United won through to the semi-finals of the Oxon Senior Cup thanks to an extra-time win over Thame United at Court Place Farm this evening. In a very close-fought game a golden goal from central defender Adam Garner five minutes from time saw United through, and was a tad rough justice on a very competitive Thame side.

United started the game with Andy Scott partnering Jefferson Louis, who was obviously keen to impress against his former club. A strong, but legal, challenge on the Thame ‘keeper Steve Smith after just five minutes left Smith needing lengthy treatment and was indicative of Louis’s fired-up attitude. Unfortunately Louis was unable to make his eagerness count for anything but a few bruises.

On the right-hand side Manny Omoyinmi and ROS Chris Hackett formed a dangerous partnership, with both players getting in several good crosses. From one Manny cross Jefferson headed just wide. Throughout the whole of the first half Simon Cox in the United goal didn’t have a save to make as the professionals dominated, but without a cutting edge.

In the second period, when one might have expected the Thame amateurs to tire, they in fact came more into the game, especially after Manny and Jefferson were substituted, with Chrissy and Dave Oldfield joining Scott in a three-man attack. Scott almost gave United the lead with just five minutes remaining, but that would have been hard on Thame who had come close themselves on a couple of occasions. A long lob from Matt Brandish caught Smith by surprise and came back off the crossbar.

In the first period of extra time Oxford were saved by a flying save from Cox, while themselves struggling to make an impact. Then, with five minutes remaining, Josias Carbon swung in a free kick which Smith failed to deal with and the ball fell kindly in front of Garner, who shot home to end the tie and set up a semi-final clash against North Leigh. The game will be held at a neutral venue, possibly Villa Park or Hillsborough.