Romeo pleased with second half fight, as Thatcham lose at Evesham

Thatcham Town manager Yashwa Romeo was pleased with his side’s second half performance in a 2-1 loss away at Evesham United on Saturday.

The hosts took a 1-0 lead after just ten minutes from a well worked corner, setting the tone for a difficult first half.

New goalkeeper Matthew Pullinger displayed some good work early on, making a neat double save in the opening stages.

He couldn’t prevent Evesham’s second however, as the hosts went 2-0 up in the 20th minute.

2-0 down at half time, Thatcham knew that they couldn’t afford a capitulation like the 6-0 loss to Falmouth a week before.

They did display some fighting spirit too, returning to the pitch with a determined second half showing.

Maidenhead United loanee Jamie Davies made the breakthrough, pulling one back in the 75th minute with a tidy finish.

A second goal wasn’t on the cards, although Thatcham showed character in their 2-1 defeat.

“It was a tough one,” said Romeo.

“We weren’t good enough in the first half to be honest.

“Our achilles heel is not reacting quickly enough.

“We’ve played them three times now, and each time I think we should have won.

“We beat them the last time we played them, their manager knows we’re a good side.”

A half time team talk ensured that there was no chance of another drubbing, with Romeo left pleased with the second half showing.

“I stuck it to them,” he said.

“The boys came out and did brilliantly.

“I don't think Evesham had a sniff.

“We didn’t create loads of clear cut chances, but we were always on the front foot being the dominant side.

“It was a great strike from Jamie for his goal as well.”

Thatcham have seen a change between the sticks, with James Sharlott heading back to Reading at the end of his loan.

17-year-old Matthew Pullinger arrived from Reading as a direct replacement last week and impressed his new boss.

“James was a very good young prospect,” he said.

“He had sticky periods, but we saw enough.

“He was hungry and he didn’t disappoint.

“A good shot stopper, great kicking, it was great to have him.

“Matthew did okay.

“It was his first senior appearance, he has a bigger frame and he was good on the crosses.

“Nerves can get you, but he made a crucial save in the first five minutes.

“He was really good.”