Report by Jonathan Coles
A spirited team performance capped off with a touch of magic from Michael Sogo, saw T&R Interior Systems Thames FC Men return from a wet outing in Hamilton with all three points.
A period of heavy rain before kick-off left the players battling a tricky surface from the outset.
The game began with a squelch, as the standing water made ball retention problematic. A promising spell of pressure produced the game’s first opportunity, with Reagan Winslow reacting well to a loose ball.
The onrushing James Andrews smartly smothered the young winger’s low shot.
The slippery conditions contributed to the opening goal, with the hosts taking the lead. A long cross into the box from right-back Jacob Mardon was mishandled, and Oliver Bell was on hand to tap the ball into an empty net.
Thames responded admirably, shaking off the error and drawing level just three minutes
later. Fernando Bassem Souilem expertly controlled the ball and set up Michael Kim, who delivered a perfectly timed through pass to Michael Sogo. The Solomon Islands winger skillfully rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net, bringing the match back to level terms.
Thames then had their own storm to weather, with some brilliant defending keeping the game level. Riyan Ratten made a crucial goal-saving clearance following a chaotic goalmouth scramble before Mathew Burchell pulled off a magnificent right-handed save after a long pass skimmed off the greasy surface.
Burchell was called into action again moments later, palming away a powerful near-post strike from Bradley Mardon following a failed clearance, with captain Keegan Apperley stepping in to make a crucial clearance. With Thames under the cosh, the half-time whistle was a welcome relief.
While Claudelands had the better chances in the first half, Thames enjoyed greater control after the break, becoming more patient with their build-up and maintaining possession with ease. Kim and Yusuke Koizumi combined effectively on the left, leading to a melee in the box that was eventually cleared.
It was Sogo who produced a moment of quality that gave Thames the lead. Kim’s header found Sogo on the left; he jinked into the box and powerfully fired a left-footed shot into the near post for 2-1.
Claudelands pressed hard to get back into the game, but Thames kept creating chances. Sogo nearly completed a hat-trick when the goalkeeper parried Kim’s shot; his follow-up hit the post. Thames showed a level of control following the goal that had been lacking in recent weeks, calmly keeping possession and running down the clock. The match ended in a flurry of cards, with both sides losing discipline after a combative contest.
Reagan Winslow and Bradley Barton-Reese were dismissed after receiving second yellow cards, and with tempers flaring, the referee brought proceedings to a close.
“This result felt like it was coming – a true old-school-style slog in the wet,” said Captain Keegan Apperley. “The boys showed a lot of character: working our way back into the game, taking our chances, and defending strongly when it mattered.”
It was wins all round for Thames, as the Women’s side also secured three points in a tough away fixture. They edged out Northern United Women 4-3 in a thrilling contest, with Ceyda Nemburt, Beth Powell, and Emma Hinds-Senior with two goals all getting on the scoresheet capping off a brilliant weekend for the club.
