THAME UNITED | MAKING HIS MARK

Goals have been the name of the game so far as Mark Riddick prepares for more Emirates FA Cup action

With eight goals from their first two Emirates FA Cup ties this season, Thame United warmed up for Saturday’s first round qualifying tie against Wingate & Finchley by hitting another five goals in their Pitching In Southern League Division One Central clash with Kidlington on Monday.

Amongst the scorers was Mark Riddick, who is leading by example as captain and enjoying the start to the season.

“It was great to get on the scoresheet in our last game and help us to another convincing win against local rivals,” he told us. “It stands us in good stead for getting back on the FA Cup trail at the weekend.

“We’ve looked strong in our last two FA Cup ties and we have home advantage again, so hopefully we can make it count and progress further in this competition.

“It’s going to be a tough tie for us, they are a level above us, so it will be a good test, which we are looking forward to.

“We’ve got a good group of lads and management together this season and we want to keep the buzz going.

“In the League we’ve taken three wins from our four outings so far, on top of the commanding victories over Aylesbury United and Beaconsfield Town in the FA Cup, so we’re in a good place.

“There has been a lot of good recruitment over the summer and we’ve been able to hit the ground running whilst also gelling together, which bodes well and is a huge positive for us as we will only get stronger as the relationships continue to form.

“I am buzzing to captain this team; it’s a long season and hopefully I can keep playing my part and doing my bit. Like last season, this League is so competitive with a large number of teams all in the mix for promotion and the play-offs.

“We’re certainly one of them. This is the strongest that Division One Central has been for quite a few years; there are a fair few teams who could more than hold their own at the higher level.

“As I say, we have a great dressing room here with a nice mix of experience and talented youngsters who are relishing the challenge.

“Whatever happens, we’ll be having a few beers and laughs along the way!”

IMAGE: Thame United FC

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