Thame United started the new season with a 2-2 draw against Flackwell Heath on Tuesday night.
Despite continuous drizzle, it was an entertaining game with both sides playing attractive football.
The only new face in United’s starting XI was impressive goalkeeper Lee Farrow, who played for the club in the 2006/7 season.
The opening exchanges were fairly even but then Thame started to put pressure on the visitors’ goal. On 12 minutes Adam Rhodes forced a first-rate save from the Flackwell keeper.
United took the lead in the 20th minute when a ball from the right found Dan West who, with his back to goal, played a beautiful ball to Luke Ricketts who confidently thumped the ball home from 15-yards.
The home side continued to have the better chances for the remainder of the half with both West and Connor Hayes going close.
The balance of play was reversed in the second half and the visitors equalised five minutes after the restart.
As Farrow rose to collect a corner, he was clattered by visiting midfielder John Issac forcing the ball from his grasp and allowing Issac to prod it over the line.
Most spectators were expecting the referee to blow for a foul on the goalkeeper, but amazingly he awarded a goal.
Flackwell increased their lead with 15 minutes remaining when a 15-yard shot from Adam Dickens hit the Thame crossbar and rebounded into the forward’s path allowing him to place the ball past Farrow.
In the final minute, United were awarded a corner and, with nothing to lose, Farrow joined the attack. He met the corner with an effort which was blocked and, as the ball ran loose, a scramble landed at West’s feet and he fired home from close range.
United entertain Newbury in the FA Cup on Saturday (3pm kick off).