Athletic Humbled by Thame

After a winning streak of seven league games, Buckingham Athletic’ U18’s sunk to a disastrous 4-0 defeat at the hands of Thame United as they finished a game without scoring for the first time all season. A horror first half ultimately saw off Buckingham in which was set out to be a proper top of the table clash, however this set back now leaves them with a point to prove.

A number of poor performances from the players saw them knocked off their perch at the top of the league by their opponents. A lack of defensive solidity, a huge number of stray passes and a lack of cutting edge was visible from the start and it always looked to be heading away from Athletic from the first whistle.

The first goal came early on when Thame took full advantage of their opponents being too far off them. I well guided finish into the bottom left corner was enough to beat Laurence Mills who had no chance off getting to it. The second was poor from Buckingham as there was no close marking to their men from a corner which led to a free header from the Thane centre back to double the lead.

Things got worse for Buckingham as the league’s top scorer, Daniel Collins, scored his second of the night after giving them huge problems with his pace and movement along with his sides pressing. His running and also poor mistakes at the back then handed him his third of the night to seal a hat trick before half time. Buckingham were happy to hear the half time whistle having been 4 goals down but they probably wish it had come a bit earlier.

The second half saw Buckingham take more control of the game but it still couldn't see them convert a chance or create much. Some of their ball play did improve and players came more into the game but it ultimately ended in a heavy defeat. They did have the ball in the net once when Geraint Minney’s header found Jordan Tavener who converted, for it only to be called offside.

Buckingham now look to rejuvenate themselves with away games at Carterton and Holmer Green on Thursday and Sunday with the latter being the semi final of the county cup.

Athletic concede a second in a miserable night away