Sparking Lilywhites

LEYTON Pennant continued their impressive league form with a comfortable victory over doomed Thame United on Saturday.

The visitors arrived need ing three points to have even an outside chance of staying up, but they were distinctly lacking in passion and commitment in allowing the Lilywhites to control this game with ease from the start.

Pennant took the lead inside the first five minutes, with a goal that had more than a shade of good fortune about it.

Full back Colin Halpin, in only his third senior game, put in a deep cross which somehow curled over the unfortunate keeper and ended up just inside the post.

Thame had seemed unable to mount a worthwhile attack but managed to equalise before the break thanks to some lethargic Lilywhites defending.

Their delight was shortlived however, as within a minute Pennant were back in front, and again there was an element of luck about the goal. A through-ball intended for Che Stadhart was headed against one of his own men by a United defender and the rebound fell nicely for the striker who made no mistake from close range.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with Pennant creating chance after chance.

Stadhart was unlucky with a spectacular overhead kick before he eventually made it 3-1 after 75 minutes.

A great run by Billy Read down the right ended with an inch perfect cross, and Stadhart tapped in at the far post.

Read did the trick again before the end, his ball falling to Mark Salmon who forced the ball in to make it four and put the seal on a convincing win.

l The Lilywhites were in action again on Tuesday evening, drawing 1-1 with Chertsey at Wadham Lodge in another Ryman league fixture.

The game had all the elements of an end of season affair, but the referee injected his own drama into the encounter with his failure to stamp any authority on the game.

Chertsey took the lead just before the break, but Pennant hit back through Billy Coves shot on the turn and pressed hard for the winner.

Chertsey hung on for their point, but several players were booked from both teams in what deterioated into a niggly affair.