Report: WW U12 NW vs. Cricklade

Arriving at the ground for the 10.30 kick off, Cricklade were not keen to play but the pitch was taking a stud OK with the grass being lightly frosted. We were again treated to ¾ sized goals and a small pitch but this time even the goal mouths were ¾ sized measuring only 13 yards. We were without Charlie and Bert so Fraser and Jordan stepped into the starting line up. The question was how would yesterday’s game affect the boys.

The early chance to score in the first 2 minutes came and went as did the keeper dropping the ball and then being allowed to pick it up without penalty. However, in the 3^rd minute William cleared the ball to Karl who in turn sent Callum through on the left who neatly lifted the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. In the 8^th minute Wickham again moved the ball from the back via Jack and Jesse to send Albie through. He was forced wide and just hit his shot over the top. When Wickham played through the middle of the park they were constantly being given off side but in the 10th minute it was Jordan’s turn to find Duncan and he sent Albie way. He neatly side stepped the keeper to tuck the ball into an empty net. Two minutes later Albie was pulled down and from the resulting free kick Callum slammed the ball home but he was given off side. In the 17^th minute a Cricklade throw was won by Duncan on the halfway line. He beat two players before slipping the ball between the two centre backs for Albie to run onto and score. In the 28^th William took a quick free kick on the halfway line after being fouled for Fraser to crash against the crossbar. The 30^th minute saw a great ball for Fraser run through the defenders to score but Callum on the other side of the pitch was given off side. The last kick of the half saw Albie drill a shot goal bound which hit the keeper in the face and go off for a throw in.

The 3^rd minute of the half again saw Wickham score as the ball was chipped forward for Callum to run onto. The keeper came out of his area but messed up the clearance giving the ball to Fraser to score. Albie added another a minute later and the game was effectively over. Two minutes later Olly played the big switch ball fro the left wing to Albie on the right. He got past the left back to score again. The game then went end to end as Wickham’s midfield started not to work back putting pressure on the back four. Jack Bolton came off for Jack Wild and Max replaced Fraser. With 15 minutes left Jesse hit a rasping drive which seemed to be in the back of the net but the ref decided that it went through the side netting. Cricklade went on the attack but William broke this up with a big clearance up field. The ball went out left where Karl controlled it and sprinted goal wards. Having drawn the keeper the birthday boy scored inside the left hand post. In a space of 2 minutes Wickham added three more goals. Having had one ruled out for off side, Cricklade made a mess of the free kick giving it straight to Albie who got his cross in for Callum to have a simple tap in. From the centre Albie won the ball and found himself out on the left wing. Again he hit his cross to the back post where Jesse was to tap in this time. From the next centre the ball came to William who clipped the ball over the advancing Cricklade side. Albie was in a 1 on 1 with the keeper but he made a great save only to see Max there to slot the ball home. All day the midfield players had been slipping diagonal passes through for the forwards to run onto so it was only fitting that in the 27^th minute Duncan played Albie in again for his to score his 5^th of the day matching is efforts of yesterday and bring up his 50^th goal for the club.

Player of the Day went to Jordan who stepped into Bert’s shoes with no problems what so ever. He was as solid as ever at the back inspiring confidence to all around him.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Jordan Shaw, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Jesse Bowers

Fraser Roberts, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Aiden Weeks, Jack Wilds, Max Nicholls

Report: WW U12 NW vs. Maidenhead Girls & Boys

A cold afternoon saw the lads out on a Saturday to play the Berks & Bucks cup game against Maidenhead Boys & Girls since it was called off last weekend. The home side had an impressive record going into the game having won all their games except one which they had drawn. Wickham had played then in our six a side tournament, only beating them in extra time. Jesse was welcomed back having had his appendixes out after the Wroughton game plus there were fives subs…a full strength team then…but ¾ goals again and a small pitch.

In the last four games Wickham had opened the scoring in the first 2 minutes of the match. The first two minutes were all in the Maidenhead half. A partial clearance saw William hit a shot from deep which rebounded of a defender to Duncan. He gave the ball to Karl who drove the ball home with his left foot (1m 57 sec…so the run continues). Two minutes later some good work down the left by Callum saw the ball come into Charlie. He placed the ball between the centre back and the full back for Albie to run onto and his shot across the keeper nestled into the far corner. Two minutes later Charlie and Albie played a couple of 1-2’s with each other before Charlie’s shot came crashing off the bar. It was not long for the 3^rd goal to come as a Maidenhead clearance was blocked by William. He fired the ball to Callum on the left who immediately knocked it into the middle. It was then a foot race between Albie and Charlie which Albie won and scored with ease. In the 12^th minute a lovely move down the left saw Callum put through, he cut inside and drilled the ball inside the near post but for some reason Charlie was given offside in the middle, despite not having played any part in the move. Wickham’s first corner caused panic in the Maidenhead defence but eventually Duncan lifted the ball over the bar. Maidenhead got a goal back in the 17^th minute as a throw in was partially cleared by Duncan but a speculative shot cleared James, despite him only being 5 yards out of his goal. Wickham’s replay was immediate as the ball was played out to Albie. He flicked the ball inside to Duncan who passed it onto Callum. Callum hit his cross to the back where Albie powered the ball home. The 24^th minute produced the goal we had all been waiting for. Olly took a throw to Callum who played it to Ollie and then back to Olly who clipped the ball into the box. As the keeper came out Charlie slipped the ball past him to score his 100^th goal for the club. In the 28^th minute a Maidenhead goal kick was knocked out to Albie. As he went past his man he got his cross in which flew over the top of the keeper and into the back of the net for a 6-1 half time lead.

Wickham kicked off with Aiden on for Jack, Ben for Albie & Tom for Olly. In the second minute with, Callum now out on the right, he knocked the ball into the box straight to Charlie, who put the ball away to the keepers left. Wickham continued to attack and Callum seemed to be enjoying his role out on the right. In the 9^th minute he again was the provider, knocking the ball into the box for Charlie to finish. In the 15^th minute Wickham played the ball down the left with Ollie, Ben and Tom all involved. As the ball came into the area a few people tried to convert but eventually the ball came back to Charlie on the penalty spot and he smashed it into the roof of the net. With 20 minutes gone Wickham switched back to the starting line up. Four minutes later Wickham attacked down the left with the ball starting off at the back with Olly then onto Duncan and then Callum. The ball was switched into Charlie who moved the ball from his right then onto his left before hitting a sweet shot with the outside of his right foot into the net. With two minutes left a long clearance from the Maidenhead keeper was controlled by Bert before playing it forwards to Duncan. His diagonal ball went straight into Albie’s path but his shot was saved, only for Charlie to be on hand to tap the ball away. With time running out Maidenhead broke through but Jack Bolton came across from his right back position to make a great sliding tackle on the edge of the box. Jack then tidied up clearing the ball to Charlie. He knocked the ball through to Albie who deftly chipped the keeper with the last kick of the game, giving Wickham as 12-1 victory.

Player of the Day went to Charlie for some great work up front, scoring a double hat trick and also bringing up his hundredth goal for the club.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Jesse Bowers

Charlie De Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman, Tom Farman, Aiden Weeks, Ben Cipolla

Report: WW U12 NW vs. Statton Juniors B

After last weeks top of the table battle, it was off to Stratton Juniors B, who were rock bottom of the league with only 1 point to their name. Driving rain and a sloping pitch greeted the boys but just before the start of the match the rain eased off and then stopped. How lucky is this team. With Jesse having had an appendectomy during the week Tom came in on the left of midfield.

Wickham kicked off playing down the slope and with the wind needing to build a lead which could be defended against the conditions in the second half. The ball went out to Tom but the defender got across to concede a throw. This was quickly taken and the ball ended up with Charlie on the by-line. He cut back inside and then slotted the ball inside the near post for a goal in the first 30 seconds. With two minutes gone a free kick just inside the Stratton half saw Albie hit it long and hard towards the goal. The keeper could only parry the ball and Jack was there to score his 4^th goal in as many games. In the 3^rd minute Albie’s corner was controlled by Duncan at the near post. He laid it back to Bert who somehow drilled his shot wide. With such a good start everyone was pushing forwards but in the 6^th minute Stratton burst away with 2 attackers on 1 defender. James seemed to do everything right but a lovely chipped cleared him and went under the bar. In the 13^th minute a similar attack saw William slip over and this time three attackers with just Jack to cover. James came out and got a hand to the ball but could not stop it going in the far right hand corner. So the bottom side had pulled Wickham back to 2-2, now where have we seen that before? The next 5 minutes or so were a little tense as the lads came to terms with what had happened. Ollie Norman then replaced Tom on the left and had an immediate effect. An Albie free kick from the left hand side was hit into the box. This was partially cleared out to Karl who hit the ball towards the goal where Ollie jumped to head the ball into the top corner. This goal lifted the lads and they started to pass the ball again. In the 22^nd minute Duncan got to the by-line and squared the ball back but it was cleared out to Albie. He got past his man and hit the cross into the near post where Duncan got up before anyone else to score his normal goal against Stratton in the League. Two minute later a hopeful ball was pumped forward by Albie. The defenders let it bounce and it then “got big” on the keeper who could only parry the ball for Callum to run in & score into an empty net.

It was important for Wickham not to concede an early goal as they played against the conditions. In the first minute Stratton went down the right and swung a cross into the box. The wind drifted the ball over James and it seemed destined to go in but Jack had got back to clear off the line. Wickham’s first attack was not until the 6^th minute when Albie went down the line and got a great cross in but it went over Ollie in the middle. Olly however retrieved the ball firing it back into the middle for Charlie to crash home. A minute later saw Wickham play the ball out of defence as James passed the ball to Jack. He brought it forwards and then slipped it onto Albie. Albie eventually got his cross in to Callum at the back post but his shot was saved however the ball came out to Charlie who duly completed his hat trick. The wind seemed to get stronger but the chances which Stratton now created were either snuffed out by the defenders or James was able to deal with. Wickham did not create another clear cut chance but had already done enough to secure the points. The rain…yes you’ve guessed it…it started to come down again just as we left the ground.

Player of the Day went to Duncan for all his hard graft in midfield and...oh yes…. for scoring his usual goal against Stratton Juniors.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Tom Farman

Charlie De Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman

Report: U12 NW vs. Wroughton Juniors 25-Nov-2007

It was back to North Wilts League action after two cup weeks and we all know what happened in the last league game. This was certainly no easy game to get the League program back on track as Wroughton, the only side to beat us at home last year were the visitors.

Wroughton kicked off and played the ball back through the midfield to the defenders. Charlie got stuck in and won the ball knocking it out to Callum; he advanced into the area and just shot over the bar. This was a little taster for the first 10 minutes of the game. In the second minute Albie had a chance on the right but his dipping shot was just grabbed by the keeper under the bar. The clearance came to Duncan who feed it out to Albie, his early cross was met by Callum at the back post who slammed the ball home. Wroughton just had not got out of their half yet. In the 4th minute Callum chased what seemed to be a lose cause into the left hand corner and won a corner kick. Albie hit it deep just clearing Bert but Charlie got above the defender the head powerfully home. In the 7th minute Jack pushed up the right to make a great tackle and then feed Albie. His cross was parried by the keeper who just collected it at the second attempt and Charlie charged in. The ball was cleared out by Wroughton but Bert made a great challenge and as the ball rolled to Karl, under pressure he lobbed the ball into the area. The defenders let the ball bounce and in nipped Charlie to head the ball over the advancing keeper for 3-0 after only 8 minutes. In the 12th minute as similar attack saw Callum get away as he was closed down he passed the ball to Charlie but this time the keeper just got the block in. Duncan, Charlie and Jesse all had half chances but the ball was always blocked. Then Wroughton broke down their right with a diagonally hit ball over the top. Jack, William and James all closed in on the ball but none of them took control of the situation and somehow the forward got there first to toe poke the ball in-between everyone for 3-1 and only 12 minutes have gone. Wroughton were now back in the game and in the 16th minute following a poor clearance a cross from the left saw the Wroughton forward with a few header which was put well wide. In the 20th minute a long free kick was hit into the Wroughton box, Bert went in on the keeper who dropped the ball which Charlie then put into the back of the net but a foul on the keeper was correctly awarded. However a minute later a Wroughton throw in the right hand corner was won by Albie who tucked it inside to Charlie. He gave it back and Albie hit one of his long range specials into the far corner of the goal for 4-1. Some panic in defence close on half time almost saw Wroughton almost score again but the lead was held.

Jon pointed out that if we could get 4 goals in a half then so could Wroughton and a defeat would move us down from 1st to 5th place. In the first minute Jesse played a great through ball for Albie to run onto. He was forced slightly wide to the right but his is cross shot across the replacement keeper but just past the far post…surely that would have killed the game off. Wroughton were now a totally different side, far more fired up. With seven minutes gone Wroughton turned a rare Wickham attack into a quick attack of their own. The danger seemed to have been dealt with but the clearance from the by line only made it to the “D” of the area where a midfield player arrived late to smash the ball into the apex of the goal for 4-2. In the 10th minute Jesse was flattened on the edge of the Wroughton “D”. Able hit the kick to the top left hand corner but somehow the keeper managed to palm the ball away. The next goal was going to prove important and in the 20th minute a Wroughton corner was unfortunately turned into his own net by Olly. This set up a grandstand finish with Wroughton now playing 4 up front but Wickham keeping 2 or 3 up as well. Jack had taken a knock so Jordan now stepped in never putting a foot wrong. With 4 minutes to go a Wroughton free kick found Nana on the edge of the area but his shot to the top corner was pushed round the post for a corner by James. Wroughton still kept coming but they were just about dealing with the Wickham forwards as they tried to break until the very last minute. The ball came to Fraser on the left who tucked it inside to Charlie who in turn immediately sent Albie away. This time he confidently slotted the ball away. There was only just time to kick off again before the final whistle went.

Player of the Day went to Albie who was instrumental in creating the initial 3-0 lead, however Ian did ask him that next time could he put away the 1 on 1 in the first minute and not the last minute of the half.
James Davies
Jack Wild, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine
Charlie De Fraine, Callum Johnson
Subs:- Fraser Roberts, Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks .

Report: U12 OM vs. Appleton 18-Nov-2007

The weekend saw the start of the return fixtures in the Oxford Mail League as Appleton were the visitors to the Triangle Field. For the first game we were ask to kick off at 10.00, this time it was cold with driving rain into Appleton’s faces for the first half.

After a number of times of asking Appleton finally lined up but then had 12 players on the field... nice try, which again took some time to sort out, but eventually the game started. In the first minute Max was put through on the left beyond the last defender. However, a poor final touch saw the ball get away from him and into the waiting keepers hands. In the second minute the ball was fired across the box from the right to Max at the back post but having controlled the ball he could only produce a weak finish into the keepers hands. After five minutes, the ball was again at Max’ feet on the left hand side. This time he hit a cross to AO who was just beyond the far post but his first touch was too heavy which made the angle for the shot too narrow and the chance was gone. Wickham were pushing forwards and dominating the game; surely a goal would come shortly? The 7th minute saw another chance created by good midfield play from Jordie, Ollie and Max. This time the ball ended up at Ben’s feet only 3 yards out from goal but he hit it straight to the keeper and another chance had gone. It was very much a case of “de je vois” as this was exactly what happened in the game at Appleton, multiple chances were created with most of them wasted. More pressure in the 9th minute looked as if it would bring the opening goal. The ball was partially cleared out to Jordie on the edge of the box. He went round the first defender but was then clattered to the ground….. “Penalty Ref”…but after some thought and after moving the whistle to his lips Jon waived play on. Appleton then broke away but in a 1 on 1 with Ben, he did just enough to force the forward to shoot wide. Appleton were now beginning to find their feet and in the 16th minute they cut through the Wickham defence again. This time Ben came diving out at the same time as the forward slid in. The ball bounced free but Jordan was there to clear it away. Wickham attacked again & a nice pass from Ollie saw William flick the ball over the defender for Jordie to run onto but his shot was well saved by the keeper. In the 23rd minute William dragged a shot just wide of the left hand post. A minute later Appleton went on the attack which saw Ben C foul the forward near the edge of the box.. The free kick was hit well but Ben G managed to make the save at the second attempt. However, in the 26th minute Wickham were made to pay for their misses. A through ball split Jordan and Jack and despite the forward looking off side the flag stayed down. Ben came out to narrow the angle but the forward knocked it past him and into the net, just inside the left hand post. In the 27th minute Wickham attacked down the left with the cross coming into AO, who saw his shot saved. In the final minute Max seemed to have sent William clear but, despite a covering defender on the opposite side of the pitch, the flag went up for off side.

The lads were cold at half time so more layers of clothes went on. Wickham won their first corner of the game in the 3rd minute but the keeper gathered this in at the near post. Wickham were still attacking, despite now having the wind in their face but they had not yet tested the keeper. In the 10th minute Jack went to clear an Appleton attack and moved progressively up the field. He eventually got to the edge of the box where he laid the ball off to Ben but his shot just cleared the bar. Which ever team were now defending were finding it hard to clear the ball, as both teams suffered from the cold. In the 22nd minute Jodie won the ball in defence but tried to dribble the ball out. Unfortunately he lost the ball and then fouled the attacker…penalty to Appleton. Despite it being well struck to Ben’s right, he made a great save gathering the ball at the second attempt after knocking his hat off which had come over his eyes. Unfortunately the fresh legs provided by Stephen and Harry in the last 10 minutes of the game could not help produce a goal, so the lads went down to an unfortunate 1-0 defeat, which they did not deserve.

Player of the Day was almost unanimous and for some great saves including the penalty it went to Ben Grey.
Ben Grey
Aiden Weeks, Jack Wild, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, William Herrington, Jordie Rowlands Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla
Subs:- Stephen Enever, Harry Russell.

Report: U12 NW vs. Croft A 18-Nov-2007

A rain soaked Triangle Field was the venue for the next round of the North Wilts League cup. Although it had stopped raining just before the start of the game it started again and this was the first match that this side had ever played in the rain. The “prize” for a victory was Wroughton at home in the next round of the cup.

Croft kicked off with the slight wind on their backs and immediately Charlie won the ball. He played it out to the right where both Karl and Jesse seemed to tackle each other but eventually the ball was switched left to Callum. As her was closed down he knocked the ball inside to Charlie who hit his shot over the keeper and into the top left corner for 1-0 after 27 seconds. In the second minute Albie went down the line got a great cross in for Callum to crash home but somehow he was adjudged to be off side. Wickham were battling for everything today and in the 6th minute a ball which should have been an easy corner for the Croft defender was turned into a corner by Duncan’s harrying. Duncan took the corner quickly to Albie who sent a cross to the back post. Both William and Charlie went up for the ball but it was Charlie who headed the ball home. Considering the conditions Wickham were passing the ball well but Croft were also defending well. In the 13th minute Wickham built an attack from the back at it was Jack out on the right wing. He hit a cross into the middle which Charlie either dummied or missed with the ball going onto hit Albie and then into the net. The croft keeper was having a great game in goal turning efforts wide of the posts and grabbing the ball when he could. In the 18th minute Callum was down the left. He got to the by line and then cut back to this time get a cross in off his right foot. The keeper then made three cracking saves before finally the ball came out to Jack, who smashed the ball across the goal and into the far corner for his first North Wilts goal of the season. Wickham had very little defending to do as the majority of the play had been in the Croft half. In the 27th minute Albie had a shot which the defender partially cleared onto his own post and then away for a corner. In the 29th minute a quick throw from Olly went to Ollie who played it inside to Duncan. He immediately sent Callum away and with no defenders near him he was able to cut inside and score with ease to make the half time score 5-0.

Croft came out with more fight in the second half and seemed a little bit quicker into the tackles. However the first 4 minutes were still played in their half until a clearance seemed to catch both Bert and William out leaving the forward to race clear. As James came out the shot went past his right hand and into the corner of the net. Wickham went straight back onto the attack with Karl and Albie breaking clear. The initial attack was stopped but the ball came out to Jack who drove the ball past the keeper onto so see a defender clear the ball off the line. Albie swung the corner into the box where a defender, under pressure from William turned the ball into the back of the net. The keeper was still pulling off saves as Wickham continued to press but Croft were getting into the Wickham half now but the back four were dealing with most things. In the 15th minute a Croft corner was turned into an attack as three quick passes saw Charlie race clear. His cross shot came back off the far post with the follow up blocked on the line, but the rebound came out to Ben, who had only been on the field for a minute, who drove the ball into the back of the net. Three minutes later which had a corner on the right which Albie took short to Jack. He duly gave him the ball back and Albie’s cross nestled nicely in the back of the net at the far post. In the 23rd minute a Croft defensive throw in was won by Ollie who gave the ball to Karl. Karl sent Charlie through who played a one two with Callum before going around the keeper to slot the ball away with his left foot. Croft to their credit kept going but near the end Jack won the ball at right back and sent it up the line to Albie. It was then Albie’s turn to play a one two, this time with Jesse before getting his cross in. Charlie had the initial shot which was blocked on the line but Ollie was there to complete the scoring for the day.

In such cold wet conditions both sides should be pleased with the way they kept going right to the end and it was a good passing and moving game from the Wickham lads. The Player of the Day voting was tight but went to Karl for his very good workman like effort in midfield throughout the game. So it’s onto Wroughton now, both next weekend in the League and in the next round of the cup.

James Davies
Jack Wild, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine
Charlie De Fraine, Callum Johnson
Subs:- Ben Cipolla, Ollie Norman.

Report: U12 NW vs. Radley 11-Nov-2007

Following the Bassett defeat in the League it was Berks & Bucks cup action away at Radley. All we knew about them was that they are an OML division 1 side that is currently struggling at the bottom of that division and our B side had beaten their B team 10-0 earlier in the season. The usual 11 players were supplemented by Ollie, Tom Fraser and Jordan.

Straight form the kick off Charlie won the ball and sent it out to Albie on the right. His cross was partially cleared but then it came out to Jesse who also went right. His cross went to the back post where Callum knocked it in. A minute later Albie was fouled out on the right. He swung the free kick to the far post where both Callum and Bert were free, with the latter firing the ball into the roof of the net. After 4 minutes Karl landed badly on his back and was replaced by Ollie and almost immediately Olly took a throw in to Ollie who played it down the line to Callum. He his a great diagonal ball into Albie’s path, who took it around the keeper to tap the ball into an empty net. In the 7th minute it was Charlie who found himself out on the right wing. He went past the full back before getting his cross in for Ollie to head home. Bert was now struggling at the back so Jordan came on. Wickham were in top form today with confidence flowing. In the 11th minute Jack won the ball in the centre circle and went on a run. No one got in an effective challenge and Jack soon found himself on the edge of the box. As the keeper came out he slipped the ball under him to score his first goal of the season. Duncan now took a knock so Tom come on. 11 minutes gone three subs used and already 5-0 up…what a strange game. Three minutes later some great interplay between Ollie, Tom and William saw the ball knocked up to Charlie who headed the ball into Albie’s path, who, after letter the ball bounce cracked in the volley. A minute later Albie hit a corner in from the left which William powerfully headed home. Two minutes later saw Callum and Tom work the ball down the left. Callum got a deep cross in which saw Jack up from the back hit a flying volley into the roof of the net. Somewhat surprisingly there were no more goals in the last 12 minutes of the half but Charlie did force a cracking save from the Radley keeper and could only hit the post from the narrowest of angles from the follow up.

It could have been difficult to motivate the guys for the second half but an early disallowed goal from Fraser for off side seemed to do the trick. Almost immediately Charlie won the ball from a clearance switched the ball left to Callum for him to score. In the 9th minute Olly took a throw deep in the Wickham half, which Albie immediately switched to Fraser on the right. He got to the by line and cut the ball back for Charlie to volley in. Karl then scored two goals in quick succession, the first from just inside the box but the second from quite some distance out after Albie had had his shot blocked. After some Radley pressure Bert intercepted the ball playing it to Olly. Olly played the ball across the back line to Jack who after making some ground sent Charlie free down the right. He got to the by line before laying it back to Jesse to score. A minute later Albie got a deep cross in from the right to Callum beyond the back post. He placed it into Jesse’s path who delicately chipped the keeper. Radley now had their best period of the game as a series of attacked resulted in James having to make some saves. In the 28th minute Wickham broke quickly via Albie. His deep cross was controlled by Jesse who somehow managed to chip the keeper from the tightest of angles to complete his hat trick and a 15-0 win.

Everyone played much better today, passing the ball around and making good runs. However one player stood out, not only for his defensive work but also his attacking play. The player of the Day Award thus went to Jack Bolton.

James Davies,
Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers Duncan Lorrain
Callum Johnson, Charlie de Fraine.
Subs, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farmer, Ollie Norman, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U12 OM vs. Kennington 11-Nov-2007

Following the great performance in the cup last week, it was back to League duties with a home game against Kennington. The lads were just asked to play the ball around and to compete for every ball. Despite Fraser being back the same starting eleven took to the field.

All this advice seemed to go out of the window as the passes were poor, there was no covering back and no one seemed to want the ball. Wickham did create some chances but the flag going up for non interfering players caused the game to be stopped on a number of occasions. In the 7th minute Jordie gathered the ball from a goal kick and played the it out to AO. He sent Ben through the middle but he let the ball run out to Max who calmly put the ball away. Despite this, the passing still did not get going. AO hit the bar in the 12th minute and 3 minutes later Ben hit a volley just wide. Fraser now replaced AO on the right and suddenly Wickham started to pass the ball around. In the 18th minute some interplay between Jordie and Ben eventually saw Max put through and he calmly scored his second with a good left footed strike. Kennington attacked from the centre but Jordan intercepted and passed to Jack, he knocked it to Luke who sent the ball between the centre backs for Ben to run onto and score. Two minutes later it was Jordie’s turn to send Ben through on goal. The keeper got a hand to his shot but could not stop it going in. In the 28th minute Jordie was brought down in just inside the Wickham half. Aiden hit the free kick over the top for Jordie to run onto but his shot went just wide. From the goal kick Tom battled well to win it and sent Max down the left. His dink into the box was knocked back to the keeper but Max chased it down getting there first to pass it to Fraser for a simple tap in. Almost straight from the centre Fraser got the ball down the right, got past his man before hitting a cross in for Ben to put away the simplest of headers to complete his hat trick.

Wickham started the second half well creating two chances in the first 30 second but both were saved. However, in the 2nd minute Max completed his hat trick as Luke’s cross was powered in at the back post. In the 3rd minute Max got a good cross in from the left which Stephen missed but Fraser was there to score. The next minute saw Jack feed Jordie and with runners going both ways for him the defence just opened up allowing him to get to the edge of the box and score. Wickham never stopped attacking but, for a change, people were keeping in their positions. In the 7th minute Ollie hit a good corner into the box which Stephen cracked against the post. The clearance then was hit against him and flew into the back of the net. Jordie was having a great game in midfield and he now set up Max and Jordan for a goal apiece. The 13th minute saw Max again get a cross in from the left for Fraser to complete his hat trick. Direct from the centre Ollie won the ball and just went straight through the middle of the defence to score. The next goal was only a minute later and was a sweetly struck free kick from Ollie which went flying into the top corner (see guys, practice does help!). The hectic scoring then stopped for 10 minutes as Kennington were able to get tackles in but the last 5 minutes saw four more goals scored, two from Ben and one each from Jordie and Max to give a final score of 19-0.

The player of the day award was close but for his influential role in midfield it went to Jordie.

Ben Grey,
Aiden Weeks, Jordan Shaw, Jack Wild, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, Luke Evans, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla.
Sub:- Fraser Roberts, Declan Hess, Stephen Enever.

Report: U12 NW vs. Wootton Bassett Town 4-Nov-2007

The away game this weekend saw the lads travel over to Wootton Bassett. They had strengthened again during the off season with two more rep players joining the squad and of course acquaintances with Josh Way would be renewed. The side were at full strength but much would depend on the player’s attitudes and how much they wanted to win.

Wickham started brightly enough and in the first minute created two half chances as shots came in from the edge of the area, first from Charlie and then from Jesse, but both were blocked by covering defenders. Then we saw the first sign of Bassett’s tactics for the day as a long diagonal ball was hit over the Wickham defenders for their no.8 to run onto but he put his shot wide of the near post. Wickham pressing forwards and Bassett countering was the early shape of the game but with 5 minute gone Wickham seemed to have cleared the ball but from 35 yards out Fraser Evans sent a speculative shot goal wards which just went in under the bar. This stunned Wickham and gave Bassett a big boost. The Bassett back four were a solid as a rock with Wickham attempting to hit the ball over the top. Bassett were far more adept at this often creating one on one’s with James but never being able to finish them off. With 18 minutes gone a Bassett throw in the corner was headed into the Wickham box by Bert. After some panic the ball was partially cleared only for it to be knocked into the middle again. Both William and Bert went for the header which neither dealt with effectively as it fell between two Bassett players who could choose who made it 2-0. In the 23rd minute Wickham passed the ball around as Callum feed Charlie down the left. He played the ball to Albie in the middle who went across the defenders before hitting his shot just over the bar.

The half time talk was all about keeping the ball on the floor and passing it around, effectively playing to our strengths and not to get hitting the ball long and forwards. The first 10 minutes were fairly even with neither side creating a clear cut chance. With 12 minutes gone Aiden came on to play at left back with Olly moving up to left midfield as Callum came off. Almost immediately Olly got a cross in but Albie’s shot was blocked. The ball came back to Olly who found Charlie at the back post but his shot went just wide. With 15 minutes gone following lots of Wickham pressure and innocuous ball forwards towards the centre of Wickham’s box was not called for by James and William attempted to clear. The ball came off the back of his head and into the path of Bassett’s right winger who hit a first time shot across James and inside the far post for 3-0. Things just got worse 3 minutes later as Wickham never full cleared their lines from a goal kick. A scramble took place in the area but the initial shot went wide. Aiden had a chance to put the ball out for a corner but tried to clear it. The ball went straight to Josh Way who coolly slotted the ball away. Wickham now actually started to play some good passing football. When Bassett did break James got his positioning correct and made the saves. With a minute to go Wickham forgot how to defend from their goal kicks. A poor goal kick went straight to Josh Way, who took his time before placing the ball past James completing a 5-0 victory for Bassett.

In summary, a very disappointing display, with a number of players not playing anywhere near their best. Maybe this was because of the way Bassett set themselves up to play the game but certainly the best side won easily on the day. Hopefully everyone will now realise that they need to perform in all games and that we need to improve for the next League match against Wroughton. The Player of the Day award went to one of the few people who did put in his normal effort for the whole game, Duncan Lorrain.

James Davies
Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.
Charlie de Fraine
Sub:- Aiden Weeks, Jordan Shaw, Max Nicholls

Report: U12 OM vs. Abingdon 4-Nov-2007

The OML side went up to Abingdon for the 2nd round of the League Cup have had a bye in the 1st. Abingdon are a mid table division 2 side so this would be a tough game especially as there were only 12 players available.

In the early stages Wickham were able to hold their own and in the 2nd minute AO worked an angle down the right but saw his shot fly across the goal and just wide. Three minutes later two corners followed in quick succession but Abingdon were able to scramble both away. The 7th minute saw Abingdon’s first genuine chance as they broke with pace. Jack Wild was able to get a partial block in but the forward went around Ben. The shot was cleared off the line by Jordie but only to another forward who shot into Ben’s arms. Abingdon’s no5 was looking dangerous down the right and in the 11th minute he got around Tom and then past Jack as he came across to cover. Fortunately he went directly for goal, instead of passing to the free player in the middle, and Ben made the save. A minute later Abingdon again broke down the right. A cross came in which Jack tried to clear first time, but he miss-kicked it to a forward for a tap in. Wickham kept battling and in the 15th minute Ben had a chance but hit the ball straight at the keeper from the edge of the box. A minute later Ollie’s cross was headed over by Ben and then Max hit a shot across the keeper but wide of the far post. Abingdon dominated the last section of the half but without really troubling Ben in goal.

With 10 minutes of the second half gone Wickham were looking tired but they were beginning to dominate without creating clear chances. The Tom feed Stephen down the left he got his cross in and Ben’s shot was deflected wide. The corner came in and was played back to Tom whose shot just cleared the bar. Abingdon’s attacks were now limited but when they did get through Ben either got his angles correct or times his intercepts perfectly. In the 17th minute and Abingdon corner was cleared and Wickham came out. As the ball was dinked back in the ball was put into the net but both the scorer and 2 other players were off side. With 9 minutes left the switch to 3-5-2 was made as both Tom and AO pushed forwards more, and it was all Wickham pressure. With 4 minutes left a corner came out to Jack but he shot straight at the keeper. With 2 minute left a defensive Abingdon throw was won by Ollie who hit a shot goal bound. It cleared the keeper but came back off the bar and Tom’s follow up shot was saved. In the last minute a corner flashed across the box and Max’s volley went just wide. Finally with 30 seconds left another corner was cleared out to Ben at the edge of the box (what was he doing there!) and he drilled it into the roof of the net.
Extra time was dominated by Abingdon but neither side created a decent chance so it was down to penalties. Abingdon missed their first two and with Jack scoring Wickham’s second they were 1 up. However, Abingdon scored all their remaining kicks with only Tom scoring for Wickham so Wickham went out 3-2. The player of the Day Award went to Ben Grey who had a great game in goal, remembering all the positional tips he was given during training and then carrying them out. He could not be blamed for either the goal during the match or not getting to any of the penalties which were well placed in the corners of the goal
Ben Grey,
Aiden Weeks, Jordan Shaw, Jack Wild, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, Luke Evans, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla
Sub:- Stephen Enever.

Report: U12 OM vs. Marlborough 28-Oct-2007

The OML side had a week off from League action, so a friendly was arranged against Marlborough from Div. 3 of the North Wilts League and initially the rain lashed it down. Jordan was missing so Luke dropped into the centre back role for this match that should be quite close given the two side’s results against Bassett Rangers & their performance against Pewsham in the cup.

Marlborough kicked off and went straight through the middle of the Wickham defence almost scoring straight away; fortunately Jack just got the interception in. In the 3rd minute Fraser went down the left cut inside but took ages to get his shot away which was deflected for a corner. In the 5th minute Ollie hit a corner deep into the box. The ball came out to Jordie whose drive was blocked but then Ben hit a rising drive in off the bar for 1-0. A minute later another corner saw Ben volley the ball just over the bar but within a minute the lead had been doubled. Ollie swung a free kick in from the right to the back post where Frazer knocked the ball back for Max to score. Wickham then fell asleep from the centre as Marlborough just went straight through the middle to score. Within 2 minutes the two goal margin was restored. Despite Marlborough pressure Jack coolly won the ball and then laid it out to Aiden. He seemed to shape the pass down the line; but bent it between the centre backs to Fraser to run onto. Having cut in from the wing his cross shot was nicely planted into the far corner off the post. Wickham were using the wings well with the 4th goal coming from a whipped in cross from Ollie which Ben side footed home. The game became a bit of a midfield battle for the next 5 minutes or so. In the 20th minute an attack down the left saw Fraser and Ollie working together with Ollie getting to the by-line before playing the ball into Max for him to score his second. Marlborough pressed forwards again having a good little spell but after 24 minutes Jordie sent Fraser away and clear down the left. He headed straight towards the goal and slotted the ball under the keeper for 6-1. There was one more goal before half time as AO went down the right but went down under a heavy challenge but Ollie retrieved the ball. He played a little reverse pass back to AO who duly scored.
Straight from the centre the ball was played out to Max, he then put a cross in which Harry flicked onto Fraser for him to complete his hat trick. After such a bright start to the half the game got a little scrappy. The visitors seemed to be going down injured almost constantly and because of this, the Wickham lads seemed to back off a little. Two corners around the 10 minute mark caused panic in the Marlborough area but neither could be converted. The 17th minute brought the next goal which was a well worked one built up from defence. The ball was played by Luke, Jack, Steven, Ollie, Ben and then eventually to AO to smash into the roof of the net. The next minute saw route 1 football as a long punt from Ben Grey was allowed to bounce over the defenders which left Ben C a clear run on goal and he duly completed his hat trick. The 22nd minute saw the most spectacular goal as Ollie’s corner was cleared out to Tom some 30 yards out from goal. He steadied himself and then let fly, seeing the ball dip just under the bar for 11-1. A minute later another flowing move from the back saw the ball end up with AO on the right. He switched the ball via Ben out to Max; his shot was parried by the keeper but AO was there to complete his hat trick. With Ollie having swapped with Luke and now playing centre back the final goal I guess was inevitable. Ollie picked the ball up in his own half and just drove forwards. With Max screaming for the ball on the left Ollie just kept going to score himself.

Report: U12 NW vs. Pewsham Youth 28-Oct-2007

Pewsham, who had apparently watched the lads play over the last two weekends, were the latest visitors to the Triangle Field. They had hoped that seeing how the boys played would help them get a result but the squad was now up to full strength with Callum and Bert back. Jon however kept the same side as last week, and they therefore started on the bench alongside Jack Wild.

In the first minute Albie got a cross in that Charlie went for, but their keeper was just tall enough to gather the ball in. In the 4th minute some interplay between Fraser and Duncan on the left hand side eventually saw Duncan get to the by-line. He pulled it back to Albie who took a touch before flicking it over the keeper for 1-0. The lads then played some lovely one- and two-touch football. Pewsham’s plan seemed to be press for everything but the neat little triangles that Wickham were playing meant Pewsham were playing “catch up” football. The 8th minute saw Albie’s corner headed by William, their keeper parried this clear. Duncan’s follow-up shot was blocked on the line and then Olly hit the rebound over. Wickham’s pressure eventually told in the 13th minute as a corner was cleared to Duncan on the edge of the box for him to drill in just inside the far post. Two minutes later, a long throw towards Charlie could only be headed up in the air. The headed clearance came out to Jesse who bent his shot towards the far post. The keeper did brilliantly to get down and stop it from nestling in the corner of the net but Olly was there to tap in the rebound. A minute later and it seemed that Duncan had caught the scoring bug but his shot from the edge of the area came cannoning back off the post. Bert and Callum came on for Aiden and Fraser but Wickham kept on going forwards. In the 21st minute an Albie corner just skimmed off Charlie’s head and wide of the back post. A minute latter Callum hit a drive just over the bar from an intercepted goal kick. With three minutes left Albie latched onto a through ball and knocked it past the keeper and into the net before colliding with him. However, the goal did not stand. In the last minute another cross was met by both Bert and the keeper. William put the ball in the back of the net but again a foul on the keeper was given.

Straight from the centre Albie whipped a cross into the area which just cleared Charlie. Fraser was at the back post but his shot came back off the post. The resulting goal kick was intercepted by Charlie but he dragged his left footed shot just wide. In the 8th minute Wickham scored again. A goal kick found Karl and he played it up to Charlie. He turned and slipped the ball through for Callum to run onto and score. With 12 minutes gone a heavy challenge from Bert conceded a free kick some 25 yards out. Despite the wall being lined up the kick went directly into the far corner. Straight after this Wickham seemed to have scored again. Callum got around the keeper pulled the ball back for Charlie to tap in but for some reason Charlie was given offside. With 14 minutes gone a corner to the near post was played back to Albie and his little chip into the box was tucked away by Fraser for 5-1. In the 16th minute a Pewsham goal kick was headed back by Duncan on the half way line towards Charlie. He held the ball up and laid it back to Karl, who hit a dipping shot over the keeper and into the net. Albie had taken a knock which saw Jack Wild came on for 5 minutes so Albie could receive some attention - this did not stop the flowing football. The 20th minute saw Karl hit a deep corner to Olly at the back. He knocked it into the box where Callum hit a volley straight at the keeper, who made the save. Almost immediately afterwards Charlie became the third person to hit the post from a fierce shot. The final goal, with 5 minutes remaining, was a lovely sweeping move with a bit of danger at the start. Karl stopped a Pewsham attack down the left by clearing the ball across the back to Jack Bolton on the right hand side. Jack played the ball up the line to Albie, who had just returned, who in turn played the ball inside to Charlie. He ran onto the ball before smashing it inside the keeper’s nearside post.

A good victory with a number of contenders for Player of the Day but following an excellent defensive display, controlled attacking down the left and for scoring, the Player of the Day Award went to Olly.

James Davies
Aiden Weeks, Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Olly Sopp
Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorrain, Fraser Roberts
Albie Oakman
Charlie de Fraine
Sub:- Bert Cherrill, Jack Wild, Callum Johnson

Report: U12 NW vs. South Cerney 21-Oct-2007

Not quite the longest away trip, to South Cerney, for the year but close. Callum and Bert were missing this week from the normal eleven thus Fraser and Aiden slotted into their places. Cerney were last years Division 2 runners up, and on a small pitch, with ¾ sized goals, this could prove to be a tough game.

Wickham were put under pressure right form the start as Cerney took advantage of the tight surroundings, which they were more used to, although without creating a clear cut chance. Everything was rush, rush, rush with no one taking the time to put their foot on the ball and have a look around. It was the 5th minute before Wickham created a chance as James’ clearance was knocked out to Albie by Duncan. He cut into the box but his shot came crashing off the bar and clear. A minute late the same move brought about a corner which Charlie headed just wide off the far post. In the 10th minute Jack Bolton took a major clattering from Cerney’s no.4 and had to be replaced by Jordan. In the 12th minute Olly took a throw in almost by the left corner flag; this was quickly sent up the right where Albie’s shot was deflected for a corner, which was swung in and came off the post. Finally in the 15th minute another Olly throw in was knocked back to him by Duncan and then played down the line to Fraser. He sprinted away from the defender and as the keeper came out he chipped it into the back of the net. Two great crossed followed shortly after from Fraser but both chances were put just wide. Cerney’s next real attack was in the 24th minute, which saw James come out of his area to clear the ball straight to Albie on the right. He cut into the box and drove the ball onto the bar. The ball looped over Charlie but he got it back and played a lovely reversed diagonal ball into Albie’s path for him to score.

Cerney came on strong in the second half and in the 2nd minute James had to turn around the post a fierce drive from their centre forward. Two minutes later some good work between Jesse and Duncan sent Fraser away but his shot hit the top of the bar and went over. Wickham were now starting to dominate but Cerney looked dangerous on the break.
Wickham needed the third goal to settle things down. In the 9th minute Albie’s cross was headed just wide of the back post by Charlie. The next 5 minutes saw at least as many shots go towards the goal, all drifting wide. Finally with 15 minutes gone a ball out to Albie saw a cross come into the far post where Fraser was free to score his second of the day. Aiden was now replaced by Jack Wild to get some fresh legs on at the back. A minute later a horrible two footed tackle on Jesse saw him carried off with Max replacing him. In the 22nd minute the ball came across to Charlie on the edge of the box and he hit a cracking volley straight onto the bar…great these ¾ goals! A Cerney throw in was then won by Max, the ball was switch to Albie and his shot again came crashing off the bar. Finally, the pressure finally told in the 26th minute as first Albie had a shot saved, and then Jesse follow up was also saved but Max was there to tap the ball in. Finally with a minute left Charlie had got to the by line but instead of crossing it into the middle he laid it back to Max who hit a lovely dipping, bending shot into the far top corner

The Player of the Day award was a difficult one but for a great performance, stepping up into the North Wilts side and never looking out of place it went to Fraser.

James Davis
Aiden Weeks, William Herrington, Jack Bolton, Olly Sopp,
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Fraser Roberts.
Charlie de Fraine.
Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Jack Wild, Max Nicholls.

Report: U12 OM vs. Didcot Casuals 21-Oct-2007

An afternoon game for the lads this weekend but Jordie & Fraser were missing, with Harry also possibly not coming along for this game against Didcot Casuals. James was again drafted in but this week as an outfield player. This should be a close game with both sides having had similar results this season so far.

Didcot kicked off and looked to be the stronger, more organised side. This was maybe not surprising as Jordie was missing and Aiden had therefore been moved up into his midfield role. Declan was caught out a number of times but Aiden was working hard to help cover whilst also going on his up field runs. Jack and Jordan seemed to be coping well in the middle of the defence which was helped enormously by Didcot’s no.10 constantly getting too far forward and getting caught off side. AO and Max were having some joy in getting behind the full backs but the crosses were then either too close to the keeper or just behind Ben. In the 16th minute an innocuous Didcot attack down their right seemed to have been dealt with by Tom. However, instead of putting the ball out he tried a little back heal to create room and gave the ball away by the by line. The forward created himself an angle to shot but Ben made a great block only to see no support from his defenders as an unmarked forward knocked the ball into the net. Aiden and Declan now switched roles but after 20 minutes Tom got a knock in the back and found that he could not raise his arm over his shoulder but he wanted to carry on. In the 25th minute a pumped clearance by Jordan sent Ben away but the defender just closed him down. The resulting corner caused major problems in the area but no one could hit the ball home.

The lads were told to use the wings more and that this was a game they could win, if they really wanted it, but more effort in midfield was needed. In the second minute a free kick just inside the Wickham half was sent forwards by Jordan towards Ben. The ball bounced over him and the defender for Max to run onto. As the keeper came out he played a lovely chip over him and into the back of the net. Wickham were now pressing forwards often leaving just three at the back. A series of corners followed but none could be converted. As Didcot mounted their first real attack after the scores had been levelled a great through ball from Luke sent Ollie away through the middle. As the keeper came out he slipped it past his right hand and into the corner of the net for 2-1. Ben was now replaced by James up front. Some great work between Tom and James in the 12th minute on the left saw AO eventually get the ball in the middle but his shot was well saved. The 20th minute saw Wickham increase their lead as Ollie got a cross in from the left for James to smash the ball goal bound. His shot was saved but Luke was there to put the rebound away. Didcot attacked from the centre and almost walked through the middle of the defence but in their very next attack Jordan had 3 forwards bearing down on him. He forced the ball wide and the shot which came in was well saved by Ben but the ball fell to one of the other forwards for a simple tap in. With two minutes left James was sent away for a 1 on 1 with the goal keeper but unfortunately his touch was just too heavy and the keeper was able to just make the save at his feet. Despite a few panics Wickham held on to a deserved 3-2 victory.

The Player of the Day award was very close but again for his constant effort all day and some driving forward runs it went to Aiden.

Ben Grey
Declan Hess, Jack Wild, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, Aiden Weeks, Ollie Norman, Luke Evans, Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla.
Subs:- James Davies, Stephen Enever, Harry Russell

Report: U12 NW vs. Stratton Juniors (cup) 14-Oct-2007

It was North Wilts cup duty this week and a change in the starting eleven, as Aiden Weeks came in for the missing Jack Bolton. Having already had a tough game against Stratton Juniors in the League at their place, this was going to be another battle with everyone needing to perform well.

Wickham started confidently with Stratton initially having very few attacking opportunities. The game was being played mainly outside of Wickham’s defensive third but when Stratton did attack the back four looked very solid. There did not seem to be the normal bite which has been present in previous encounters, as both sides seemed to be paying each other a lot of respect. After 10 minutes Wickham had two corners in succession but both times Albie slipped over whilst taking them, so the crosses went a little wayward. Wickham were using both the wings well but were not really creating any clear cut chances. The ball through the middle for Charlie and Albie to run onto were normally cut out by Stratton’s no24 who was having a great game at the back. Finally, with 18 minutes gone, Albie got managed to get through the defence. However, he had been forced out wide and the keeper managed to come out and save the ball with his feet. As the half went on Wickham started to give away a few free kicks in and around the centre circle. With half time fast approaching one such kick created Stratton best chance of the half. A shot came in from some distance, with a Stratton forward in an off side position, which was not given. James could only parry the shot straight back to this forward but he was quick enough to make the double save thus keeping the scores level at half time.

The chat was all about keeping the shape of the side and working for each other…basically keeping up the good work from the first half. Stratton’s big centre forward had been Replaced, which gave William and Bert a different problem to deal with. Callum and Albie worked like mad down the flanks usually only getting corners as their rewards. After 5 minutes they switched wings which did seem to confuse the defenders for a little while. After 10 minute Fraser replaced Callum on the right and almost immediately Jesse seemed to have set him free with a cross field ball, but the defender just got to him before he could get his shot away. Wickham were always looking dangerous from corners and eventually the goal came. Albie hit a corner deep to the back post where Charlie headed the ball back for Bert to smash into the net. The big Stratton forward now came back on but was played as an advanced midfield player, which meant Karl had to mark him. This change, which coincided with Aiden picking up a knock, saw Stratton have their best period of the game. In the next five minutes they had two long range efforts which fortunately both drifted wide of the goal. Aiden came off for Max with Fraser dropping back into the right back position. Stratton did not create another chance after this but with the game being more open Albie had a couple of half breakaways just staying in front of the recovering defender but both also just went wide. Wickham deserved to win this match but you must feel sorry for Stratton. Since winning the U10’s cup their first round opponents in the next two competitions have been a top side, last year losing to Wroughton who went onto the final. Let’s hope the same happens this season.

The Player of the Day award was very close between the two centre backs as they had both done the jobs asked of them well but by one vote it went to William.

James Davis
Aiden Weeks, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp,
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.
Charlie de Fraine.
Subs:- Fraser Roberts, Max Nicholls.

Report: U12 OM vs. Didcot Boys Emeralds 14-Oct-2007

With the last two games ending in defeats it was important to get back to winning ways. The whole squad were available but Didcot only turned up with 10 players. The last time these two teams played each other was at U10’s level where Didcot won 15-0.

Wickham started well enough but in the first two minutes both Ben and Fraser were guilty of hitting their shots too close to the keeper who duly made the saves. With 4 minutes on the clock Aiden picked up the ball in his own half and went on one of his runs. No one got a good tackle in and he scored from the edge of the box. In the 9th minute Wickham attacked down the left. Max hit the ball across to Alex who guided it back into Ben’s path for him to score. Didcot attacked from the centre but Jordan intercepted the ball and feed it though the middle of the Didcot defence for Ben to run onto. He drew the keeper and calmly slotted the ball away. The next minute saw Ben score again as Fraser cross found him unmarked at the back post for a simple tap in. A hat trick in 3 minutes – nice one Ben! Fraser then immediately won the ball from the centre attacking down the left before his cross was again put away by Ben. With Wickham 5-0 up after only 13 minutes Ben was replaced by Harry. A minute later Aiden was off on another run but this time he was clattered in the box so Jordan put the penalty low into the right hand corner. After 19 minutes Ollie never gave up chasing a ball and got a deep cross to the back post which Fraser slammed into the net. Aiden was now replaced by Declan and Max came on for Fraser. Harry was now starting to grow in confidence as he was having is first real run out of the season and it was his pass in the 27th minute which sent max away on the left hand side. After reaching the by-line he cut back onto his right foot and hit the cross to the back post just beyond Harry but perfect for Alex to volley home. A minute later and it was Jack’s turn to go on a run. The centre back turned right winger got a perfect cross in for Harry to open his account for the day. In the final minute a lovely pass from Jordie sent Max racing through on goal. The keeper came out to narrow the angle and made a great save but Harry was following up to put the ball into an empty net.

The half time talk concentrated on the lads continuing to play the same way but not to concede a goal due to everyone attacking. Again in the first two minutes two chances were missing by Alex and Max as the keeper made good saves. There was not the same intensity in the Wickham attacks which I guess was not too surprising. In the 8th minute Max intercepted a goal kick and duly smashed it into the back of the net Two minutes later Harry completed his hat trick (13 minute is a little slower than Ben’s Harry) as he latched onto a max through ball, out passed the defender and slotted the ball past the keeper into the corner of the net. Ben C then replace Harry who came off with the biggest grin you could possibly imagine. One of the reasons Ben Grey never touched the ball in the second half was due to some great defensive work from Jordan and Jack in the centre back roles. They wee both full of confidence today. A looping shot by Ollie from some distance out saw Wickham score in the 20th minute with the final goal scored by Ben following a perfect through ball from Jordie. Wickham had returned to winning ways with a thumping 14-0 victory with the only really problem being the insistence to shot from long distance in the second half

The Player of the Day award was actually quite surprising given the amount of goal that were scored, but it went to Jack for his solid defensive efforts with Jordan pushing him very close for the trophy.

Ben Grey
Aiden Weeks, Jack Wild, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Luke Evans Fraser Roberts
Ben Cipolla.
Subs:- James Davies, Declan Hess, Stephen Enever Max Nicholls, Harry Russell

Report: U12 NW vs. Shaw 7-Oct-2007

Back to League duties as the U11 North Wilts champions, Shaw, came to the triangle field. Like Wickham, they have also set up a second team this year but with only 14 players signed on they arrived with the bare 11 and without their normal goal keeper.

Just like last week a free kick was conceded wide on the Wickham right but this time it was successfully deal with. The ball was played up to Callum on the left and after getting past his man hit a left footed shot just wide. Two minutes later he was past his man again. This time he played the ball back to Karl who hit a cross to the far post. Albie was there to head back across the goal but the keeper just managed to make the save. Shaw’s plan seemed to be to hit balls over the top and then to chase. In the 7th minute such a cross field ball saw the left winger get free. The whole of the defence game across so as the ball was switched the right winger was totally unmarked. He hit is shot across James and into the far corner. In the 11th minute again the ball went out to Callum, he cut into the box and hit a shot which seemed destined for the top corner but somehow the keeper saved it. This was to be the story of the half as Wickham had the best of some scrappy play but when the shots went in the keeper just managed to make the save. In the 24th minute with both sides giving the ball away in midfield Duncan finally took control of the ball and hit it wide to Callum. With a player on his right he hit the ball low and hard into the middle and it somehow squeezed under the keeper for 1-1. Wickham almost scored again from the centre but the angle got too tight for Albie and his shot went into the side netting.

The guys were asked to calm down and take control of the ball in the second half; to pass the ball around and to do their own individual jobs. With a minute gone Albie was fouled near the touch line. He hit the ball into the box where Jesse rose to flick the ball in. This did calm the nerves a little bit and Wickham started to produce some better football but there was still the ball over the top to contend with. Despite Shaw changing the keeper after the goal the story was the same as finger tip saves were being made. After 13 minutes a ball was beautifully slotted through for Charlie to run onto. As the two central defenders closed in on him he drilled the shot into the back of the net for 3-1. From this point it should have been plain sailing but there was that Shaw ball over the top again. Bert missed the header and William was not close enough to cover so Shaw’s no.9 chipped the ball over the top of James and the bounce just stayed under the bar to pull the score back to 3-2. Shaw changed the keeper again but this time he did not look so confident as he would always use his feet. A minute later Albie was off down the right he cut inside and hit a great dipping shot over the keeper but it hit the bar and came out over Charlie and Callum. In the 19th minute Jesse tried his luck from outside the area and again it seemed to be in but the keeper just managed to make the parry and then grab the ball just before Callum arrived. 22nd minute saw Albie hit a free kick from distance which seemed to be going in at the near post but somehow a defender got up to clear the ball off the line. Shaw were now virtually encamped in the last 3rd of the pitch under the constant Wickham attacks. With 2 minutes remaining, following some probing passing from the Wickham midfield, the ball came out to Albie on the apex of the box. He hit a dipping shot over the keeper and into the far corner to finally make the game safe at 4-2 much to the relief of everyone.

The Player of the Day went to Duncan for his tireless efforts in midfield constantly working to get the ball down and trying to create space for both himself and his team mates.
James Davis
Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp,
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.
Charlie de Fraine.
Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Max Nicholls.

Report: U12 OM vs. Benson 7-Oct-2007

It was up to Benson for the OML side this week but with only 12 players available things were going to be tight.

The game started with Benson spending most of the first 5 minutes in the Wickham half. However, a break down the right saw the ball come back to Aiden. He got a cross into the back post where Max hit a volley just wide of the post. Benson continued their attacks and in the 8th minute, after some head tennis in the centre circle, Benson’s quick no.4 broke through and as James came out he chipped it over the top of him for 1-0. Wickham attacked when they could and in the 12th minute Aiden’s throw was hit to Max at the back post. He laid the ball off to Ben who unfortunately shot over. Wickham had their first corner in the 16th minute which saw Ben’s shot cleared off the line for another corner. This second one saw Max volley the ball against the bar with the ball ending up in the keeper’s hands. A quick clearance saw no Wickham player go for the header thus the forward broke through again and again chipped James for 2-0. Two minutes later exactly the same happened except this time the lob hit the crossbar and just crossed the line. After 20 minutes Benson went down the left cut inside but fortunately Jack got across to put the ball out for the corner. However, this was taken short, Wickham failed to move out and when the ball was chipped into the near post James had two forwards on top of him, onside, and they were able to force the ball home. Wickham did get a couple of attacks in before half time and just before the whistle, Ollie gathered in a throw went past two people in the box and forced the ball home.
The half time talk could have been very ugly but Ian initially concentrated on the errors which lead to the goals and then how things could be improved in the second half……... and what a change. The first 10 minutes of the half saw Wickham encamped in the Benson half, but without really creating a clear cut chance. Finally in the 15th minute Wickham got the goal their play deserved. A Benson throw in was won by Ollie who clipped a diagonal ball into Max’s path. He outstripped the defender and hit a drive inside the left hand post for 4-2. With 10 minutes left Steve replaced Jordie but Wickham were still attacking. With 8 minutes to go some nice interplay in the midfield eventually saw the ball come out to Alex on the right. Having gone past the full back he raced towards the goal before firing a shot inside the near post for 4-3. The lads (and parents) now believed they could get something out of the game, but a minute later as Benson put together their second real attack of the half, the whole defence moved across to the right hand side leaving a player unmarked at the back post for a simple tap in. Wickham still pressed and were always dangerous at corners but they could never quite find the finishing touches as both Ollie and Luke had chances which went just wide of the mark. Even at 5-3 down you felt that Wickham could still get back into the game but with three minutes to go this belief was probably killed off. A ball over the top seemed to have been brought under control by Jack and he then received a push in the back and from fully 35 yards out the forward managed to wrap his foot around the ball and lob it up in the air over James and just under the bar. Still Wickham dominated as with 2 minutes left another corner from Ollie came out to Max but his drive just cleared the bar. When Benson did finally clear their lines Luke sent the ball out wide to Alex who, again got past the full back. He cut in towards the goal and as the keeper cam out, slipped it under him to 6-4. There was just time for Benson to kick off before the final whistle went; on what was a great battling second half performance from the lads, where they put right most of what went wrong in the first.

The Player of the Day was very close between the two wingers but by one vote it went to Alex for two cracking goals from the edge of the area and the work he did on the right wing.

James Davies
Aiden Weeks, Jack Wild, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Luke Evans Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla.
Subs:- Stephen Enever.

Report: U12 OM vs. Northway 30-Sep-2007

The OML side travelled up to Marsdon, Oxford to play the expected divisional champions, Northway. Jordan managed to get lost on the way, just like the ref, but just made the pitch before kick off.

The game started with Northway pushing forwards and they seemed to be in the Wickham half for two minutes but a big clearance sent Ben racing away. The keeper came out but his kick only found Luke whose shot just cleared the bar. Northway were the dominant force in the first 20 minutes but Wickham were more than holding there own but they were struggling on the ball through the middle. However, there always seemed to be someone there able to tidy up. In the 20th minute Wickham won their first corner. Ollie hit it into the box and as the defender tried to clear the ball he ended up punching it so a penalty was awarded. Fraser stepped up and hit a powerful shot to the keepers left and into the net. The balance of the half was quite even with both sides having one more corner. Wickham defended the Northway one quite well but Wickham were unlucky not to score from theirs as the ball came flying off the bar, but a 1-0 lead was a great first half performance. The midfield were asked to work together getting the ball down and not to resort to Northway’s tactic of hitting the ball over the top.

Jordie was pulled off with Max moving into the middle and Alex going onto the right. The first real chance fell to Wickham after 5 minute. Fraser picked up the ball in his own half and went off down the left wing going past 3 defenders. He got his cross into the box but unfortunately it was just behind Ben, Ollie and Alex so the chance was lost. Northway were constantly getting themselves caught off side as they continued to play the ball over the top. In the 8th minute from another Ollie corner the Northway defender again handled the ball whilst attempting to clear it
giving Wickham their second penalty. This time Fraser tucked the ball away nicely just inside the keeper’s right hand post but then the ref ordered the kick to be taken again because of Wickham players being in the area. He seemed to be the only one who saw this! This second time Fraser hit the top of the cross bar with three Northway defenders in the box but surprise, surprise the kick was not ordered to be taken again. This deflated the Wickham lads and in contrast boosted the Northway boys. Northway were still getting caught offside but in the 15th minute the ref over ruled the linesman as the Northway forward came back from an off side position to gather in the ball and then turned to run at goal. The Wickham defenders stopped, as did the Northway forward but as he realised no whistle had gone he rounded James to put the ball into the back of the net. With 18 minute gone Wickham made another change to chase the game. Fraser moved up front instead of Ben, Declan came on at right back with Aiden switching to left and Tom moving into the midfield. This almost paid immediate dividends as Wickham played a ball over the top; Max got to the ball first heading it over the keeper, before being flattened, and into the back of the net, but he was given off side. Max needed to come off so Jordie replaced him. With 23 minute gone Northway hit the standard ball over the top to an off side player which was duly flagged for but again the ref ignored the flag allowing Northway to take the lead. Straight from the centre Wickham attacked down the right. Alex got a great cross in but unfortunately the ball hit Luke and went flying over the bar. In the 27th minute the Northway forward again went through from an off side position but this time James made a great save with Declan clearing the ball off the line for a corner. We were now wondering why the ref was even bothering with a linesman! The corner however was a beautiful one to the back post which was powerfully headed in. From the centre Northway won the ball back went down the right and got the cross in which somehow ended up in the back of the net. The game went on for another 10 minutes after this which was absolutely incredible. The lads never let their heads drop which given the circumstances was brilliant.

The Player of the Day was quite an easy one for the parents this week and went to Fraser, who was a constant threat down the left wing all game and he did put away two nice penalties...….but that’s another story.

James Davis
Aiden Weeks, Jordan Shaw, Jack Wild, Tom Farmer,
Max Nicholls, Ollie Norman, Jordie Rowlands Luke Evans, Fraser Roberts.
Ben Cipolla
Subs:- Declan Hess, Stephen Enever, Harry Russell, Alex Olford.

Report: U12 NW vs. Newbury 30-Sep-2007

A break from League duties this weekend as Newbury were the visitors in the preliminary round of the Berks and Bucks cup. A level 5 ref. had been appointed so the boys were told to be on their best behaviour otherwise bookings would follow.

In the first minute, following a Wickham attack, the Newbury left winger got past Jack and cut inside. Bert came across and produced a crunching tackle, taking man and not ball to give away a free kick. Was this to be the first yellow card……...…..fortunately not. Despite Wickham lining up the wall the kick was well placed over the top and the ball flew into the top left hand corner despite James getting both hands to the ball, 1-0 down after 2 minutes. This set back seemed to panic the boys. Gone was the flowing football. Everything was rushed, control was nowhere to be seen and when headers were actually attempted two people would go for the same ball. Having said that all the majority of the next 15 minutes were spent in the Newbury half. Three corners came in with two headed over by William and one volleyed over by Callum. Shots were coming in from outside the box which the keeper always deal with, and when the keeper was beaten there were recovering defenders to put off the Wickham players. With 10 minutes gone Newbury had a breakaway which saw James come out and slice his kick but Bert had got back to cover and put the ball out for a throw in. Finally the pressure told as Callum took a throw in and after receiving the ball back whipped a cross to the back post where Albie headed the ball in. In the 22 minute following a defended Newbury free kick, Charlie was sent though. He rounded the keeper and went into the box but cut back onto his right foot by which time the defence had made it back to block his way and the shot went wide. Right on time Wickham had two corners the first cleared off the line and the second eventually cleared.

Wickham were more controlled in the second half passing the ball around much better. With four minutes gone Charlie raced through the middle and got his shot away but the keeper made a great save pushing the ball wide out to the right. Albie got there first getting past the defender before chipping the ball to the back post for Charlie to head in. Two minute later Wickham attacked down the left. This time Olly hit the cross to the back post where Albie’s cushioned header went just over. The next attack saw Albie given off side but the free kick was intercepted by Duncan. He knocked the ball up to Charlie who sent it out right to Albie. Albie cut into the area and got his shot away only for the keeper to make the save but Charlie was on hand to clip the ball over the keeper for 3-1. The next attack saw Albie switch the ball to the left hand side. Callum crossed it into the box and Charlie completed his hat trick with another header. A long ball hit out of defence cleared the Newbury defenders and Charlie ran onto the ball heading it over the advancing keeper and into the empty net but Albie was given off side, so the goal did not stand. With 20 minutes gone
Albie tried to bend the ball into the far post but this turned out to be a great cross for Charlie but the angle was just too tight as Charlie’s shot came back off the post. Shortly after this Albie broke through the centre and after drawing the keeper slotted it inside the far post for 5-1. Wickham continued to press forwards creating chances but the final goal did not arrive until the 26th minute when Jesse gathered in a goal kick and from the edge of the area chipped it over the keeper for a 6-1 win.

The Player of the Day votes were quite close but by one vote Jesse kept the trophy for another week.

James Davis
Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp,
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.
Charlie de Fraine.
Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks, Ben Cipolla, Olly Norman, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U12 OM vs. Wantage 23-Sep-2007

The OML sides’ resources were stretched to the limit for the visit of Wantage with 4 players not being available. James Davies was therefore the only sub…as an outfield player!

Wickham were dragged all over the place during the first 10 minutes, as, despite the pre-match team talk and the work in training the week before players were all wandering around out of position. The first chance came in the 10th minute as Jordie cleared a ball to Ben who then sent Ollie on his way but unfortunately his shot just went wide of the left hand post. Play was still very even as Wickham tended to press forward but Wantage broke out with their superior pace. After 19 minute a headed clearance by Jack sent Alex away down the right. As he cut inside and shot the keeper made a great save conceding a corner. The 26th minute finally saw Wantage break clear as the forward raced past all the Wickham defenders but as Ben game out the shot was dragged just wide. In the 28th minute Wantage won a corner but this was gathered in by Ben. His kick down field bounced in the centre circle and over the Wantage defenders for Ben C to run onto before he calmly put the ball inside the near post for a half time lead of 1-0.

The lads were asked for more effort in midfield and to remember how to play together as a unit. The back four were also asked to keep in line, again working with each other. In the 3rd minute Aiden manager to win a throw in which he took quickly to Ollie down the line. He whipped his cross in for Ben to smash home for 2-0. Wickham were now pressing for the goal to kill the game off and were virtually encamped in the Wantage half. With ten minutes gone a corned seemed to have been well cleared but Jack gathered in the ball in the centre circle and went off on a run towards the goal. A gap just seemed to open up for him so by the time he reached the penalty spot he cracked a left footed shot into the net for 3-0. This seemed to have knocked the stuffing out of Wantage. In the 14th minute Max intercepted a goal kick putting Ben clean through to complete his hat trick. Wantage were having difficulty in clearing their lines and in the 18th
minute a goal kick was headed back by Jordie again into Ben’s path for him to go round the keeper and score. Weather Wickham then took their foot off the gas or Wanatge became stronger was unclear but the game then became more even. Wantage were again looking to break clear and with 31 minutes on the clock their forward final raced clear of the Wickham defenders and, despite Ben getting a foot to the ball, it just went into the far corner. From the centre Wickham past the ball around but went backwards, before eventually losing the ball. The forward got his shot away but Ben G made a great save following which, the whistle went for time.

The parents’ votes were very close but in the end with one vote in it the Player of the Day Award went to Ben C.

Ben Grey
Stephen Enever, Jack Wild, Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks
Alex Olford, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Tom Farmer, Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla.
Subs:- James Davies

Report: U12 NW vs. Stratton Juniors B 23-Sep-2007

Having played the A team last week, Stratton Juniors B were the visitors to the Triangle field this week. Luke, Jordan and Ben C were the subs this week which also marked the first use of the new red kit.

Stratton kicked off but Wickham probably then scored their quickest ever goal. Duncan won the ball and after creating some space sent a ball between the two centre backs for Charlie and Albie to chase down. Charlie got there first, went round the keeper on the edge of the box and tapped the ball into an empty net....1-0 after 17 seconds. Two minutes later Stratton attacked down their left, got past Jack but fortunately the cross shot cleared James’ bar. This shook Wickham up but they took control of the game as chances came and went. In the 10th minute a clearance from James found Albie on the right. He hit a cross deep to the back post where Callum hit a sweet left foot shot against the bar which rebounded back into the midfield area. The ball was again worked back out to Callum who advanced into the area before chipping the keeper for 2-0. Four minutes later a poor Wickham goal kick fortunately found Jesse, who laid the ball off to Duncan, who then sent Albie away down the right. He cut into the box forcing the keeper to make a great save. The rebound came to Charlie, who was facing away from the goal so he off loaded it to Callum who blasted it in. From the centre Wickham pressure force Stratton to give away throw in level with the 18 yard line. Olly took this and on receiving the ball back from Karl hit a speculative cross into the box which found it’s way into the net (we believe you that it was a shot Olly). In the 17th minute a Stratton attack was broken up by a combination of Bert and William with the ball quickly being fired out to Albie. He got to the edge of the box and seemed to hit a cross to Callum at the far post but in drifted into the net for 5-0. With 25 minute gone more good play in the midfield saw Duncan, the furthest up of the central middle three, received the ball from Jesse. With a jinking little run he went past 3 defenders before scoring and continuing his remarkable run of always scoring against Stratton Juniors.

The central midfield three were duly substituted for the second half with Jordan going into the centre back role, Ben up front with Bert and Charlie slotting into midfield with Luke. This did disrupt the normal balance but the back four were happy to play the ball amongst themselves when ever necessary. This however was probably the reason why Stratton opened the scoring in the second half. Some casual play between Jack and William saw the ball knocked back to James. He initially went to pick the ball up but then realised he had to clear it. His clearance went straight to a Stratton forward who stroked the ball into the back of the net. After seven minutes, Jack won the ball and knocked it inside to Bert. He looked up and threaded the ball through for Albie to run onto and he duly tucked the ball under the advancing keeper. After 15 minutes the second half subs were all replace and Wickham went back to their normal formation but with Albie pushing up more with Charlie. A minute later Albie was pulled down 25 yards out but he stepped up to smash the ball into the back of the net. Wickham won the ball straight from the centre and it was spread out right to Jesse. He cut inside and hit a rasping shot which the keeper could only parry into the net. There was no let up from Wickham and in the 23rd minute Albie swung a corner to the far post where Jesse drilled his header into the roof of the net. Probably the best worked goal of the game came right on time William, having robbed the Stratton forward played the ball out to Jack on the right. He played the ball inside to Jesse who then played it up to Charlie. A little flick over the defender saw Albie in the clear and he hit a lovely dipping half volley, from some distance, into the far corner. There was only just time for Stratton to kick off before the full time whistle went.

The Player of the Day award was a close run thing but for finally opening his NWL goal scoring account and for a good display in midfield it went to Jesse.

James Davis
Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp,
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.
Charlie de Fraine.
Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Luke Evans, Ben Cipolla

Report: U12 OM vs. Appleton 16-Sep-2007

Perfect weather conditions greeted the U12 OML team for an early kickoff (10.00) at Appleton, which meant an 8.45 leave…aaahhhh.

Wickham started off with some nice passing in the midfield. However, Appleton then pushed forward, and with the offside trap failing to work, Wickham were lucky that the Appleton shot went wide. Another attack and shot by Appleton saw the ball well cleared off the line by Jack. Play then moved back into Appleton's' half. Ollie played the ball into the box and when it eventually came back out to Ollie, he hit a big looping shot, which lobbed over the keeper's head; 1-0 to Wickham after 5 minutes. Play then moved back into Wickham's half with Appleton earning a corner. The corner practice on Thursday now came to the fore as the ball was eventually called, all be it off the line by some determined defenders. With 10 minutes gone it was Wickham’s turn to attack and to win a corner. Ben C. managed to get on the end of Ollie’s great corner to tuck it into the back of the net for 2-0. Appleton were very quick on the break and were using the ball over the top to good effect. On 15 minutes this finally brought a goal as the ball was knocked past Ben G. right hand and into the net. Play again shifted to the Appleton end, with another corner for Wickham. Ollie whipped in a great corner, but this time it was headed away. As the ball came out of the box, Appleton again worked their way through the Wickham defense and Ben was left exposed. Thus with 19 minute gone the game was all square. The Wickham midfield had now disappeared quit often in front of the forward line. Ben had to be on top form as he pulled off a couple of saves in quick succession. When Wickham did attack the shots were going directly at the keeper, which was now becoming a recurring theme. With 23 minutes gone Appleton again break down their right, and beat Ben in a one on one. A minute later and another chase which Ben saves. Steven then replaces “AO” and as the game moves into the last minute Ban makes a save and Ollie goes down injured. Ben C then has a chance but the keeper blocks the first effort and the second is blasted wide. Appleton then score again deep into injury time but Jordie has a chance to reduce the deficit with a shot from distance, but the keeper makes the save.

The Wickham midfield had played with a lot of determination and endeavor, but they always seemed to be short in numbers as players failed to get back to defend. However, in the second half, the midfield players covered the centre of the ground more effectively. The second half started with Appleton again attacking, but good close defending by Aiden put the attacker off as he struck the ball, which dribbled left of the goal. Under pressure, the Appleton defence conceded another corner. A well worked short corner saw the ball returned to Ollie, but unfortunately his shot hit the side netting. Wickham were playing with a bit more structure in the second half, but Appleton were a constant threat on the break. Wickham had some long range shots but all went wide of the mark. More Wickham Pressure saw 3 consecutive corners, but eventually the danger was cleared. What followed was to set the tone for the Wickham attacks for the rest of the game. In the 15th minute, Aiden went for a cutting run from deep in defense, weaving through a number of players before earning a corner. This time the corner was the converted by Fraser. Another run by Aiden ended up with a pass to Jordie, but unfortunately he couldn't get any pace on his shot, which went straight to the keeper. Unfortunately straight after this effort Appleton replied as the no.10 outran the Wickham defence latching onto a high through ball to make it 3-5. Appleton then had a few more shots go wide, before Aiden again broke down the right. Appleton had recognised the danger and a heavy tackle brought Aiden down. After recovering, Aiden took the subsequent free kick, which was directed at Alex, whose shot went just wide of the goal. With time running out Ollie had a shot but it was cleared for a corner. Both sides then had a number of shots, with Ben making an excellent save against a high looping shot. Aiden made another break, which ended in a free kick to Wickham which Ollie again took but it was cleared. Ben made another courageous save before Fraser shot wide on the break. In the last move of the game, Aiden again made a cutting run, this time going the whole way before hitting an excellent shot over the keeper.

Aiden received the man of the match award for an excellent game in defense. Ben earned a special mention for his ongoing positive attitude, even as a few goals went in. Wickham were left with a few areas to look at prior to the next game - more incisive shooting, better positioning for corners, the back line working on breaks by quick attackers. However, in an even game, Wickham executed some great passing at times and there were some great individual performances.

Ben Grey
Declan Hess, Jack Wild, Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks
Alex Olford, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Tom Farmer
Ben Cipolla, Fraser Roberts

Subs:- Stephen Enever, Harry Russell

Report: U12 OM vs. Radley Youth B 9-Sep-2007

The first League match for the new OML side was at home to Radley B. The teams had the same strips as the earlier NWL match but this time it was Wickham in the red…. how strange. All signed on players were present so it was just a case of selecting the starting 11.

In the second minute the ball came out of the Radley area to Max who hit a shot which seemed destined for the top right hand corner but it just drifted wide. The 4th minute saw Fraser cut in from the right wing but the keeper made a great save pushing the ball over the bar. Finally, in the 7th minute Wickham got the goal their play had deserved as a long corner from the right was slammed in at the back post by Max. Radley were struggling to get out of their half and in the 13th minute an attack down the right seemed to have been dealt with by the defence but Olly won the ball back and stabbed the ball goal wards which somehow went in under the keeper. Two minutes later an attack down the left saw a cross go over the top of everyone. The Radley defenders stopped thinking the ball had gone out but Olly had chased it down before turning it back into the box for an easy tap in for Ben. There was no let up for Radley as Fraser charged into the box before colliding with the keeper. There was a long delay which saw Fraser coming off and being replaced by Alex. With 20 minute gone Olly laid the ball out to Alex who got a good cross into the box which saw a diving header from Luke go into the back of the net. Despite more pressure the score remained 4-0 at half time.

All the subs were now used for the second half with the formation switching to 4-4-2 with Harry up from with Fraser Declan on right back and Stephen playing in the middle. After 2 minutes Declan won the ball out on the right and gave it to Stephen. After going past his man he sent Fraser away down the right, who cut into the box and made no mistake with his shot. Some great saved by the Radley keeper kept the score down. In the 10th minute Radley had a free kick but this was stopped by Jordan who knocked it out to the left for Fraser. He in turn sent Alex away who drew the keeper before tucking the ball under him for 6-0. Two minutes later saw probably the longest range goal of the season. The ball was cleared to Jack who was in the Wickham half of the centre circle. He hit the ball forwards bouncing just on the penalty spot before going over the keepers head and into the net for 7-0. Wickham now started to lose a little shape as everyone wanted to try and score. In the 20th minute after a nice flowing move Luke hit a shot towards the goal but Stephen put a leg in the way totally wrong footing the keeper to open his Wickham account. Two minute later a quick throw from Aiden went over the top of Max for him to run onto. As he attacked the area the keeper came out and he slid the ball sideways for Fraser to have a simple tap in. Finally with 3 minute remaining and Wickham encamped in the Radley half Jordan Shaw was encouraged to go forwards. Max turned a cross into the box from the left and the ball came out to Jordan on the edge of the area and he duly slotted away his first goal for 2 years….well done skipper and everyone else on a great first League match performance.

With 9 different players scoring there was no one who stood out for hitting the back of the net: however The Player of the day award for his consistent work in midfield went to Olly Norman.

Ben Grey.
Aiden Weeks, Jordan Shaw, Jack Wild, Thomas Farmer.
Fraser Roberts, Jordie Rowlands, Luke Evans, Olly Norman, Max Nichols
Ben Cipolla.

Subs:- Declan Hess, Stephen Enever, Alex Olford, Harry Russell