A point behind St James who had finished their fixtures and 4 points ahead of Appleton with 2 games to go. Quite simply the lads needed 3 points from their last two games. Today against Northway, already crowned Champions, was the first and most difficult chance to get those points. There was a slight wind so Wickham played with it and up the slight slope in the first half.
Did Northway start slowly or were the boys buoyed by the North Wilts cup win yesterday, however the initial play was all Wickham’s. After only 30 second a throw in sent Fraser away but the keeper came out and blocked the shot with his feet. In the second minute Fraser hit a corner into the box which Jordan headed onto the underside of the bar and it came out. Wickham continued to press forwards but were having no luck in front of goal. In the 13th minute Wickham had a free kick in their own half. This was taken quickly and another was conceded for handball. This time Fraser took his time, hitting it towards the back post but it drifted wide. In the 17th minute yet another Wickham attack saw Fraser cut in from the left only to have his shot saved. Ben got to the ball first seemed to get round the keeper but under pressure from 3 defenders lifted his shot over the bar. A minute later it looked like Wickham had been caught out as three defenders chased a long clearance but Josh got his header in getting the ball back to Ben. Ben hit a massive kick up field which bounce between the two central defenders for Ben C to run onto before neatly slipping the ball past the keeper for 1-0. The 20th minute saw yet another Wickham chance saved by the keepers legs as this time Fraser was foiled. Northway then had some pressure of their own which was kept out by some frantic defending, which culminated in a free kick from 22 yards out being smashed wide. With a minute left Max hit a corner into the box but Luke’s head went wide of the post. With time rapidly running out Northway thought they had stopped a Wickham attack but the ball fell to Max who controlled the ball on his chest before hitting a dipping volley into the back of the next for a half time 2-0 lead.
It was so important not to concede and early goal. As the saying goes the next goal would be very important. In the 5th minute Wickham brook quickly out of defence as Aiden knocked the ball to Ben and he sent Jack away but the impressive 14 came across to stop the danger the next minute saw Jack intercept a goal kick getting the ball quickly to Ben but his shot across the keeper went wide. Wickham’s next attack was down the left as Fraser
Got himself clear. As the keeper came out he tried to chip it over the top of him but he did not quite get enough height on it and the save was made. From a Wickham corner Northway brook away very quickly and it seemed that three players were clear but somehow Aiden got back to cover. Northway eventually got their first corner in the second half which was hit deep to the back post and unfortunately one of their players was unmarked and he bundled the ball into the back of the net. This now set up 20 tense minutes of passionate football. With 16 minute gone Fraser broke away from the defenders but was off balance and could get no power into his shot. In the 20th minute Northway broke down the right as the cross came in the central defenders were beaten but Aiden was able to clear it away. Wickham finally managed to break away as AO broke away. He was dragged down but the resulting free kick flashed past the far post. This end to end stuff continued right to then end with Wickham living on their nerves but they held on for a surprise victory and are now guaranteed runners up spot with one game still to play.
The Player of the Day voting was again close between two players with max unluckily missing out in the casting vote, so the Award went to Aiden.
Ben Grey
Aiden Weeks, Josh Newbrook, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farman
Jack Wild, Max Nichols, Jordie Rowlands, Luke Evans, Fraser Roberts
Ben Cipolla.
Subs:- Alex Olford, William Herrington, Stephen Enever.
