strike back and a long throw found Sekyere with his back to the goal, but he fell as he attempted to turn and the ball went off for a goal kick. There were a few half-hearted appeals for a penalty, but the referee was unimpressed.

Alexander ran onto a cross-field pass from Tingey and sent an inviting cross towards the far post, which was met by West, who headed wide on the stretch. However, he would have been better off leaving the cross to Walsh standing behind him in a much better position.

With 37 minutes on the clock Ethan Lack played a through pass intended for Brown to run onto but Way came out of his area to clear. However, Mitchell-Gears hurt himself in his efforts to tackle Lack and needed treatment.

A long Leverstock throw saw Allen tee up Yates, but again a shot from outside the Thame area was blocked by a defender. Thame quickly countered and Lack crossed from the left, Walsh took a step to make space for a shot, which was blocked by a defender.

Shortly after Brown ran into the Leverstock area and slipped in the act of shooting. He was able to get up and took a shot which Way blocked, but had Brown looked up he would have seen Walsh and Alexander unmarked on the 6-yard line.

Leverstock were forced into an early substitution as Mitchell-Gears’ injury meant he wasn’t able to continue and Madu came on for his debut.

Nothing of any consequence occurred in the remaining minutes of the first half, and Thame headed to the dressing rooms with a 1-0 lead after an even first half, thanks to a moment of skill from Walsh.

Thame started the second half on the front foot but Alexander volleyed well over the bar from just outside the area after a free-kick had been headed out to him. Shortly after, keeper Way was fouled at a Thame corner.

However, when there didn’t appear to be any obvious danger, Thame doubled their lead through a fantastic 25 yard left-footed effort from Lack into the bottom corner, again Way had no chance. It was now 2-0 with 52 minutes played.

Thame pressed for a third goal, and after Hall was put in space on the left wing, Boxer needed to put the cross out for a corner. A cross from Brown was met with a glancing header from Murray that went well wide for a goal-kick.

Abu Khan, who was having a good game, produced an impressive tackle to stop McCarthy as he ran at the Thame back-line. The battle between the two continued shortly after when McCarthy ran into the Thame penalty area, and with both players seemingly pulling each other, McCarthy hit the deck. The referee awarded a free-kick to Thame rather than a penalty, and showed a yellow card to McCarthy for simulation. It was in the category of “I have seen them given”, but from where Fatbear  sat it seemed to be a case of six of one and half a dozen of the other, and a yellow card seemed unfair. Naturally the Leverstock Green players and bench were furious.

A minute later McCarthy hit the deck again after a tussle with Khan by the touchline and the referee waved play on, which hardly improved the sense of humour in the Leverstock camp.

Thame were not particularly bothered and Alexander and Walsh combined to find West on the edge of the Leverstock area, and the Thame midfielder flicked the ball past Neal to have a sight on goal, but was unceremoniously tripped. No card was produced for the cynical foul, and West got up to take the free-kick himself, which was drilled wide of the defensive wall but Way made a regulation save.

Walsh then made a strong run down the left wing and sent a stinging cross along the 6-yard line which Way dived to punch away, and Leverstock cleared before West or Alexander could reach it.

Another moment of quality arrived shortly after. Lack followed up his superb goal with an eye-catching through ball which Alexander ran onto. Leverstock appealed in vain for offside, as Alexander moved into the Leverstock area, and as Way came off his line to narrow the angle, the Thame winger delivered a tremendous finish into the opposite bottom corner. 3-0 after 69 minutes.

When Leverstock were awarded a free-kick there was some sarcastic applause from their bench, and a minute later Sekyere went down after a challenge and remained down. The referee allowed play to continue, and about a minute later Sekyere got up without having received any treatment and sprinted after a long ball with no apparent discomfort.

Thame were now in total control and the visitors were offering nothing apart from a 30-yard snap shot from Sekyere which went well wide. At times, Thames passing now verged on show-boating.

McCarthy again went down easily after a challenge from Lack, and again the referee ignored the appeals for a free-kick.

Alexander was shown a yellow card for a blatant trip of Neal, and was promptly substituted. The visitors’ play picked up and substitute George Eldridge delivered an excellent cross from the right-wing but Neal couldn’t rise high enough, and his header went narrowly over the bar.

Walsh then went on a run at the heart of the Leverstock Green defence and slid a pass for substitute Ashley Moakes, but the 18 year old shot narrowly over the bar.

With time running out, McCarthy, who was probably Leverstock’s best player on the day, made a good run down the left wing and won a corner, which after being headed out at the near post, Yates shot wide from 25 yards.

17-year old Charlie Stow skipped past Madu to have a 1 on 1 with keeper Way, but from a fairly tight angle his shot across the goal deflected of the foot of Way and just past the far post, but the referee awarded a goal-kick.

Leverstock pressed again and after one attack was halted, Neal hit a fierce 20-yard drive which Crowther dived to his left to parry.

In added on time Lack passed to Jack Tutton inside the Leverstock, and in a display of twinkle-toe footwork got past two defenders and then produced a left footed finish past Way for another top finish. 4-0 with 92 minutes played.

There still time for Thame’s teenager substitutes to combine, but Way produced a good save to deny Stow.

The final whistle blew shortly after, and with their victory, Thame moved up 8^th place whilst Leverstock Green slipped into the relegation zone.  

Thame United : Crowther – Khan, Tingey, Murray, Hall – Lack, West ( Tutton ), Riddick, Brown ( Stow ) – Alexander ( Moakes ), Walsh

Leverstock Green :  Way – Casey ( Grieves ), Boxer, Neal, Newing ( Petagine ) – Carruthers, Mitchell-Gears ( Madu ), Yates, McCarthy – Allen ( Eldridge ), Sekyere