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

Report: U12 NW vs. Stratton Juniors A 16-Sep-2007

The trip to Stratton Juniors A was always going to be a hard one. This was the venue for the only away defeat last season. With this in mind Max and Luke were brought along as the subs but the game would be won by the team who wanted it the most!

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.

James Davis
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.

Report: U12 NW vs. Lydiard Youth 9-Sep-2007

The first home match, like last season was against Lydiard youth. The normal 11 were again all available with Ben C, Olly N and Jordan taking their places on the bench this week.

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.

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, Olly Norman, Ben Cipolla.

2007/2008 Committee

At the AGM held last week, the new committee was elected. The club officers are now:

Chairman: Jon Admans
Secretary: Mike Cowley
Treasurer: Ian Herrington
Vice Chairman: Tim Sopp
Communications Officer: Mark Warren
Child Welfare Officer: John Sopp
Social Secretary: Helen Oakman
Under 8s: Vicky Bowers & William Bowers/Jon
Under 9s: Lorna & Tony (David Weekes will represent the team at Committee meetings)
Under 12s NW: Ian Herrington & Jon Admans
Under 12s OM: Ian Herrington - Looking for a parent to take on. Jon, Ian & Tim to cover in the mean time.
Under 14s SC: Rob Lloyd & Kevin Bale
Under 14s NW: Mark Warren & Gary Ward
Under 18s: Glenn Humphrey

Committee meetings are open to any member of the club and normally held on the first Monday of each month at Kintbury Rangers FC.

Report: U12 OM vs. Bassett Rangers 2-Sep-2007

The newly form U12 Oxford Mail League side had a friendly this weekend against Bassett Rangers before their league season kicked off on 9th September. Since all these lads had never played together before it was difficult to know what to expect especially as Bassett had completed there 2006-07 season with 4 wins on the bounce. With Ben Grey and Jordan Shaw missing James and William took their places.

The lads gelled quite quickly although there was an element of following the ball around and width was lost, however the initial stages were all in the Bassett half. After 8 minutes some great interplay saw Olly free in front of goal but his shot hit the keeper in the face and bounced clear to safety. There was then a long delay so the keeper could receive treatment but a minute after the restart Ben was sent though on his own forcing the keeper to make a great save. This continued to be the story as save after save was made until in the 15th minute a corner was sent in by Fraser to the penalty spot where Jordie smashed it home. Ten minutes later after a Bassett corner Olly brought the ball out of defence and passed it to AO, who had come on for Fraser. He got his cross in but Luke’s header was saved but it came out to Ben to smash into the roof of the net for 2-0. In the last minute Aiden won a throw in and flicked the ball to Stephen. He was able to knock the ball over the last defender of Olly to run clear of the defence and duly slot the ball away for a 3-0 half time lead.

Bassett came back a bit in the second half but after 8 minutes a goal kick form James found Jordie who in tern knocked the ball out to Fraser. Aiden went on an overlap picking the ball up on the half way line and he just kept going. He cut into the area and then drilled the ball inside the near post for 4-0. To Bassett’s credit they kept on going. After 15 minutes an attack down the left saw the ball clipped over James and despite max clearing the ball near the line it was adjudged to have gone in. Five minutes later and Bassett scored again as the ball was played between Jack and Tom, who were now the centre back combination, for the forward to run onto and chip James for 4-2. With 3 minutes left a Bassett corner was cleared out to Fraser who played a one two with Ben before switching the ball out to the right. Fraser got the ball back, drew the keeper and then laid on the simplest chance for Ben to score, making the final score 5-2.

A great start for the boys and there were a number of candidates for the player of the day but this went to Aiden for a good display in defence and scoring a cracking goal.

James Davis

Aiden Weeks, William Herrington, Jack Wild, Tom Farmer,

Max Nicholls, Jordie Rowlands, Olly Norman, Luke Evans, Fraser Roberts.

Ben Cipolla.

Subs:- Stephen Enever, AO.

Report: U12 NW vs. Highworth C 2-Sep-2007

The lads began their defence of the Division 1 title away against Highworth C, who were last years Division 2 winners. The strongest 11 were all available with Fraser and Aiden taking their places on the bench.

Wickham kicked off and were immediately on the attack down the slope on this ¾ sized pitch. It only took Wickham 2 minutes to open the scoring. A corner on the left was swung in by Albie and there was Bert at the front post to firmly head the ball home. After five minutes Albie got past his marker and hit a deep cross to Callum at the back post. After controlling the ball he hit a rasping shot with his left foot which cannoned back off the post. Charlie hit a snap shot from the rebound but this was blocked on the line and then cleared. This was to be the story of the first half as Highworth mounted very few attacks on the Wickham goal and when they did the back 4 dealt with most things. Charlie, Karl, Albie and Duncan all had shots which just cleared the bar and you began to wonder if the 2nd goal would ever come. Eventually in the 29th minute it arrived. A goal kick was headed back by Duncan for Charlie to race onto. He lobbed the ball over the keeper for Albie to force the ball into an empty net.

The half time chat was all about more effort in the second half playing up the hill. We would now see if the fitness training had paid off! Wickham were still in control but Highworth were now attacking down their right hand flank giving Olly and William something to think about. However after 5 minute Wickham increased their lead. Olly broke up one of these Highworth attacks and sent Callum away down the left. He tucked the ball inside to Karl who seemed to have 3 defenders around him. Following what seemed endless turns one way then the other he threaded the ball into the box for Charlie to arrive at the back post to score. This made up for a cracking shot by Karl minutes earlier which just drifted past the right apex of the goal. This goal spurred on Highworth who now attacked in waves. After 10 minutes Albie was adjudged to have handled the ball 25 yards out. Wickham set the defensive line and as the kick was taken 3 Highworth players were in an offside position, however none of these players touched the ball as the kick went straight in and the goal was correctly allowed to stand. A little amount of belief seemed to be lost by the lads as Highworth continued to attack. There next chance came in the 18th minute again coming down their right. William tried to get across and cover but as James came out the forward clipped the ball goal wards but it hit the top of the bar and away to safety. This seemed to get Wickham going again and in the 21st minute the 3 goal advantage was restored. Albie went down the right then switched it wide left to Fraser who had just come on. He tucked the ball inside to Karl, who having gone past his man sent the ball to Charlie at the back post. His first shot was blocked on the line but he put the rebound away. Highworth hit the bar again after 25 minutes but this was their last chance. Wickham dominated the last 5 minutes and with 2 minute to go Jesse took a throw in which Albie knocked back to him. He whipped the cross into the near post where Fraser squeezed between two defenders to knock the ball home.

The Player of the day award went to Jack. He was never flustered at the back and never put a foot wrong. Overall a good first game performance by everyone.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp,

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Aiden Weeks, Fraser Roberts.