First-half frenzy sees Flackwell Heath throw away 3-0 lead at Thame United

Matty Ayres fired the visitors in front on Saturday. Photo: Charlie Carter

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Flackwell Heath travel to Hadley this evening (Tuesday) still reeling from a head-spinning affair at Thame United on Saturday.

Manager Chris Ayres will be wondering how the Heathens failed to take all three points after racing into 3-0 first half lead, only to lose the match 4-3.

And the most mind-boggling thing of all is that all seven goals were scored in a breathless first half.

The Heathens appeared to be cruising to all three points when the manager’s two sons both got on the scoresheet to make it 3-0 by the 29th minute.

Matty Ayres fired them in front from a free kick which bounced all the way into the net the 17th minute and a brace from Jamie Ayres in the 19th and 29th minutes seemingly paved the way to all three points for the visitors.

Jamie picked up a loose clearance from the keeper to steer home their second before volleying in at the back post from a corner to make it 3-0.

Thame, though, had other ideas. Daniel James West scored a couple of minutes later to turn the tide the home side’s way. Louis Walsh levelled matters with strikes in the 33rd and 41st minute before Finlay Edward Murray capped off a frankly unbelievable half of football with a fourth for Thame in the 45th minute.

Supporters at View Park must have expected more goals and entertainment in the second half, but the two teams weren’t quite so obliging as both defences tightened up significantly.

Flackwell can’t afford such complacency this season as they continue to mope around in the lower half of the Southern League Central Division table.

This result leaves Ayres’ side 15th in the table and now too far adrift of the play-off places to stand any real hope of clawing their way back into contention.

Much more was expected from the team this season – with the side having reached the play-off final last season – albeit with a much changed starting XI.