Image: Dave Wagner

Match Report: Dave Ring

Portland United 0-2 Thame United
FA Trophy
Saturday 12th September 2026 – 3:00pm
Camp & Satherley Stadium
Attendance: 166

Portland United’s FA Trophy adventure came to an end at the second qualifying stage as two second half goals condemned the Blues to a 2–0 defeat against Thame United at Camp & Satherley Stadium.

In a game played in difficult, blustery conditions, Portland more than held their own for long periods and went into half-time level at 0–0, having frustrated a Thame side who struggled to find a way through the Blues’ defensive line.

There was little between the sides after the interval, with Portland continuing to battle hard and looking capable of forcing their way into the contest as the afternoon wore on.

But the visitors finally broke the deadlock in the 57th minute when Greg Hackett found space on the edge of the penalty area and fired beyond Callum Smalley to give Thame the lead.

Portland refused to fold and continued to push for a way back into the tie, but the crucial second goal proved elusive despite the Blues’ efforts.

With the match entering its closing stages, Thame finally put the result beyond doubt when Harry Alexander doubled their advantage, leaving Portland with too much ground to make up in the remaining minutes.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Kyle Critchell’s side, who had battled throughout and can count themselves unfortunate not to have taken the game deeper into the closing stages before Thame eventually made their pressure count.

The result means the Blues suffer back-to-back cup defeats, following last weekend’s 2–1 FA Cup exit at AFC Portchester, but attention now switches firmly back to Southern League football.

After two consecutive weekends concentrating on cup football, Portland return to league action on Wednesday evening with a trip to Paulton Rovers, looking to put the disappointment of the last fortnight behind them and get their Southern League campaign moving again.

Kick-off at Winterfield Stadium is at 7.30pm.

FT: Portland United 0 Thame United 2

PORTLAND UNITED: Callum Smalley, Harley Brook, George Stuttle, Jacob Coombs, Callum Corbridge, Samuel Gadsby, Archie Woolford, Jack Delves, Patrick Jenkins, Benjamin Morris, Hayden Scott.

SUBSTITUTES: Harry Foden, Jaydon Biss, Thomas Peach, Alexandre Borges, James White.

THAME UNITED: James Callan, Callum Foday Hall, Joshua Stranks, Finlay Edward Murray, Mark Thomas Riddick, Gregory James Hackett, Jack Martin D Tutton, Hayden Luke Beadle, Daniel James West, Harry Alexander, Charlie Bacon.

SUBSTITUTES: Jamie Davies, Edwin Daffern, Roger James, Aydin Kadir Nicholas Ulas.