The men's 1XI began the season with a narrow 2-1 victory at home against Eastcote. Playing their first game on the new pitch they began the first half strongly with lots of possession and created several opportunities but failed to convert the sustained pressure on Eastcote into goals. As a frustrating first half was drawing to a close level an aerial from Dan Williams at the back caught nicely in the wind and set Ben Caiger free down the wing who slapped the ball into Dave Garghan who deflected the ball on his reverse past the Eastcote keeper. 1-0 at halftime and the team talk focused on improved composure in the final third and ensuring we kept 11 men on the pitch for the duration of the second half.
Eastcote started the second half quickly and drew level following a short corner that found its way into the bottom corner from a drag flick. Thame bounced back quickly though and responded with a drag flick of their own with Dan Williams finding the goal from the top of the D only a few minutes later. The second half remained open and fairly end-to-end with several green cards for Thame giving Eastcote the opportunity to have more of the ball than they did in the first half. Despite being down a man for portions of the second half the defence held firm led by Chris Mullins in goal who made several important saves from short corners. Full time 2-1 to Thame, lots of positives during the game but also things to work on ahead of a big away game against Marlow on Saturday.

MoM - Max: fantastic all round game in defence in his first league outing for the 1XI.