Thame United 1-1 Chichester City: Late Equaliser Forces FA Trophy Replay

Thame United and Chichester City will meet again in a replay after playing out a tense 1-1 draw in the FA Trophy on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Chichester looked set to progress after taking a second-half lead, but a late equaliser from Callum Reynolds rescued a draw for Thame at Meadow View Park.

The tie was a tight, tactical affair, with both sides enjoying spells of control. Chichester City, known for their passing game, controlled possession for long periods, while Thame United relied on quick counter-attacks and set-pieces. In the end, neither team could find a winner, leaving the replay at Oaklands Park to decide who advances.

Match overview

The first half was largely cagey. Chichester kept the ball well but struggled to break down a disciplined Thame defence. Thame’s goalkeeper, Ben Collins, was called into action twice, making comfortable saves from long-range efforts. At the other end, Thame’s best chance came from a corner, but Reynolds headed over from eight yards.

Chichester started the second half with more urgency. They pushed their full-backs higher and began to create overloads in wide areas. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Ethan James collected the ball on the edge of the box, shifted it onto his right foot and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner. Thame’s defenders appealed for a foul in the build-up, but the referee waved play on.

Key moments

• 55th minute – Chichester take the lead: Ethan James found space 20 yards from goal and curled a beautiful effort into the far corner.
• 63rd minute – Thame nearly respond: A powerful free-kick from Reynolds was tipped over the bar by Chichester’s goalkeeper.
• 74th minute – Chichester miss a golden chance: A low cross found an unmarked forward at the back post, but he somehow put his shot wide.
• 88th minute – Thame equalise: Reynolds made amends for his earlier miss, arriving late in the box to head home a deep cross from the right.
• 90+4 minutes – Chichester denied at the death: A goal-bound shot was blocked on the line by Thame defender Ollie Grant.

Tactical story

Chichester City set up in a 4-3-3 and looked to dominate the ball, with their midfield trio rotating constantly to create passing angles. Thame United sat in a compact 4-4-2, inviting pressure and looking to spring forward on the counter. For much of the first half, the plan worked, but Chichester’s patience paid off after the break.

After taking the lead, Chichester seemed content to protect their advantage, dropping deeper and slowing the tempo. That decision proved costly. Thame pushed more players forward and began to deliver crosses into the box. The equaliser came from exactly that route, with Reynolds timing his run perfectly to meet a deep cross.

In stoppage time, both teams had chances to win it. Chichester’s late effort was cleared off the line, while Thame nearly broke away for a winner. A draw was a fair outcome.

Standout players

Ethan James was Chichester’s best player, scoring a brilliant goal and linking play intelligently. Their goalkeeper made two important saves, while defender Sam Turner was solid for most of the game. For Thame United, Callum Reynolds was the hero with the late equaliser, and Ollie Grant produced a crucial goal-line clearance. Goalkeeper Ben Collins also made several smart saves.

What the draw means

The FA Trophy tie will be decided in a replay at Chichester City’s Oaklands Park. Both managers will feel their side can win it. Thame will take confidence from their late fightback, while Chichester will be frustrated at letting a lead slip. The winner will move into the next round, keeping their cup dreams alive.

For now, it is all to play for in the replay. If the first game is anything to go by, it will be another close, hard-fought contest.