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 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

 

 

 

Thame United 2-1 Welwyn Garden City ( att : 104 ) – 2026/27 Southern League Division One Central

October 17, 2026

Two weeks ago, these diaries covered Thame’s FA Cup tie against step 3 Eastbourne Borough, when they fell to an 89^th goal to exit the competition.

Having been narrowly defeated in both the FA Cup and FA Trophy to step 3 opposition, there was an expectation that Thame would replicate that good form and start progressing up the Southern League Division One Central table with their games in hand.

However, in their two subsequent league games they had suffered two defeats, firstly going down 2-3 at home to lowly Leverstock Green, before then suffering a 0-4 loss at bottom of the table Flackwell Heath, for which Thame’s Twitter account used phrases such as “shocking performance”, “lost for words” and “a very painful watch”.

Consequently, Thame were now in 16^th place in the table with a 3-1-3 record, albeit with games in hand on the sides above them, but a visit from Welwyn Garden City was far from being the ideal next opponent to reverse the bad run.

Not only were Welwyn Garden City arriving in 4^th place in the league table, but they had also been a bit of a recent jinx on Thame at the ASM, winning 1-0 in desperate dire matches on their last two visits.

Welwyn Garden City Background

Welwyn Garden City is a city in Hertfordshire and is unique in being both a Garden City and a New Town. Its population has been estimated at being just under 50,000.

The town’s football side were founded in 1921 and are known as The Citizens. They play at the 3,000 capacity Herns Way.

After winning the Spartan South Midland championship in 2017/18, Welwyn GC have stayed in the Southern League Division One Central, with their best season being in 2021/22, when they finished in 5^th place but were denied a place in the play-offs on ground grading criteria. They were in 4^th place when the 2019/20 season was terminated due to Covid. Last season they ended up in 8^th position, missing out on the promotion play-offs on goal difference.

Previous Meetings

In the last two seasons, The Citizens have come out on top at the ASM, winning both games 1-0, and Fatbear reported on both. The double was achieved last season with a 4-3 home victory.

In total, results between these two sides in eight seasons they have been together in the Southern League Division One Central had given Welwyn a slight edge, with 7 wins for Welwyn, 4 wins for Thame and 4 draws in their 15 meetings.

Welwyn Garden City This Season

Welwyn came in to today’s fixture with a 6-2-2 record in the league. They started the season with three away wins, 3-1 at Hadley and Barton Rovers, and 3-0 at Ware. Their first home match saw a 1-4 loss to Didcot, after which a 1-1 draw was played out at Biggleswade Town, before a 5-0 home crushing of Stotfold.

These results were followed by a 1-1 home draw against Royston Town, a 3-2 victory at Flackwell Heath, before an unexpected 1-2 home reverse to Winslow United. In mid-week, Welwyn returned to form with a 5-3 home win over London Lions.

The Citizens crashed out of the FA Cup in their opening game of the season, losing 0-2 at step 5 Enfield FC. However, two ties were won in the FA Trophy, eliminating sides from the step 4 Isthmian North Division, Mulbarton Wanderers 3-0 and Walthamstow 2-1, both at home. In the next round Welwyn travelled to step 3 Eastbourne Borough and exited the competition after a 2-4 defeat. A week later Eastbourne knocked Thame out of the FA Cup !

Welwyn Garden City Squad

Gavin Kelsey was appointed the coach of Welwyn Garden City during the summer after having been in charge of Cockfosters, where he led the step 5 Spartan South Midlands side to an FA Vase Final at Wembley, where they lost on penalties to Hampshire side AFC Stoneham after a goalless draw.

Kelsey had brought a number of players from Cockfosters with him up to step 4, including forward Kendall Gyamfi, midfielder Luca Gordon, winger Tyreece Robertson, midfielder Teddy Stacey, keeper Connor Sansom and defender Jay Lovell. Defender Reece Mosanya joined in the summer from Wormley Rovers, but was previously with Cockfosters, and midfielder Malik Nosike also had Cockfosters on his CV.

The four top scorers in the league for Welwyn were all with the club last season. Portuguese forward Evaristo Mendes, ex-Cockfosters winger Ethan Rookard and ex-St Albans City striker Nick Ralfe had all found the net four times, whilst ex-Real Bedford midfielder Eddie Corbit had scored three times.

Defender Keiron Gaulthier and forward George Sippetts had signed from St Albans City, centre-back Frankie Impey had been in the academies of Hull City, Millwall and Stevenage Borough, and midfielder Ryan Hayes played last season at Barwell Town.

Midfielder Luis Cantello was the grandson of West Bromwich Albion legend Len Cantello, and had played for Bury, Chadderton and Droylsden.

Matchday Information

The journey from Welwyn Garden City to Thame is just over 45 miles and should normally take an hour via the A1M and the A41. Around 25 Welwyn supporters were in attendance to swell the spartan crowd.

The weather at the 15.00 kick-off was cloudy with the temperature a chilly 13 degrees.

Attendance was £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for Under 16s. The programme was online but free team-sheets were available at the turnstile. A cup of tea cost £1.50.

Thame made two changes from the side that crashed badly at Flackwell Heath with Curtis Brown and Roger James replacing Ethan Lack and Ed Daffern.

Welwyn Garden City made just one change from midweek as Cantello came in for Corbit.

Welwyn were playing in turquoise shirts, with blue shorts and socks whilst Thame were in their usual red and black stripes.

Match Report

Welwyn kicked off attacking the ring-road end, and almost immediately Robertson was put clear down the left but the linesman’s flag was raised for off-side.

Welwyn keeper Sansom quickly established a reputation for being ridiculously gobby after loudly complaining to the linesman in his half about two decisions not given to Welwyn deep inside the Thame half, for which the linesman would have no ability to influence the referee !

Thame keeper James Callan was nearly embarrassed in the 7^th minute when his attempted clearance was charged down by Robertson, and with the keeper out of his goal, the Welwyn winger attempted to cross to Mendes rather than go for goal from a narrow angle, but Thame centre-back Fin Murray made a vital interception.

Two minutes later Sansom needed to come out of his area to head away to prevent Thame winger Greg Hackett from getting to a long cross-field ball from James. A minute later Sansom again had to venture out of his area to stop James getting on the end of a through ball from Harry Alexander and conceded a throw in.

As Thame attacked, the influential Nosike robbed Thame midfielder Jack Tutton just outside the Welwyn area and made a strong run into the Thame half, and spread the ball wide to Robertson, but Tutton redeemed himself by cutting out the low cross into the Thame area, and then sent a long ball forward for Brown to run on to. Sansom was caught in no-mans-land as Brown got to the ball first but rather than going for a chip over the stranded keeper, the Thame forward opted to try and drill the ball into the far corner, but put his effort horribly wide.

The visitors should have taken the lead in the 13^th minute. Thame centre-back Dan West carelessly lost possession and Robertson ran clear into the Thame area but with just the keeper to beat, his left-footed effort was screwed wide of the far post. It was a great chance squandered.

The referee was trying to let play flow and both sides were frustrated as a few potentially soft fouls were not given, but the man in black was at least being consistent.

The referee did award a free-kick to Welwyn when Robertson was brought down close to the left-hand touchline, but Mosanya’s free-kick was met by Hayes, whose header from the edge of the Thame area went harmlessly wide.

Welwyn right-winger Moses forced a corner off Thame left-back Joshua Stranks, but the delivery was a regulation catch for keeper Callan. Hayes then went down easily on the edge of the Thame area, and again the referee allowed play to continue.

Robertson pressurised Thame right-back Callum Hall to concede a corner at the left-hand byline, but Welwyn were penalised for a foul at the set-piece.

Welwyn were getting on top but failed to creating anything with their possession, and Mosanya sent a cross from the left-wing into the hands of the Thame keeper.

The first shot on target finally arrived in the 33^rd minute. After Tutton brought down Cantello, the referee played a good advantage as Moses ran clear down the right-hand channel and then cut-back inside, but his fierce left-footed drive was straight at Callan, who fisted away.

Shortly after Robertson scythed down Hall near the half-way line, but the only sanction was a free-kick to Thame.

Tutton won the ball near the half-way line and charged forward, then released James down the right wing, but the cross from close to the corner flag was just too high for Hackett at the far post.

A few spots of rain were starting to fall and although Tutton fell to the floor, the free-kick was awarded to the visitors. Thame cleared the ball into their area, and when it fell to Hayes his shot was blocked on the edge of the penalty area.

Out of the blue, Welwyn took the lead with a move of real quality out of keeping with the game so far. Hayes played a delightful pass to Nosike, who was clear on goal, and he calmly rounded Callan as he came out to narrow the angle, and placed the ball into the empty net. 0-1 with 38 minutes played.

Shortly after, Mendes headed on a long throw but Callan made an easy save. Thame were then awarded a free-kick close to the half-way line after Brown was fouled, Tutton spotted keeper Sansom out of his goal, but his long range attempt sailed a couple of feet over the bar.

With half-time approaching Impey head a long ball off for a throw-in, then put his arm around the neck of Hackett and threw the Thame winger to the floor. Other referees may have brandished a red card to the Welwyn centre-back for this action, but play continued with just the throw-in to Thame.

The game was now very niggly but the referee continued to let the game flow rather than be whistle happy, until Tutton brought down Cantello, after which Alexander and Ntege had a minor flare-up. A minute later Cantello hit the deck far too easily, and again the referee waved for play to continue.

With the last play of the first half, Tutton attempted to run into the Welwyn area but the ball struck the arm of a Welwyn defender. Thame appealed for a penalty but the referee rightly ignored the claims as it was ball to arm rather than arm to ball.

At the half-time whistle, Welwyn headed to the dressing rooms with a one goal lead, which on the balance of play was fully deserved, as they had looked the more dangerous, whilst their keeper had not yet been called upon to make a save.

After their dismal first half performance, Thame started the second half much brighter. Hall and Tutton exchanged passes to send Hall racing down the right-wing but the cross from the byline was cleared. Robertson then chopped down Hall wide on the right, although the Welwyn supporters sitting near to Fatbear didn’t agree with this straightforward decision. The free-kick was sent to beyond the far post which Welwyn defended well, but the clearance hit the referee, who then tumbled to the floor as he lost his balance. Sadly, the official didn’t give himself a yellow card for simulation, and play restarted with a drop-ball to the visitors.

Alexander then played a cute chip over the Citizens back line for Brown to run onto but again his shot across goal went wide of the far post.

Confusion then arose as Welwyn attempted to take the goal-kick. The linesman flagged for an offence and the referee, not having seen the incident himself, went over to consult with his assistant, and then awarded a penalty to Thame. Fatbear also did not see the incident but according to one of the Welwyn supporters, the ball was on the ground inside the six-yard area and keeper Sansom passes the ball across the goalmouth to Gaulthier, who then stopped the ball with his hand so he could take the goal-kick.

If this description was accurate, it was a clear and obvious handball, identical to those awarded against Tyrone Mings for Aston Villa against Club Brugge in the Champions League in 2024, or against Leah Williamson for Arsenal Women against Paris FC earlier this month in the Women’s Champions League, and a few others in the past couple of seasons. Clearly the golden rule of always stopping the ball with your foot rather than with the hand had been ignored.

Play was held up for over 5 minutes as the furious Welwyn players argued against the decision, and a few of the Welwyn supporters shouted it would be embarrassing when the match video was reviewed, but according to the way the incident had been described, the embarrassment was more likely the lack of understanding of the laws by the Welwyn captain. Obviously Fatbear will retract these statements if the video actually reveals the action was different to how described !

Despite the fury of the Welwyn players, bench and fans, play eventually continued, and Alexander stepped up to send Sansom the wrong way from the spot. It was now 1-1 with 54 minutes on the clock.

Welwyn seemed to be in a state of shock after conceding the penalty and Cantello was lucky to escape any sanction after a wild lunge on James after the Thame player had failed to keep the ball in play.

Mendes then had a flicked header from a long throw easily saved by Thame keeper Callan, then the Welwyn players and supporters were further incensed when a handball was not given against Hackett when the ball rose from his foot and struck his hand near the corner flag, but just like Thame’s penalty appeal in the first half, and in line with current guidelines, the referee allowed play to continue. Hackett was then cynical fouled but the referee again kept his cards in his pocket.

Thame thought they had taken the lead when Riddick stole in at the far post to head home a free-kick, but the linesman’s flag was raised for offside, and at least one of the Welwyn supporter had the good grace to say “Linesman, I take everything back !“.

Moses showed good skill to control a cross-field pass on the right-wing touchline, but spoilt it all by sending his cross sailing harmlessly well wide of the far post.

James became the first player to see a yellow card after late tackle on Monsanya.

In the 68^th minute, Brown was able to get to a long ball out of the Thame defence ahead of Sansom, who had charged outside of his area, only to be bundled over by the Welwyn keeper. As Brown had been heading away from the goal, only a yellow card was shown to the Welwyn keeper, which was again incredulously received by the Citizens supporters. The free-kick was struck low, but cleared after a bit of a scramble.

Two minutes later a Welwyn long throw was cleared by the Thame defence and Tutton made a 60-yard break, but his low cross was cut-out.

After the first round of substitutions, Alexander played a flick over the Welwyn back-line which James latched onto but with Sansom charging off his line, the attempted lob drifted wide of the near post.

A few spots of rain were again falling, but the Thame substitutions were having a bigger impact on the game than Welwyn’s.

Riddick’s flick put Hayden Beadle clear down the left, but his first-time cross was cleared, then Alexander played a smart pass for Hall to run on to, but his first touch was poor and Welwyn cleared. Daffern then tried to wriggle his way into the Welwyn area, and the rebound flew up for Lack to volley from 18 yards, but Sansom produced a smart save at the base of the goal post diving to his left.

Welwyn’s Ralfe was tackled just outside the Thame penalty area, and the home side set-off on a swift counter-attack as Lack made yards, then released Daffern on the left, whose low cross was met by the on-rushing Alexander at the near post to slam past the helpless Welwyn keeper for a splendid goal. A few Welwyn supporters claimed there had been a foul of Ralfe, which was quite laughable. 2-1 with 84 minutes on the clock.

Welwyn made further changes but as they pressed forward, Thame’s pacey youngsters were exploiting the gaps, and it looked more likely that Thame would score the next goal. Lack won two corners as Thame broke from inside their half, and Impey saw yellow for bringing down Charlie Bacon after another sizzling break by Thame.

Daffern, Lack and Bacon then exchanged passes on the edge of the Welwyn area, and with many of the crowd expecting Daffern to head towards the corner flag, he cut-back inside the area and passed to Lack, whose shot from 10 yards was blocked on the goal-line, and then cleared.

Welwyn had one last good move, but a ball across the 18-yard line saw a shot go closer to the corner flag rather than the target.

At the final whistle Thame had deservedly taken the three points. Although Welwyn were the better side in the first half, Thame improved after the break to dominate the second period. Whilst the opening goal for Thame may have been controversial, Welwyn only had themselves to blame for their careless play.

Sansom and Gaulthier surrounded the referee at the end of the game and launched a tirade of abuse at the official, which only made them look even more pathetic given their lack of knowledge of the laws ( assuming, of course, the description of events by the Welwyn supporter was indeed accurate ! )

One final mention has to go to some of the Welwyn supporters, whose one-eyed and ignorant comments were comedy gold. It is a long-time since I had laughed so much at a game of football.

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

Welwyn Garden City : Sansom – Ntege, Impey, Gaulthier, Mosanya ( Dixon-Smith ) – Moses, Cantello ( Barrett ), Hayes ( Sippetts ), Nosike, Robertson ( Ralfe ) – Mendes ( Rookard )

 

 

 

Thame United 0-1 Eastbourne Borough ( att : 415 ) - 2026/27 FA Cup

October 3, 2026

After Thame’s convincing 3-0 victory over Beaconsfield Town in mid-week, they now faced a much more formidable foe in the shape of step 3 Eastbourne Borough in the 3^rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. Thame would be looking to reach the 4^th Qualifying Round for only the third time in their history.

Thame Update

After failing to win their first two games of the season, Thame had been on a good run, progressing through three rounds of the FA Cup to get to today’s fixture, whilst they had won twice in the FA Trophy before narrowly exiting the competition after a 1-2 home loss to step 3 Chichester City.

Three consecutive league wins had also been recorded to leave Thame with a 3-1-1 record. Thame had scored 33 times in 12 matches so far this season, and with 16 goals conceded, there had been an average of over 4 goals in Thame’s games !

Harry Alexander was the leading scorer with 9 goals, followed by Greg Hackett and Ed Daffern on 5, with Roger James finding the net 4 times.

Eastbourne Borough Background

Eastbourne is a coastal town in East Sussex with a population of over 100,000. It has a reputation of where people go to retire, and sports wise, is most famous for its pre-Wimbledon tennis tournament. Despite growing up in Sussex, Fatbear had never been to Eastbourne, but had visited nearby Beachy Head.

Eastbourne is unusual in being a town with three sides in steps 1 to 6 in the non-league pyramid, Borough ( step 3 ), Town ( step 4 ) and United ( step 5 ), with Biggleswade the only possible comparison.  

Home is the 3,622 capacity Priory Lane, which for sponsorship reasons is now The Connect Management Stadium. The club’s nickname is The Sports and their first-choice colours are all red.

Eastbourne Borough were formed in 1965 as Langney Sports, with Langney being the suburb of Eastbourne they were located in. The club joined the newly formed Division 3 of the Sussex County League in 1983 and in 1999/00 they won Division One to earn promotion to the Southern League Eastern Division, which at the time was step 3 in the non-league pyramid.

The club changed its name to Eastbourne Borough in 2001, and two seasons later won promotion to the step 2 Southern League Premier Division. In the league restructuring for 2004/05 Borough were placed in the newly formed Conference South, and a 2-0 victory over Hampton and Richmond in the 2007/08 promotion play-off final saw The Sports promoted to the National Conference.

Borough enjoyed three seasons at the highest level of non-league football before being relegated at the end of the 2010/11 season. Eastbourne then spent 15 seasons back in Conference South, twice losing in the promotion play-offs, until suffering an unexpected relegation last season after coming last with only 9 wins and 36 points.

Borough had reached the 1^st Round proper of the FA Cup on five occasions, the most recent being in 2020/21 when they lost 0-3 at home to Blackpool. Sports first appearance in the 1^st Round was in 2005/06 when they drew 1-1 with League Two Oxford United and lost the replay 0-3. In 2007/08, Eastbourne lost 0-4 at home to Weymouth, who at the time were playing in one division higher, whilst in 2008/09 Borough drew 0-0 at home with fellow Conference side Barrow, and again lost the replay 0-3. Their other tie was in 2017/18 when they suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat at Conference League side Braintree Town.

Eastbourne Borough This Season

Eastbourne Borough were relegated into the Isthmian League Premier Division and began the season by going unbeaten in their opening three games, drawing 2-2 at Aveley and winning 3-2 at home against both Three Bridges and Brentwood Town. They then lost three in a row, 1-2 at Cray Wanderers, 0-1 at home to Leatherhead and 0-1 at Lewes.

The FA Cup provided some welcome relief with a 4-2 victory at step 3 Whitehawk, which was the start of their current run of 5 consecutive wins, beating Cheshunt 3-0 and Chatham Town 2-1 at home in the league, then step 4 Windsor & Eton 3-0 in the FA Cup and last weekend step 4 Welwyn Garden City 4-2 in the FA Trophy.

Eastbourne’s 4-1-3 league record meant they were 10^th in the table going into today’s cup match. Their average attendance so far was 821, the 8^th best in their division, and down from the 958 average last season and 1,304 the year before.

Eastbourne Borough Squad

The top scorer for Sports in all competitions was ex-Peterborough United, Aldershot Town and Chelmsford City midfielder Kai Corbett with 8 goals, with ex-Gillingham and Hornchurch striker Liam Nash next on 4 goals.

The most familiar name to Fatbear in the Eastbourne squad was ex-Wycombe and Aldershot US born centre-back Giles Phillips, who played for Oxford City in their one season in the National League in 2023/24, whilst ex-Brighton Under 21 full-back Matthew Hayden was not to be confused with the barrel-chested Australian opening batsmen of the same name !

Swiss striker Gold Omatayo appeared in these diaries for King’s Lynn Town last season at Oxford City, whilst forward Darren McQueen appeared as a substitute for Ebbsfleet United at Oxford City in 2024, and was playing for Hornchurch last season. Forward Shayon Harrison appeared in these diaries for Romanian side Politehnica Iasi and had also played for Melbourne City, Almere, UTA Arad, AC Oulu and Tatran Presov after being released by Tottenham as a youngster.

Ex-Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Bromley, Aldershot, Boreham Wood and Dagenham and Redbridge midfielder Josh Rees was another plying his trade at Hornchurch last season, and midfielder Max Sheaf had previously played for Hull City, Cheltenham, Ross County and Gateshead.

Midfielder Craig Eastmond played nearly 300 games for Sutton United but before that had played for Millwall, Colchester United and Wycombe Wanderers, and keeper Lewis Carey was back with The Sports after a spell with Horsham. Terrell Egbri started his career with Southend United, before going on to play for Malden & Tiptree and Czech side MFK Vyskov.

The Sports manager was Steve King, who established his reputation at Sussex sides Lewes and Whitehawk by punching well above their weights, and also had spells at Farnborough, Dartford, Macclesfield, Welling, Gloucester City and Hednesford Town on his CV.

Watching Eastbourne Borough

Eastbourne Borough had featured once before in these diaries when they visited Oxford City on the opening day of the 2022/23 National League South season and came away with a 3-1 victory.  However, Oxford City went on to finish 3^rd at the end of the regular season and achieved promotion to the National League via the play-offs, whereas Borough missed out on the play-off after ending in 8^th place.

 The previous time Fatbear had seen Eastbourne Borough play was also at Oxford City, when the two sides met in the 4^th Qualifying Round of the 2008/09 FA Cup, when Conference League Eastbourne overcame Southern League opposition 1-0 in a very even match. My memory of the game was that the Eastbourne line-up that day included Ashley Barnes, on loan from Plymouth, who had since gone onto play over 200 games in the Premiership for Burnley, but was totally anonymous that day. However, there was a good reason for Barnes failing to make an impression, as checking the programme for the match he didn’t play ! Presumably Plymouth didn’t want him to be cup-tied so instead it was a side packed with ex-Crawley Town players that edged to victory over a side two levels below them.

 

Matchday Information

According to AA route planner, the journey from Eastbourne Borough to Thame’s ASM Stadium is 122 miles and should normally take two hours 15 minutes via the M23, M25 and M40. A healthy number of Sports fans had made the journey.

At the 15.00 kick-off the weather was dry and the temperature was 20 degrees.

Attendance was £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for Under 16s. The programme was online but there were no free team-sheets available.

Thame made two changes from the side that beat Beaconsfield in mid-week with the return of Greg Hackett and Hayden Beadle, with Ed Daffern dropping to be bench and Ethan Lack cup-tied.

Eastbourne Borough made one change from the victorious side over Welwyn Garden City, with Eastmond replacing Sheaf.

Borough were playing in a change kit of all purple with pink sleeves, whilst Thame were in their usual red and black stripes.

Match Report

Thame kicked off defending the ring-road end and quickly won a throw-in mid-way inside the Borough half. Callum Hall’s long throw was headed on by Mark Riddick but Carey easily saved.

Eastbourne responded with Arthur Grout have a long range shot blocked, and the effort by Rees from the rebound bounced slowly wide.

Hackett then made a strong run and invited Harry Alexander to run into the Borough area, but he made a slight touch on the back of centre-back Freddie Carter, who crashed to the floor and won the free-kick. Shortly after Hall ran from inside his own half but Alexander was unable to control the through ball which would have put him clear on goal.

The home side were looking lively, as Joshua Stranks charged down the touchline but after being surrounded by three defenders near the corner flag, he somehow managed to pass to Alexander, who played a low ball across the face of the goal, but Roger James could only air-kick to waste a great chance.

In the 9^th minute McQueen did well to cross from the right-wing but Rees headed high and wide from a central position. At the other end, James then saw a cross-cum-shot go wastefully wide with Hackett lurking unmarked beyond the far post.

The game was end to end with both sides looking dangerous. Rees sent another header over the bar, running on to a cross from Hayden towards the penalty spot, before Beadle and Hackett combined to release Alexander into the Sports area, but Rees made an important tackle and emerged with the ball.

The opening goal nearly arrived in the 13^th minute. The clearance from Thame keeper James Callan was poor and Omatayo was able to play in Corbett, but the shot from the edge of the area went narrowly past the far post.

McQueen then ran after a long ball out of defence by Hayden, and after managing to keep the ball in play, cut back inside but his fierce drive was pushed away by Callan diving to his right.

Hayden then went on an eye-catching run and found Omatayo with his pass but the Swiss striker saw his effort from just inside the area saved by the outstretched leg of the Thame keeper for the first corner of the match, to which Omatayo rose the highest, but could only direct his header well over the bar.

Eastmond played a long ball forward which Omatayo headed on, but the scampering McQueen was just unable to prevent the ball going out for a goal-kick.

McQueen then dived as Hackett attempted a tackle near the half-way line without making any contact, and the two players had a flare-up. The game continued with a throw-in to Thame.

Grout then got to a long ball ahead of the Thame keeper advancing outside of his area, but his header was weak and Dan West was able to get back to comfortably prevent the ball rolling into the net.

With 21 minutes on the clock, James saw Carey off his line and attempted an ambitious volley from near to the touchline but the Eastbourne keeper was able to retreat and make a catch over his head.

The visitors then forced consecutive corners, both of which were played low to the near post and were dealt with by the Thame defence.

Hackett went on a mazy run and was brought down close the Eastbourne D. Beadle took the free-kick but his drive was pushed away by Carey diving to his left. James was unable to reach the rebound, but in any case, he was off-side.

Hall did well to prevent McQueen latching on to a long ball, after which Stranks committed a bad foul on Hayden to receive the first yellow card of the game. Corbett’s free-kick from about 40 yards flew straight into the hands of the Thame keeper.

This was followed by a bad challenge by Rees on Jack Tutton but the referee didn’t think it warranted any sanction other than a free-kick to Thame.

In the 34^th minute McQueen went down easily near the Thame corner flag and won a soft free-kick but Corbett’s delivery was punched away by Callan under his own crossbar, and Hayden won another the corner for the visitors. The set-piece was played short to Carter, who cross was headed away for a corner on the opposite side of the pitch. This time Phillips headed high over the bar.

James then played a smart through ball to put Beadle clear but the move was halted by the linesman’s flag for offside. Fatbear was directly in line and didn’t agree with the decision !

Corbett was the next Sports player to go down easily to win a free-kick, and the former Aldershot man got up to take the free-kick himself, which was on target but blocked by the head of Finlay Murray. A minute later Corbett went down even more easily inside the Thame penalty area but failed to con the referee, who allowed play to continue.

Hall went on a 60-yard run for Thame, but his attempted pass to Hackett was poor and Phillips was able to intercept.

With half-time approaching, McQueen was fouled by Beadle just inside the Eastbourne half, but Tom Daley would have been impressed by the exaggerated fall to ensure he got the decision from the referee.

When Eastbourne played the ball forward, Corbett was fouled just outside the Thame area, who again was the in charge of set-piece duties. However, his effort hit the wall and flew high into the air and West headed clear. Sports put the ball back into the mixer where Callan, under pressure, missed with his punch. Omatayo bundled the ball into the vacant goal, but the referee deemed that Callan had been impeded and award a free-kick to Thame. The goal was chalked off.

It was goalless at the break. Eastbourne had started to get on top, but Thame had defended well and had looked decent going forward.

The second period began with a great chance for Thame. Corbett’s free-kick was hit straight at Hackett, and Beadle pounced onto the loose ball and put Alexander clear on goal. However, Thame’s top scorer took a heavy first touch, and Carey forced him wide of the goal and unable to get a shot away. Instead, he turned and attempted to find James, but Sam Oguntayo slid in to make a vital interception.

Hayden won another corner for Eastbourne but Phillips headed over the bar.

The home side though were enjoying a good spell. Tutton dispossessed Phillips and played wide to Hackett, whose shot was blocked. Alexander’s pass saw Tutton running into the Borough area but he became the meat in a sandwich as tacklers converged from both sides, and the referee waved play on.

For Borough, Grout saw two long range efforts blocked in a period of less than 30 seconds, then Hackett became the second Thame player to see yellow following a poor tackle on Eastmond. Corbett decided to go for glory from about 35 yards, only to send the ball a few feet over the crossbar.

In the 63^rd minute, Tutton sent a free-kick bouncing into the Eastbourne penalty area but no Thame attacker was able to get on to the end of it, and the ball went off harmlessly for a goal-kick.

Corbett hit the deck again inside the Thame area following a challenge with Hall and play continued. Even one of the Sports supporters behind the goal told him to get up.

Thame had another rapid counter-attack but the ball from James across the face of the area was just a fraction ahead of the unmarked Alexander. When Thame reworked possession, Tutton’s shot from the edge of the area was blocked by Carter.

Next, Corbett had another go from 35 yards, this time sending his effort harmlessly wide. Rees then got to a long ball ahead of Murray and laid the ball off to substitute Harrison, whose low left-footed drive from the edge of the area was well held by Callan diving to his left.

West became the third Thame player to enter the referee’s notebook, sliding late into Corbett. This time Corbett’s free-kick was on target, as Callan made a sprawling save diving to his left. Carter was first to the rebound but his shot from a narrow angle was saved by the body of the Thame keeper at the expense of a corner, from which Carter headed over the bar.

The visitors created a great chance to score in the 74^th minute but after a good cross to the back post by Harrison, McQueen could only spoon over the bar.

That was to be McQueen’s last contribution to the game as he was promptly replaced by Egbri, who almost made an instant impact, but after getting to the byline his cross was a fraction too long for Corbett.

A quick throw-in by Thame as Eastbourne were caught napping enabled Alexander to run into the Borough penalty area but the impressive Hayden did well to usher the ball off for a goal-kick.

Thame were still looking dangerous on the occasions they were able to attack and James played a clever back-heel to release Hackett, whose left-footed cross was inches too high for Ulas to head home. Another break led to Daffern sending a 20-yard curler inches wide of the post. In between, a Oguntayo free-kick saw Sheaf head straight at Thame keeper Callan.

Tutton became the latest Thame player to see yellow after a trip on Oguntayo

With 83 minutes played, Egbri did well to get to the byline to deliver a good cross, but West made an ever better clearance. The match between two previously free-scoring sides still remained goalless.

An Ebgri corner was glanced on by Phillips at the near post but there was no Borough player on hand to finish at the far post. Thame substitute Curtis Brown made a break and James played a return pass for him to chase, but Carey was alert and came out of his area to concede a throw-in.

The deadlock was broken shortly after. Substitute Owen Bellamy made a good run into the Thame area, and his ball from close to the byline reached Egbri at the back post who had a simple tap in. 0-1 after 89 minutes.

Egbri should have added a second less than a minute later, but he could only blaze over the bar from around 8 yards after another good run by Bellamy.

There was still time for Thame substitute Charlie Bacon for go down in the Eastbourne area, but the referee rightly ignored the pleas for a penalty.

Borough safely saw out the added time to take a deserved victory to go into Monday’s draw, but the late winner was a heart-breaker for the home side, who had given a good account of themselves against their higher rated opponents.

Thame United : Callan – Hall ( Bacon ), West, Murray, Stranks ( Ulas ) – Hackett ( Brown ), Tutton, Riddick – Alexander, James, Beadle ( Daffern )

Eastbourne Borough : Carey – Hayden, Phillips, Carter, Oguntayo – McQueen ( Egbri ), Rees, Eastmond ( Johnson ), Grout ( Sheaf ), Corbett ( Bellamy ) - Omatayo ( Harrison )