WOODLEY United’s penultimate home match of the Hellenic Division One East season ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat to promotion-chasing Thame Rangers.

The Kestrels arguably deserved a draw on the balance of play only to leave their Rivermoor ground empty handed.

Thame threatened first when Calvin Evans tested Tom Bryant, but Woodley hit back when Joe Sissons drew a fine save from Dan Bowker from fit-again Sam Guze’s free kick.

The visitors went close again on 10 minutes when Evans beat Bryant to a free kick from the left only for his effort to hit the crossbar before the same player fired narrowly wide with a deflected shot.

But it was Woodley who took the lead soon after when Pablo Fernandez scored directly from a corner despite a strong hand from Bowker.

Kestrels continued to put Thame under pressure as a Fernandez free kick was headed over by Richard Thomas.

The hosts then hit the woodwork themselves as a Max Laschok shot smacked against the left-hand post.

Thame quickly capitalised on the break by equalising on 26 minutes from the penalty spot through former Wrexham and Wycombe Wanderers striker, Craig Faulconbridge.

It then took a fine double save from Bryant to deny Evans on two occasions to deny Thame the lead.

There was still time left before the interval for both teams to hit the woodwork a second time, the visitors’ Patrick Buston striking the post from a tight angle and Fernandez crashing a trademark free kick against the bar for Woodley.

Kestrels continued to threaten after the restart with Freddie Barron firing over.

And they hit the woodwork for a third time when Thomas was denied his first goal for the club as his header from a Fernandez free kick rebounded off the bar.

Chances continued to come and go for the hosts as Laschok collected Adam Barnard’s defence-splitting pass but could only shoot wide with only Bowker to beat.

Laschok missed the target again with a chance from Chace Jewell’s free kick.

Woodley’s hard work was finally undone in the final 10 minutes in which Thame netted their winner.

Adie Smith had already put a decent chance wide but Faulconbridge made no mistake with a header from a deep cross with four minutes remaining to snatch the victory.

Woodley pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Pele Hagger’s shot was blocked before Jon Malone’s header from a Fernandez delivery was held by the grateful Bowker.

Woodley, who have now lost their last five league and cup matches, host Holyport this Saturday (3pm) then travel to Didcot Town Development next Tuesday night (7.45pm).

Woodley United: Bryant, Malone, Jewell, Hawkins, R.Thomas, Sissons (Swabey), Barron (Hagger), Guze (Barnard), Clark, Laschok, Fernandez. Sub not used: E.Thomas.