February 20, 2001 12:24: THAME United had their lead at the top of Division One cut to five points after losing 3-1 to second-from-bottom Walton and Hersham.o

The strugglers overcame the first division leaders after Thame had keeper Ian Moores sent off after just three minutes for deliberate handball outside the area.

The Thame custodian was unlucky, though, having attempted to pull his arms behind his back as he raced out to clear David Cory's assault on the Thame goal.

To make matters worse, Alan Dowson then scored directly from the freekick Walton were awarded as a result of Moores' handball.

Outfield player Greg Williams took up the gloves and Thame looked to be on course for at least a point with ten men when Mark West pounced on John Mitchell's rebounded strike on 12 minutes.

Thame, without the injured Nando Perna and suspended Martin Brown, more than held their own until the break and could have taken the lead after the restart had Micky Swaysland not screwed his golden chance wide.

Moments later the unmarked Tony Sweet then put Walton ahead after Adam Fennell's squared ball.

Williams made several good saves to keep his side in it, but Walton made it three just after the hour when Williams parried a long-range effort to Cory who returned it with interest.