U12 NW Brean Sands 2008

Easter Tour at Brean Sands.

Having travelled down to the West Country on Good Friday all the lads were settled in after an evening of fish and chips and keen to get the football under way. There were eight teams in the tournament so 2 groups of four were created with games lasting 25 minutes each way. The group winners would play each other in a final with the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th placed teams playing each other in the final games. Fortunately the A and B sides were playing at different times and it was the A team who started things off at 14.00 on Saturday.

Wickham 2 – 1 Lancing Rangers.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Wickham immediately went on the attack from Lancing’s kick off. However Fraser’s cross just evaded Charlie and an early opportunity went begging. Almost immediately Lancing broke down the left with the forward cutting into the area. William got across to cut out the danger but got a 6 inch stud mark down the outside of his knee for his trouble. The resulting corner produced a softly headed goal for the side from Sussex. Wickham attacked to get the goal back without really testing the Lancing keeper. In the 15^th minute they attacked down the right with the quick no.14 beating Olly for pace. As the ball came into the box the Lancing forward only seemed to have to tap the ball in but Jack Bolton had covered across to clear off the line. A few minutes later Jack had to go off with a foot injury and Jesse covered at right back. A minute later an Albie corner came out to Karl who hit a shot towards the goal, Charlie tired to flick it in but it just went wide. Despite their dominance Wickham could not get back onto level terms before the break. The second half saw Wickham virtually encamped in the Lancing half. A 2^nd minute corner saw a near post flick from Charlie well saved. The next minute William picked up the ball just in the Lancing half and hit a shot from 30 yards which was well saved. In the 6^th minute Albie was flying down the right and seemed to be pulled back. The ball appeared to be drifting out but Fraser stopped it from going out. He got a cross in that was cleared out to Jack fully 35 yards out near the touch line and his cross come shot floated into the far corner of the net. Wickham still pushed forwards and despite the No14’s pace the back Wickham four were now dealing with him. With 16 minutes gone a clearance found Marcus in midfield and he played the ball out to Duncan on the left. He got past the defender and whilst cutting into the box near the bye line was tackled and possibly brought down. The ref decided it was a penalty and despite a full minute delay Albie tucked the penalty away. The last 5 minutes was end to end stuff but Lancing never got a clear cut chance and Wickham were hitting shots from long distance which always seemed to bend into the keeper arms, so it was a hard fought victory in the first game.

Wickham 8 – 0 Abergavenny Thursday’s.

This was an all attacking display by the lads from start to finish. In the 1^st minute Karl went racing through, as the keeper came out he slide the ball past him but also just past the outside of the post. In the next minute it was Charlie’s turn as he chipped the keeper but the ball drifted wide. The next minute Albie got between two defenders in the box and was blatantly brought down but some how the ref waived play on. Eventually in the 4^th minute Albie got the ball back to Fraser on the edge of the box and his shot seemed to be going well over the bar but it held up in the wind and dropped into the back of the net. The next minute Albie had a shot which again drifted on the wind wide. From the goal kick Karl won the ball giving it to Fraser who immediately sent Charlie away to crash the ball into the next but for some reason he was given off side. It was not until the 12^th minute that Wickham added to their score as a ball out of defence found Albie. He played it inside to Charlie who then sent Karl away. This time he slotted the ball past the keeper and watched it go inside the post for 2-0. In the 15^th minute another attack down the right saw Karl have a shot and when the ball came to Duncan at the back post the keeper made a great save. A minute later a ball through the middle saw both Fraser and Albie closing on the keeper but Fraser got there first to score. Moments later Charlie seemed to be though but the keeper made a partial block and the ball was then cleared off this line. In the 19^th minute an Albie free kick was fumbled under pressure from Marcus but Bert knocked the rebound wide. In the 21^st minute the ball was worked out to Marcus on the right. He clipped the ball into Charlie in the middle. After trying to turn to get a shot away he played it back for Karl to chip the keeper for a half time 4-0 lead. Jesse replaced James in goal for the second half. In the 5^th minute a lovely ball through the middle found Charlie. It looked like he was going to hit it with his left but a quick little turn created him some space and he bent the ball around a defender and keeper for 5-0. In the 6^th minute a free kick 25 yards out gave Albie the ideal opportunity to score his first goal of the game which he did curling the ball in at the near post. Abergavenny then had their best chance of the game as three forwards broke against William and Bert but Bert was able to get to the striker who could only produce a weak shot which Jesse saved. In the 18^th minute Charlie intercepted a goal kick which he dinked inside to Albie who shot from distance to score. From the centre the ball was knocked forward where Marcus intercepted playing the ball up to Charlie. He played it back to Albie who almost immediately clipped the ball over the centre backs for Fraser to complete his hat trick.

Wickham 5 – 0 Redditch Borough

With the lads already qualified for the final this game was important to get back into playing good football again. In the first minute Albie had a shot which was well saved by the keeper. In the second minute Albie went down the left got to the by line before pulling the ball back. Charlie smashed the ball into the net but was somehow given off side. In the 5^th minute a quick throw from Jack found Marcus and then only Karl before sending Albie down the right. After forcing his way past two players he played the ball into Charlie who turned and scored. Straight from the centre Karl was clattered so Jesse come on into the holding midfield role. Two minutes later James made a couple of saves to ensure Wickham kept their lead. The game was quite even but in the 18^th minute the ball was played out of the box to Duncan, he laid it back to Olly who whipped in a great cross to the near post where Albie came flying in to score Wickham’s goal of the Tournament. From the centre Duncan who the ball and almost got all the way though but was stopped just before shooting. Jesse was now back on after Fraser had been taken out in an off the ball incident. Jesse and Marcus both had chances to score before the break but Wickham held their 2-0 lead. In the 3^rd minute Wickham switched the ball from left to right where Albie got past his man before hitting a cross into Charlie whose header just cleared the bar. The first 10 minute were all Wickham and eventually the 3^rd goal came. As Ridditch tried to work the ball out Marcus won it and then slipped the ball through to Charlie. He went round the keeper before putting the ball into the net. With 15 minute gone a shot from Albie from the apex of the box was well saved by the keeper but Charlie following in up the ball in the net but again was harshly given off side. Wickham continued to press forwards and in the 21^st minute Olly worked the ball into Fraser who played it back to Bert and then onto Jack. He sent Charlie though who forced a great save from the keeper but Marcus was there to score his first goal for the club. Two minute later a throw in from Fraser found Albie in the middle. He clipped the ball back to Fraser who went round the advancing keeper before centring the ball. A missive scrabble in the box eventually saw Albie force the ball home.

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Wickham Wanderers A	3	3	-	0	15	1	9
Lancing Rangers	3	1	1	1	6	4	6
Abergavenny Thursdays	3	1	-	2	2	12	3
Redditch Borough	3	0	1	2	3	9	0

Wickham 1 – 1 St Johns (Lost 5-4 on penalties).

St. Johns kicked off but Charlie immediately won the ball and pressed forwards on his own, eventually to lose the ball at the edge of the box. In the second minute Charlie was able to send Albie away but the defender just got back in time doing ensure to ensure the ball ran harmlessly to the keeper. In the 6^th minute Olly missed a header and the winger ran clear only to fire a powerful shot against the post and then clear. This set up a mad 3 minutes where Wickham were very luck not to concede. St. Johns had a very big centre back who dominated the corners. From their second corner James somehow managed to palm the ball up into the air for William to smash clear off the line. The next attack saw a shot from the edge of the box come smashing off the bar again to William who cleared it for a corner. This period of play showed how “up” for the game St Johns were, totally different to the B team game. Eventually Wickham rode the storm and got back to playing football. In the 15^th minute a Wickham corner was missed by the big guy but unfortunately it was headed over the bar. The resulting goal kick was fired immediately back goal wards which the keeper parried. Charlie just got there first but could not get a shot in so he played it back to Karl, whose chip/lob just cleared the bar. A minute later Albie went down the right but hit shot went into the side netting. In the 18^th minute Albie worked the ball into the box where Charlie held off the bug guy before switching the ball left to Fraser who duly opened the scoring. Two minutes later Charlie sent Albie through but he dragged his shot wide of the post. The second half got very physical with Wickham seemingly getting the short end of most decisions. William needed some attention for a head butt to the face as did Marcus following an elbow into the face and then a head butt but to their credit there was no retaliation from either of these two incidence or any of the others. Wickham probably had the better of the initial 15 minutes of the half which ended with Albie cutting in from the right, getting into the box but then having his shot saved. The resulting goal kick went into the space behind Albie with the forward getting control of the ball and going past Jack. Bert came across, with William covering the middle, but Bert was also beaten and as James came out the ball was slipped past him and into the back of the net. Wild celebrations took place with the players shirt being swung high above his head but there were still 10 minutes left. With 5 minute remaining a long clearance by St Johns sent the right winger away but with two colleagues in the middle he blasted his shot over. That was the best chance in the last 10 minutes so the game went to penalties.

St Johns converted the first one despite James getting a hand to it.

Albie tucked his penalty away with ease.

St. Johns converted the second penalty with James getting even closer this time to saving it.

William hit his with power to the keepers right to score.

The 3^rd St. Johns penalty was right in the corner giving James no chance.

Fraser hit his penalty straight but fortunately the keeper had moved out of the way, 3-3.

The 4^th penalty from St Johns was also a good one just inside the right hand post.

Bert stepped up and smashed the ball against the underside of the bar and out.

The 5^th penalty to win the game was then struck some 4 yards wide, so 3-4.

Karl stepped up and took the game to sudden death.

The 6^th St Johns penalty was struck straight & hard at James and he could only push it into the roof of the net.

Jack stepped up and dragged the ball 2 yards wide of the right hand post as Wickham lost 4-5 without their keeper have had to touch the ball and James being so close to making 3 saves.

So that’s now two SCI Tournaments which the lads have not lost a game and they have still to finish winners. Oh well, maybe next season!

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Marcus Guest, Fraser Roberts

Charlie De Fraine.

Sub:- Jesse Bowers

U12 OM - Brean Sands 2008

Easter Tour at Brean Sands.

Having travelled down to the West Country on Good Friday all the lads were settled in and keen to get the football under way. There were eight teams in the tournament so 2 groups of four were created with games lasting 25 minutes each way. The group winners would play each other in a final with the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th placed teams playing each other in the final games. Fortunately the A and B sides were playing at different times in different groups with the B team kicking off at 15.00 on Saturday.

Wickham 0 – 2 Dorchester Town.

Playing against the wind in the first half, Wickham were under some pressure but seemed just able to cope. In the 15^th minute Wickham broke down the right and a through ball to Ben saw him get past the first defender but the covering player just got there in time to concede the corner. The corner caused missive panic in the area and Harry seemed to have scored but eventually Dorchester cleared the ball. From another corner Jack had got up to the edge of the area but his shot just cleared the bar. With time running out Luke played Ben in but he seemed to scuff hit shot which drifted just wide of the far post. From the kick off Wickham attacked and as Luke got to the bye line he seemed to be brought down but a free kick was awarded to Dorchester. After 5 minutes some interplay between Luke and AO eventually saw Luke get the cross into AO who’s first time shot just went past the post. With 10 minutes gone an Ollie free kick did not make it into the box and Dorchester broke quickly out of defence. With only 2 defenders against three forwards there was only 1 outcome and Dorchester took the lead. With 13 minute gone Ben went on a run down the left, crossed the ball into the box and somehow three Wickham players failed to turn the ball into the next. AO was hurt during this scramble and was replace by Harry. This changed seemed to totally through Wickham and Dorchester now dominated. They duly added a second from a speculative shot which the wind brought round into the goal via the post, thus Wickham going down 2-0

Wickham 3 – 1 Bracknell Cavaliers.

The second game was a derby match against Bracknell Cavaliers. Straight from the start Wickham were on there game attacking at every opportunity and this was whilst playing against the wind. With 6 minutes gone Jordan battled for the ball forcing the ball forwards for Ollie. He turned and sent a through ball for Harry to split the two central defenders. As one got to him he played the ball into Max’s path for him to score. Two minutes later a clearance out of defence saw Harry chase a ball down into the corner. All the Bracknell defender could do was clear it for a throw. This was taken quickly to harry who tried to get his cross in but again it was partially cleared to Ollie, He went down the line got the cross in to Luke, who tried to back heal the ball in, but his shot was saved by the keeper, but Max was there to tap it in. With 15 minutes gone a Tom corner came to AO in the box who switched it to the back post where Harry was waiting to tap it in this time. With 18 minutes on the clock Ollie seemed to have added a 4^th goal with a powerful shot from the edge of the area but for some reason this was rule out for off side which could only have been Harry who did not seem to be interfering with play. In the 2^nd minute Aiden took a free kick which no one battled for. The ball was played straight back between Jack and Aiden for the winger to run onto. Ben made the initial save but despite Aiden getting back the forward recovered to stab the ball home. Despite now having the wind on their backs Wickham produced a less creative performance and despite the two goal lead it never really felt all that comfortable. However, despite Bracknell pressure Ben was never really tested and the lads picked up their first win of the competition.

Wickham 0 – 2 St. Johns.

The lads knew that a win in there first game on Sunday game would get them second place in the group, and unlikely 5-0 win would put them top but since St. Johns had already won both of their games 5-0 this was highly unlikely to happen. Playing with the wind all the pressure was from St. Johns. In the 3^rd minute the ball went high into the air by the 6 yard box and for some reason Ben thought it was a back pass so he tried to kick it clear but the ball fell to a forward who duly scored. Finally in the 12^th minute Wickham did break out as Ollie went down the right. His ball found Harry in the middle who duly put the ball into the back of the net but he was given off side. Wickham continued to hassle St. Johns never giving them much time on the ball as neither side could create a clear cut chance. In the 7^th minute a Wickham free kick was again the lads undoing. The kick was saved but a quick counter attack saw the St. Johns forward fee on the left hand side to drill the ball past Ben from the edge of the box. In the 10^th minute Ben was adjudged to have brought the St. Johns forward down but the penalty was smashed against the bar and eventually away to safety. The game remained tight but Wickham were unable to get back into the game. There therefore had a 20 minute break before playing in the 5^th 6^th place playoff game against Abergavenny.

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
St Johns Youth	3	3	-	0	12	0	9
Dorchester Town	3	2	-	1	4	5	6
Wickham Wanderers B	3	1	-	2	3	5	3
Bracknell Cavaliers	3	0	-	3	1	7	0

Wickham 2 – 1 Abergavenny Thursdays.

Abergavenny came out in this “place” match with a different approach to the game with the A team. They seemed far more physical and less willing to take a back seat. Abergavenny created the opening chance in the first minute which Ben saved well. In the 4^th minute Ollie battled for the ball down the right hand line. He eventually got past everyone and once he it the bye line got a great cross into the back post where max rose unchallenged to head into the net. Wickham had some more pressure but in the 12^th minute a quick Abergavenny break down the right opened up the Wickham defence. The shot came crashing off the bar back into a pool of players where an Abergavenny player seemed to handle the ball by play continued and Wickham eventually cleared. With 14 minutes gone Max raced clear and on reaching the edge of the box hit a powerful shot unfortunately straight at the keeper for him to make the save. Despite virtually all of the rest of the half being played in the opposition half Wickham could just not score that 2^nd goal which would have killed the game off. The lads duly paid the price at the start of the second half when in the 3^rd minute a ball in the box was partially cleared out to the left but this was fired straight back goal wards and in over the top of Ben for 1-1. In the 6^th minute Ollie and a shot fro the apex of the box which was well saved by the keeper for a corner. In the 18^th minute a now rare Abergavenny attack down their right dragged the Wickham defence all over the place. With two free forwards in the box Ben made a great interception save. With time rapidly running out Ollie took a free kick and swung it into the box. The keeper seemed to parry the ball and with Max & Tom following in Max duly put the ball away. There was very little time left but Wickham held on to secure 5^th place.

Ben Grey

Aiden Weeks, Jack Wild, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farman

Alex Olford, Luke Evans, Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls

Harry Russell, Ben Cipolla.

Sub:- Stephen Enever.

Under 12's On Tour 2008 - Isle of Wight Day 1

Day 1 at Brean Sands was a windy affair. The A side were up first against Lancing Rangers from Sussex. Having conceded an early soft goal from a corner Wickham battled against the wind and more than held there own however Lancing almost scored near the end of the half but Wickham were saved by a goal line clearance from Jack. Stilll 1 down at half time they attacked from the start, and after having a few early chances a long range shot from Jack found its way into the net. The Lancing 14 had lots of pace but the defensive 4 were now dealing with him. With 10 minute left Duncan cut into the box and was brought down for a soft penalty which Albie tucked away. Wickham held on in a fraught last 5 minutes to then play Abergavenny Thursdays in the second game.

Wickham totally dominated this game playing some great football with Fraz and Karl both scoring two goals in the first half with Charlie having a goal disallowed for offside and Karl hitting the post again. All of this was against the wind. In the second half Wickham continued to attack with goals from Charlie, Albie 2 and Fraser completing his hatrick. With the way the result have fallen the lads have already qualified for the final before playing Redditch Borough tomorrow.

The B team's opening game was against Dorchester Town. Playing against the wind the lads played really well probably having the better of the game. However when they turned round they seemed to lose all concentration and let Dorchester in for the opening goal. Midway through the half Ben got to the by line and pulled a cross back which some how Stephen and AO failed to turn into the net with AO picking up and injury. This miss proved vital as with 5 minutes to go a Wickham attacking free kick was cleared and the Dorchester strikers out paced the Wickham defence to score and win the game 2-0.

The second game was against Bracknell Cavaliers and this time the boys were on the game straight away. Two attacks down the right saw the ball being crossed to the back post where Max was available to tap the ball home. After 15 minutes a corner came into the box and was only partially cleared. It was again sent to the back post where Harry tapped in this time. Ollie seemed to scored to make it 4-0 however Harry, who was no where near the ball was given offside. A lapse in the defence near the start of the second half let Bracknell in for a goal, but Wickham still created chances without scoring again. They now have a chance of finishing 2 in the group but all will depend on the final game against unbeaten St. Johns from West Midlands.

Report: U12 NW vs. East Hendred

The second consecutive final saw the lads travel up to Harwell to take on East Hendred. Their pitch was a massive one, even bigger than Wroughton, and some 15 yards wider than “The Triangle”, but it looked a great surface so there could be no excuses for bad passes.

Hendred kicked off and immediately went on the attack. A clumsy tackle from Bert gave the home side a free kick some 25 yards out but the shot was easily dealt with by James. Hendred never left the Wickham half for the first 4 minutes however a great diagonal ball from Olly sent Charlie racing through the middle. He got away from his marked and as he reached the edge of the box got his shot away but the keeper made a great save as his parry ensured the ball just cleared the bar. Wickham now dominated the next four minutes and this spell of pressure ended with an Albie cross just evading Callum at the back post. In the 10^th minute the Wickham defence was dragged all over the place as a cross from the right came all the way to the back post but the forward blasted his shot high and wide of the goal. The 12^th minute saw Jack take a stud to the ankle and Wickham played for almost 2 minutes before they were able to get Jordan on as a sub. On 15 minutes Karl gave away another silly free kick from Bert’s goal kick but this 30 yard effort went well wide. Wickham were being forced to play on the back foot but so far the Hendred chances had been few and far between and the ones which got through were dealt with by James. After 20 minutes Duncan wriggled free in the Hendred box and there seemed to have been a handball (which the Hendred manager agreed with) but the ref played on. A minute late Duncan got down the bye line evading a couple of challenges but his cross was cleared for a corner at the near post. Another corner was played shot into Bert who gave it back to Albie but his shot was well save at the near post. The half ended as it started with pressure from Hendred but the score line remained goalless.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw Wickham get the ball down and starting to play better football and possibly had the better of the play in this period. After 10 minutes Jack made a great interception on the edge of the box to stop a Hendred attack. The Wickham midfield was now starting to struggle to get up and down the pitch with Jesse seeming to be carrying a knock. With 15 minutes gone Wickham had a free kick some 35 yards out on the right. Albie stepped up and hit the ball to the far right of the goal. As defenders and attacks all rushed in everyone missed it and the ball ended up in the net. The next 5 minutes were all Hendred pressure but no real chance was created. However, with 20 minute gone a corner came out to the edge of the Wickham box and was crashed back against the underside of the bar with the ball coming down some 2 feet in play for William to gratefully head clear. A minute later Wickham had another free kick from about the same distance out but this time on the left. Albie hit it against the wind to the edge of the box where Bert rose but was adjudged to be off side. Another Hendred corner was cleared to Ollie who tucked the ball inside to Jesse. He hit a lovely through ball for Charlie but again he was adjudged to be off side. With a minute of the game remaining, Hendred had the ball in the right hand corner. Olly came in to knock the ball off the forward for a goal kick but surprisingly a corner was awarded. The corner was cleared back out towards the corner. Three Hendred players worked the ball to the apex of the box and as Ollie attempted to close the player down a shot came in which James might possibly have got finger tips to but it dipped in under the bar for 1-1 with 30 seconds left; thus extra time.

In the second minute a Hendred forward broke clear but Olly got there to hold him up. When William arrived in support he crashed into the back of the player and was fortunate to get away with only conceding a corner instead of a penalty. After 6 minute of play William hit a long clearance for Charlie to run onto, unfortunately he was given offside which seemed very strange as he was in is own half when the ball had been played. With a minute remaining Karl seemed to have been fouled but play continued down the Hendred right. With little cover the player elected to shot for the far post instead of crossing to unmarked team mates so the score still remained 0-0. Hendred were still the dominate force in the second period and after a minute had another free kick 22 yards out. This was struck round the wall and seemingly into the bottom corner of the net but James made a great save pushing the ball for a corner. Half way through a Wickham corner was flicked into the side netting by Charlie as both sides searched for the winner. Hendred thought they had scored it but Duncan who had got back to help the defence out was pushing in the back before the Hendred player tucked the ball away. However a minute later and the goal came. Unfortunately Jack sliced a clearance from the middle out to the left wing. The wing had plenty of space and after getting to the apex of the box hit the ball across the 6 yard box where another player had got in round the back of Olly and slide the ball past a desperately diving James. Wickham had one more chance as Albie broke away but the defender stayed close by and forced the shot wide.

The treble had now gone and the type of game was summed up by the parent’s player of the day votes as these all went to the back 5 players except for 1 vote for Duncan. With two players receiving the same votes it was eventually award to Jack who did have a very solid game at the back.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Adman, Duncan Lorrain

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks, Tom Farman, Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls.

Report: U12 OM vs. St. James 15-Mar-2008

With the rain easing just before the kick off, Wickham lined up knowing that a win today against 2^nd in the table St. James would keep their hopes alive of finishing second themselves. A quite team talk in the changing rooms was the order of the day but by then end of it everyone knew what was expected of them.

Despite St James kicking off Wickham were quickly on the attack as Fraser went down the left played the ball inside to Ben and then getting the return, but unfortunately he dragged his shot just wide. St. James were not being given a chance in midfield as the central three were chasing after everything and winning most of them. In the 4^th minute Jordie, Luke and then Ben all had good shots blocked by the St James defenders. In the 9^th minute a St James attack was broken up by Josh who knocked the ball through to Luke. A great ball sent Jack away down the right, he cut into the box but seemed to scuff his shot but it still cleared the keeper and found its way into the back of the net. In the 19^th minute St James, who were beginning to find their feet now, were caught off side. Jordan’s quick free kick sent Ben away but his left footed shot was well saved. Wickham were now getting their shots in but were failing to chase down the rebounds and chances were being missed. Following the clearance of a corner, Ben beat the last defender and raced clear. He shot cleared the keeper but a recovering defender cleared the ball. In the 22^nd minute a cross from the right seemed to clear everyone but Fraser was at the back post and could only head at the keeper; again there was no Wickham follow up. A minute later a free kick wide on the right was struck well by Ollie to the back post and it drifted it to give Wickham the second goal their play had deserved. A minute later and Fraser again went down the left but his cross missed everyone. Jack turned the ball back to William, who had come on for and injured Luke, and hit a rasping drive, which the keeper did well to save, however Jack was there to tap in the rebound. In the last minute Aiden went on an overlap but his cross cleared the far post. From the goal kick William won the ball, heading it to Ollie who sent Ben away to chip the keeper for a 4-0 half time lead.

Ian told the lads that they must still concentrate in the second half and carry on playing the stylish football which they had produced in the first half. Jordie came off, due to his back problem with Luke coming back on with Max replacing Jack. The style of play remained the same with Max creating the first chance as the ball was switched from the right wing to Fraser on the left but the shot drifted wide. In the 8^th minute some nice neat passes got the ball up to Ben. He had Fraser to the left and Ollie right. It went right and after dummying 3 defenders Ollie slammed the ball into the corner of the net for 5-0. Wickham’s play then deteriorated as the lads tried some “fancy stuff”, but this was quickly stopped. With 15 minutes gone Ben took a knock and AO came onto the right with Max switching to centre forward and almost immediately he was able to get onto a rebound from Ollie’s shot to score. A minute later and AO raced clear down the left. He seemed to have knocked the ball a little too far but as the keeper came out he clipped it into the middle where Max had another simple tap in. Wickham were still going forwards but the occasional lapses in concentration were giving St James long range free kicks. The back four however were easily dealing with these. Stephen now came on for Fraser, with Max switching out to the left. With 22 minutes gone one of ST James’ free kicks was cleared to Luke, who drove forwards. He seemed to have Stephen in plenty of space but spread the ball even wider for AO to run onto. Again the keeper came out and again AO chipped him with this time Stephen following the ball into the back of the net. Luke then made way for Harry as Wickham switched to 4-4-2 but still they attacked. With 2 minutes left a deep corner from Ollie was powerfully headed home by William and then a break through the middle saw Ollie draw the last defender before knocking the ball sideways for Harry to score.

A great performance by the lads which most parents confirmed was the best they had played all year. Despite all the goals which were scored today, the player of the day award did not go to a goal scorer. The back four played absolutely superbly allowing St James very few chances. Having probably covered more ground at the back than anyone and for marshalling his troops very well the award went to Jordan.

Ben Grey

Aiden Weeks, Josh Newbrook, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farman.

Jack Wild, Luke Evans, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Fraser Roberts.

Ben Cipolla

Subs:-Max Nichols, Alex Olford, William Herrington, Harry Russell, Stephen Enever.

Report: U12 NW vs. Ferndale

The first of the back to back semi finals saw Ferndale Rodbourne come over to the triangle for the League Cup semi.

Wickham were the attacking force during the first half as Ferndale seemed to initially be playing a 4-6-0 formation only occasionally having a player up front. In the second minute Wickham attacked with Duncan down the left. He put Callum in behind the full back but his cross evaded everyone in the box. Jack Bolton came screaming in but his shot went powerfully into the side netting. Wickham continued to attack but after 9 minutes possibly Ferndale’s first attack came down their right. As the cross came into the box the forward was off side but he did neatly clip the ball into the back of the net. More Wickham pressure followed but the midfield was a very congested area. After 14 minutes Jack feed Jesse down the right. He cut into the box and squared the ball in but a brave diving block from the keeper ensured the danger was cut out. A minute later one of the Ferndale players picked up an injury and had to go off reducing them to 10 men. Could Wickham take advantage of the one man down. In the 18^th minute a corner came out to Karl but his return shot cleared the bar. Two minute later Albie went on a massy run being pulled down in the “D”. He took the resulting free kick which clipped the top of the wall, Charlie headed the ball forwards which then saw Callum’s shot hit the side netting. Another Wickham corner in the 24^th minute brought about the first goal of the game. Ferndale cleared the ball which seemed to spin back into the advancing midfield players path. He raced through on goal with William and Olly chasing back. William got the tackle in which came back off the forward onto Olly and the back to the forward again who tucked the ball inside James’ left hand post. A minute later Callum seemed to have equalised but his dipping shot hit the top of the bar and went over. Just after this Ferndale got back to full strength and went in at half time 1-0 up.

The second half was again all Wickham with Ferndale pulling everyone behind the ball. It was vital that Wickham go the ball wide to try to get behind the defenders. During the first 10 minutes all the play was in the Ferndale half but they continued to look dangerous on the break and sure enough after 15 minutes a break away again saw William chasing back and he was able to get a great tackle in squirting the ball out to Olly to clear. Wickham were firing the ball out to the right but Albie had drifted into the middle so Jesse and Jack were doing the work down this side which occasionally left us exposed on the Ferndale left. In the 18^th minute Karl found Albie out right and having got to the bye line pulled the ball back towards the penalty spot. A recovering defender knocked the ball back into the keepers hands and a fortunate indirect free kick was awarded on the edge of the box. Karl duly touched this to Albie who crashed it into the top left had corner. The lads seemed to physically grow after this point and then started to play some lovely flowing football. Two minutes later Fraser and Charlie charged through the middle but the keeper made a great save at their feet. In the 22^nd minute a quick switch ball from the left to the right got Albie free, his cross into the box seemed to have evaded everybody by Fraser was there to slam it in. Ferndale tried to get back into the game but the defenders were solid. In the 27^th minute again Fraser and Charlie were racing onto a ball. The two of them plus keeper and defender all seemed to arrive at the same time. The ball came loose to Duncan who smacked the ball into a defender but Charlie then hit a cross shot into the net off the far post.

Player of the Day Trophy was awarded to Albie who had the majority of the Parent’s votes cast.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Adman, Duncan Lorrain

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Fraser Roberts, Aiden Weeks

Report: U12 OM vs. Wantage

A blustery Saturday was want greeted the lads at Wantage. It was also a larger pitch than our own which hopefully would suit us. With Wantage electing to play 3-5-2 everything was set for the wingers to dominate and create the chances.

Wickham had to defend the first corner in the 2^nd minute but this was cleared out by Ollie to Stephen. He played it back to Ollie who then switched the ball out to Max on the left. His early ball found AO in the clear in front of goal but is was adjudged to be off side. The 6^th minute saw a chip over the Wantage defence for AO to run onto however the defender was just able to recover and get the ball out for a throw in. A minute later a William long throw cleared everyone for AO to run onto but a weak shot was easily saved. Another ball through the middle saw Ollie get away but he took the ball too close to the keeper who made the save. In the 11^th minute some great interplay between Luke and Ollie saw the ball come into the middle for Stephen to crack the ball against the underside of the bar and then cleared. Aiden then replaced Stephen and in the 13^th minute another long throw from William cleared everyone and then even bounced over the keeper for Max to hit into an unguarded net. Wantage were always looking dangerous when they attacked but the back four were playing well as a unit. In the 24^th minute William committed himself to a tackle just short of the half way line and then went on a run down the right. He pulled the cross back and everyone missed it until it reached Max at the back post who’s first time effort went wide. Despite the missed chances Wantage had more than their fair share of the game and could consider themselves unlucky to be 1-0 down, but they had not really tested James.

In the first minute a break down the Wickham right saw Aiden put through. As the keeper came out he tried to lob him but the keeper just reached the ball. Wantage then did not get the ball clear and eventually the ball came to Max who s shot just cleared the bar. Another break down the right saw Aiden and AO work well together which ended with Aiden ‘s shot being well saved. The ball was cleared out to Luke near the centre spot, who seeing the keeper at the edge of the box hit a long range effort into the back of the net. The 6^th minute saw Max charge down the left to get a great cross in which neither Aiden or AO could get onto. The chances were still coming as this time AO when trough the middle onto to shot straight at the keeper. After 15 minute another William throw in cleared everyone and got Ollie clear. His shot was well saved by the keeper but Max was again there to tap in. Wickham continued to attack with the keeper making another save from Ollie as he tried to chip him from the right hand side of the box. With 18 minutes gone William had a free kick some 35 yards out but instead of shooting he slipped Ollie in through the centre of the defence but again hit it straight at the keeper who made the save. Right near the end Wantage had a break away and with Jack and William converging on the attacked Tom somehow got a tackle in sending the ball out left to the unmarked winger but he snatched at his shot sending it well wide of the post. So a 3-0 win keeps the lads in 5^th place but it is all tightening up now.

For a good all round performance, battling back in midfield and covering for other player, plus scoring a long range goal, the parent’s choice for the Player of the Day Award went to Luke.

Report: U12 OM vs. Didcot Boys Emeralds

Following training on Thursday the boys realised that 6 wins from the last 7 games could take them to 2^nd place in the division so Didcot were the first hurdle to cross.

The first 5 minutes was all Wickham pressure with the lads getting caught off side on two occasions when seemingly through on goal. However a move down the right saw the ball crossed into the middle where Jack controlled the ball before finding the back of the net. The 8^th minute saw a corner come out to Tom who’s shot just cleared the bar. However Jack won the ball from the goal kick went through the middle before playing the ball off to Ben for 2-0. Straight fro the centre Jack won the ball and immediately sent Fraser away down the left. He cut inside the box and slammed the ball inside the near post. Again Wickham won the centre to set up AO but he shot into the side netting. In the 14^th minute a throw in down the right set Ollie free. He got to the bye line before pulling his cross back which went past Ben and jack but Fraser was there to score. Again Wickham won the centre and only a great save from the keeper stopped Fraser completing his hat trick. The clearance was won by Aiden on the half way line and he went on one for his runs which ended up with him squeezing the ball in to the net from the tightest on angles. The goals continued to come as Wickham used both wings to good effect. Ollie was causing problems overlapping AO and in the 18^th minute it was his pull back which found Fraser at the back post to complete his hat trick. The 22^nd minute saw a more direct route to goal as Ollie went straight through the centre to score. Again Wickham won the ball from the centre and Ollie went straight through the centre again to score an almost identical goal. As time was running out Wickham attacked down the left. The ball was pulled into the middle for Ben to get a shot away which came back off the bar to Max for him to score having just come on. With almost the last kick of the half Ollie was put though by Jordie on the left. He cut into the box shooting across the keeper who could only parry the ball into Max’ path for him to score giving a half time score line of 10-0.

Unfortunately for Didcot, Wickham did not ease up in the second half and Ben scored within two minutes of the restart. 5 minute later and an attack down the left saw Fraser get a cross shot in which the keeper saved but again Max was there to slam the ball home. The next minute saw a great through ball by Luke to send both Ollie and Ben racing clear. As the keeper came out Ollie neatly slide the ball sideways for Ben to have the easiest of goals to complete his hat trick. The goals still came as Ollie was sent though again. This time he was forced wide, so he laid the ball back to William, well outside the area, for him to slam it into the top corner. In the 13^th minute it was Jordie’s turn to send Ollie through. This time he was adjudged to have been brought down in the box, so he duly stepped up to put the penalty away and complete his hat trick. In the 15^th minute the wings were back in play as AO and Stephen combine nicely. AO’s shot was blocked but the ball came out to William who again found the back of the net from some distance. In the 20^th minute it looked like Ben had scored his 4^th but the keeper produced a great save to concede a corner. From this the ball came into the box and was eventually cleared but only as far as Tom on the edge of the area who drilled it in. Despite more Wickham attacked the Didcot keeper now saved absolutely everything as the final score was 17-0

With four players getting hat tricks you would have expected there to have been plenty of choice for the Player of the Day Award, however it was very close, but with only two players getting all the votes. For a good performance, playing in a couple of positions and giving his all for the side, it went to Jack.

Report: U12 NW vs. South Cerney 24-Feb-2008

With Charlie, Callum and Bert all missing from the normal starting 11, Jordan Fraser and Ollie stepped into the side. It was important the lads got back into winning ways as the next few games would all be hard ones.

Wickham were encamped in the South Cerney half straight from the kick off. After a minute Fraser chased down a ball into the corner and whilst attempting to pass the ball to Duncan it was forced off for a corner. Albie’s cross went deep to the back post where Jesse powered the header in. Wickham continued to dominate but only created half chances until the 12^th minute. Olly hit a lovely pass between the centre back and the right back to Jesse to run onto but his powerful shot crashed into the side netting. Cerney were still struggling to get into the Wickham half and in the 15^th minute another corner caused problems in the visitors area. The ball was only partially cleared to Jack near the penalty spot who duly slammed the ball into the net. Wickham now started to play their slick passing football and the 3^rd goal quickly followed. Jordan played the ball out of defence and Karl sent Albie away. He went round the keeper but the watched in disbelief as his left foot shot was scrambled off the line for a corner. However another deep corner fell at Ollie’s feet and he duly scored. In the 18^th minute Cerney created two chances but James was able to competently deal with both of them. Wickham were now creating chances at will however the Cerney keeper was dealing with everything including using the peak of his cap to save a shot from Albie. The 24^th minute saw an Albie free kick deflected straight into the keeper waiting arms however in the 25^th minute some quick throw ins down the left eventually saw the ball come to William. He switched it inside to Albie who slipped Jesse through to score his second of the game and a half time lead of 4-0.

Again in the second minute of the half Max won the ball and set Albie free who duly opened his account for the day. Wickham’s play now got a little scrappy and a Cerney free kick clipped the cross bar and went over. The Cerney keeper made a fine double save in the 5^th minute to keep Wickham out. In the 10^th minute another great save gave Wickham a corner. This time Cerney cleared the ball out left and broke away. William and Jordan both went across but the winger got past them both. A low cross was hit into the box and unfortunately Olly turned it into his own net again. Cerney’s keeper continued to make some great saves but he could do nothing about an Albie free kick in the 16^th minute. Straight from the centre Max won the ball and played it to Aiden. Aiden played it back to Max and when he got the ball back again he found himself on the edge of the box and duly scored. Carney mounted an attack from the centre but Jack cleared the ball up field to Aiden. A pass inside to Max was played onto Albie who then duly completed his hat trick. The mad 5 minutes continued as Jordan found Jack. He passed it forward to Aiden who sent Albie through again. The keeper attempted to make the tackle outside the box and despite clipping him Albie stayed on his feet and slotted the ball into an empty net. The Cerney keeper continued to make good saves and was determined not to let the score get into double figures which he duly achieved as Wickham ran out 9-1 winners.

Player of the Day Trophy was awarded to Albie who had the majority of the Parent’s votes cast.