Wakering's lack of someone to turn good approach work into goals continued to hit hard as their unbeaten away record in the Ryman First Division North ended.

Thame went into this game fresh from an 8-2 home success over Hemel Hempstead, but there was little chance of a repeat scoreline here against resolute opposition.

In fact Wakering had two good chances in the opening five minutes when Dan Trenkel's effort went across goal with no-one on hand to apply the finishing touch.

Then, after good work by Danny Pitts, Mark Hampshire was unable to force the ball home from close range in a scramble.

Thame hit back with a Mark Jones free-kick going just wide. Then visiting goalkeeper Dean Mahoney saved excellently in a one-on-one with Enzo Silvestri before Wakering retaliated with a stinging Hampshire volley which home stopper Alan Foster turned over.

Thame have high hopes of a bright future for their tall teenage striker Alex Stewart, but he was generally kept in check by fit again central defender Craig Dennis.

However, it was Stewart who led a break from which Thame opened the scoring after 63 minutes. Left clear he put Jones in to round Mahoney before slotting home from six yards.

With an equaliser from the village side looking on the cards, and introducing three substitutes including new midfield signing from East Thurrock Keith Wilson, Thame broke away for a second when John Gardner, set free by Silvestri, crossed for Stewart to make it 2-0 after 83 minutes.

Published Monday October 21, 2002

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