Report by Jonathan Coles
Thames FC Men’s first defeat since June came in a 2-0 loss to Claudelands Rovers Vets. Persistent winter rain left Rhodes Park in poor condition, forcing the match to move to the more playable Thames High School pitch.
For the third game running, Thames were lacklustre out of the blocks with Claudelands starting brightly and scoring within the first few minutes. Thames failed to clear a corner that drifted to the far post, leading to a scramble in the six-yard box eventually finished by Kevin Quick.
After a frantic start, Thames settled, enjoying sustained possession and several shots from Michael Kim, all saved by keeper James Andrews. Costello’s run down the left produced a dangerous cross that nearly forced an own goal, the defender narrowly turning the ball past the post. From the resulting corner, Keegan Apperley found Caleb Tehoaki, who rose well but headed just wide.
Thames again played themselves into trouble by conceding possession cheaply, allowing Eli Parker to weave into the box. The ball fell to Bradley Mardon, whose shot was superbly saved by Burchell’s legs to keep the deficit at one going into halftime.
Injuries forced several halftime changes as Thames reshuffled their lineup to chase the Claudelands lead. Andy Buchan had the first effort of the half on goal as the right back cut inside, but his shot was handled well by Andrews. Despite sitting back on their lead, Claudelands still produced moments of danger as Dylan Gonano met a cross but headed over from close range.
Parker also came close with a rasping drive, but Burchell was once again on hand to tip it over. Thames maintained pressure late in the half but couldn’t create a clear-cut chance. Xavier Brown found space on the edge of the box, but his shot was blocked before Buchan’s follow-up was blazed over.
With 15 minutes left, Claudelands struck the killer blow. A swift counter split the defence, leading to a penalty. Burchell saved brilliantly with one hand, but Rio Bennett buried the rebound to seal a 2-0 win.
Elsewhere, there was much better news for Thames Women FC, as their bid for the title gained momentum with a convincing 3-0 win away to Huntly Thistle.
Thames struck first in the 20th minute when Samantha Chamberlain exchanged a quick one-two with Beth Powell before finishing confidently. Just before halftime, Emma Ratcliffe burst forward past three defenders and crossed to the unmarked Natasha Cairns, who smashed home – giving Thames a deserved two-goal lead.
The second half continued in similar fashion with Thames’ offensive pressure showing no signs of letting up. A well-worked corner by Chamberlain and Jess Rendall found Ariel McNab in the box, but the busy Sunette Wessels in the Huntly goal saved well.
Thames wrapped up the game in style when Rendall reacted quickly to finish a team move, sealing a 3-0 victory and capping an outstanding performance. Thames Women closed the gap on leaders Northern United to just two points, with games in hand.
Crucial clashes against third-placed Cambridge Rubies and table-toppers Northern United now loom, as their thrilling season heads down to the wire with a league-and-cup double still in sight.
