Thame United 6-0 Kidlington ( att : 89 ) – 2026/27 Oxfordshire Senior Cup

November 10, 2026

Tonight saw Thame’s first match in this season’s Oxfordshire Senior Cup as they hosted Kidlington, the current holders, in the Second Round of the competition. This was one of five matches in the Second Round, with the winners joining Oxford United, Oxford City and Banbury United, the county’s three highest placed sides in the pyrmaid, in the quarter-finals.

Kidlington won the OSC last season by beating a youthful Oxford City side 4-0 in the final played at Thame’s ASM Stadium. In the earlier rounds they had eliminated Chinnor, Banbury ( 11-10 on penalties after a 0-0 away draw ) and Carterton.

The previous three editions of the competition had been won by Thame. In 2022/23 they beat a weakened Oxford City 4-1 at Court Place Farm, in 2023/24 they beat Kidlington 2-1 in a final played at Banbury, and 2024/25 they beat Ardley United 5-1 in another final played at Oxford City. Last season though, Ardley got some kind of revenge by knocking out Thame with a 2-1 win at the ASM.

Despite being the holders, Kidlington were drawn to play in the First Round of this season’s cup but received a walkover against Woodcote.

Thame Update

These diaries covered Thame’s 1-0 victory on Saturday over Stotfold, which extended their winning run to 5 games.

Kidlington

Kidlington is a large village in the parish of Oxford, and is perhaps most famously known as the HQ of the Thames Valley Police and home to fictional detectives Morse, Lewis and Hilary Greene.  Also, Oxford London Airport was known as Kidlington Airport until 2009.

In recent years Kidlington and Thame had been regular opponents, either in The Hellenic League or the Southern League Division One Central, until Kidlington were relegated following a dreadful season in 2024/25, when they only won 7 league games and finished 11 points from safety.

The return to step 5 saw Kidlington allocated to the Combined Counties Premier Division North, where they finished in 9^th place at the end of the 2025/26 season with an average attendance of 99.

Kidlington This Season

Kidlington came into tonight’s match in 5^th place in the Combined Counties Premier Division North with a 9-2-4 record, 13 points behind leaders North Greenford United, but with three games in hand.

Kidlington’s FA Cup adventure ended at the first hurdle, with a 1-3 home defeat to step 4 Larkhall Athletic. However, the FA Vase was more productive, with a 6-1 win at step 6 Crawley Green and a 5-2 home victory over step 6 Wembley, before bowing out 0-1 at home to step 5 Longlevens.

On Saturday, Kidlington won 2-0 at Holyfield but had lost two of their previous three league matches prior to that.

Their average attendance so far this season was 102, boosted by the 168 that turned up to see the 7-1 thrashing of Abingdon United, although the crowd for the 2-3 loss to Reading City was a paltry 41.

Kidlington Squad

The Kidlington squad had plenty of names familiar to Fatbear, including four former Thame United players ; namely keeper Matt Crowther, full-back Pelumi Maxwell, centre-back Leo Galpin and winger Adam Smith.

Striker Conor McDonough was part of the Oxford City Nomads team that won the 2011/12 Hellenic League Premier Division and subsequently had a number of clubs, including Banbury, Swindon Supermarine, North Leigh and Hungerford.

Veteran defender Michael Hopkins had played for Didcot, North Leigh, Banbury and Swindon Supermarine whilst striker Samuel Olawale was another former North Leigh player but had appeared in these diaries playing for Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. Winger Patrick Osborne was ex-Oxford City, Didcot Town and Hungerford.

Striker Fraser Allen, midfielder Jozef Fullerson and Smith were joint leading goalscorers with 5 goals each in all competitions, whilst keeper Crowther was the only player to have played in all 19 games so far this season.

Watching Kidlington

Fatbear had visited Kidlington’s Yarnton Road ground on two occasions, firstly in 2006 to watch a Hellenic League game against Thame which was won 1-0 by Kidlington. The other was on Boxing Day 2023, when Kidlington were again victorious, 2-1 in a bad-tempered Southern League Division One Central encounter.

Fatbear had also seen Kidlington on four occasions at the ASM stadium. In 2015/16 Kidlington beat Thame 2-1, again in the Hellenic League, but Thame had won the Southern League Division One Central meetings, 3-1 in 2021/22 and 5-0 in August 2024, the season Kidlington were relegated.

The other match Fatbear had seen at the ASM was during Aylesbury United’s ground-share in Thame, with the Ducks being 2-1 winners in 2016/17.

Matchday Information

According to AA Route Planner the journey from Kidlington to Thame is 17 miles and should normally take less than half an hour, but it can take considerably longer in the rush hour around Oxford !

Five dedicated Kiddy fans, and a drum, took their place in the small covered stand behind one of the goals, and were in good voice at the kick-off. There were probably around a dozen other Kidlington supporters dotted around the main stand.

It was raining heavily at the 19.45 kick-off, and it was to rain for the duration of the game.  The temperature was around 8 degrees.

Entrance to the game was at the normal prices, £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, £3 for Under 16s, whilst under 5s went in for free. A pint of Poretti cost £5.40 and a large cup of tea was £1.50. An online programme had been produced for the match, but no free team sheets were available at the turnstile tonight.

Kidlington made three changes to the side that beat Holyport last Saturday with Osborne and Nathan Kimber coming in to midfield, and Jack Hobbs to open the batting. Maxwell dropped to the bench, whilst Smith and Otis Castle were missing

Thame made four changes from the side that overcame Stotfold, giving run outs to Charlie Bacon, Hayden Beadle, Curtis Brown and Roger James, as Callum Hall, Ed Daffern, Jack Tutton and Harry Alexander were on the substitute’s bench.

Kidlington were playing in green shirts with black stripes, and green shorts and socks, whilst Thame were in their usual red and black shirts.

Matchday Report

Thame kicked-off attacking the ring-road end but the opening phases were very quiet as both sides gently worked their way into the game.

The first goal-mouth action came in the 8^th minute when Beadle played a delicate chip to put James behind the Kidlington left-back, but the shot from a narrow angle saw keeper Crowther make a routine save at his near post.

Two minutes later a complacent clearance from Brown was charged down by Allen, but fortunately for Thame the rebound rolled through to keeper James Callan to pick-up.

Ethan Lack collected the ball just inside the Kidlington half and passed forward to George Cleveland, who played a pass behind Kidlington left-back Zion Nditi for James to again be put clear, but this time his effort went into the side netting.

A minute later George Cleveland played a ball over Kidlington right-back Galpin for Bacon to run onto and get to the byline, but his low cross into the Kidlington 6-yard box was cleared.

With 12 minutes played, Kimber intercepted a loose ball played out of the Thame defence by Finlay Murray, but his left-footed 20 yard effort lacked power and bounced through to keeper Callan.

The opening goal of the match arrived a minute later, and Fatbear didn’t see everything that happened. Kidlington played a goal-kick around their back-four but there must have been a loose pass as Lack was alert to run on to the ball, round the keeper and deposit the ball into the empty net. 1-0 after 13 minutes.

It got worse for the visitors when Latham Hawkins’ attempted clearance was charged down and the ball fell to Cleveland. The Thame centre-forward ignored the unmarked Lack to his right, and went for goal himself, and his 20-yard effort crept inside the near post past Crowther’s despairing dive. 2-0 with 14 minutes played.

A few minutes later Galpin went down injured near the Kidlington corner flag, and after a few minutes treatment had to leave the field to be replaced by Maxwell to play at left-back, with Nditi switching to right-back.

Thame won a corner in the 19^th minute, and after the cross was headed clear, Brown’s 30-yard effort fizzed narrowly over the bar.

Hawkins’ distribution from the back continued to be suspect as a pass was cut-off by Thame captain Mark Riddick, who released Bacon, but again the low cross from the left-hand byline was cleared by the Kidlington defence.

With 23 minutes played, Bacon ran at the Kidlington defence only to be brought down on the edge of the penalty area, and Nditi was shown the first yellow card of the match. Beadle’s free-kick went through a gap in the Kidlington defensive wall but just wide of the near post.

In a rare Kidlington attack, Nditi appeared to foul Thame left-back Josh Stranks, but the referee, Horace Gumba, waved for play to continue, but Nditi’s cross was poor and was easily dealt with by Murray.

Lack then fouled Evan Took-Oxley near the half-way line, and the Kidlington players and bench screamed for further sanctions to be applied after the free-kick was awarded. However, the referee ignored this, apart from going over to the Kidlington bench to give a lecture.

James produced a superb cross-field pass to the unmarked Bacon in the left-hand channel, who made his way to the byline, and his ball across the 6 yard-line gave Cleveland a tap-in at the back post. It was now 3-0 with 31 minutes on the clock.

The visitors responded by winning a free-kick on their left, but when the ball was played into the Thame area, Hobbs’ header was blocked by a Thame defender. McDonagh played a cute back-heel to put Allen in space but the cross was easily claimed by Callan.

A few moments later Kimber scythed down Bacon near the half-way line, but the referee deemed a free-kick and a word with the Kidlington player was the appropriate action.

Kidlington produced their best move of the game in the 36^th minute. A lovely through ball put Allen clear, and although his effort beat Callan, Brown had got back behind his keeper to make a block in his 6 yard box. The rebound fell to Osborne, who should have scored, but with only Brown to beat, the Thame player was again able to make the block.

Kidlington were enjoying a brief good spell, but after Osborne made a good run down the right-wing his cross was headed away by Murray.

The first questionable decision by the referee came a few minutes later when Riddick stretched to win a ball just inside the visitors’ half and a Kidlington player clattered into him after Riddick had clearly won the ball. Surprisingly, the referee awarded the free-kick to Kidlington, and after the complaints from the home side, Lack was shown a yellow card for presumably something he said.

With half-time approaching, James set-off on a 60-yard run, out-pacing two Kidlington defenders but his ball into the penalty area was cleared by Hobbs.

The poor refereeing decisions then evened themselves out as Osborne slid in win the ball from Beadle only for a free-kick to be awarded to Thame. It looked like a good tackle to Fatbear !

The half-time whistle sounded shortly after, with Thame heading to the dressing rooms fully deserving their three-goal lead.

The start of the second half was also quiet until Hawkins’ clearance was headed back to him by a Thame player, and Cleveland looked to run clear on goal. However, the Kidlington centre-back opted to foul the Thame centre-forward and was fortunate to receive only a yellow card, with perhaps Hobbs being a covering defender.

Thame were not to be denied though as a back-heel from Stranks gave James the time and space to send a curling cross towards the far post, where Riddick arrived to send a header back across goal and into the opposite corner. It was now 4-0 after 50 minutes.

Thame’s dominance continued but Brown’s cross was met by James on the stretch, and the ball struck his shin and bounced off for a goal-kick.

Murray played a poor pass out of the Thame defence which Osborne latched onto, but Thame were able to recover, and substitute Luke Tingey headed the cross off for a corner. The set-piece delivery created a scramble inside the Thame 6-yard box, but Thame cleared for Stranks to go on a 60-yard run, but Thame squandered the break with hesitation on the Kidlington penalty area, and the chance was wasted.

The referee continued to make questionable decisions as Riddick was pinged for a foul for what looked to be a good tackle on Freddie Barringer, followed by playing a doubtful advantage for Thame after Bacon was chopped down by Barringer.

Hawkins then made another poor clearance from which James was played into the Kidlington penalty area, but the centre-back was able to redeem himself by getting back to make a vital tackle.

James was again in the action as he spun away from being a sandwich between Hawkins and Nditi, but Nditi had the pace to get back and win the ball. However, James clattered into the back leg of the Kidlington full-back, and a flare-up between the two ensued. Unfortunately, a full-scale punch-up between the two, which looked likely, failed to materialise, and when peace was restored, James was shown a yellow card. Nditi was perhaps very fortunate not to be shown a second yellow card for his reaction to the foul and initiating the fracas.

James then appeared to be a marked man, as in what appeared to be a pre-meditated challenge, Hawkins jumped into the back of the Thame forward with no attempt to win the ball, but the referee failed to award a free-kick, perhaps as in doing so would have meant a second yellow card to the Kidlington centre-back.

Kidlington won a free-kick mid-way inside the Thame half, but Thomas Bucknell’s dangerous delivery was well defended.

Almost immediately after coming on to the pitch, Callum Hall won possession inside the Kidlington half and played the ball forward to James, who cut in from the right-hand touch line to the edge of the 18-yard line and sent a fierce left-footed drive in to the far bottom corner. It was fairly obvious that James enjoyed that one following the treatment he had been receiving from the Kidlington defenders. Thame now led 5-0 in the 73^rd minute.

Despite the scoreline the handful of Kidlington fans behind the goal were still singing and banging the drum !

Thame continued to pour forward, and Brown saw a shot blocked by Hobbs for a corner. Hawkins, under pressure from Alexander, could only weakly head clear and Thame immediately played the ball forward for Alexander to run on goal. With Beadle unmarked to his left, Alexander opted to go for glory himself, but Hobbs was able to block for a corner.

Kidlington’s frustrations continued as substitute Joey Aust made no attempt to win the ball and jumped into Riddick, but again the referee decided there was no foul or any cards necessary.

On the other hand, Brown then clearly clipped the ankle of Barringer, but again the referee failed to see any offence. With the Kidlington players understandably waiting for a whistle, play continued, but the shot from Alexander was poor and Crowther made a routine save.

Thame won a corner with two minutes remaining, but Tingey’s glancing header sailed narrowly over the bar. However, with full-time just about up, Thame scored a glorious final goal, walking the ball into the net following passes from Brown, Alexander and Daffern to tee up Beadle with a tap-in at the far post. The score was now 6-0 after 90 minutes.

There was still time for Kidlington to win a corner, from which Thame cleared off their goal line and broke quickly, only for Kidlington substitute Hopkins to pull back Brown on the half-way line to prevent the Thame player from running clear. It looked to be an obvious denial of a goal scoring opportunity, but the referee decided that discretion was the better part of valour, and blew for full-time rather than dishing out any further punishment.

At the final whistle Thame progressed to the quarter-finals in a much easier fashion than most of their supporters would have expected, whilst Kidlington’s defence of their title was rather limp.

Thame United : Callan – Brown, West ( Tingey ), Murray, Stranks – Beadle, Riddick, Lack ( Hall ), Bacon ( Alexander ) - James, Cleveland ( Daffern )

Kidlington : Crowther – Galpin ( Maxwell ), Hawkins, Hobbs, Nditi – Took-Oxley ( Hopkins ), Barringer, Kimber – Osborne ( Aust ), McDonagh ( Fullerton ), Allen ( Bucknell )

 

 

Thame United 1-0 Stotfold ( att : 98 ) – 2026/27 Southern League Division One Central

November 7, 2026

Since these diaries witnessed Thame ending their barren run with a controversial 2-1 home win against Welwyn Garden City, they had subsequently won three more matches, winning 3-2 at high-flying Potters Bar Town, 4-0 at home to MK Irish and 3-1 at Barton Rovers. Striker George Cleveland had joined from Aylesbury United, and opened his account for Thame in the win at Barton Rovers.

These results took Thame up to 10^th place in the table prior to today’s game and with anywhere from 3 to 5 games in hand of the sides above them. If they won all their games in hand, and that is a big if, they would go top !

Today’s opposition were Stotfold, who had enjoyed a good start to the season and arrived at the ASM in 7^th place in table.

Stotfold

Stotfold is a town in central Bedfordshire with a population estimated at just under 10,000 and located between Biggleswade and Letchworth Garden City.

Its football club were founded in 1946 and are known as The Eagles, although more recently the colloquial term “the fold” has become increasingly popular. Home is New Roker Park, which cost £2M to build and opened in 2020 after their original Roker Park ground was sold for housing.

Stotfold’s first season at step 4 was in 2023/24 where they finished a respectable 7^th place, but in the 2024/25 season they ended up in 17^th place, two points clear of the relegation places. Last season Stotfold were again 17^th, but comfortably clear of danger.

Stotfold This Season

Stotford came into today’s game with an impressive 6-7-2 record, and were 2-5-1 away from home.

Stotfold began the season with a 4-1 home win over step 5 Basildon United in the FA Cup, and beat step 5 Cockfosters 3-0 at home in the next round. However, dreams of Wembley were extinguished in the next round with a 2-3 lost at step 4 Witham Town.

In the league, Stotfold began with a tough run of fixtures against sides expected to be at the top end of the table this season, but emerged unbeaten after three games, with a 2-2 draw at Biggleswade, a 1-1 draw at Royston, then a 1-1 home draw with Winslow United.

The bubble burst with a 0-5 defeat at Welwyn Garden City, followed with a 0-1 home loss to Hadley. However, since then Stotfold, had played 10 more league matches, winning 6 and drawing 4. Four draws had been played in their five most recent fixtures until last time out, they beat Flackwell Heath 2-0.

In the FA Trophy, Stotfold got past fellow step 4 side Hadley 2-0, but crashed out 0-3 at home to step 4 Gorleston Town.

The average home league attendance so far was 133 so far, compared to 214 last season.

Stotfold Squad

From the squad that played at the ASM stadium last season, only keeper Liam Gooch, defender Lewis Thomas and forward Richesse Mvicki were still with the club.

Last season’s top scorer, striker Henry Snee, was now playing for step 3 Hanwell Town, whilst winger Luca Cardines had joined Biggleswade FC, and midfielder Mitchell Gooch and defender Jake Bunyan had signed for Biggleswade United.

Ex-Dunstable Town and Kempston Rovers striker Plamedi Bomole was their top scorer with 6 goals, level with Taylor Franklin. Veteran striker Taylor Rhiney had previously played for Hitchin Town, Barton Rovers, Biggleswade United, AFC Dunstable and Bedford Town amongst others.

Ex-Sheffield United, Northampton Town, Hayes and Yeading United, Hemel Hempstead, Wealdstone, Thame United and Beaconsfield Town amongst others midfielder Matty Harriott recently advertised on social media that he was coming out of retirement looking for a side at step 3 or 4 side, and seems to have settled on Stotfold.

Spanish born left-back Hugo Valencia joined Stotfold after being released by Norwich City, winger William Ademiluyi signed from Biggleswade United, whilst defender and captain Pierce Mitchell joined from Berkhamsted Town.

Previous Meetings

These two sides had met on 6 previous occasions and Stotfold were yet to record a victory.

Last season, with Fatbear in attendance, Thame needed a goal in the 11^th minute of added time to win 1-0 at home, whilst in the return, Thame were 2-1 winners despite Ed Daffern, now with Thame, opening the scoring for Stotfold.

The season before saw a remarkable game at the ASM Stadium. With less than 30 minutes left to play, Stotfold led by 4-0, but Thame amazingly stormed back to draw 4-4, including two goals in added on time. Fatbear was there to report on that match too.

The return match at Stotfold also ended with honours even, as this time Stotfold twice came from behind to draw 2-2.

Despite fighting against relegation in 2023/24, Thame did the double over Stotfold, winning 2-1 at home and 2-0 away.

Matchday Information

According to AA Route Planner the journey from Stotfold to Thame is 47 miles and should normally take one hour twenty minutes down the A418 via Aylesbury.

The weather at the 15.00 kick-off was dry and cloudy, and the temperature was around 9 degrees.

Entrance to the game was £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, £3 for Under 16s, whilst under 5s went in for free. A large cup of tea cost £1.50. An online programme had been produced for the match, and free team sheets were available at the turnstile.

Stotfold made two changes to the side that beat Flackwell Heath last Saturday, with Matt Moloney coming in at right-back and Dylan Logan into midfield, and Enock Ekongo and Harriott were missing. Thame were unchanged from the side that was victorious at Barton Rovers.

Stotfold were playing in a change kit of all purple, whilst Thame were in their usual red and black shirts.

Matchday Report

A minute’s silence was observed before Thame kicked off attacking the ring-road end. In the first minute Josh Stranks ran from just outside the Thame area to the Stotfold byline and his cut-back reached Cleveland, but a Stotfold defender was alert and took the ball off the Thame centre-forward.

At the other end, Franklin dramatically fell to the floor holding his head after being tackled by Thame full-back Callum Hall. The referee correctly allowed play to continue for a short while, before stopping the game for Frankline to receive treatment. He recovered, but had to spend a minute on the touchline before returning to the game.

Thame were having the better of the early stages without creating too much danger for the visitors, with Ethan Lack’s pull back from the byline finding Daffern, whose shot was blocked, then a long range shot from Harry Alexander lacked power and rolled gently through to keeper Gooch.

Stotfold were first seen as an attacking threat when Joseph Beardon’s chip towards the far post was met by Franklin, but the header sailed high and wide.

Alexander skipped past Valencia but Joseph Beardon was covering back and put the ball out for a throw-in. Hall’s long throw was headed away to Alexander just outside the Stotfold area, but the shot went harmlessly over the crossbar. Shortly after, Lack had a long range effort blocked.

At the other end, Dan West needed to make a sliding interception to prevent Ademiluyi running onto a through pass.

With 19 minutes played, Franklin’s long throw into the Thame area was headed on by Thomas, but West was on hand to clear from inside the 6-yard box. Thame looked to counter-attack, and Cleveland played a cross-field ball to find Alexander in space on the right wing, but Stotfold were able to able to half the move at the expense of a corner. The set-piece was headed away and Stotfold had a 3 vs 3 break, but the attempted pass by Valencia was poor and easily cut-out by Hall.

The visitors created the best chance of the game so far in the 20^th minute. Simo Mbonkwi slid a lovely pass through the Thame back-line for Rhiney to run onto, but the shot across the face of the goal rolled just wide of the far post.

A minute later Franklin sent a 20-yard thunderbolt goal bound, but the shot was straight at Thame keeper James Callan, who spilt the ball but gathered at the second attempt before Rhiney could take advantage.

Cleveland then appeared to be brought down by Mitchell just outside the Stotfold area, but the referee thought otherwise and waved play on.

The visitors though were enjoying a good spell and Franklin was put clear down the left-hand channel. However, after cutting back inside onto his right foot, the low shot lacked power and was a comfortable save for Callan.

Thame captain Mark Riddick played a through pass for Cleveland to run for but he could only get clear after pulling back Thomas for an obvious free-kick to Stotfold.

Valencia was not having a good game for the visitors, and after he lost possession near the half-way line, Thame were able to build an attack which saw Stranks cross toward the 6-yard line, where Cleveland stuck out a foot, but could only deflect the ball narrowly wide of the near post.

From a Stotfold corner, a header by Thomas from beyond the far post was pushed away for another corner by Callan. The following corner was headed away by West for a throw-in, from which Thomas was penalised for pushing.

Another Stotfold long throw saw Thomas win a header and Mitchell turned on the ball, but could only scoop the ball over the bar from 10 yards.

With 37 minutes on the clock, Lack ran past Logan but was brutally upended by Moloney for a free-kick not too far away from the corner flag and the referee’s cards stayed in his pocket. However, Jack Tutton’s free-kick was well claimed by keeper Gooch. A minute later Cleveland shot horribly wide with a long-range effort.

With half-time approaching Daffern was brought down just outside the Stotfold area by Mitchell, who was shown the first yellow card of the match. Tutton free-kick produced a great save from Gooch, diving to his left to push the ball away for a corner. Thame took a short corner routine, but Alexander’s shot nearly went out of the ground.

With 45 minutes played, the visitors managed to put the ball into the net. Rhiney managed to get his head to a ball into the Thame area, and although Callan managed to get a hand to it to push away, the ball struck Hall and went into net for an own goal. However, the linesman’s flag was raised for off-side so it remained goalless.

The last action of the first period saw a powerful header by Thomas from the edge of the Thame penalty area go a couple of feet wide with Callan beaten.

The teams headed for their half-time oranges with the score still 0-0, which seemed to be fair scoreline. Thame were winning the midfield battle and had enjoyed more of the possession, but Stotfold had created the better chances, and their front three were looking sharp.

Thame started the second half strongly and Daffern had a 20-yard left-footed effort pushed away by Gooch, this time diving to his right to make the parry. Hall then played a pass which put Cleveland clear but as the Thame striker attempted to go round the keeper, Gooch managed to get a strong hand to push the ball away. Thame reworked possession, but the attempt from Daffern sailed high over the bar.

Alexander then cut back in from the right touchline but his left-footed shot from just outside the Stotfold area bounced narrowly wide.

In the 55^th minute, Tutton charged towards the Stotfold area only to be chopped down by Logan, who received the second yellow card of the game. Logan was substituted almost immediately after.

Daffern, Cleveland and Stranks exchanged passes around the edge of the Stotfold area before the low cross from Stranks was blocked by Moloney.

After a move from Stotfold broke down just inside the Thame half, Daffern spread play wide to Alexander who made his way into the visitors’ penalty area. Looking up, the pass was played across the edge of the penalty area where the on-rushing Daffern sent the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give Thame the lead against his former club. It was 1-0 with 59 minutes played.

A minute later Alexander, Stranks and Riddick all exchanged passes until Tutton saw his effort blocked. Valencia went on a good run for Stotfold but Ademiluyi’s control was poor and the ball rolled away for a Thame goal-kick.

At this point it was starting to get misty.

With Thame having taken the lead, the pattern of the game changed, with Thame content to move the ball quickly deep into the Stotfold half and to keep the visitors as far away as possible from their goal. Stotfold made changes to their formation but never looked capable of getting back to level terms.

Ademiluyi had two strong runs down the right wing. The first time Stranks made a great tackle to thwart the danger, but on the second occasion got past Stranks only for his low cross to be cleared. In-b6etween, Tutton did well to get to the left byline and find Alexander with his pass, but the touch was poor and Stotfold were able to clear.

Thame substitute Roger James robbed Mbonkwi mid-way inside the Stotfold half and fed Alexander, but the shot was weak and a regulation save for Gooch.

A minute later, Mbonkwi again lost possession, this time Lack took the ball off him and ran for goal. Gooch bravely came out of his area to make a block as Lack attempted to prod the ball past him.

A quick free-kick by Thame put Stranks clear of the dozing defenders but the shot from a tight angle was blocked for a corner, which was followed by another corner, from which Alexander put a right-footed shot a yard wide.

Gooch was called into action again, under pressure punching away a corner from under his own crossbar.

With three minutes remaining it looked like Thame must score again. Lack won the ball in the middle of the park and put Alexander away on the right wing. Alexander got to the byline and his pull-back found James 10 yards out. The Thame substitute took a touch, then took his time deciding where to place his shot, but finally his shot was blocked for a corner.

With added time being played, Stotfold managed to play the ball to Olayinka inside the Thame area, but rather than look up to assess his options, the Stotfold substitute shot wildly and the effort was blocked by the Thame defender two yards from him. Stotfold managed to regain possession but Franklin shot meekly from outside the area and Callan made an easy catch.

In desperation, Stotfold launched a long throw into the Thame penalty area but Callan rose the highest to punch the ball away.

At the final whistle, Thame had claimed an important victory which took them up to 8^th in the table, above Stotfold on goal difference, whose unbeaten run had come to an end. The game wasn’t the highest quality, and although Thame probably should have won by a greater margin, they won’t mind too much as Stotfold look to be a hard side to beat.

Thame United : Callan – Hall, West, Murray, Stranks – Lack, Tutton ( Beadle ), Riddick, Daffern ( Brown ) - Alexander, Cleveland ( James )

Stotfold : Gooch – Moloney, Mitchell, Thomas, Valencia – Beardon ( Jordan ), Mbonkwi, Logan ( Mvioki ) – Ademiluyi ( Olayinka ), Rhiney, Franklin 

 

 

 

 

 

Oxford City 1-3 South Shields ( att : 902 ) - 2026/27 National League North

October 31, 2026

Today’s Saturday afternoon entertainment was a meeting between 1^st and 3^rd in the National League North.

Oxford City Update

Since these diaries covered The Hoops last gasp 1-1 home draw with Morecambe, they had played 5 more games and had extended their unbeaten run to 8 games in all competitions.

In the FA Cup a 6-1 win over step 3 Enfield Town, at the time top of the Isthmian League Premier, was followed by a gritty 1-0 victory at National League South Torquay United to reach the First Round Proper. Their reward was a home tie against Leicester City, Premier League winners in 2015/16 and FA Cup winners in 2020/21, with the tie selected for live coverage by TNT Sport and moved to the Friday evening slot. A 3,100 capacity crowd was expected.

In the league, Oxford City had travelled to Newcastle to beat Hebburn Town 3-0, drawn 1-1 at Marine, and in mid-week, won 3-0 at home to Merthyr Tydfil, which took them to the top of the table.

Oxford City also hit the headlines with the signing of former Watford, Sheffield Wednesday and Italy international Fernando Forestieri ( 6 caps ), who had last been playing in Cyprus for AEL Limassol. Whilst many observers suggested that Forestieri was still capable of playing in League 1 or 2, apparently, he signed for Oxford City as he had played with Hoops manager Ross Jenkins when they were both at Watford.

The other transfer news for the Hoops was the return of striker Isaac Westendorf on loan from Torquay, after having left to join The Gulls in the summer.

Previous Meetings

These two sided had met on 4 occasions and the Mariners had won three times.

Fatbear reported on the first meeting of these two sides in August 2024 when South Shields left Court Place Farm with a 4-1 victory.  The return match in January 2025 was postponed less one hour before the kick-off due to a frozen pitch, resulting in a fruitless 10-hour return trip for The Hoops, but they achieved a consolation of sorts in the rescheduled match on a Tuesday night in March when a 97^th minute penalty gave them a 2-1 win.

Last season Oxford City again had a Saturday fixture at South Shields postponed, this time due to South Shields’ involvement in the FA Cup, and lost 1-4 on their Tuesday night trip up North. South Shields also won the return, 3-1 in January.

South Shields This Season

Last season South Shields finished in 2^nd place in the regular league table but succumbed to Kidderminster Harriers 0-2 at home in the play-off final, in front of a crowd of 3,628.

Expectations were high that they could go one better this season and arrived today with an 8-2-3 record. They began the season with an unbeaten run of 7 games until unexpectedly being hammered 0-6 at Hereford United.

The Mariners responded to that set-back with a 7-0 thumping of Witton Albion in the FA Cup, then a 4-0 home win against Buxton. However, they then suffered another defeat on the road, going down 2-3 at lowly Brackley Town.

Buxton were again beaten, this time 2-0 away, before consecutive defeats, losing 2-3 at National League Halifax Town in the FA Cup, then 3-4 at Macclesfield in the league.

Since then, the Mariners had beaten Chester 3-1 at home, and last Tuesday night they won 1-0 at Spennymoor.

South Shields were currently the 6^th best supported team in the division, with an average home attendance of 1,756, which compared to an average of 939 for Oxford City.

South Shields Squad

The undoubted player to watch in the South Shields squad was striker Paul Blackett, who netted 23 times in the 2024/25 season, and was the division’s leading scorer last season with 29 goals. Blackett was predictably the Mariners’ leading scorer so far this season with 6 goals. Incidentally, Blackett was the only player who played for South Shields in the first meeting in 2024, and scored twice, who was still with the club.

Keeper Jasper Sheik made one appearance for Crawley Town in November 2024, coming on as a substitute for the injured Jojo Wollacott in the second half of an FA Cup tie at Maidenhead United, which Crawley went on to win 2-1 in extra-time, with Fatbear watching on.

Other ex-Crawley players on the books of The Mariners were midfielder Jack Roles, winger Adam Campbell, who started in the successful 2023/24 promotion play-off final against Crewe at Wembley, and forward Sam Ashford.

Forward Cedwyn Scott numbered Dundee, Carlisle United, Gateshead and Notts County amongst his former clubs, and South African midfielder Khanya Leshabela had previously played for Leicester City, Shrewsbury, Crewe Alexandra, Bedford Town and AFC Telford.

Captain and centre-back Robbie Tinkler was ex-York City, Gateshead and Aldershot, left-back Joe Emery was on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, and midfielder Toby Onanaye joined the Mariners after being released by Leicester City.

Defender Ethan Mann had previously played for Buxton, left sided midfielder Daniel Dodds was ex-Darlington and Hartlepool, whilst defender Cain Sykes had been a youth player at Middlesborough.

Matchday Information

South Shields’s journey to Oxford was just over 265 miles via the A1(M), M1 and M40, which would normally take close to nearly five hours, so they faced a round trip of potentially ten hours ! It looked like around 40 supporters had made the long journey to support The Mariners.

The weather at the 15.00 kick-off time was a nice sunny autumnal day with the temperature around 13 degrees.

The match was not segregated and the matchday programme was £3.50, and free team sheets were available. A cup of tea was £2.50.

Oxford City made one change from their midweek line-up with Dejan Tetek replacing Alfie Potter in midfield, whilst South Shields were unchanged.

South Shields took to the field in their usual kit of claret shirts with light blue trimmings, and white shorts and socks. Oxford City were in their usual blue and white hoops.

 Match Report

The early stages of the game saw a pattern of South Shields passing the ball nicely without much penetration whilst Oxford City were looking to strike quickly on the break.

The first half-chance came in the 3^rd minute for Oxford City, when Ellis Brown ran onto a long ball down the left-hand channel but his cross was tamely headed wide by Scott Pollock.

Hoops captain Josh Ashby then found space in the left-hand channel but his low ball towards the far post was cleared before Bria Bateman could finish. Oxford City regained possession and Ashby forced the first corner of the match.

Ludwig Francillette was able to get his head to the corner, but it took a deflection to go over the bar for another corner, to which South Shields keeper Sheik could only flap at and push high into the air, but from close range Ashby headed narrowly over the bar.

With 10 minutes on the clock, Pollock was bundled over just outside The Mariners’ area, and the ex-Brackley man got up to take the free-kick, sending a curling left-footed chip to beyond the far post, and although Canice Carroll managed to head back across goal, the linesman’s flag was raised to indicate the ball had gone out of play.

Pollock then made a strong run down the left-wing, leaving Sykes trailing in his wake, but his low ball across the six-yard line just eluded the sliding Bateman at the far post.

Against the run of play the visitors took the lead. Carroll failed to deal with a ball lobbed into the Oxford City area and Campbell was able to fire across the goalmouth. Although Diego Nelson was able to partially clear from close to his goal-line, to ball fell kindly to Onanaye, who rifled the ball home from 12 yards. 0-1 after 15 minutes.

The Hoops response was for Brown to keep the ball in play on the South Shields left-hand byline but his low cross was blocked at the near post, and Tyrone Marsh was unable to get a shot away.

Oxford City continued to press but with several options ahead of him, Bateman inexplicably opted to play the ball back to Carroll close to the half-way line, but the pass was intercepted and the Mariners quickly broke and played the ball forward to Blackett. Although there was a suspicion of offside, the linesman’s flag stayed down by his side and the lethal marksman proceeded to round keeper Maxted and deposited the ball into the empty net. 0-2 with 19 minutes played.

Despite the arrears, Pollock was looking dangerous for the home side and surged from half-way towards the edge of the Shields area and was sent tumbling after a challenge by Leshabela, but the referee waved play on.

Marsh then played a delicate chip into the South Shields area which was partially cleared, but only as far as Nelson, whose long range drive was blocked.

The first yellow card arrived in the 22^nd minute after Leshabela pulled back Pollock when he had run past the Shields’ midfielder just inside the South Shields half.

Shortly after, Nelson got past Scott and made his way into the South Shields area, but the shot from a narrow angle went into the side netting.

However, the visitors were looking dangerous when they attacked, and Onanaye was put clear to the byline and his pull-back found Dodds, who was crowded out, and when the ball found its way to Blackett the shot was blocked by a home defender.

In the 29^th minute, Dodds crossed from the left wing and with the home defence appealing in vain for off-side, Blackett produced a deft flick which only just drifted over the bar with Maxted beaten. So close to being 3-0 !

Shortly after, Francillette clipped the ball forward for Marsh to chase and Emery was forced to concede a corner. Pollock’s delivery went beyond the far post where Carroll’s header hit the post, and the loose ball was scooped into the roof of the net from close range. Ashby was announced as the scorer, and it was now 1-2 after 32 minutes.

The home side surged forward in search of an equaliser and Pollock and Nelson combined to put Bateman clear inside the South Shields area but the shot was weak and a comfortable save for Sheik.

There didn’t seem to be any danger as The Mariners played the ball around at the back, but Mann then played a superb defence splitting pass between Carroll and Evan Humphries, releasing Onanaye for a clear run on goal, and the ex-Leicester City youngster shot across goal and into the far post to extend the visitors’ lead. It was now 1-3 with 37 minutes on the clock.

The second yellow card came two minutes later when a long ball put Blackett clear but the Mariners’ striker was clearly offside and the whistle blew, but several seconds later the forward took a long range shot at goal. Frankly, it was a ridiculous card to give away.

At the other end, The Hoops won a corner, but after it was headed away, Brown made a poor decision to go for goal from 20+ yards from wide on the left, with his centre-backs lurking at the far post in anticipation of the cross, but the effort sailed yards high and wide. It was a terrible effort.

A minute later Brown did much better with a decent pass to send Bateman into the visitors’ penalty area, but the Birmingham City loanee was forced wide and the shot from a tight angle went narrowly over the bar.

Pollock then produced a clever flick close to the half-way line to find Dejan Tetek, who charged forward to the edge of the South Shields area, but after passing to Bateman, his shot was blocked for a throw-in.

Two minutes before the interval, two Shields defenders attempted to shepherd the ball out for a goal-kick, but City stole possession, resulting in Emery chopping down Pollock close to the corner flag. Pollock’s free-kick was headed off for a corner, and the second attempt was unconvincingly punched away under pressure by keeper Sheik.

The half-time whistle sounded shortly after with the visitors holding a 3-1 lead thanks to their clinical finishing, making the most of the home side’s defensive blunders. The Hoops had created most of the chances so it felt like there were more goals to come in the game.

The visitors made an intriguing substitution for the start of the second half, with goal-machine Blackett being replaced by Lucas de Bolle, who had recently returned to the club after a spell at Portuguese side Portimonense.

The start of the second period saw a snap-shot from Scott go just wide after Oxford City had coughed up possession just outside their penalty area. After this though, the home side took a grip on the game. Marsh went scampering after a long ball and tumbled inside the area after a challenge by Mann but a goal-kick was the decision. Brown then skipped past Onanaye on the left, but the low cross was blocked at the near post. This was followed by some good build-up play being wasted by Brown opted to shoot from 25 yards, but the tame effort barely troubled Sheik.

After 54 minutes Bateman won a corner, which was sent to the far post but Francillette’s header was denied by a fantastic save by Sheik, diving to his left to tip over the bar.

Four minutes later Brown skinned Campbell to get into the Shields area, but his left footed shot was met with a good save by Sheik, pushing the ball over the bar.

A fracas occurred in the 6-yard box before the corner was taken, which resulted in Sheik and Francillette both being shown yellow cards. When the corner was finally taken Sheik made a good punch to prevent Francillette being able to get to a header.

Brown continued to impress with his running, and another low ball across the 6-yard line went begging with no Hoop on hand for a far post tap in. Carroll then sent a delightful cross-field pass to substitute Max Smith, but his low ball towards the near post was well defended.

Pollock then spun away from Onanaye just outside the left-hand side of the South Shields area and was brought down, but the free-kick came to nothing. A minute later Pollock popped up in the right-hand channel and spun past Leshabela ,who brought him down. This time the referee produced the yellow card, and as it was his second the South African had to leave the field. This was a shame as his energetic display had probably made him The Mariners’ best player up to this point.

Pollock’s free-kick was smashed into the defensive wall, and when the ball was played back into the mixer, Marsh was brought down by Sheik as he went for the ball. Unfortunately for the home supporters, the linesman’s flag was raised for offside and the free-kick went to The Mariners.

After this, despite the one-man advantage Oxford City rarely looked like troubling the South Shields resolute defence. For a moment it looked like substitute Rio Clegg would break clear for the visitors, but the referee judged he had fouled Carroll.

Smith was seeing a lot of the ball on the right-wing for Oxford City, but his crosses rarely beat the first defender, although one cross needed to be cleared by Tinkler to prevent Zac McEahran having a tap-in.

Humphries was found in space on the left and his ball into the 6-yard box saw McEachran attempt a back-heel, but unfortunately for the home side, his effort was straight at Sheik, who made a low save. With 10 minutes remaining Humphries tried his luck for 20 yards, but his left-footed strike sailed fractionally over the bar, although Sheik probably had it covered.

Ashby’s cross then found the unmarked Pollock, but the header from 12 yards lacked power and Sheik made a routine save.

Substitute Foresteri ran into the visitors’ penalty area and hit the deck, but again goal-kick was the correct decision.

The home side nearly pulled a goal back when Sheik could only get a hand to a cross from Smith, and when McEachran lobbed the ball back into the mixer, Foresteri could only head at close range straight at the keeper.

As the game moved into added time, the game’s moment of mild controversy occurred. Hoops substitute Westendorf stood on the goal-line and was pushed by Sheik. Some collective handbags ensued and the referee eventually restored order without issuing any sanction. With the corner finally ready to be taken, Roles clearly tugged Westendorf’s shirt and the forward, Roles and Sheik hit the deck. The referee showed a yellow card to Roles and surprisingly to Westendorf, and also surprisingly not to Sheik. He also failed to award the penalty for the foul play…………

In any case, it was all academic as the final whistle was blown shortly afterwards, and The Mariners deservedly left Court Place Farm with the three points and leapt above Oxford City to top the table. On this display they look a good bet to win the league.

The Hoops would need to cut out the errors if they were to have any chance on Friday against Leicester City !

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

Oxford City : Maxted – Nelson, Francillette, Carroll ( Westendorf ), Humphries – Bateman ( Smith ), Ashby, Tetek ( Foresteri ), Brown ( McEachran ) – Pollock, Marsh

South Shields : Sheik – Sykes, Tinkler ( Marshall ), Mann, Emery – Campbell ( Ashford ), Onanaye ( Roles ), Leshabela, Scott ( Clegg ) – Blackett ( de Bolle ), Dodds

 

 

Chinnor 21-17 Nottingham ( att : 2,103 ) – 2026/27 English Champ

October 30, 2026

Tonight saw the return of the popular Friday Night Lights at Chinnor for the first this season with the visit of Nottingham, who were making their third visit to Kingsey Road. The previous two meetings had also been under lights on a Friday night, and were covered in these diaries.

The Archers play all of their home matches on either a Friday night, or occasionally on a Sunday afternoon, to avoid clashes with the two football clubs in Nottingham, so they are no strangers to playing on Fridays !

These diaries reported on Chinnor’s last home game, when they were victorious 40-24 over Richmond. Since then, they had played once more and were leading at Cornish Pirates with less than 20 minutes remaining, but Pirates came back to score four more tries to earn a bonus point 48-24 victory, three of which were in the last 10 minutes after a yellow card to Chinnor. The defeat left Chinnor in 6^th place in the Champ table.

Previous Meetings

Honours were currently even after the four previous matches between these two sides, with both having one home and one away win. In December 2024, The Archers edged to a 19-15 success in front of a home crowd of 1,025, but Chinnor gained revenge in the return with a 41-22 victory watched by 1,815 spectators.

Last season the match at Chinnor was played in a torrential downpour and 40 mph winds, reducing the game to an arm wrestle, with running rugby next to impossible. Nottingham managed to score the only try of the game, from a 5-metre line-out, to go home with an 11-6 win. The return match was played on a Sunday in a mud-bath, but this time Chinnor’s pack had the edge to win a close game 26-19.

Nottingham This Season

Last season Nottingham ended in 9^th place in the Champ table, 10 points behind 5^th placed Chinnor. Number 8 James Cherry scored 21 tries, whilst fly-half Gwyn Parks accumulated 156 points.

Their start to the new season had been unimpressive, with just one win from five games. The Archers began with a 38-31 home victory over newly promoted Blackheath but subsequently lost 28-33 at Ampthill, 26-64 at home to Coventry, 24-49 at Worcester Warriors and 12-29 at home to Bedford. Consequently, Nottingham came into today’s game in 12^th place.

To be fair to Nottingham though, the last three losses had been against sides that finished in the top four last season, but a trip Chinnor would hardly be much easier as it meant a fourth game in a row against one of last season’s top 5 sides.

Nottingham Squad

The Archers lost a number of key players in the summer, with the biggest loss arguably being James Cherry, many people’s best number 8 in the Champ last season, to Worcester Warriors. Hooker Jack Dickenson also decamped to Worcester.

Centre Kegan Christian-Goss and lock Michael Etete joined Blackheath, prop Oscar Stott went to Ealing Trailfinders and had then played three games on loan at Chinnor, winger Alex Garratt signed for Coventry and hooker Ben Brownlie retired.

New hires included centre Morgan Adderley-Jones from Coventry, winger Matt Ward from Cornish Pirates and prop Oli Crane from Leicester Lions. Lock Will Ramply had joined from Nottingham Trent University and prop Oran Murphy had signed from Loughborough Students.

Hooker Foster De Witt and centre Spencer Jones have both been called up by Canada for their Nations League matches in November but would be missing tonight.

Captain and wing David Williams had scored over 100 tries for Nottingham and invariably was the danger-man for The Archers. However, he would also be absent for this game.

Fly-half Shane O’Leary was the top points scorer on 32 points whilst Ward had touched down four times, and Williams had three tries to his name.

Matchday Information

According to AA route planner, the journey from Nottingham to Thame is 112 miles and should normally take two hours 10 minutes.

Online tickets for the game were £20 for adults, £18 for concessions, £10 for full-time students, whilst under 16s were allowed in free. Tickets at the gate were £22 for adults. The usual food vendors for burgers, pizzas, crepes, Greek food and coffee were in place, and a pint of XT4 was £5.17 with the member’s 10% discount.

The weather at the 19.45 kick-off time was dry and 9 degrees, and the infamous Chinnor breeze was absent !

Nottingham made four changes to the side defeated by Bedford Blues, with ex-Leicester Tigers and former Samoa international prop Aniesko Sio, ex-Leicester Lions hooker Arthur Allen, Fijian back-forward Kody Vereti and ex-Ampthill full-back Evan Mitchell coming into the side. Sam Green, Max Pearce and Murphy dropped to the bench and as mentioned above, Williams was missing altogether.

Chinnor made four changes to the side that lost at Cornish Pirates, with the return of full-back Richie Simpson, prop Kai Owen, hooker Chris Moore and number 8 Scott Hall. Owen and Hall would be starting against their former club, whilst Stott was on the bench.

Nottingham were in a change kit of light blue shirts with black shorts and socks, but the black numbers on the back of the shirts were hard to read from a distance, so the Nottingham players would not always get identified for their good play ! Chinnor were in their usual home kit of black and white hoops.

Match Report

Nottingham kicked off attacking the Showground end and the opening play eventually saw Chinnor fly-half Liam Richman clear from inside his 22 to give the visitors a line-out on the Chinnor 10 metre line.

Chinnor lock Jamie Campbell was able to get a tap to the Nottingham throw and Chinnor gathered the loose ball. Scrum-half Callum Pascoe kicked high but one of the Archers back three made an excellent catch, but the clearing kick went straight into touch to give Chinnor a line-out just outside the Nottingham 22.

Hall won the line-out for Chinnor and the home side launched several attacks for the try-line but the defending was good and Chinnor were penalised for crossing. However, the referee had been playing an advantage, and the penalty was kicked to 5 metres.

Chinnor won their line-out but the rolling maul was halted short of the line, but another penalty was awarded. History was repeated with a 5-metre line-out and the Chinnor rolling maul being well defended, but this time Nottingham forced a penalty.

The Archers cleared to their 22-metre line where captain Jay Ecclesfield secured their line-out ball. A short period of kick-tennis followed until Chinnor knocked on to give Nottingham a scrum on the Chinnor 10 metre line.

O’Leary played a cute chip over the advancing Chinnor defenders but the ball bounced unkindly for Adderley-Jones, and Chinnor regained possession. Flanker Harry Dugmore set off on a strong run towards the Nottingham 22 but Mitchell made a tremendous tackle when it looked like Chinnor wing Jack Metcalf seemed certain to score.

Pascoe made a break from the base of a ruck and fed Wharton, who was denied by another good tackle but Chinnor had forced another penalty which took them back to 5 metres from the try-line. Campbell won the line-out, Pascoe made a snipping run, but several drives from the home side were halted. However, the pressure told and Dugmore dived over the whitewash from close range. From close to the posts, Richman added the extras to give Chinnor a 7-0 line after 13 minutes.

Nottingham were pinged at the restart enabling Chinnor to take play to the Nottingham 10 metre line. Chinnor won their line-out but failed to make any in-road against the solid Nottingham defence and infringed, and The Archers kicked the penalty to just inside the Chinnor 22.

Chinnor nearly stole the line-out but the tap back was poor and a big Nottingham forward, possibly Ecclesfield, gathered and stormed towards the try-line only to be brought down just short. With the Chinnor defence scrambling, O’Leary spread play to Addersley-Jones, whose floated pass sucked in the Chinnor last man to enable Ward to canter over in the corner. The attempted conversion from O’Leary slid just past the far post, so it was now 7-5 with 17 minutes played.

Shortly after the restart Chinnor were awarded a penalty, possibly for taking a player out in the air, which took the home side to the visitors 22 metre line. Campbell won the line-out and the Chinnor rolling maul progressed 10 yards before Nottingham were penalised for being off their feet at the ruck. The subsequent penalty gave Chinnor a 5-metre line-out and the rolling maul was illegally stopped, resulting in another penalty and a yellow card for Ecclesfield.

Campbell predictably won the line-out and this time the rolling maul rumbled over with hooker Chris Moore being credited with the score. Richman struck a fine conversation, extending Chinnor’s lead to 14-5 with 24 minutes on the clock.

From a Chinnor scrum, Metcalf kicked long forcing Nottingham to touch down in their in-goal area for a goal-line drop-out. The kick gave Chinnor possession but again several attacks were denied, forcing a grubber kick to be played, bouncing into touch close to the corner flag.

Nottingham won their line-out and were awarded a penalty for offside as Chinnor tried to charge down scrum-half Will Yandell’s clearing kick.

The Archers kicked to their 10-metre line but their line-out throw was judged to be not straight, to give Chinnor the scrum, from which they won a penalty and were again camped inside the Nottingham 22.

In a case of deja-vu, Campbell won the line-out, the rolling maul was illegally stopped and the penalty advantage came to nothing. However, Chinnor clumsily knocked the next 5-metre line-out forward to give Nottingham a scrum 5 metres from their line-out. Despite being under heavy pressure, O’Leary was able to find touch.

Hall won the line-out for Chinnor but the Chinnor attack was forced into touch close to the corner flag. Nottingham again defended their lines well and cleared from the line-out.

Chinnor butchered their line-out but Yandell’s clearing kick was partially charged down. Metcalf was able to jink past two would be tacklers in midfield but again the cover defence was good, leaving Richman little option to kick, and he sent a splendid kick bouncing into touch deep inside the Nottingham 22. Unfortunately for the home side, the referee had seen enough for the first period and blew for half-time.

Chinnor were pinged during an aerial challenge at the restart and Nottingham kicked to half-way. Campbell tapped back the Nottingham line-out, but after some scrappy play Nottingham knocked on to give Chinnor a scrum. Centre James Bourton made a break but after Chinnor coughed up possession, the visitors launched a high kick and won a penalty as Chinnor wing Ben Currie collided with Nottingham winger Harry Simpson.

Nottingham were now on the Chinnor 22, and Vereti did well to win the line-out ahead of Campbell, but after losing possession another session of kick-tennis ensued. Finally, the ball was kicked out to give Chinnor a line-out which Nottingham unexpectedly stole and gathered, and kicked high. Chinnor returned the favour and in a case of what might have been some revenge, Simpson pushed over Currie but the referee waved for play to continue, until Nottingham knocked on to give Chinnor a scrum on their 10-metre line.

Hall picked up at the base of the scrum and made 10 yards but again the Nottingham cover defence was impressive and forced a penalty, and some backchat gave them a further 10 yards. The penalty was kicked to midway inside the Chinnor half and after a poor tap was retrieved by Yarnell, O’Leary chipped towards the corner flag, but Richie Simpson was covering and was able to kick to mid-way inside the Chinnor half.

Another poor line-out tap saw Yarnell scragged by two Chinnor forwards, but Nottingham were again able to keep possession and a long kick from Adderley-Jones forced Chinnor to touch down in their in-goal area as Simpson threatened to get to the ball.

Chinnor’s drop-out was kicked long but O’Leary was flattened by a tremendous tackle as he attempted to spread the ball, which ended up bouncing into touch near the half-way line.

Play was now becoming attritional with neither side able to make much impression. A long Nottingham kick went into the Chinnor in-goal zone, which was cleared for a line-out just outside the Chinnor 22. Nottingham won their line-out and looked to move the ball wide. A long-pass was well caught by Levi Roper, who did well to stay on his feet and then scampered over the line close to the posts. Surprisingly, O’Leary put the straightforward conversion wide of the uprights so the score became 14-10 with 54 minutes played.

Nottingham had now ventured into the Chinnor 22 twice but had scored on both occasions to demonstrate their clinical efficiency close to the red zone.

More tight play continued until Nottingham kicked straight into touch to give Chinnor a line-out midway inside the Nottingham half, only for Chinnor to knock-on at the line-out to give a scrum to Nottingham. Chinnor then won a scrum penalty to have a line-out inside the Nottingham 22, only to be penalised for the throw not being straight.

Neither side could get a grip on what was now a very even match. Both sides were playing safe by launching kicks high into the air, until Nottingham’s Simpson was bundled into touch. Chinnor won the line-out and Nottingham conceded a penalty. The kick-tennis continued until Nottingham tried to move the ball from right to left then back again without being able to make any yardage and ultimately knocked on. From the scrum just inside the Chinnor half, the referee awarded a free-kick to the home side, which was sent into orbit and was allowed to bounce inside the Nottingham 22. The Archers were able to eventually gather but conceded a penalty at a ruck.

Chinnor kicked to 10 metres, and after Campbell won the line-out, the Chinnor pack produced a tremendous rolling maul to crash over the line, with substitute Alun Walker getting the credit for the score. Richman added a super conversion to take the score to 21-10 with 76 minutes on the scoreboard clock.  

Nottingham were now playing to get within losing bonus point range and sent a kick bouncing into touch close to Chinnor’s corner flag. Chinnor strangely opted to throw low to the front of the line-out, which didn’t seem to be expected and Nottingham took possession. The Archers pressed for the try-line and had a penalty advantage but the chip to the corner was well caught by Currie.

The subsequent penalty was kicked to 5 metres and the rolling maul forced it was over the line with substitute Lawrence Adedirian being announced as the scorer. This time O’Leary was successful from the tee, bringing the score to 21-17 with 80 minutes on the clock.

Play continued and Nottingham number 8 Jacob Wright dropped the restart inside his 22. A flare up followed, and a Nottingham player clearly thumped Dugmore in the face right in front of the linesman. Fatbear didn’t see the number of the culprit but the linesman bottled the decision by not getting involved.

Chinnor won a penalty at the subsequent scrum and kicked to 5 metres. The Chinnor rolling maul was forced into touch by more good defensive work by Nottingham, but the referee blew the whistle for full-time.

After a number of basketball scores in the Premiership and to a lesser degree in the Champ, it was quite refreshing to see a game where defences were highly effective, even if it forced the attacking team into making errors. Fatbear would much rather watch a 21-17 game rather than 60-45 !

For the efforts tonight, Nottingham deserved their losing bonus point, whilst Chinnor would take the win and look to move on to next week’s trip to Hartpury.  

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

 

 

 

Thame United Reserves 3-1 Shipston Excelsior ( att : 25 est ) – 2026/27 Oxfordshire Senior League

October 24, 2026

Storms Austen and Boelo meant Fatbear decided to stay close to home for his Saturday afternoon entertainment, with Thame United Reserves chosen for today’s game.

Thame United Reserves Update

Fatbear had seen three Thame United Reserves games and remarkably was yet to see them lose despite their struggles in recent seasons.

The last game reported on was in September 2025 when they beat Clanfield 85 3-0, but that was to be a rare bright spot in a tough season that saw them relegated from the step 6 Hellenic League Division One back to the Oxfordshire Senior League.

The two other matches had been in the 2022/23 Spartan South Midlands Division One when Amersham Town were beaten 2-1 and a 1-1 draw was played with Ampthill Town. However, these were not enough to prevent Thame from finishing bottom and being relegated to step 7.

They then spent two seasons in the Oxfordshire Senior League but a third-place finish in 2024/25 enabled Thame United Reserves to return to step 6. The OSL Premier Division allows one side to be promoted to step 6 on the condition they finish in the top 5, and as the two sides finishing above them, Yarnton and Kennington Athletic, either did not apply to be promoted or did not meet the step 6 ground criteria, the Reserves were promoted.

Oxfordshire Senior League

The OSL Premier Division looks this season to be a much harder division to get promoted out of, with a number of sides potentially looking to make the move up to step 6. In addition to Thame United Reserves, Abingdon Town, Launton Sports, Milton United, Witney and Chinnor would all be capable of making the step up if they wished to, whereas in previous seasons the only candidate was usually Thame United Reserves.

With Abingdon United Development withdrawing for the league, there are 13 sides in the Premier Division, who will play each other twice for a 24-game season, with Yarnton the defending champions.

Thame United Reserves This Season

Thame came in to today’s game in 5^th place with a 3-2-1 record.

Their season began with a 1-1 draw at Launton Sports, which was followed with a 2-1 home win over Abingdon Town. A 0-2 loss was then recorded at newly reformed Milton United, but they bounced back with a 4-0 win at Longford Park, a 1-1 draw at Chinnor, then last time out a 9-1 thrashing of Cholsey United.

Thame had exited the President’s Cup with a 2-4 home loss to Division One Bicester Town Colts.

Attacking midfielder Antonio Sisi was the top scorer with 7 goals so far this season, followed by forward James Bonwick and winger Joshua Russell with three goals each.

Shipston Excelsior

Shipston Excelsior are based in Shipston-on-Stour, which is actually located in Warwickshire, 9 miles south of Stratford-upon-Avon. The club were founded in 1903 and play at the Shipston-On-Stour Sports Club. There is a small covered stand by the half-way line that provides some protection against the elements.

Shipston spent most of their recent life in the step 8 Midland League Division 3 until 2020/21 when they were level transferred to the Hellenic League Division 2 West. Another level transfer was made at the end of the 2023/24, when they move to the step 8 OSL Division One. A second placed finish at the end of 2025/26 saw Shipston promoted to the step 7 Premier Division.

Finding details for Shipston Excelsior on the internet isn’t easy as their website hasn’t been updated since 2022 and their Twitter account only made weekly posts on the forthcoming weekend’s fixtures, but the last post was on September 24^th this year. However, the Facebook page is more active and gives results and very brief match reports. The only place where team details are given is the Oxfordshire Senior League FA Full-Time website.

Shipston This Season

Shipston arrived at the ASM today in 11^th place in the table with a 1-0-4 record. Shipston began their season with a 0-3 loss at strongly fancied Abingdon Town but bounced back with a 5-2 home victory over Chinnor. Since then, three consecutive league defeats had been suffered, 1-2 at Chalgrove Cavaliers, 0-4 at home to Halse United, and 1-2 at home to Yarnton.

In the Birmingham FA County Cup, Shipston had eliminated Birmingham Albion 1-0 at home before exiting the competition with a 1-3 loss to fellow step 7 side Gornal Colts of the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division. The Presidents’ Cup had seen a 2-1 victory over step 9 Woodstock Town in extra time.

Three players were level with two goals each this season, Joe Godson, Jake Harris and Scott Rogers.

Previous Meetings

These two sides had never met before but last season Shipston were in OSL Division One, the same division as Thame United A. Thame’s third XI won 2-1 at home in January whilst Shipston won 3-0 in April, which went a long way to securing promotion.

Matchday Information

The journey from Shipston on Stour to Thame is 45 miles and should normally take an hour via either the A44 or M40.

As Thame United’s Southern League match last Tuesday had been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, and with another game scheduled for this Tuesday, it was decided to protect the main pitch at the ASM and play this match on the 3G pitch.  

It was raining at the 14.00 kick-with the temperature around 11 degrees, whilst 40mph winds were forecast for later in the game. Unfortunately, there is no cover at the 3G pitch, although there is a small covered stand for the grass pitch where Thame United B were playing. Fatbear was unaware of the change of location until he arrived at the ground, and had failed to bring an umbrella !

 

Entrance was free and both team coaches helpfully provided Fatbear with their line-ups for the game. The bar in the clubhouse was open but Fatbear decided a cup of tea was the best option with the early kick-off, which cost £1.50.

Thame made two changes from the side that thrashed Cholsey United with left-back Edward Richardson and ex-Aylesbury Vale Dynamos and Long Crendon centre-back Nathan Broadsword coming in for Ikenayi Ejmofor and Tom Gibbons.

Shipston made six changes from last week and Fatbear was informed they had 14 of their first team squad missing through injury. In came forward Patrick Fetherstone, defenders Joe Marston, Scott Rogers and Jay Drew, midfielder Matt Toms and keeper Kieron Payne.

Shipston were playing in a change kit of blue and black striped shirts, white shorts and blue socks whilst Thame were in their usual red and black stripes.

Matchday Report

The rain was getting steadily heavier as the game commenced.

The first attempt on goal came in the 2^nd minute from the visitors, but Fetherstone’s long range effort went high and wide. A minute later Sisi repeated the same for Thame.

With 5 minutes played, a long ball was played out of Thame’s defence over the Shipston backline. Keeper Payne was slow to come off his line and Bonwick was able to get to the ball first and go round the keeper, but his attempt on goal lacked power and Shipston captain Will Gorski was able to get back and clear off the line.

The best move of the game to-date came in the 9^th minute as Brandon Bray-Sackey showed good control near the half-way line and then played a neat pass to send Richardson racing down the left-wing and deliver an inviting cross to the Shipston 6-yard line, but Bonwick managed to put the ball over the bar when it looked easier to score.

Thame were upping the pressure and after Casey Price’s shot straight at keeper Payne was fisted away, Russell lashed the rebound against the post and off for a goal-kick.

A rare Shipston incursion into the Thame half saw a right-wing cross met beyond the far post by Nick Walker, whose half-volley was deflected wide for a corner.  A scramble inside the 6-yard area followed the corner but Thame were eventually able to clear.

However, this was only a temporary respite for Shipston as Thame continued to press. Russell saw his goal-bound effort blocked and Max Cowling’s volley from the rebound went just wide with the keeper a watching spectator. Bray-Sackey’s attempted through ball for Bonwick was well read and intercepted by Gorski. Sisi then sliced wide from 20 yards and hurt himself in the process and had to be substituted.

Russell went on a strong run into the Shipston area but his left-footed effort from a tight angle was saved at his near post by Payne. Bonwick was then found inside the Shipston area but he was crowded out by the Excelsior defenders, but the attempted clearance struck a Shipston player and ricocheted narrowly wide for a corner.

At the other end a right-wing cross from Jake Harris bounced across the Thame penalty area but no-one was up in support to get on the end of it.

The opening goal of the game arrived in controversial circumstances. Bray-Sackey ran onto a through ball and looked to be a yard or two off-side. Most of the players stopped and belatedly the Shipston linesman slowly raised his flag. However, the referee waved for play to continue, and Bray-Sackey strode forward into the area and calmly placed the ball past Payne. The referee awarded the goal despite the protests from the visitors. 1-0 with 28 minutes played.

Thame almost immediately doubled their lead when Payne’s punch at a corner was poor and Bonwick prodded the ball towards the goal, but Gorski for the second time in the match cleared off the line. Price then sent a long-ranged left-footed shot at Payne, and the keeper saved at the second attempt.

There didn’t seem to be any danger as Thame tried to build from the back until Richardson played a terrible back pass to no-one in particular. Fetherstone nipped in to get to the loose ball before Thame keeper George Collingwood and put the ball into the empty. 1-1 with 35 minutes on the clock.

Thame appeared to be stunned by the equaliser and several sloppy passes went astray. Loik Helmer and Collingwood then both left a ball into the Thame area to each other, and Fetherstone again pounced onto more slack defending but his left-footed effort smacked against the crossbar and away to safety. It was a lucky escape for the home side.

The wind was now howling and the rain became even heavier, so Fatbear’s notepad was getting increasingly wet, as was Fatbear !

Thame regained their composure and Bonwick shot from 20 yards, but straight at the keeper. A corner for Thame was headed wide by Brownsword, and with half-time approaching Lewis Cross chipped a 30-yard free-kick onto the top of the crossbar and over.

The final action of the first half, saw a Shipston corner headed away by Brownsword, and when possession was recycled, the cross back into the Thame area was headed a couple of feet wide by Fetherstone.

With the half-time whistle the hardy handful of spectators retreated to bar to shelter from the rain and dry out a little. Some took the opportunity for a quick pint !

Thame must have been given a dressing down in the changing room during the interval as they came out for the second half with intent. Bray-Sackey made a dancing run into the Shipston area but Rogers made an excellent tackle to end the danger.

The Shipston defenders appeared to back off as Helmer ran from half-way towards the edge of the visitors’ area and he sent a low left-footed shot into the far bottom corner with Payne motionless. 2-1 after 47 minutes.

Thame were now dominant as Toms made yards towards the Shipston area and passed sideways, but Bonwick, stretching, could only shoot over from the edge of the area.

Shipston full-back Drew made a good run down the left-hand touchline from inside his area to the edge of the Thame penalty box but Brownsword halted the danger by taking the ball away from the Shipston player.

Russell then had two opportunities to spread the ball wide to Cowling in space on the right-hand touchline, but on both occasions he opted to turn the other way to run into trouble and lose possession. His team-mate were not impressed to say the least !

With 60 minutes played Fatbear was close to turning into a drowned rat, and with the notepad now resembling papier-mache the towel was thrown in and he called it a day. This was a shame as it had been an enjoyable game to watch, but the foul weather prevailed.

In the final 30 minutes Thame added a third goal by Price and went onto win 3-1. This result took Thame up to 4^th place in the table, whilst Shipston remained in 11^th place.  

Thame United Reserves : Collingwood – Cowling, Helmer, Brownsword, Richardson – Russell, Price, Cross, Bray-Sackey, Sisi ( G Toms ) - Bonwick

Shipston Excelsior : Payne – Drew, Rogers, Gorski, Marston – Harris, Walker, Godson, Sutton, M Toms - Fetherstone