Wickham got off to a strong start as in the first minute Albie’s throw in was flicked onto Charlie. He laid it off the Karl who first just wide. The goal kick went straight to Charlie who unfortunately hit his shot straight at the keeper. In the 2nd minute a corner was flicked on at the near post but Callum, at the back, could not direct his header towards the goal. Wickham were now getting frustrated by the constant flagging of the linesman for players who we not interfering with play. Charlie had taken a knock and was replaced by Max, but in the 10th minute Wickham paid the price for not heading the ball clear as a through ball went past Bert, William and Jack as the forward got between them all and knocked the ball past James. Despite Olly getting back onto the line he was wrong footed and Stratton were 1 up from their first attack. This gave Stratton a great lift and they now started to dominate the middle of the field. When ever Wickham went forwards the flag was raised so the pressure on the lads just built. With 3 minutes to go Bert seemed to be pulled back and as he fell the forward went over with him and a free kick was given. From almost 20 yards out the ball was struck to the top left hand corner which James could only palm into the net.
The half time talk was not pretty. Commitment and battling were the key words, however something seemed to go in. Duncan Karl and Jesse seemed different players. Right from the start Albie got a good cross in which Callum struck first time bring a great save from the keeper. In the 3rd minute a free kick out n the right was hit into the box where Callum tried a side kick. This was partially cleared out to Duncan who crashed the ball into the back of the net. This early goal lifted the lads and for the next 10 minutes it was all Wickham. Callum had another shot saved but Jesse following up hit his shot just over the bar. In the 10th minute a Stratton ball over the top was cleared by James racing out of his box. Wickham won a throw in just in Stratton’s half which Callum took quickly to Albie. He drifted across the box and as he reached the “D” hit a drive into the roof of the net for 2-2. Stratton were now a little rattled but both side looked to get the next goal which could prove decisive. Wickham conceded a free kick wide on the right which was swung into the box. Bert tried to clear the ball but fortunately his header came down on the top of the bar and away for a corner. This corner was cleared out to the left were Karl raced clear. He almost got to the bye line before pulling the ball back just in front of Charlie and Albie and the ball just missed the far post. With 5 minutes to go and indirect free kick was swung into the box the header was cleared off the line to Jesse who struck the ball just wide. The next minute saw a ball played between the two Stratton centre backs for Albie to race onto and he coolly slip the ball past the keeper left hand into the net. Jack Bolton had to be taken off following a knee into his head so Karl moved back to right back. With two minutes left Karl struck a free kick from his own half up into the Stratton half. Albie proved to be the strongest winning the ball before hitting a dipping drive over the keeper for 4-2. In the last minute Charlie was put through but the keeper came flying out of the area before flattening him. Only obstruction was given so Duncan knocked the ball sideways for Albie to hit it towards the goal. It was blocked on the line but, from the resulting scramble, Charlie knocked the ball over the line. There was only just time for Stratton to kick off before the final whistle went giving Wickham a 5-2 victory.
The Player of the Day award was unanimous, well 9 to 1, and it went to Albie for another good game scoring three but also creating a number of chances.
Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp,
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.
Charlie de Fraine.
Subs:- Luke Evans, Max Nicholls.
