It was back to League fixtures with a trip up to Stratton Youth. Although they were in 8th place the top 6 sides had all struggled to get good results against them with Bassett only winning 3-1 earlier in the month. A tough game was therefore expected with errors kept to a minimum.
In the second minute a free kick near the apex of the box was swung toward the back post by Albie was tipped round the post for a corner. The 5th minute saw Fraser go down the left, having got past the first player he played the ball inside to Karl who tried to power the ball in with his left but only succeeded it putting it straight at the keeper. A minute later William sent Albie away down the right but just as he was going to cross the no18 got across to give away a corner. It was all Wickham pressure and in the 11th minute Fraser got to the by line pulled the ball back which went high in the air from an attempted clearance but Charlie could not quite get onto it to force the ball home. The next minute saw Albie and the No18 battling again and again a corner was conceded. This time the corner was volleyed over by Fraser. The goal kick was won by Karl who feed Albie and his cross was headed into the keeper’s arms by Marcus. In the 16th minute Stratton had their first real attack with Jack winning the ball near the right corner flag. He beat the forward then played it up the line to Karl. Karl followed the centre line to the middle of the pitch before playing it forwards to Charlie who played a lovely reverse pass to send Duncan away and he duly rounded the keeper to score. Almost immediately Duncan repaid the favour but this time Charlie was force wide and shot into the side netting. In the 22nd minute a run down the right saw the ball cut inside to Charlie. He shaped to hit it with his left but dragged it back onto his right and placing it inside the post for 2-0. Two minutes before time Marcus played a ball out to Albie who got past the No18 before sending in a perfect cross for Charlie to head home off the underside of the bar.
Wickham played some better football I the second half and after 6 minute Karl sent Albie away on the right. He cut inside the defender and was taken down from behind with a penalty eventually given. Albie stepped up himself and slammed the ball into the net. More pressure followed but the Stratton keeper was now saving everything. In the 21st minute, Albie stood over a free kick some 35 yards out. Instead of shooting he hit the ball low to Ollie (who had come on for Fraser) who turned at shot from the edge of the area but again the keeper turn the ball round for a corner. Albie took the resulting corner which came back to him from the near post. He got to the corner of the box and shot. This was blocked but the ball came back to Duncan, who after steadying himself, drilled it in for 5-0.
Following an outstanding game in midfield, never giving anything up and for scoring two goals, well the keeper was playing in orange, The Player of the Day Trophy was awarded to Duncan.
