The day was starting to warm up as Lydiard kicked off. This was probably the only time they made it into the Wickham half in the initial stages as Wickham attacked down both flanks. After five minutes Albie was bundled over some 35 yards out. This did not deter the young man as he sent the free kick high over the keeper who could only parry the ball into the roof of the next. Two minutes later a Wickham break saw Albie swing the ball into the box. This was only partially cleared Charlie on the edge of the box who struck a sweet short goal wards, which clipped a defender before going in. A minute later saw possibly the best goal worked goal of the game. Olly tidied up an attack just near the Wickham penalty spot and played the ball out to Callum on the left, he rolled inside the defender before laying the ball off inside to Jesse who then feed Duncan. Duncan then slotted the ball through the back four for Albie to run onto before he drilled the ball into the back of the net. The Lydiard keeper now brought off some great saves. It was not until the 15th minute that Wickham scored again which was almost a copy of the prior goal as Duncan again feed Albie to score. Just before half time Olly came on to Jesse who had taken a knock. William stopped a Lydiard attack by knocking the ball back to James, who pumped the ball forwards. Duncan again feed the ball out to Albie who again scored with ease.
Within the first minute of the second half Callum and Charlie both had shots which went just wide. In the fifth minute a goal kick was headed back towards the Lydiard goal by William which Olly Norman gathered in, sending Callum away down the left. He cut inside the box and hit a powerful shot inside the near post for 6-0. Wickham then had a number of corners but failed to get the finishing touch. After nine minutes James made one of his few saves but his clearance came back to William. Jack, Bert and William then passed the ball around between themselves looking for an opening Bert hit a pass up to Charlie. After some battling for the ball Charlie knocked the ball out to Callum on the left who swung a quick cross into the box where Albie put the ball away. A handball near the edge of the Wickham box saw Lydiard swing the ball in and as the defenders left the ball to each other Travis Merchant was able to force the ball home off his hip for 7-1. After 15 minutes Ben came on for Olly, and played up front with Charlie as the formation changed to 4-4-2. Wickham now had all the play and it was no surprise when Ben was on hand to score his debut goal for the North Wilts team. Wickham continued to go forwards and after 28 minute a series of corners were finally cleared to William, just in the centre circle. He took 3 paces towards the goal before riffling a shot into the top left hand corner of the goal. Thus a well deserved 9-1 victory but next week is likely to be different as Wickham visit Stratton Juniors, the site of their only away defeat in the League last season.
The Player of the day award was between two people but Albie just got the nod, probably because of his 5 goals and good wing work in the second half.
Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp,
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.
Charlie de Fraine.
Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Olly Norman, Ben Cipolla.
