In the first match after the half-term break, Prestwood travelled to Oxfordshire, to the home of Thame United.
Matt’s team report is below:
The first game saw Prestwood and Thame share a lot of possession in the middle third of the pitch. With resolute defending from both sides and clear cut chances few and far between, it was a tough game to make a mark on.

Sadly it was Thame who broke the deadlock with a good team goal. Despite some equally good teamwork and a shot that hit the post, Prestwood couldn’t draw level, so the first game ended with just the one goal separating the teams.

On to the second game and Thame again started on the front foot. With the ball bouncing around dangerously in the Prestwood penalty area, it was unfortunate that a block intended to clear the ball, fell to a Thame player, who stabbed it in to take the lead. 1-0.

This time though, Prestwood had the bit between their teeth and they could see the chances building. With great chasing, marking and general team work from front to back, Prestwood pressed the game. But it was Jem who decided he could go from back to front himself as he dribbled well through two or three players before taking a decent shot at goal. The Thame keeper was equal to the shot, but only so far as to parry the shot to the feet of Ted. Big mistake, 1-1! Prestwood back in the game. Prestwood kept on the front foot through to half time as they secured a succession of corners. It was from one of them that a clearance fell to Samuel who was positioned just outside the box. Without hesitation Samuel struck a good effort to the top corner of the net to take the teams in at half time 1-2 to Prestwood.

The second half saw both teams pushing forward for goals, as the play became a little more end to end. Thame weren’t behind for long as they struck a great effort from distance to bring the score back level at 2-2.

As the game neared an end, a foul in the Prestwood half for Thame and both a handball and a foul in the Thame half for Prestwood, gave both teams free kicks from which to test the opposition keepers’ resolve. Thame’s player of the match saw his free kick clear Morgan’s crossbar, with Prestwood’s first attempt also missing the target. But second time around Jem gave Prestwood sight of victory as he finished well to take the score to 2-3 with only seconds remaining.

But just when we thought that would be the last action of the game, Thame broke almost straight from the kick off, causing havoc in the Prestwood box in the final seconds of the game. A rebounded clearance fell to Thame for a simple pass and tap in that levelled the score, and with it, the game. 3-3 and a well battled game by both teams.

Matt’s man of the match for his overall contribution to the game, good tackling, marking and also getting on the scoresheet - Samuel

Mark’s Report is below:

In our first game, playing against a strong Thame side, with perhaps the oldest looking 8-year old in the league, we struggled at first as Thame played the ball long and pressured our defence, but Freddie and Ben, with Zack and Lennon supporting stayed firm. Building on the strong defence Prestwood started to get into the game and were rewarded with a good goal from Zack. At halftime Prestwood lead 1-0. With some changes to the Thame team, Prestwood were the stronger team in the second half but Thame managed to score 2 quick goals through some good play from their main player. Prestwood kept pressing for the equaliser and when the ball broke to Rori with only the goalie to beat the crowd and the ref (me) held their breath, but Rori coolly lifted the ball over the diving keeper. Despite some pressure towards the end of the game Prestwood were unable to get the winner.

In the second game Prestwood started well, with some great play from Lennon and Rori to set up Harrison for his first goal for the Colts. With Zack and Lennon bossing the midfield, Ben, Freddie and Will prepared to block all shots, it was a surprise to find Prestwood trailing 2-1 with only 30 seconds left. But as the ball broke to Lennon on the edge of the box, there was only one place the ball was going. Into the goal!!!
Another draw, another good performance and some good team goals.
Man of the Match - Zack for his tireless running, his willingness to tackle everyone, his goal and his commitment.