THAME UTD 0 NORTHWOOD 1: Any hopes Thame United had of winning this Ryman League Division 1 North game disappeared when keeper Alan Foster was needlessly sent off for dissent in the 38th minute.

Up until that point, United were in control against the league leaders, with Jermaine Ferreira, Alex Stewart and Mark West all going close.

On the half hour, United skipper James Saulsbury found Ferreira, but his shot was deflected inches over, and a minute later, Dave Thornton saw his volley flash just wide.

Then came the turning point of the game. With play at the other end of the park, Foster was given the yellow card for making a remark to an assistant referee.

Foster continued the argument, and was red-carded.

United immediately withdrew playmaker Mark Jones and substitute Mark Avery went between the posts.

Just before the break, the stand-in keeper was given his first test when Chris Moore beat him to the ball, but the alert Andy Williams cleared off the line.

The visitors put ten-man Thame under pressure early in the second half, but United still looked dangerous on the break.

Just as they looked like Thame had got a point, Northwood got the breakthrough when Scott Fitzgerald scored.

Thame came close to snatching a deserved equaliser when Alex Stewart's lob went over.

Thame Utd: Foster, Silvestri, Joyce, Saulsbury, Williams, Abbasi, Ferreira (Freeman 82), West, Stewart, Jones (Avery 38), Thornton (Bartley 82). Sub not used: Chowns.