Thame United's valiant promotion challenge in Ryman League Division 1 is over, writes RUSSELL SMITH.

Maidenhead United, who Thame visit tomorrow, clinched the third promotion place with a 1-0 home win over champions Croydon last night.

An own goal five minutes before half-time gave Maidenhead victory and ended the hopes of watching Thame joint manager Andy Sinnott and his group of players. Sinnott said: "Today is tinged with disappointment because we have not achieved something that was so close.

"But we have had an excellent season, and if someone had told us we would finish fourth at the start of the season we would have taken it."