Thame Utd 1, Harlow Tn 0: John Mitchell was the hero as his first-half strike sealed a deserved win for Thame United over the Ryman League Division 1 North high-fliers on Saturday.

Thame's back three of Mark Avery, Andy Williams and James Saulsbury, who was making his 150th league appearance for the club, kept Harlow's attack, which included Thame old boy Wayne Cort, at bay.

With regular keeper Steve Smith still unfit, Thame gave 18-year-old Milan Barisic his league debut.

The game's decisive strike came on 30 minutes. Alex Stewart's powerful shot deflected off Mitchell to bring a superb reflex save from Glenn Jackson, only for Mitchell to net the rebound

Lee James went close for Harlow, while Stewart's drive hit a post.

In the second half, Barisic made a good save, before Tony Joyce had a goal ruled out for pushing.

Thame thought they had scored another after the ball appeared to go over the line before being cleared.

At the death, Saulsbury blocked Cort's fiercely-struck shot as Thame held out.

Thame Utd: Barisic, Mills, Joyce (Hocking 87), Saulsbury, Williams, Avery, Freeman, Mitchell, (Goffe 87), Merritt, Jones, Stewart (Gardner 68). Subs not used: West, Chowns.

Attendance: 152.