A BORE draw on Saturday saw Thame fail to recover from last week's cup exit when they were held 0-0 at home to bottom-club Hertford in an insipid Division One North game.

The match had seemed ideal for Thame to bounce back from their 3-2 defeat to Windsor in the FA Trophy but a poor display by Andy Sinnott's side meant they failed to score for the first time since November.

They had their chances, most notably for Jon Gardner, but for the most part, their passing was not good enough and they lacked the urgency and application to break down an ordinary-looking Hertford defence, which had conceded 20 goals in its past six games.

And Hertford had chances to score themselves, with Alan Foster called into action to save at the feet on Johnny Moore, who should have also done better when played through in the first half.

Thame started slowly but could have scored in the tenth minute when Hertford's Glenn Draper hit a back pass too hard and keeper Matt Cope only just cleared.

Thame's first worthwhile effort wasn't until the 22nd minute but Hertford could have scored five minutes later when Danny Fitzpatrick crossed low for Moore, who shot was blacked well by Foster.

After the break, Thame gradually took control but still only threatened occasionally.

Gardner had an athletic shot saved at the second attempt and then should have scored when put in the clear following Foster's long punt.

But he shot weakly at Cope when well placed, summing up a game that rarely promised and delivered less.

January 20, 2003 13:30