Report: U13NW vs. Stratton Youth 14-Dec-2008

It was back to League action this weekend with the visit of Stratton Youth. Their season of far has been a mixture of some very good wins and some strange losses, so the lads wee told to expect a hard match. This was the chance to get back to the top of the League as Wootton Bassett were playing in the Wilts. Cup.

he initial stages were quite even but in the 4^th minute a long ball through saw William miss the header and then Bert miss the clearance allowing the forward to race clear. James came out, made the block for William to then clear the danger but an early warning for the defenders. In the 6^th minute Duncan played the ball inside for Karl who laid the ball between centre and full back for Albie to race onto but the recovering defender did enough to put Albie off and the shot was saved. Stratton came back on the attack with neither Bert nor William getting to the header but Jack was there to cover and clear the danger. The 9^th minute saw an Albie free kick hit to the back post but it just evaded all the Wickham players and went off for a goal kick. A minute later and a long goal kick saw the Stratton forward outpace all the Wickham defence and despite James getting a hand to the ball it went into the net. In the 14^th minute Wickham gave the ball away down the right and Stratton switch play into the midfield. There was no challenge as the player advanced to shoot from distance, the shot spinning away from James and into the net. William was then replaced by Iggy, to play on the right, with Karl dropping back into defence. Wickham started to attack a little more but the passing and control was not up to the usual standard. In the 26^th minute Wickham were under pressure but Jack cleared to danger up to Iggy. He slipped the ball back to Jesse who was able to send Albie away. As the keeper came out he coolly slotted the ball into the far corner for 1-2. A minute latter it was Karl’s turn to clear the danger pumping the ball up field, which Charlie chased down. He arrived at the ball just before the keeper and was able to nudge it round him before putting the ball into the net; thus Wickham had somehow managed to get to half time with the scores level.

At half time Duncan came off for Ben with Olly pushing up to left midfield and in the 6^th minute a throw in down the left saw Olly, Ben and Albie combine for the latter curled a shot just wide of the far post. Wickham now had much more of the play and in the 8^th minute Albie was over on the right, he got past his man but the pull back was blocked by a defender. The 13^th minute saw Stratton’s first attack of the half as the winger eventually got past Ben hitting his cross to the back post. The ball just cleared Jack to the Stratton player, who hit a sweet volley from a tight angle against the post which was then cleared. William had come on for Bert and was pushing forwards into midfield. In the 20^th minute Ben advanced into the Stratton half and dinked a ball over the defence for Charlie to race clear but the keeper came out just getting their first. Marcus was now injured so William moved into midfield with Bert returning at the back. In the 22^nd minute Iggy chased a seemingly lost cause getting to the ball before it crossed the by line and got his cross in to Olly at the back post but the defender just nipped in first. From the resulting corner William crashed a header against the bar which was then scrambled clear. In the 25^th minute Stratton had Wickham penned back on the left but a Ben throw in back to Karl saw a lovely through ball up to Albie. He immediately sent Charlie through who got his shot away but it was blocked by the keeper, however the ball came out to Jesse who hit the it over the stranded keeper and into the net. Marcus was reintroduced for the last 10 minutes and hit a shot which seemed to be destined for the top corner but it was clawed away by the keeper. However, in the 34^th minute James was called on to make another good save but this time quickly hit the ball long down field. A Stratton header fell to Marcus who immediate sent Albie racing clear, as the keeper came out he slotted it away for a final score of 4-2.

The Player of the Day Award again went to James who recovered from a rare error to again pull off some great saves and to keep the lads in the game. We now know that Moretonville are the opponents in the next round of the B & B cup having beaten Abingdon 6-1 today.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Albie Oakman,

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Ben Finch, Iggy Ilott, Max Nicholls.

Report: U13 NW vs. New Windsor Youth (cup)

With the Ferndale game called off last week due to their Wilts cup game, it was more cup action for Wickham but this time in the Berks & Bucks Cup against New Windsor Youth. Having beaten them last year, only killing the game off in the last minute, another tough encounter was expected. A frozen 6 yard box meant a change of pitch to the U15’s one with its slightly lower goals.

Wickham started the game off strongly, playing to the hedge end, winning the first corner after 3 minutes but Windsor’s superior height ensured the danger was cleared. After 9 minutes Albie took a free kick from out on the right. This seemed to be goal bound but unfortunately Marcus’ header took the ball wide. There then followed a number of free kicks as Windsor’s no 5 seemed to be holding the Wickham players down as they were jumping for the ball but these were all dealt with by the defence. A quick switch from left to right saw Iggy get free, he laid the ball back to Albie but the shot went over the bar. In the 17^th minute a long free kick by William was battled for by Albie, Charlie had a half chance but then put Albie through only for the keeper to make the save. Windsor’s two centre backs seemed to have the pace on Albie and Charlie so the breakthrough would have to come from neat passing. In the 21^st minute an attacked down the left was then switched to Iggy on the right. His first shot was blocked and then the second turned round for a corner. In the 22^nd minute a Wickham free kick saw Windsor break quickly out of defence. The no 2 took William on for pace and then cut inside; before Karl could get across he had slotted the ball into the near post corner for 1-0. In the 26^th minute Marcus fired the ball on to the left for Charlie. After getting past the full back he placed his cross into Iggys’ path for him to slam into the net for one each. A frustrating first half which Wickham dominated but saw Windsor score from their only chance and Wickham unable to get their shots past Windsor’s keeper.

Windsor, who now had the sun in their eyes and the slight slope in their favour, came more into the game. In the 5^th minute a Windsor free kick was hit to the back post where three of their players were ghosting in with only Duncan there for cover;

fortunately the no7, who won the ball, took it too far and could only shoot into the side netting from a tight angle. In the 7^th

minute Wickham failed to clear the ball out any distance, and from 25 yards out the shot came in which James did brilliantly to turn the ball round the post. Again from the corner the ball was not cleared out and a shot came back in which James again did well to turn round the post. The first 20 minute of the half were fairly even (Windsor were slightly on top) with both sides creating chances but Wickham were grateful to James on at least three different occasions. In the 24^th minute Wickham did clear their lines and came rushing out of defence. A looping shot then came in from distance which James, whilst back tracking, was able to claw out, but it fell directly to the no.9 who slammed the ball into the net. However, due to the defence clearing out the forward was off side and the goal disallowed. In the 28^th minute a defensive free kick was played down the line to Albie, who eventually got his cross into Charlie at the near post but his shot was turned wide for a corner. In the last minute Wickham attacked down the left. Olly got his cross in but it evaded Charlie, but Albie was on hand. After going past one defender he managed to get a shot away whilst tumbling over under pressure from another defender nicely slotting the ball inside the far post for 2-1. There was only just time for Windsor to kick off before the final whistle went giving Wickham the closest of victories.

There was no doubt about the winner of the Player of the Day Award (also winning both coaches awards as well) which went to James for his second half performance in keep the lads in the game. The draw for the last 16 has given another home tie against either Abingdon (OMBL) or Moretonville (MKL) who play each other next weekend.

James Davis

William Herrington, Karl Admans, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Iggy Ilott, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Albie Oakman,

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Jack Bolton, Ben Finch, Fraser Roberts, Callum Johnson.

Report: U13NW vs. Avonvale 23-Nov-2008 (cup)

A week off from League action saw the long trip to Tetbury to play against Avonvale in the cup. With rain lashing down during the whole journey the sun came out as we arrived at the ground. Following a slight delay with the ref arriving late the game kicked off at 11.30.

Callum had the first chance in the 1^st minute as he cut in from the left but he shot straight at the keeper. In the 5^th minute Karl hit a goal kick up the middle which was feed left to Duncan. He was able to get an early cross in which Callum

controlled in the air before cracking a volley into the back of the net. In the 7^th minute the ball was worked by Jesse and Iggy out to Albie on the right. He got to the by line before pulling the ball back for Callum to hit a crisp volley which the keeper saved. The next attack saw Duncan again whip a ball in from the left which Callum struck straight at the keeper. In the 13^th minute Callum and Albie combined again but again the keeper made the save; however a minute later saw the same two combine but this time Callum scored. Avonvale got their first corner in the 15^th minute which Ben cleared from the near post. In the 22^nd minute a Wickham corner was partially cleared, which Jack knocked back to Albie. His cross was missed at the near post but Marcus was there to head the ball powerfully home for 3-0. In the 23^rd minute some good passing and movement from Avonvale created a chance for a midfield player but his shot went past the post. The next minute Wickham moved the ball down the left then across to the right via Iggy and Albie. Albie’s cross was collected by Duncan who set up Marcus on the edge of the box. Despite his shot being saved Iggy was there to turn the ball into the net. In the 29^th minute Albie was brought down wide on the right, he swung the free kick into the box where Jesse guided a header into the net for 5-0. In the 32^nd minute the ball was worked out of defence via Karl to Callum, Duncan and then Marcus who feed Albie but his shot just cleared the bar.

There were three changes for the second half as Albie, Duncan and Jack all took a break. It took Wickham a while to settle but in the 5^th minute Charlie and Callum combined to set up Marcus for a shot from the edge of the box which was well saved. Two minutes later an attack down the right saw Charlie get a shot away which was parried by the keeper. Charlie continued to battle for the ball before laying it back to Marcus to crash into the roof of the net. In the 13^th minute William had moved up from right back to take a long throw. Charlie’s flick on was headed out by a defender but only to Marcus who again drove the ball in just under the bar. In the 20^th minute Jack had come on into central midfield found Albie who played the ball out right for Charlie to run onto. He outpaced the defender before drilling the ball in for 8-0. Now either Wickham eased off or Avonvale picked up their game but the home side now became more of an attacking force with their captain (no3) imposing his influence. In the 23^rd minute a break down the right saw the Avonvale forward shoot across James but the player at the back post could not quite slide the ball in. In the 26^th minute again the ball was worked down the right with the no3 beating Karl for pace before getting a good cross into the near post which saw the forward head powerfully past James. Wickham still pressed forwards looking to score but in the 33^rd minute Avonvale broke with 3 players and only William in defence. He was able to stay with the forward and hold the attack up but as they got into the area the forward shot between Williams legs and into the corner for 8-2. In the last minute Wickham had two corners out on the right, the second of which Marcus produced a powerful header into the top corner for a final score of 9-2.

The passing game was evident again with some good performances throughout the side. However, with 4 goals Marcus won The Player of the Day Award.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Karl Admans, Ben Finch.

Iggy Ilott, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Albie Oakman,

Callum Johnson

Subs:- Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp, Charlie de Fraine.

Report: U13 NW vs. Wroughton 16-Nov-2008

A trip to Weirfield, the largest pitch in Wiltshire, was the venue for the game against Wroughton as 2^nd played 3^rd. The full squad were available but some of the lads were in different positions.

In the 1^st minute Charlie went down the right firing a cross into the near post which the keeper and Albie got to at the same time but it was the keeper who ended up with the ball in his hands. In the 3^rd minute the ball was worked this time down the left. Charlie laid it off to Iggy who shot directly at the keeper. The 5^th minute saw Charlie back out on the right. He sent the ball to the edge of the area where Olly got a terrific shot away which the keeper did well to turn around the post for a corner. In the 7^th minute, Wroughton had their first attack down the right. The ball was played into the box and then laid back to an advancing midfield player who crashed the ball against the bar. Despite playing into the wind Wickham kept going forwards with Duncan intercepting a goal kick in the 11^th minute. He went off down the left playing a nice 1-2 with Marcus before whipping his cross into Albie who, unfortunately shot at the keeper. Play evened out for the next 15 minute but from the 25^th to the 30^th minute Wickham were encamped in the Wroughton half but were unable to score. In the 34^th minute, after some Wroughton pressure the ball was played out down the left and then into Charlie. His shot from distance was held up in the wind and dropped comfortably into the keepers arms.

In the 2^nd minute of the half, Nana broke down the left. He got past Karl and then Bert but Ben, who had come on for Olly, got across to concede the corner. Wickham broke from the corner with the ball played up to Albie who set Charlie free. Having taken a touch he shot but this was well saved. In the 7^th minute Wickham attacked down the right with some good interplay between Iggy, Albie and Charlie before Iggy was set free. He got his cross into the back post for Duncan to place the ball into an open goal for 1-0. Wickham were now dominant and in the 15^th minute Albie put Iggy through but he shot tamely at the keeper. In the 17^th minute Duncan was chasing a ball out of the area but was brought down from behind. Albie drilled the resulting free kick into the area where no one seemed to want to apply the finishing touch before Jesse poked the ball over the line. Straight from the centre Nana went on a run before being brought down some 25 yards out. The free kick rattled against the bar but, for a change, the Wickham defenders were following in and eventually cleared the danger. With 21 minutes gone another Wroughton attack was stopped and Ben found Albie. He linked up again with Charlie before sending Marcus racing through. As the keeper came out and with Callum in support he chipped the keeper to make it 3-0. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Wroughton, who now seemed unable to get out of there own half. Jack who had come on for Bert was making runs up the right leaving the back three to cope with Wroughton’s three attackers, they had now switched to a 3-4-3 formation. With 10 minutes to go Duncan came off with Olly playing in midfield. In the 31^st minute Charlie combined again with Albie who sent it wide to Olly to get a cross in. This seemed to have been deflected off for a corner but Charlie chased it down before playing a simple ball into Albie’s path for him to score. In the final minute the ball was worked down the right for Callum to get his cross him. Albie controlled it before passing to Charlie for him to walk the ball into the net for a final score of 5-0.

Having battled against the wind, the second half saw some great passing football using all the wide open spaces. Duncan had worked his socks off down the left hand flank as was rightly given The Player of the Day Award.

James Davis

William Herrington, Karl Admans, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp.

Iggy Ilott, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jack Bolton, Callum Johnson, Ben Finch.

Report: U13 OM vs. Garsington 16-Nov-2008

A bright and cheerful Sunday morning turned into a horrible, cold and wet afternoon, just in time for the Garsington kickoff.  Although Garsington are sitting towards the bottom of the table we knew this was not a true representation of their abilities, this was going to be a tough game.  The boys were told to fire themselves up and start quickly; Luke went midfield and was tasked with taking long shots whenever the opportunity arose.

At the kickoff the boys started brightly and had the main run of play, Luke, Max and Aiden all had great shots at goal, but these either went just wide or were contained by the keeper.  After 10 minutes without a goal the boys settled and started to play football and pass out from the midfield.  The ball was often flicked through to Ben but his runs were being checked by the Garsington defence with his runs often ended in the right corner.  Whenever Garsington managed an attack on the goal it was usually well dealt with by Tom, his resultant drop kicks would be sent right up past the half way line for Ben and AO to chase down. With 15 minutes gone Aiden stepped up a gear, found some space and pushed forward on the right, his first attempt at a cross bounced back off a defender, but a dink right and a fantastic and powerful cross saw the ball powering toward Max who volleyed it into the back of the net. Garsington were not holding back though and the next 10 minutes saw concentrated runs down our left side, these were generally well debt with by Josh and Joe but this was some cause for concern. Josh came off from right back, Joe moved over to left back and Jack was moved back to take his position, Jordie came on as holding mid.  Wickham continued to dominate and this resulted in netted shot from Luke, however this was disallowed.  Several sitting chances were missed and in one incident the ball seemed to be bouncing endlessly in the Garsington penalty area, players and legs were all over the place and the one place the ball didn’t go was in the net.

At half time the boys were reminded again to take extra care in tackles, to keep their hands down and make sure they get hold of the ball not the player.  But the general feeling was good and more of the same was the order, but lets see more passing. With 10 minutes gone of the second half Aiden provided the all important second goal with a fine individual effort. Five minutes later in an ‘across the goal’ scramble Luke was accidentally caught by the Garsington keeper, the resultant penalty was put away decisively by Luke. With nothing to lose Garsington moved their big players up and had their main attacking player moving freely from one side of the pitch to the other. Joe was next on the score sheet with a long range high free kick towards Ben, but it bounced in front of the keeper who missed it with Ben closely shepherded the ball over the line but didn’t put a foot to it, unselfishly Ben gave Joe his first Wickham goal. Stephen came on for Harry and went to left back; Joe was pushed up into midfield. Wickham were enjoying the game and growing in confidence, at times though they were a bit too cocky. The final goal was from Max who scored his second with a powerful shot which the keeper was unable to stop.

Tom

Aiden, Jordan, Joe, Josh

AO, Luke, Jack, Harry, Max

Ben

Subs:- Jordie, Stephen

Report: U13 OM vs. Old Town 9-Nov-2008

A friendly between Wickham Wanderers OML side and Old Town (North Wilts Div 2)
This week Wickham returned to the familiar formation of 4-5-1, however with Jordie Rowlands away and this being a friendly it gave us the opportunity to try a few players in unfamiliar positions.  The first half was set with Fraser in defence pushing forward with AO; this gave Aiden and Bradley an opportunity to play in midfield.  Luke was our holding midfield player and
Ben the target man up front.

Ben.

Max, Bradley, Luke, Aiden, AO

Josh, Jack, Joe, Fraser.

Tom

From the outset it was clear that this was going to be quite an evenly matched game with two teams in similar positions in their prospective leagues.  After just five minutes AO was first to score for Wickham followed by a disallowed (offside) goal from Ben.  AO picked up the resulting free kick and ran through for a valiant attempt which was saved by the keeper. Wickham were beginning to control the game though as Luke held his position off the defensive line and Aiden gained confidence in midfield.  Aiden started to make runs off of Luke and Wickham looked comfortable, most of the pressure was in the Old Town half with occasional breaks from Old Town.  An unfortunate clash with Bradley saw Max limp off with a dead leg and Stephen came on as left back and Josh moved forward into the left midfield position. Wickham continued to press and powerful strike from Ben was met with an equally fantastic save from the keeper.  A long kick from the keeper and punt forward from midfield saw Robert Baldwin through the Wickham defence to score a quick equalizer for Old Town. After the kickoff and a messy period of play in midfield, a string of interplay between Josh, Luke and Aiden put Ben through again but this time he slotted the ball to the side of the keeper to put Wickham ahead for half
time.
For the second half Fraser moved up front, Jack moved into the holding midfield position with Ben and Joe as central midfielders, Jordan swapped with Tom to become keeper.

Fraser
Bradley, Ben, Jack, Joe, AO
Tom, Luke, Aiden, Stephen
Jordan

Within minutes of the kickoff a fired up Fraser scored a break away goal and Joe beat the keeper to have the defender save off the line. But Old Town started to increase the pace and the Wickham defence came under a period of pressure.  Luke and Aiden made several good tackles as Old town continued to press with quick runs through the centre.  Eventually the pressure was rewarded when Jamie Gentlemen managed to pull a goal back for Old Town. But the Wickham midfield was now dominant and most of the chances were going Wickham's way.  Old Town broke several times but their attacks were well contained by Jack and the central defence and the Wickham pressure resulted in a goal from AO 22 minutes into the second half and a final goal from Ben 3 minutes before full time to put the game beyond doubt and to finish the
match at 5-2 to Wickham, (not 4-2 as rumoured or 7-2 as per the Old Town web site).

The Parents player of the Day Award went to AO.

Report: U13NW vs. Wotton Bassett 2-Nov-2008

Games against Wootton Bassett are always tough games but playing them off a prior defeat is not the best preparation. Hopefully the weekend off will have refreshed the boys and they will get back to winning ways.

In the 1^st minute a Bassett clearance found William in the centre circle. Having controlled the ball he launched it towards the goal but it drifted wide on the wind. Bassett’s first attack came down the left, unfortunately Jack turned his back as the attacker went round him to get the cross in to which a neat flick was added and it went inside the far post for 1-0. In the 5^th minute Charlie went down the right getting the ball into the middle but Bassett scrambled the ball away. In the 12^th minute Wickham won the first corner of the game. It was flicked on at the near post but William’s header was deflected wide for another corner. The Wickham pressure continued and in the 14^th minute a free kick was again scrabbled away by the Bassett defenders. In the 23^rd minute a Bassett corner was cleared to Charlie in the centre circle, he threaded the ball through to Albie to run onto and score but he was adjudged to have been off side. In the 27^th minute another long range free kick saw Bert’s header this time go wide. In the 30^th minute a forcing run from midfield saw Bassett awarded a free kick some 25 yards out. Fortunately this was blasted high over the bar. Close to half time Albie was hacked down and after some verbals to the ref the Bassett player was booked.

For the Second half Albie switched to the left with Iggy going onto the right for Duncan. In the opening seconds Bassett attacked down the left Jack hesitated and Josh was able to get into the box but a good sliding tackle from William stopped the danger. With 10 minutes gone James went down having cleared the ball up field with what looked like a hamstring strain so Jordan came on to replace him. In the 12^th minute a throw in by Karl cleared the first set of players and then the second as no one wanted to heads the ball, when it was knocked out to the edge of the area Iggy hit a scissors kick into the top left corner for 1-1. There only looked like one team would win it now as Wickham pilled forwards but there were no clear cut chances on goal. In the 24^th minute Bassett broke away as a player just onside was one on one with Jordan. He made the initial save but the ball rebounded out to Alex Baker who lashed his shot wide. The 27^th minute saw a Bassett corner partially cleared out but Jack lost the ball before the ball was sent into the middle for a forward between Bert and William to knock the ball into the net. In the 29^th minute Wickham seemed to have equalised as a through ball to Charlie saw him lob the keeper with the ball going to an unguarded net but somehow a defender managed to get back and clear it off the line. 31^st Minute saw William set up Ablie but his left footed drive cleared the bar. 33^rd minute another long range free kick saw William’s header saved. Wickham had one last chance from a corner which saw everyone in the Bassett box and Jordan on the half way line but as the ball was partially cleared the drive back goal wards went well wide and Bassett had won 2-1 to go to the top of the league.

A disappointing result as the lads had the majority of the game but could not convert the pressure into clear cut chances. That is now the first time they have ever lost two games in a row and it does not get any easier next week as the attention switches to and Away B & B cup game against Didcot. The Player of the Day Award went to Jesse.

James Davis

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

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Iggy Ilott, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U13 NW vs. Didcot Boys 9-Nov-08 (cup)

With Didcot’s ground waterlogged the game was switched to the Triangle. A strong wind was coming from “The Hedge” end which Wickham decided to play with in the first half.

In the 1^st minute Charlie was through but was adjudged off side. In the 3^rd minute a clearance from James saw some interplay between Charlie and Albie, which eventually sent Charlie through but the keeper saved with his feet. Didcot broke from this save with the no.14 able to go round the outside of William but the shot was well saved by James, conceding a corner. It was now the same story from the last few weeks, the majority of the play but no clear chances. In the 12^th minute Albie cut in from the right, but shot into the side netting. In the 14^th minute Karl tapped an indirect free kick to Albie but a weak ball into the area was cleared out to Marcus who tried an overhead kick which just cleared the bar. A minute later came Wickham’s first corner which was cleared out to Olly whose right footed shot was just grabbed by the keeper under the bar. In the 18^th minute some quick passing between Karl & Jesse sent Albie away. He found Duncan but his shot bent into the wind and wide. Two minutes later Jesse also shot into the side netting which was followed almost immediate by another shot from Olly which the keeper pushed round for a corner. This corner flashed all the way across the goal going out for a throw. The 25^th minute saw Albie hit a free kick in from the left and with three players attacking the ball, it hit someone and just went wide of the post. An attack down the right saw Albie put Charlie in but the keeper came from no where to block the shot which rebounded just wide of Albie following in. In the 28^th minute a goal kick was intercepted with Duncan becoming free but his shot curled into the keepers grasp. Jack then had a chance but his shot from distance was well saved. With the half running out, James, with one of his rare touches, played the ball out to Olly and then onto Duncan. He played it inside to Albie but his curling shot did not quite bend enough just going outside the far post; so despite Wickham’s dominance it was 0-0 and an uphill battle in the second half.

Ben and Iggy came on for Duncan and Olly and within 30 seconds Charlie was put through only for the keeper to get their first. A second chance was created in the first minute as an Albie shot was blocked, Jesse’s follow up parried and the defender cleared the danger. In the next minute Iggy was through but his tame shot was turned wide for a corner. Next a Didcot corner was swing into the area and hit the near post. Wickham failed to clear the ball with Karl losing out at the edge of the box for Didcot’s no.10 to clip the ball over James for 1-0. In the 10^th minute a goal kick was picked up by the Didcot no 14 who advanced before driving the ball from 25 yards over James for 2-0. Jack & Karl came off with Olly back to left back Ben moving to centre and William out right with Duncan in central midfield. Straight for the centre Wickham won a free kick but William’s head went wide. Wickham were pressing forwards but in the 19^th minute the no.14 broke down the left getting past William before shooting across James but he was able to make the save with Olly clearing the danger. Wickham then switched to 3 at the back with Karl replacing Bert & Olly going up into left midfield. Wickham pushed forwards even more and in the 22^nd minute Albie’s corner was headed off by a defender just before Ben to get there. In the 27^th minute Charlie worked the ball down the right crossing into Duncan but a defender put it off for a corner. Albie knocked this into the near post, the ball found it’s way to William who drove the ball through a crowd of players into the bottom left hand corner. Didcot now started to panic and with 4 minutes left the keeper dived at Albie’s feet to make a save with Didcot then clearing the danger. In the last minute, William was up taking a throw in. Only Karl was left marking a forward as the throw went over the first defender and to Jesse. He played it to Albie on the edge of the box who duly laid it back to Ben to smash a left footed drive into the net for 2-2 and extra time!

Wickham played against the wind & in the 8th minute Albie’s shot was parried by the keeper which Charlie was able to force home, however it was disallowed for hand ball. In the 1st minute of the second half Olly had a shot which was blocked to Charlie and somehow the keeper saved his shot. The 2^nd minute again saw Olly just shoot wide. It was all Wickham and eventually in the 6th minute William was running down the right, got his cross in which bounced over the defender for Duncan to control and crash home with his left foot. From the centre Didcot attacked but Karl won the ball playing it to William. He found Jesse who threaded a ball through for Albie to run onto. Despite the close attention of two defender he placed the ball neatly inside the near post for a 4-2 victory.

Despite their dominance in the first half this was probably a game which the lads were fortunate to win but they did battle until the end and their efforts were rewarded. The Player of the Day Award went to William. Next up is New Windsor Youth who will be looking for revenge from last year.

James Davis

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

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Iggy Ilott, Max Nicholls, Ben Finch.

Report: U15 vs Greenmeadow B 26-Oct-2008

With the forced folding of the South Chiltern team the lads were slowly getting signed up for the North Wilts side. Having only had 1 training session together and Glenn getting to know all the lads it was going to be interesting to see how they all gelled together.

Wickham attached from the start and in the 2^nd minute a throw in was taken down the line which Liam battled for. He was able to get his cross in which Harry and the keeper reached at the same time and the chance went wide. In the 4^th minute the ball was worked through the middle for a long range shot to come in which was well saved by the keeper. It was 7 minutes before Greenmeadow had their first sight on goal as a forward was sent racing through but Thomas came racing out to clear the danger. In the 9^th minute Harry was away down the left winning a corner; this was swung into the box, partially cleared out to Dan but his loopy shot just cleared the bar. In the 17^th minute a free kick was given away some 25 yards out. The shot was curled round the wall which Thomas was able to get down and save but with no Wickham defenders covering back it was a simple tap in despite Thomas getting a hand to the ball. Greenmeadow were now seeing more of the ball and a 21^st minute corner was punched clear by Thomas to the left. The ball was knocked back into the box but Thomas made the catch between two advancing forwards. He then immediately through the ball out to the right where Dan advanced before switching the ball inside to Harry whose shot was saved for a corner. After 25 minutes a free kick from the half way line for Greenmeadow was pumped into the box where it was flicked on for three on rushing forwards. The Wickham defence stopped and it seemed an age before one of these slotted the ball home. Wickham were still dominating but could not find the end product then in the 29^th minute from the first real piece of sustained Greenmeadow pressure the ball was crossed in from the right into the box. Thomas came for the ball but it slipped out of his grasp onto his knee then onto the forwards knee to deflect into the goal. Greenmeadow had a few more breakaways but Thomas came out of his area on each occasion and was successful in clearing the dangers except for once when Sammy was their to tidy up. A half time score line was really not a fair reflection of the lads play and all the effort which they had put in.

Still Wickham attacked; surely they would score in the second half. A corner in the 6^th minute seemed the ideal chance as Ben get his header away but another good save and then a clearance off the line halted the chance. It was 12 minutes before Greenmeadow’s first attack and again they scored as a cross from the left was pulled back to the edge of the box for an advancing midfield player to slam the ball into the roof of the net. The lads were still all working hard and their head had not dropped. Sammy and Chris were having great games at the back with Morgan working tirelessly in the midfield area and Liam leading the line well. After 22 minute a killer blow as the ball was lost in midfield and the Greenmeadow player went on a mazy run to slot the ball in off the far post for 5-0. Still Wickham attacked and in the 24^th minute Dan dragged a shot just wide of the post. Even in the last minute Liam was still chasing the ball down winning it in the left hand corner. Looking for help played it back to Morgan who dinked the ball into the box where a dipping shot came in which was brilliantly pushed over the bar by the keeper.

Glenn mentioned a number of players who had played well but his Player of the Day was Chris Croker. With another week of training together hopefully the lads will improve some more but it will be a stiff test against Pewsey who have not yet dropped a point.

Report: u13NW vs. Stratton Juniors 19-Oct-2008

It was Wiltshire Cup weekend, so there were no North Wilts games planned, however a fixture against Stratton Juniors A was pulled from the spring half term week into this spare slot. These games are always tough ones with history telling us that the points are usually shared between the two sides. Hopefully, having won the home match things would change this year.

Just like the first match at Kintbury, Wickham seemed to be the better side in the opening exchanges but in the 5^th minute a free kick was conceded some 25 yards out. The ball was knocked into the box and headed goal bound. James made the initial save but with no recovering defenders a forward was there to force the ball home. Fortunately for Wickham he had been in an offside position when the ball was played so the goal was disallowed, but this should have served as a warning to the defenders. A minute later Duncan’s cross from the left was cleared out to William. He found Marcus on the right who threaded a ball into Charlie. His shot was parried by the keeper with the rebound hitting Charlie and going just wide. In the 9^th minute Wickham gave away a free kick for obstruction near the half way line. The ball was launched high into the air just going over the top of James and into the net, with a goal being awarded despite the free kick seemingly being an indirect one. In the 15^th minute there seemed to have been a handball in the box, where even the Stratton defenders stopped playing for a moment, but the ref waived play on. Wickham still pushed forwards gaining a number of free kicks but these were all too far out for Albie to be effective. In the 22^nd minute Duncan got to the by line but was forced to play the ball back to Olly. His cross was met at the back post by Albie but his header just drifted wide. In the 27^th minute another Stratton free kick was hit over the defenders which James diving right, however three players followed in clattering into him and as the ball fell loose it was slammed into the net. The ref saw nothing wrong and awarded the goal. James needed a lot of attention (for not being hit) and eventually, after the centre was taken, he was forced to come off and go to hospital to get checked over. Karl replaced him in goal with Iggy coming on in midfield.

At half time Olly was replaced with Ben at left back with Jack coming on at right back. In the 5^th minute another free kick saw Albie hit it towards the near post. The keeper fumbled it but neither Charlie nor William could force the ball home and Stratton scrambled it clear. The two corners that followed cause panic in the Stratton defence but both were eventually cleared. In the 9^th minute the ball was worked from the corner flag to Ben on the edge of the area but his shot flashed wide. The first 20 minute were all Wickham pressure with Karl having very little to deal with but Wickham had not forced the Stratton keeper to make any sort of difficult save either. It was then that a break away down the Stratton left saw Jack Clifton seemingly miss hit a cross, but it had such power and swerve on it that it beat Karl on the near post for 3-0. Straight from the centre Wickham won a corner which flashed across the goal with no one able to get the finishing touch. From the resulting throw in Bert was put though but shot into the side netting. Olly then came on for Ben and Callum for Bert as Wickham switched to a 3-4-3 formation, but still they still could not get any shots on target as Stratton absorbed all the second half pressure to run out worthy winners.

A disappointing score line considering that it could be argued that the first two goals should not have stood plus the injury to James did not help. However, with very few chances created the lads probably did not deserve to score and therefore win the game. The Player of the Day Award went to Karl.

James Davis

Ben Finch, Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp.

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jack Bolton, Iggy Ilott, Callum Johnson.

Report: U13OM vs. Grove 12-Oct-2008

The 1st round of the OML cup saw the lads travel up to Grove. Having left the Newbury area in fog, the morning turned out to be a hot one with the lads needing lots of water. Although Grove were relegated to the C Division last year this season they were top of their division and had scored 40 goals and only conceded 1 . Ben and Harry were both missing and this week Jordan was in goal as the search for a permanent replacement to Ben Grey continues.

In the 3rd minute Fraser controlled the ball nicely and got clear of the defenders, but as the keeper came out one of the defenders got back to deflect the ball wide.

In the 12th minute Jordan was force to rush out of his area only for his clearance to rebound off the closing down forward. Fortunately this rebound went wide of the goal and Aiden was able to clear. Following some interplay in midfield, Wickham attacked through the middle. The defender and keeper just got there before Fraser but the clearance went straight out to Max wide on the right some 40 yards out. With the goal vacant he hit the ball towards it and there was just enough pace on the ball for it to go into the net before the keeper could recover.

Stephen was then replaced by Joe and Luke swapped positions with Jordie.  In the 25th minute a free kick, some 30 yards out, was struck by Ollie which the keeper fumbled but gathered in just before Fraser arrived. In the 28th minute Joe won a corner which Luke hit into the near post. Fraser flicked it on but unfortunately AO dragged his shot wide of the near post. Wickham were creating chances but either getting in each others way or not hitting the shots with any conviction. Finally in the 30th minute Fraser and AO both chased a ball down, despite the defender getting there first his back pass was too weak and AO was able to knock the ball into the net.

The half time talk was all about hitting both the passes and shots, making the headers and hitting the shots across the keeper and not to the near post.  Wickham won the ball almost immediately from the centre with Fraser making it into the box but Grove were eventually able to clear the ball. However moments later Fraser was again put through, this time right of centre. He cut into the box, and then ignoring the half time team talk drilled the ball INSIDE THE NEAR POST….so what do the coaches know. The scoring of this goal seemed to make the lads relax too much as Grove now came back into the game. There seemed to be constant pressure but no real clear cut chances were made. Jordan was quick off his line when necessary and his catching was superb as he did not drop a thing.

In the 17th minute Aiden went on a run playing a couple of 1-2’s with Jordie before setting Joe free. As the keeper came out he chipped the ball over the top of him but it just drifted wide of the far post.

Wickham deserved to score their forth in the 29th minute. A Grove corner was picked up by Aiden at the back of the 18 yard box. He then went off on one of his jinking runs going the full length of the pitch; getting past three players before cutting into the box. As he got ready to shoot, the ball took a bobble and he sliced his shot wide. Finally in the 33rd minute a goal kick from Aiden was nicely dummied by Tom to create himself some space. He sent a diagonal ball for Fraser and AO to run onto. Fraser got the shot away which was saved but AO following in and tucked it away nicely to make it 4.

Josh came on for the final 20 minutes in place of a tired Max and held the right wing until the final whistle.

With the heat and the effort most of the lads looked exhausted at the end off the game however it was a good win against the C Division leaders. Parent player of the day went to AO who made some fantastic runs down the left, which is not his favoured wing and he scored two of the goals. The Managers player went to Jack who completely nullified the main attacking threat from Grove, with some excellent marking and good recovery work.

Jordan Shaw

Aiden Weeks, Jack Wild, Jordie Rowlands, Tom Farman

Max Nicholls, Luke Evans, Stephen Enever, Ollie Norman, Alex Olford

Fraser Roberts

Subs:- Josh Willcocks, Joe Withers.

Report: U13NW vs. Highworth Town Juniors T 12-Oct-2008

Off to Highworth this week for a cup game against Highworth Town Juniors T. The lads played them at the same stage of the U11’s cup, running out 15-0 winner but this year with Highworth being stronger would it be a similar story.

Wickham kicked off and were immediately on the attack. In the 2^nd minute Duncan went down the left but was bundled over. Albie hit the free kick into the box for Bert to power a header into the goal. In the 4^th minute a throw deep in the Wickham half was again worked up the left before being played in side to Charlie. He went past two defenders before cutting across the goal and slotting the ball into the far corner. In the 6^th minute a second corner from Albie went to the back post and was knocked back into the middle for William to hit home & in the 9th minute Albie hit a shot against the bar which landed in the roof of the net. The Highworth big forward was causing problems with his height when the ball was knocked forward but Bert or William usually tided things up. In the 14^th minute Karl conceded a silly free kick out on the Highworth right which was knocked into the box. The big lad got a header in, forcing James to parry the ball, which did reach the edge of the box, but the ball was then powered into the back of the net for 3-1. Wickham went back on the attack and in the 16^th minute the keeper made a good save from Albie. Albie then duly hit the corner into the box where Marcus headed in at the near post. In the 19^th minute the ball was worked down the right for Albie’s cross to be flicked on by Charlie for Karl to head home. A minute later and exactly the same move saw Karl score again. Highworth unluckily conceded a penalty in the 27th minute as Duncan’s driven cross hit a defenders hand. Karl slotted the penalty away at the 3^rd attempt having has his 1^st one disallowed for Wickham players encroaching and then the 2^nd for a defender encroaching?? Highworth went on the attack from the centre but the ball was cleared to Charlie on the right. He got past two players before centring for Jesse who played the ball on for Karl to score again.

Wickham now switched to a 3-4-3 formation for the second half with Ben joining Bert and William at the back and Callum and Iggy up front with Charlie. It took a little while to settle into this formation but in the 8^th minute a great through ball saw Charlie turn his defender and knock the ball past him. Both Albie and Charlie were through on goal and it was Albie who applied the finishing touch. Two minutes later another Albie corner was this time knocked into the net by Duncan at the near post. The next corner in the 13^th minute was swung into the box by Olly. William’s header was saved by the keeper on the line but Marcus was there to put the rebound away. The back three did have some work to do but all of the lads did their jobs and were confident enough to pass the ball around between themselves and even back to James if necessary. Karl dropped back into that threesome, as first Bert and then William were substituted. In the 15th minute a corner came out to Iggy on the edge of the box in loads of space which he duly thumped into the back of the net. There was little rest bite for the home side as more Wickham players attempted to get onto the score sheet In the 21^st minute another corner found its way back to Ben. His powerful shot was saved, with the rebound falling to Jack, who saw his own shot cleared off the line by a defender but a goal kick awarded. In the 22^nd minute a mazy dribble from Albie saw the keeper make a great save, seemly conceding a corner, but Iggy chased it down, got his cross in for Jesse to head home. Next there was a disallowed goal, as the keeper tried to take the ball over the top of Iggy and Albie, dropping it, for Iggy to score but a foul on the keeper was given. In the 28^th minute a quick throw towards the middle was controlled by Albie who took a couple of touches before drilling the ball through a crowd of players for 14-1.

This was a solid performance from the lads with them staying in their positions, passing the ball around and covering for each other where necessary. This is exactly what will be required over the next five games as all the top North Wilts League sides are played plus Didcot in the Berks & Bucks cup. The Player of the day Award, for probably his best performance of the season, went to Karl.

James Davis

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

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Ben Finch, Iggy Ilott, Callum Johnson.

Report: U13NW vs. Highworth Town Juniors J 5-Oct-2008

The first of consecutive games against Highworth teams saw the “J” team, ex Coleshill, come to The Triangle. Rain all morning had made the pitch slippery on top which meant the ball would travel well over the surface. Ben Finch would make his debut but started on the bench with Charlie and Duncan

Again Wickham started in a 4-4-2 formation, in the hope that the lads would spread the play out. Within 30 seconds the first chance was created as a shot came in which was blocked & then Marcus fired wide. In the 3^rd minute Wickham attacked down the left getting Olly in behind the defence, however his shot crashed off the angle of the cross bar and post. It was not until the 7^th minute that Wickham won their first corner which produced a great save by the keeper with Marcus’ follow up being easily dealt with. Despite Wickham’s dominance the final passes were not finding their man and running through to the keeper. With 18 minute gone Callum and Iggy came off being replaced by Charlie and Duncan and almost immediately Wickham found themselves defending two Highworth corners. The second of these was cleared up the right wing and then crossed into Charlie for the keeper to make another save conceding a corner. A second corner followed and was clear to Bert on the edge of the box but his left footed shot drifted wide of the far post. In the 26^th minute the deadlock was finally broken as Charlie was set free on the right cutting into the box before drilling the ball into the net. In the 29^th minute Highworth seemed to have ended an attack down the left but Karl won the ball back and as he drifted across the pitch launched a high ball over the keeper and into the net for a half time lead of 2-0.

Two chances in the 1^st minute saw Callum have a shot saved and then the resulting corner saw William put his header wide. Any nerves still remaining were finally settled in the 3^rd minute as Bert won the header from a goal kick finding Jesse. He turned, playing the ball up to Callum who then slipped Charlie through to tuck the ball inside the far post. The lads now started to play some good football but the Highworth keeper was in great form making some fantastic saves. In the 15^th minute a goal kick was headed back from the midfield area by Karl. Charlie controlled it then feed it inside for Callum to run onto and nicely slot the ball past the keeper into the far corner. When ever Highworth knocked the ball forwards William seemed to be there to head clear and if they did get though James was making the saves. In the 22^nd minute a prolonged passing sequence eventually saw the ball come back to Bert on the edge of the centre circle but his rasping drive was brilliantly turned round the post by the keeper. However, the corner came right off the training ground as Albie and Duncan created space for Albie to fire the ball into the top right hand corner for 5-0. Charlie won the ball back from the centre and cut through the defence. He played a 1-2 with Callum only to see his shot come crashing back off the bar. In the 25^th minute Albie hit a corner into the box which fell to Ben. His shot was blocked but William smashed the ball home from 12 yards out. Albie was now playing at right back linking well with Iggy on the right flack with Wickham constantly finding space down here. However in the 32^nd minute a rare attack down the left hand side saw a defender handle the ball near the corner. Albie came across and swung the cross to the back post where William headed the ball powerfully into the goal.

A big improvement in the second half as the boys started to get their passing football game going. The Player of the Day Award was, in a way, an unusual choice. Having made a key save in the first half and three more good saves in the second, to ensure another clean sheet, he was clearly noticed by over half the parents. The award was deservedly won by James, who was also noticed by the opposition coach; a great day for the goal keepers then.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest

Callum Johnson, Iggy Ilott

Subs:- Ben Finch, Duncan Lorrain, Charlie de Fraine.

Report: U13NW vs. Shaw 28-Sep-2008

Away at Shaw saw the home side back to their traditional Yellow and Black kit. Charlie was a bit off colour so started on the bench but the lads were already complaining about small size of the pitch and goal. This would be a very compact game.

The 4-4-2 formation was an attempt to get more space to play in, but initially Wickham could not keep things stretched. In the 3^rd minute Shaw attacked down the right with the forward cutting into the box but James narrowed the angle and the shot went wide of the post. Bert hit the goal kick out to Jesse wide on the right who turned and sent Albie away. He outpaced the defender and despite the keeper getting a hand to it the ball was driven into the back of the net. In the 8^th minute Wickham had a free kick about 28 yards out (the wall was on the 18 yard line). Albie drove the ball in which the keeper to parried but Bert was following in to knock the ball home. In the 12^th minute a Shaw throw in on the right was knocked into the box. This was cleared out but a hopefully lob from 30 yards out just dipped over James and into the back of the net. The lads now just seemed to switch off and blame the pitch size for everything. Bang on half time the ref gave a free kick outside the Wickham box and gave Karl, Marcus and Bert a talking to. As they were getting back into position the free kick came in. It was never cleared and the Shaw forward forced the ball home.

The half time talk was all about concentration, keeping the ball on the floor and working for each other.

In the 2^nd minute Shaw cleared the ball out of the box to William in the centre circle. He drilled the ball goal bound, which the keeper saved, but the ball came out to Duncan to smash home. In the 4^th minute a Shaw throw was won by Bert who took the ball down the line. His cross was headed onto the bar by Albie but Iggy was following in and put the ball into the back of the net. Shaw almost walked the ball in from the centre but only won a corner which was headed over the bar. In the 11^th minute a Shaw free kick was hit out to the left where James came charging out to block. Jack tidied up sending the ball up field for Charlie to race through. His shot was blocked by the keeper but the ball hit Iggy and went flying into the net for 5-2. In the 16^th minute a lovely ball into Albie was taken on his chest and he raced through to put the ball in the back of the net but the ref, from behind Albie, decided he had handled the ball (without any assistance from the linesman) and disallowed the goal. From the free kick, deep in Shaw’s half, the ball was hit over the defence with the forward clear on the right. A couple of shots were blocked, a clearance was missed and the ball was then driven in from the edge of the box. A minute later a Shaw throw in cleared by William up to Karl. His early ball sent Charlie free and he duly tucked the ball inside the post. Wickham continued to create chances but just could not finish any more off. With 5 minutes left Shaw attacked down the left and as the forward slightly lost control James dived at his feet gathering the ball in but also taking the striker out. Fortunately, a penalty was not given. With 3 minutes left Jack was getting his shirt pulled in the centre circle but somehow conceded a free kick. Bert made a comment and the ref turned round and booked Marcus for dissent, with the ref not listening to the players telling him he had the wrong player. Wickham turned off for the free kick with no one attacking the ball and despite James making the initial save Shaw scored from the rebound.

Another frustrating game, with the boys turning off too many times during the game plus there was a sour taste left by Marcus’ yellow card. Few players had a good game but one who certainly did was Charlie who was awarded The Player of the Day Trophy.

James Davis

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

Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Callum Johnson, Albie Oakman

Subs:- Fraser Roberts, Iggy Ilott, Charlie de Fraine.

Report: U13NW vs. Highworth Town Juniors 21-Sep-08

A home game against Highworth C (now playing as Highworth Town Juniors H) with Fraser Evans back from Bassett to his original club was the next fixture. Coming so close after Stratton the lads needed to get themselves going again.

Just like the Stratton game Wickham dominated the first 5 minutes but failed to test the keeper. After 6 minutes Highworth got down their right and managed to get a good cross in. This was headed out of the area but a midfield player following in got there first but blasted the ball well over the bar. Wickham continued to press forwards and eventually the break through came. An attack down the right saw a cross come in for Charlie to power in a header. The keeper made the initial save but Duncan headed the ball back goal bound. This was also saved but Duncan had followed in to force the ball home. In the 16^th minute Charlie again had another header saved which was cleared out to the right. Albie was able to dink the ball back into the middle where Karl missed his header but the ball bounced off his knee and just went wide of the post. In the 21^st minute Albie got another cross in which the keeper punched clear but only to Marcus on the edge of the box but his header back just drifted wide of the post. Three minute later a driven corner was headed just over the bar by Duncan. With time running out Highworth broke clear and should have equalised but Jack through himself in front for the ball which somehow kept it out of the net.

The warning signs however were not heeded as in the 1^st minute Highworth got the equaliser. They attacked down the right and pinged the ball into the middle. The initial clearance was made but Fraser Evans gathered the ball up and went out left. He got round Jack and as the defence came across knocked the ball to the back post where two forwards were waiting. Connor Vincent took his time and despite Olly diving across him, just like Jack in the first half, the ball was slotted just inside the near post. Wickham continued to dominate and in the 6^th minute Albie cut inside from the right flank but his a left foot drive was just in front of Iggy and also drifted just past the far post. A long distance free kick in the 13th minute was uncharacteristically wasted, as Albie’s shot went directly off by the near post. In the 17^th minute another free kick was hit into the box, this time William got the header in but it hit Marcus near the goal and was then cleared away. In the 25^th minute Albie again created some room down the right before passing to Jesse. His dinked cross unfortunately had now power in it so Charlie’s header was easily saved. Highworth were rarely seen as an attacking force although they did have two free kicks which, when knocked into the box, the defenders were able to clear. James only had one save to make as he came rushing to the edge of his area diving at the forwards feet. Thus the game ended 1-1, a rare draw for the side but at least it wasn’t a defeat. We now need to build on some things in training before Shaw next week.

A frustrating game where Wickham’s dominance was not converted into clear cut chances. Most of the players had good games with votes evenly spread across the team but The Player of the Day Award went to William.

James Davis

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

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Fraser Roberts, Iggy Ilott, Ollie Norman.

Report: U13NW vs. Stratton Juniors 17-Sep-2008

Another midweek game but this time a “home” match under the lights at Kintbury Rangers. Games against Stratton are always robust affairs and this was likely to be no different.

On a bigger pitch, the lads seemed to be totally at home during the initial stages, playing the ball around and dominating Stratton. During this period both Charlie and Jesse were sent through the centre but the keeper just got out before them both times and there were a number of corners also scrambled clear. After 8 minutes Stratton’s two quick forwards burst through the Wickham defence. The no.7 drew James and play it sideways to his team mate. Jack had just made it back to cover but could only turn the ball into the back of the net. Stratton almost immediately won the ball back from the centre and attacked down the right. The cross came in over everyone but a Stratton player out on the left gathered it in and on reaching the bye line fired a cross into the box which unfortunately James turned into his own goal at the near post. This knocked the stuffing out of the boys and they seemed totally unable to play any sort of football for the next ten minutes. Duncan had to leave the field having taken a blow to the head with Iggy replacing him. In the 18^th minute Iggy got a cross into the box which was cleared out of the area. Jack came flying in driving a shot which was blocked by the keeper, Albie’s follow up was also blocked with the ball being turned away for a corner, almost of Charlie’s foot. A break away in the 28^th minute saw Wickham grateful to James as he made a great save when faced with a 1 on 1. In the 30^th minute an Albie corner saw Charlie’s shot blocked on the line but Bert was there to slam the ball home. In the last minute an Albie free kick from 35 yards out just did not quite dip enough and smashed against the bar rebounding wide.

Jon gave probably his most stern half time talk in order to get the lads playing football and supporting each other. This had an immediate effect as in the 1^st minute an attack down the right saw Albie hit a hopefully ball towards Charlie. This seemed to be a lost cause but Charlie got to the ball and from the tightest of angles lifted it over the keeper and into the far corner. The lads were now really fired up and the tackles began to get stiffer. After 6 minutes Albie took a free kick out on the left. Just like the cup final last year it was curled towards the back post but this time Marcus was there to head home. It was now going to be a long 30 minutes before the end of the game. In the 19^th minute Charlie was put through on goal. The covering defender just managed to get there but his back pass seemed to have beaten his own keeper who just managed to rush back and knock it wide for a corner. Just after this the ref had to send a Stratton parent away from the ground as things began to get fraught. Stratton switched to 3 up front supplementing their two quick forwards with a big lad which resulted in Karl dropping deeper and Wickham losing control of the midfield. Marcus had taken a knock and was replaced by Ollie Normal with Callum also on replaying Iggy who also had taken a knock. With 9 minutes left Stratton broke clear but James again made a great block with the follow up going well wide. Jack broke up another attack sending Albie clear but his chip just went wide of the post. With 6 minutes left Stratton were clear again but Jack was able to get across to make a great tackle for William to clear the danger. Wickham then should have killed the game off but with the goal gaping Jesse had drifted off side. In the 33^rd minute another Stratton breakaway with no defender in site. The Stratton forward steadied himself but with James holding around the penalty spot he made the save holding onto the ball. In the 34^th minute Marcus won the ball in midfield and sent Charlie away and he duly scored making the game safe.

A great fight back in the second half showing the lads actually listened to what they were told at half time. Having played probably his best game for Wickham constantly being there covering back including one great last ditch challenge, the Player of the Day Award went to Jack. Wickham however have slipped back to 2^nd place, behind Bassett, but only on goals scored as both side have a goal difference of 19.

James Davis

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

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Callum Johnson, Iggy Ilott, Ollie Norman.

Report: U13NW vs. FC Abbeymeads 14-Sep-2008

Abbey Mead’s had beaten Shaw on Saturday and their first result suggested this would be a difficult game. In recent years the lads has drawn with them twice, but both games were at home. Albie and Duncan were on the bench as the lads line up in a 4-4-2 formation.

During the first 5 minutes Wickham created a couple of good chances the best where Charlie put Jesse through but he had just strayed off side. However at the nd of this period a good defensive head from Bert found Karl who played it up to Iggy. He laid the ball back to Olly who hit a cross into the box. This was flicked into space by Callum for Charlie to run onto and score. Olly and Iggy were combining well down the left but the next 15 minutes saw a big void in the middle of the park as the midfield either pushed too far forwards or were not working back. A lovely piece of skill by Charlie down the right in the 13^th minute created a chance for Iggy but the keeper made a good save. In the 21^st minute Jesse had a shot saved but from the resulting corner the ball came out to Jesse his shot was blocked near the line but Bert was there to force the ball home. Karl and Marcus were taken off with Albie moving to the right and Jesse into the middle. Wickham were now playing some good passing football. Callum had a volley saved and then Albie diving in from an Olly cross just could not reach the ball. Bert then scored his second goal which was quickly followed by a lovely 4^th. Albie nicely controlled a high pass turning the ball inside for Charlie to control, swivel and then drill into the net. In the 31sdt minute Jesse won the ball in midfield and threaded the ball though for Albie to outpace the defender and smash into the back of the net. James made a good save near the end of the half ensuring Wickham has probably a flattering 5-0 half time lead

Callum and Charlie gave way to Marcus and Karl with Iggy playing up front on his own for the start of the second half. After two minutes a Goal kick was head back by William for Duncan to control and send Iggy through to hit the ball across the keeper and in for 6-0. In the 9^th minute Jesse played the ball up to Iggy. As he stretched to reach it he fell over but was still able to play it out to Albie who drove into the box and hit a left footed drive in off the far post. The midfield was now starting to tick and 5 minutes later Karl played a ball to Duncan who went down the left. As he went into the box he noticed the keeper coming off his line so he hit it inside the near post for 8-0. Abbey Meads continued to try to get forwards and in the 16^th minute there was a 2 on 1 but Bert managed to get across from his man and get a great tackle in on the edge of the box to clear the danger. In the 20^th minute an Abbey Meads corner was powerfully headed clear by Bert. Duncan played it sideways to Albie who sent Iggy racing clear of the defenders to slot past the advancing keeper for 9-0. In the 22 minute a quick throw in saw Marcus get some space on the edge of the box to riffle the ball in. In the 26^th minute he receive the ball in the centre circle and seeing the keeper off his line hit a shot which came back of the post to be cleared. In the 29^th minute an Albie free kick hit the crossbar with such power that it cleared all the advancing Wickham players. In the 34^th minute Albie’s corner was flick on by Charlie, hitting the crossbar before Marcus bundled the ball home.

All in all a good result but there are still things to work on but no real time before the next game, against Stratton Juniors A under the Kintbury floodlights. There was no doubt who the Player of the Day was. Having worked the channels very well and being one of 5 players to get two goals, it went to Iggy.

James Davis

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

Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Iggy Ilott

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson.

Subs:- Albie Oakman, Duncan Lorrain.

Report: U13OM vs. Garsington 14-Sep-2008

Wickham claimed their first victory of this season's campaign in an incident packed game.

Max opened the scoring for Wickham after only a couple of minutes of play and it looked like Wickham were going to control the game but Garsington settled into their stride and scored twice within half an hour.  A handball in Garsington's area led to a Wickham penalty which Frazer comfortably converted to take the score to 2-3 at the half time whistle.  Wickham started the second half strongly which allowed Luke to level the score 5 minutes into the second half.  Play seemed fairly
even but Garsington's finishing was stronger and they scored again in the 46th and 52nd minute to take the lead 3-5.  Wickham rallied and a second from Max in the 53rd minute allowed Wickham back into the game. Another handball in the 56th minute enabled Olly to convert from the spot to bring the score level.  Some confident passing from Wickham's midfield led to Ben scoring.  Max slotted home Wickham's 7th to round off his hat-trick and the game.

Parent's player - Aiden Weeks
Coach's player - Max Nicholls

Ben Grey, Tom Farnham, Joe Withers, Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks, Jack
Wild, Olly Norman, Luke Evans, Alexander Olford, Ben Cipolla, Max
Nicholls.

Subs: Harry Russell, Frazer Roberts, Steven Enever, Josh W

Report: U13NW vs. Pewsham 10-Sep-2008

The first League away match was at Pewsham. After their battling game against Bassett, which their parent said they were unlucky to lose, Wickham new they would be in for a tough game, just like the one at the end of last season.

Wickham created an opening in the first 30 seconds but Pewsham were just able to scramble the defence across before a clear shot could be got away. Despite Wickham playing up the hill they were having the majority of the play but the first clear cut chance fell to Pewsham as in the 6th minute a through ball sent the no.17 clear; but just before he shot Jack got his tackle in. The first real shot of the game came as a cross from the right was headed back to Karl from Charlie but his left footed shot was dragged wide. A minute later and this time a ball in from the left went via Albie to Jesse who unfortunately shot wide. In the 13^th minute Karl had a long range effort which came crashing off the underside of the bar which Pewsham eventually cleared after some considerable time. In the 21^st minute the ball came in from the left to Albie, whose shot was well saved. He took the resulting corner which was cleared out to Jack near the half way line. He knocked the ball back into the box where Charlie knocked it down for Bert to riffle in from 14 yards out. Pewsham always looked dangerous when they tried to get there no.11 though and after 28 minute James was called upon to come out quickly forcing the forward to shot wide. In the 31^st minute Olly won the ball and played it across the back to Jack. He knocked the ball up to Charlie who again played it back this time to Albie who feed Marcus on the right. As he cut into the box he noticed the keeper coming off his line so he drilled it inside the near post for a half time 2-0 lead

In the 2^nd half Wickham switch to a back 3 (as Bert came off injured) and with Karl off as well, Iggy played on the right of midfield with Callum up front with Charlie and Albie on the left. In the 1^st minute Albie was bundled to the floor some 25 yards out but his free kick was headed clear. In the 7^th minute, with Wickham starting to play some passing football, the ball was switch from the left to Albie on the right via at least 5 different players. With Albie in the clear he cut into the centre and drilled the ball inside the far post for 3-0. After 10 minutes an Albie corner was cleared out of the box towards the half way line. Jack got there first and hit the ball back into the box. This time Charlie controlled the ball for himself, putting in a quick turn and riffled the ball into the net. Karl now came back on but went to centre back with Jordan replacing Jack in a traditional back four. Wickham continued to press forwards creating half chances but Ben, the Pewsham keeper, was able to deal with most things. With 24 minute gone Pewsham had a throw in on the left. The linesman immediately signalled for a foul throw but play continued. Wickham switched off and Pewsham got the ball into the back of the net but the ref finally saw the flag and play returned for a Wickham throw in. In the 31^st minute Jack and Marcus got in each other way on the edge of the box which resulted in a long clearance out of the Pewsham defence. This cleared the Wickham defenders allowing the quick no11 get past William and race for the goal. James came flying out spreading himself on the edge of the box to make a great save.

Another clean sheet and the midfield starting to work together but still a little too close at times. Four players had 2 votes for the Player of the Day Award but with three votes it went to Karl.

James Davis

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

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Callum Johnson, Iggy Ilott, Jordan Shaw.

Report: U13NW vs. Liden Community 7-Sep-2008

The first League match of the season again saw Wickham playing the current Division 2 champions, who this time were Liden. With the grass again quite long this would prove to be a test for both sides.

Wickham started the game well enough as they forced 3 corners on the right hand side in the first 5 minutes all of these were well delivered into the box by Olly but no one could create a clear cut chance. In the 8^th minute an attack down the left hand side saw Jesse and Karl combine well. The ball came back to Jesse who put in a curling right foot cross. This just evaded Charlie at the near post and then Albie in the middle but the cross had so much curl on it that it found its way side the far post putting Wickham 1-0 up. Straight from the Centre Charlie won the ball and seemed to be all the way through only stopped by a last ditch tackle however the clearance fell to Duncan who knocked in the cross only for Charlie to just head wide. Wickham continued to dominate but could not find that finishing touch. In the 15^th minute Jesse seemed to have put the ball across the keeper and in but somehow he scrambled across the goal to make a fingertip save. In the 18^th minute Liden has a significant attack as first Bert went down and then Olly, both with twisted ankles. Somehow Wickham survived a 4 on 2 attack and were then able to make the substitutions with Karl and Jesse dropping into the back 4, Iggy to left wing and Callum up front. A great save from James in the 23^rd minute maintained Wickham’s lead and three attackers bore down on him and William. In the 30^th minute a Liden attack down the right saw a great cross into the middle met by the on rushing forward which again James saved even though an off side was given. In the 33^rd minute Callum and Albie combine well which resulted in Marcus having a shot which just went wide. There was still time for a curling shot from Callum which just did too much and bent into the keepers arms and for a left footed drive by Albie which cleared the bar.

In the 1^st minute of the half Albie hit a free kick into the box from the apex of the area. The keeper fumbled the ball pushing it forwards but all the Wickham players had rushed past him so the keeper was able to recover the slip. In the 3^rd minute a good cross from Iggy saw the ball come to Callum but his volley just cleared the bar. In the 5^th minute Wickham conceded a corner which Liden quickly took short. This totally surprised the defenders as they left two player totally free at the back. Fortunately when the ball ended up here one of the forwards handled it before getting his shot away. In the 8^th minute some interplay between Marcus and Jesse gave Callum a half chance. His shot was blocked and Albie’s follow up just cleared the bar. Liden were limited to few attacked but in the 10^th minute they came down their right, got past Olly and then past Karl as he came across only for a pin point cross to be headed high over the bar under no real pressure. Wickham went straight on the attack which ended in another Albie shot just clearing the bar. The longer the game went on without a 2^nd goal being added the more nervous the lads seemed to be getting. In the 13^th minute Liden smashed the ball against the underside of the bar but fortunately it came back out and after seemingly an age the ball was cleared. Numerous chances were created but the finishing was either weak or wide. Finally in the 32^nd minute a Liden clearance came to Jack who sent the ball down the line to Albie. He went past the first man before cutting inside and then dinking a cross in for Iggy to bundle the ball home. The next minute almost saw a repeat as Jack got a cross in, which was flicked on by Charlie but Iggy totally missed cued and the ball went wide. Iggy had another chance right at the end but this time blasted the ball wide. A win is a win as they say but this was not a convincing Wickham performance. With Bassett only beating Pewsham 4-2, have twice been a goal behind and only winning with two goals in the last 6 minutes, the midweek trip to Pewsham could be a very hard match.

There were patches during the first half when the lads panicked probably due to the loss of two defenders. During this time one person “held strong” and during the second half his distribution from the back was almost perfect. The Player of the Day award therefore went to William.

James Davis

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

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Callum Johnson, Iggy Ilott.

Report: U13OM vs. Brightwell 7-Sep-2008

Two late goals could not save Wickham from going down to Brightwell in the opening game of the season.  An attacking 3,5,2 formation was tried for this game but Brightwell soon changed their formation and put 4 up front which resulted in them scoring after 10 minutes.  Wickham reverted to 4 across the back and had Brightwell on the back foot. Harry came on for Aiden and he, Max and AO had near misses but it remained 0-1 at half time.  The second half started well for Wickham
and we were unlucky not to score after 4 minutes of the half.

Unfortunately, both Tom and AO had to come off with injuries and an unsettled Wickham let in two more goals on 44 and 55 minutes.  Wickham looked well out of the game but a classic route 1 ball from Ben G allowed Ben C to score Wickham's first on 62 minutes.  Wickham rallied and Aiden converted after one of his now classic runs in the 67th minute.  Wickham were eventually beaten by the clock.

Parents player award went down to a single vote with Aiden winning out.

Coach's player was also close but after a long deliberation was awarded to Max for his consistency throughout the game.

Team:
Ben Grey, Tom Farman, Jack Wild, Joe  Withers, Alex Olford, Luke
Evans, Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman, Aiden Weeks, Max Nicholls, Ben
Cipolla. 

Subs: Steven Enever, Harry Russell, Josh

Report: U13 NW vs. Oxford City (Friendly)

The fun day for raising money towards the fire fund saw the U13’s kick off the first match against Oxford City. Thanks to Jon’s efforts the grass was now down to a reasonable length so hopefully the lads could play some good football.

Wickham had the first chance of the game after 3 minutes when Olly hit a corner into the box but Oxford City were eventually able to scramble it away. Two minutes later and Oxford long ball saw the forward pushed wide as the Wickham defence got back to clear the danger. In the 6^th minute Wickham opened the scoring as William broke up an attack passing the ball to Jesse. His pass through the middle of the defence put Charlie through. Despite a parry by the keeper Charlie was able to head the rebound home. The game settle down for the next ten minute with Wickham just having the better of the exchanges. With 17 minute on the clock William headed the ball out to Albie who laid it inside to Jesse. He immediate feed Karl down the right, who, upon reaching the bye line got his cross in where Charlie neatly tucked the ball away for 2-0. In the 23^rd minute Wickham were caught offside. The resulting free kick was launched into the Wickham half but a good solid header from Bert found Karl. He sent Iggy off down the left to get a cross into the box. The ball was only cleared out to Karl who hit a dipping volley into the far corner of the net for 3-0. A minute later the Wickham defence just opened up down the Oxford left. The forward ran in on James who beat the ball away and was then up quickly enough to save the rebound when a goal seemed the most likely outcome. With almost the last kick of the half Oxford City attacked through the centre of the Wickham defence. No one got a tackle in and despite James narrowing the angle the forward tucked the ball away for a half time score of 3-1.

Jordan replaced Jack and Max replaced Iggy but with Albie switching to the left wing. This change had an almost immediate effect. Albie worked some space down the left before getting his cross in. A small game of head tennis was then played before the ball came out to Max to hit a cracking scissor volley into the net for 4-1. During this attack Bert was injured so Jack came on at centre back. It was all Wickham and it was no surprise when in the 9^th minute Albie added the 5^th following some battling work from Charlie winning the ball back near to the bye line. In the 11^th minute the back four showed their confidence on the ball as they passed it around between themselves. Eventually the ball was knocked up to Charlie who tried to get Jesse in on goal. The defender cleared the ball out to Marcus who, from 20 yards out hit the shot into the top left hand corner. Wickham were now confident on the ball and in the 18^th minute the ball was played through the middle for Charlie to take on two defenders and then slot the ball away to complete his hat trick. Maybe the lads got too confident but Oxford now had their best spell of the game. In the 25^th minute William seemed to be shepparding the forward away from goal. He got in what looked like a good tackle but a penalty was awarded. James made a great initial save but the Wickham defenders were not sufficiently aware of what might happen, as the Oxford players reacted the quicker to force the ball in by the post for 7-2. Oxford continued to attack and in the 28^th minute won a corner. This was simply hit into the box for an unmarked player to tap into the net.

James Davis

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

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Iggy Ilott

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jordan Shaw & Max Nicholls.

Report: U13 NW vs. Thatcham Tornadoes (Friendly)

This season kicked off with a friendly against Thatcham Tornadoes. With the grass quite long and the lads now playing 35 minute each was, four quarters of 20 minutes was the agreed game format allowing both sides to try different formations.

The lads took a long time to get and it was 9 minutes before Albie had the first chance which flashed wide of the far post. Two minutes later Karl was replaced by Iggy and almost immediately Albie hit a cross into the box which Iggy just failed to connect with. The next minute saw an Olly cross just headed wide by Albie as Wickham started to dominate. A lovely layback from Iggy into Duncan’s path saw him shoot just over and then in the 18^th minute a right footed bender from Olly just cleared the apex of the far post. However in the last minute a great save by Ben pushing a shot just over the bar ensured the scores remained level at the first break.

Max and Aiden replaced Jack and Duncan but almost immediately Wickham went 1 down. A speculative ball forwards saw both William and Bert go for it. The forward got there first, playing the ball back to an advancing midfield player to smash home. This knocked the stuffing out of the lads with the tactic almost working for a second time in the 9^th minute but this time Ben made the save. Thatcham were still applying the pressure but in the 14^th minute William broke up an attack firing the ball up field to Iggy. He laid the ball back to Max and spun off his defender. This left room for Max to go down the left, and as the defenders covered the attacking runs Max was left a clear run on goal to score. Straight from the centre Wickham set up another attack but this was eventually cleared with some difficulty. With time running out in the half Olly swung in a corner from the right which cleared everyone but with Max charging in at the back he duly scored his second to give a 2-1 half time lead.

The start of the second half saw Wickham play a back 3 of Karl, William and Jack, with Olly pushing up onto the left wing. The lads now started to pass the ball around with more conviction and in the first minute Iggy had a cross shot which just cleared the bar. More attacks followed but then in the 4^th minute a speculative shot by Albie from distance could not be held by the keeper and Charlie was on hand to slot the ball away. Good attacks were coming from the left hand side with Olly and Duncan working well together as the latter had a number of chances just going wide or over. In the 12^th minute an Olly cross cleared Charlie and Albie but Iggy was at the back post to slam the ball in but he was given off side and the goal did not count. With 18 minutes gone Olly put in another corner. This was cleared by Thatcham but an overhead kick by William put the ball back into the box. A cleaver sisser kick from Marcus saw the ball fly into the net but again this was disallowed for a push.

The final quarter saw a back four again but with Karl in the centre in stead of William. After 3 minutes Marcus was fouled near the half way line. Bert hit the bal into the box for Charlie to flick into Duncan’s path, who this time found the back of the net. A minute later a driven Albie corner saw Karl smash the ball home at the back post but a foul was given against the keeper who seemed to have been blocked from getting near to the ball. Another corner in the 12^th minute saw a bullet header from Marcus come crashing off the bar. In the 13^th minute Aiden went on one of his mazy runs which ended with the ball being hit across the keeper and inside the far post. A little while later he tried it again but this time the run was stopped and Thatcham used the empty space down their right to get into the area and hit the ball across Ben into the far corner making it 5-2. With a minute left the ball was switch from the left to Iggy on the right. After moving forwards he hit a cross to the back post for Olly to score.

Having had a great game and scoring a couple of goals Max was named the Player of the Day.

Ben Grey

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

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Aiden Weeks, Max Nichols, Iggy Ilott.

Report: U12 OM vs. Kidlington 4-May-2008

With 2^nd place in the Division already guaranteed the lads wanted to move around positions; however Ian said this could only be done once the game was won. If they were 4-0 up at half time then things would be changed around, however Kidlington were not going to just roll over. Jack and Aiden were away on a school German exchange trip so Stephen had a start at right back.

Wickham attacked from the start but the first real chance came in the 5^th minute as a throw in on the left found Fraser who wet down the line. He clipped the ball into the middle where Max and AO were closing in. Max got there firs but hit his shot just over the bar. In the 9^th minute there was almost a repeat but this time Fraser’s cross was headed just wide by AO at the back post. A minute later another attack down the left saw the ball come into Ben who gave it back to Fraser but his shot was blocked. The resulting corner saw the ball flicked on at the near post but Ollie could not get any power into his header which was saved. In the 12^th minute a Kidlington attack was stopped with a ball up the middle. Ben beat off the defender but the keeper made the save with his legs. Kidlington always looked dangerous on the break but in the 17^th minute some lovely one touch football involving Luke, Max, Fraser and Ben eventually saw Ben clear to play a delicate chip over the keeper for 1-0. Kidlington went long from the centre but a powerful header from Josh, found Ollie. He chipped the ball over the defenders for Ben to run onto and he again chipped the keeper but this time it was not quite hard enough and a defender was able to recover and clear. Kidlington were now attacking hard down the left and in the 26^th minute the winger got clear and was allowed to cut into the box and drill the ball across Ben and into the back of the net. Wickham had 3 corners towards the end of the half all of which caused panic in the Kidlington defence but none could be converted.

One each was not the half time score line the lads were looking for so after a quick talking to it was back out to get the result. In the second minute the ball was flying around the Kidlington 6 yard box as AO, Max, Fraser and Ben all had efforts blocked before the ball was eventually cleared. Two minute later Wickham got back in front as Fraser got behind the right back cut into the box and as the keeper came out hit it across him toward the far post. Ben attempted to catch up with the ball but fortunately it hit the far post and went in. Wickham were nervous in midfield and now seemed to be missing Jordie’s calming influence. In the 8^th minute a sliced shot from Luke found it’s was out to Ollie who headed it back into the middle where Ben slammed it home but he was given offside. A minute later Ben is one on one with the keeper but he saves with his legs and then repeats the save two minutes later this time after Ollie was sent through. This was then the story of the next few minutes as cutting passes were made but the keeper either got to the ball first or made the save. With 18 minutes gone Luke was substituted for Harry, who immediately played the ball between centre back and full back for AO to run onto and drive the ball into the back of the net. This was the start of a mad four minutes. Kidlington restarted the game but their long ball was cleared by Jordan. His header found Ben who laid it back to Fraser who then sent Max through the middle to score with ease. Wickham again won the ball back from the centre as AO switch the ball to Fraser on the left. He broke through and got his shot away which the keeper saved but there was Max to thump the ball into an empty net for 5-1. Two minutes later the Kidlington linesman gave a handball against his captain which Ollie duly put away. With six minutes left Tom now moved to left wing and Jordan to centre forward, with Ben dropping to midfield and Ollie to centre back. The play still remained reasonable smooth and their was still time for Jordan so rise to head in a Max corner for a 7-1 victory. It was fitting for the skipper to score the last goal of what was an excellent season for the OML lads. There were only 4 defeats in 23 games with only 1 of them coming in the last 17 games. Here’s looking forward to Division B next year.

There was a clear winner of the Player of the Day award this week. Having played in a different role to normal he was still able to burst through to score twice and have a big impact on the game it went to Max.

2008 6-a-Side Tournament Day 2

Day 2 of the Tournament was greeted with glorious sunshine and the prospect of 72 sides coming to the Triangle.

The U8’s saw 16 sides playing across 4 pitches with lots of parental support. There were some very competitive matches with Ardington who look to have a very strong set up for when they go into the competitive leagues at U9’s level, ending up the top scorers of the day.

The U10’s age group saw 3 teams from London make it through to the semi finals. Esher Athletic A had a very competitive game against Feltham but neither side could score but Esher went though 3-2 on penalties. The other semi saw Esher’s B side play East Hendred with the London side possibly the better team but Hendred scored the only goal to go through. In the group game Esher A had a narrow 1-0 win over Hendred but this time neither side could score so we had out first final go to penalties. After the first three had been taken the scores were still level at 1-1 but then Hendred scored the 4^th and with Esher missing Hendred were the winners.

The U13’s saw Amesbury defeat Purton 1-0 in the first semi final. The second one was a repeat of yesterdays U12’s semi as Wickham took on Ballers. Neither side could score during normal time or extra time and after 3 penalties each the score was still level at 3-3. This shoot out went down to the twelfth penalty which unfortunately was the only miss as Ballers went through 6-5. The final was an exact duplicate of Ballers semi final in all respects as the days second final went to penalties. Again it was 3-3 after six penalties but then the misses started. After 12 it was 4-4 then finally on the 18^th penalty Amesbury missed as Ballers had the victory.

The first semi final in the afternoon was the U14’s, which saw Caversham A defeat their B side 1-0. The second semi final was tight as Wickham B held Feltham 0-0. However, the London side romped away to win 3-0 in extra time. The final was a very close game which again went to penalties as neither side could score during normal play. Feltham unfortunately missed their second penalty but Caversham missed their last so it again went to sudden death which Feltham eventually won going one better than last season when they were the U13 runners up.

The final age group was the U15’s which had the largest entry of 24 sides. The North Wilts League provided 5 of the quarter finalists and in the first semi Liden beat Highworth Town 1-0. The second semi was goalless after extra time and then went to penalties. With Burghfield missing their first two and Ferndale converting both of them and all North Wilts final was set up. Of course we all know what would happen in the final and sure enough this also went to penalties but this time it did not go to sudden death as Ferndale won it 2-1.

Over all this was a good tournament for Wickham, with the club getting a side to at least the semi final of all the age groups it entered a side. Entries came from 15 different leagues and everyone who attended seemed to enjoy themselves, with most people saying they would be looking to come back next year. If there was an award for enthusiasm it would have to go to Ballers FC. All of their 6 teams were great fun, playing the game in exactly the right spirit and there U13’s gaining their first tournament win. We would also like to thank all the age group sponsors as detailed in the results summary and also Kimera Facilities Management our main Tournament sponsor. See you all again in 2009.

Action photos from D E Photos of Milton Keynes

Results summary.

The U7’s festival was sponsored by Barclays Partner Finance

The U8’s festival was sponsored by The Newbury Weekly News

U9’s sponsored by Wilds Sports

Wickham 1 – 0 Hatch Warren

U10‘s sponsored by Newbury Building Society

East Hendred 0 (2) - 0 (1) Esher Athlectic A - after penalties

U11’s sponsored by D E Photos

Bournemouth 0 (3) - 0 (2) Bourne End Juniors

U12’s sponsored by ITQ

Wroughton A 3 – 1 Wickham A

U13’s sponsored by H S Pipequipment

Ballers 0 (6) – Amsbury Town B 0 (5) - After penalties

U14’s sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland

Feltham 0 (2) – Caversham A 0 (1) - After penalties

U15’s sponsored by Express Vending

Ferndale A 0 (2) – Liden B 0 (1) - After penalties

U16’s sponsored by Bells Engineering

Swindon Soccer Skills 1 - 0 North Greenford