2009 6-a-side Tournament

Tournament sponsored by:

Following a damp Friday afternoon setting up “The Triangle Field” for this year’s Wickham Wanderers 6-a-side Tournament, the first volunteers to the ground were met with windy but dry conditions. As gazebos, tents and marquees went up the wind strength increased and rain started to fall. Before the U8’s and U13’s kicked off there was a heavy shower but this only sped up the surface and the games started.

In the U13’s competition Kingsclere A progressed to the final with a 1 – 0 win over Wimbledon Park and St Josephs A got past Ballers by the same score line but this time on penalties. In a pulsating final both sides had their chances in both normal and extra time however it was to be decided on penalties. Having won both their quarter final and semi finals in this way St Josephs completed the “treble” again winning on penalties 2-1.

For the afternoon the weather improved with no more rain with the U10’s and the U16’s providing the afternoon's entertainment. The first final of the afternoon saw Hatch Warren U16’s take on Shaw B who had beaten their A team in the semi final on penalties, Sweatbox B being the other beaten semi finalist. The final was a tough physical game, as would be expected from this age group with Shaw B taking the lead only to be pegged back. However the North Wilts side scored late in the second half to giver them the 2-1 victory.

Hatch Warren however had another chance to reach the finals, this time in the U10 age group. In their semi final against Greenmeadow, neither side could find the net, so it was down to penalties, which Hatch Warren won 2-0. In the other semi, Wickham A played Swindon Soccer Skills in an all North Wilts Div 1 clash, with Wickham running out 1-0 winners. This therefore set up a rematch of last years under 9 final with Hatch Warren looking for revenge. However, this was not to be the case, as Wickham ran out 1-0 winners.

As “The Triangle” was reopened on Sunday morning the skies again looked threatening and sure enough at 9.15, just prior to kick off, the heavens opened. Just to add to the problems for the organizers four U14 sides failed to turn up, so the start of this group was delayed whilst the fixtures were reworked, but the U7’s and U9’s started on time.

The U9’s had a Berkshire feel to the semi finals as Kingsclere A took on Wokingham, but the local side were beaten 1-0. Wickham A faced Ardington A, who had not yet conceded a goal in the tournament. However, Wickham ran out 2-1 winners to set up a repeat of the group match as the final. Just like the group game, which ended 1-1, this again was a close match, but Wickham scored the vital goal late in the second half to join the clubs U10 side at Tournament winners.

The revamped under 14’s competition eventually saw Ferndale beat Wealdstone 1-0 in the first semi final with Woodley beating Winklebury B 2-0 in the other. A very closely fought final saw neither able to score thanks mainly to some superb goal keeper displays. However come the penalty shoot out and the outfielder could not miss until the 8^th penalty taken by the Woodley keeper hit the outside of the post giving Ferndale a 4-3 victory.

Rain was again threatening at the start of the afternoon session and finally came down in a very heavy shower after 3 rounds of group matches had been played. Some of the pitches were now very heavy but everyone was keen to carry on playing and that was the end of the rain as the sun came out.

Just after 5 o’clock the U15’s were at the semi final stage. Throughout this age group two teams had stood out playing lovely passing football and it was no surprise to see Croydon Athletic B beat Feltham Youth A 2-0 in the first semi and Croydon Athletic A beat Winklebury by the same score line. The final just seemed like a training match, just as you would expect with two sides from the same club playing each other and it was Croydon A who won 3-1.

The Under 12’s final followed straight after the under 15’s. Young Guns from North East London had beaten Basingstoke 2-0 in the first semi final and Southside Athletic, from Cheltenham, beat Lydiard Youth 1-0 in the other to set up the tournaments long distance final. This final was a very skilful one as both sides played the ball around. Southside took the lead but only after their keeper had made a fantastic save to keep Young Guns out; however the Londoners pulled a goal back in the second half to set up extra time. This was very even until early in the second half Southside were able to force the ball home to win probably the best final of the weekend.

Click here for photos of the winners and runners up 

Complete results:

Under 9 Sponsored by ITQ

Wickham 1 – 0 Wokingham

Under 10’s – Sponsored by Wilds Sports

Wickham 1 – 0 Hatch Warren

Under 12’s - Sponsored by Express Vending

Young Guns 1 - 2 Southside Athletic (After extra time)

Under 13’s – Sponsored by Bells Engineering

Kingclere A 0 – 0 St Josephs A

1 – 2 on penalties

Under 14’s - Sponsored by Hanson

Ferndale 0 – 0 Woodley

4 – 3 on penalties

Under 15’s – Sponsored by H S Pipequipment

Croydon A 3 – 1 Croydon B

Under 16’s - Sponsored by Eagle Press

Hatch Warren 1- 2 Shaw B

If you took part in the tournament and have any comments or suggestions for next year's tournament, please leave a comment here or send an email to admin@wickhamwanderers.co.uk.

Report: U13s Berks & Bucks Cup Final 19-Apr-2009

Today probably saw the lad’s biggest day of their footballing lives so far as they took on Slough Crusaders in the final of the Berks & Bucks Cup. They were however buoyed by the news that on Saturday Bassett had lost 2-1 to Pewsham so the title challenge was now back in our own hands. Wallingford was a bigger pitch than the Triangle so hopefully this would suit the boys.

Slough kicked off and quickly went on the attack. After a minute they won a corner on their right. This was well cleared out by Albie on the near post and Wickham pushed out. However the ball fell to Olatide Omotolia, unmarked some 30 yards out and he hit a first time shot just overt he top of James and under the bar for 1-0. Wickham took some time to settle after this but in the 4^th minute Iggy got a cross in which saw Charlie get above the defender but his header went wide of the goal. In the 11^th minute Wickham battled for the ball in the left hand corner with it coming out to Marcus who then switched the ball back to William. He advanced and played a channel ball between the centre back and full back for Charlie to race onto but the keeper just got there first. In the 17^th minute a long free kick from William found Ben who tried to put Charlie in but a defender got there first to clear over the bar. Albie hit the corner to the near post which was flicked to Iggy on the edge of the box. His shot was blocked but rebounded to Ben who shot for the far post but Marcus changed the direction of the ball with his volley scoring inside the near post for 1-1. A minute later and another William free kick from the half way line again found Ben on the edge of the box and this time his flick for Albie was just gathered in by the keeper. In the 24^th minute Slough won two consecutive corners. From the second Harry Snelling, the Slough captain, came running into the box to power a header into the back of the net. From the restart Wickham initially attacked down the left but when this was blocked the ball came back to William who chipped it over the left back for Iggy to run onto; he got his cross in for Albie to head home. In the 29^th minute Slough had a free kick some 40 yards out which they hit straight at James. His long clearance was flicked on by Albie for Charlie. The ball was laid back to Jesse on to Albie again who then sent Iggy away down the wing. As he got to the corner of the box he fired a long range shot in which went over the keeper and into the net.

There was lots of passion in the second half as the next goal would prove vital. Slough had the first chance from a corner in the 3^rd minute but Wickham successfully cleared the ball away. A minute later and a long range dig from Ben was fumbled by the keeper who just gathered the ball in before Charlie could pounce. The next minute saw a Duncan throw flicked on by Albie to Charlie. He gave it back to Albie to get a cross in to Iggy at the back post who stabbed his shot against the post. The ball was partially cleared to Charlie who saw the keeper make a great diving save from his shot which was going just inside the post. With 7 minutes gone Duncan was replaced by Olly at left midfield. In the 9^th minute Karl was force to make an overhead clearance as a ball over the top seemed to be sending two Slough forwards clear, then a minute later and Albie free kick from distance drifted harmlessly wide. Another ball over the top saw Bert just get his head on it to guide it back to James but Wickham were going through a period of not being able to keep the ball. Slough were using their subs to constantly change formation and with 15 minutes left were now playing 3 up front. Almost immediately their no 9 was free just 6 yards out but Karl somehow got back to concede a corner. Iggy now came off with Duncan coming back on the right. With 10 minute left Bert came off & Jack came on at right back. With 4 minutes remaining a Slough free kick on the right saw the ball swung into the box and a powerful header seemed destined for the left corner of the goal but James made a great diving save turning the ball round the post. Ben took a knock in the face and had to come off with blood poring out of his nose so Olly drop back to left back. With 90 seconds left Wickham attacked down the left, winning a corner. This was played into the near post where Duncan Lorrain flicked the ball to the back post for Marcus to head home. Straight fro the centre Slough attacked with a cross coming in fro the right which saw a Jack Bolton defensive header well saved by James. Wickham had one more shot before the final whistle went sealing a 4-2 victory.

A great display by all the boys to battle back from the early set back was shown in the parents voting. Eight players received a vote but again it went to someone who played in two positions during the game thus the Player of the Day Award went to William. To cap a great day we also heard that Bassett had lost 5-1 to Ferndale, both of these sides being our next two opponents in the League.

James Davies

William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Karl Admans, Ben Finch

Iggy Ilott, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Olly Sopp, Jack Bolton, Max Nicholls, Jordan Shaw, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U13NW vs. Stratton Youth 14-Apr-2009

The day after Easter and another game, this time away at Stratton Youth. Prior to kick off we received a phone call saying Albie had broken down on the way and would not make it so Iggy moved up front with Charlie.

Wickham had the better of the initial exchanges but in the 4^th minute a long clearance by the Stratton keeper saw both Ben and Bert go for the same ball, both missing it but James was quickly to the edge of his area to stop the danger. The next minute Charlie battled for the ball in the corner getting it into the middle where it seemed to stick under Iggy’s foot and the chance was gone. The first quarter hour seemed to fly by without very much more happening. A long throw saw Charlie flick the ball on but Iggy’s volley went wide. After a game of head tennis in the centre circle Charlie got the ball to Iggy who laid it back to Marcus but his shot was turned away for a corner. In the 24^th minute Karl came off after receiving a blow to the foot with William switching to centre back and Jack at right back. A diagonal ball from Jesse sent Iggy and Duncan racing goal wards which Duncan won but the keeper made a great save when the ball seemed to have gone beyond him. Stratton had their first corner after 30 minutes which was only cleared to the edge of the box but fortunately the shot went well wide. In the 33^rd minute Ben took a knock and needed to come off but fortunately he stayed on as a minute later Charlie won the ball on the right got a great cross into the back post where Olly arrived to smash home his first League goal of the season. Had Ben come off Olly probably would not have been their.

At the start of the second half Ben did come off with Olly dropping to left back, Duncan switching wings and Max coming on to the right. Wickham started slowly but in the 5^th minute Stratton had an indirect free kick some 35 yards out which was chipped into the box but James dealt with in well. Two minute later Wickham had a free kick out near the left touch line which William hit to the far post but Iggy was just beaten to the header. A minute later Max got in one of his telling crosses, Iggy’s header eventually came out to Jesse but his shot was deflected wide. Another Max cross moment later seemed to have put Charlie in but the defender just cleared the ball. In the 12^th minute a throw down the left found Duncan whose cross seemed to be handled but the ball ended up with Iggy who tucked the ball away nicely for 2-0. Stratton had their first corner of the half in the 15^th minute which was swung in beautifully for an unchallenged header to just go straight up in the air which then allowed the Wickham defence to clear. In the 19^th minute a Wickham attack down the right was stopped with Stratton then heading down the wing. Sammy outstripped Jack for pace and as William came across he shot to the near post, instead of passing to his fellow attacked who was not free in the middle, but James made the save. Bert then picked up an injury and Ben came back on to the centre of the defence. Stratton now switched tactics, just like the cup game a month ago with another tall striker coming on. In the 25^th minute this almost paid dividends as the two strikers got the better of the Wickham defenders and only a last ditch tackle from Jack stopped a shot from shot distance going in. From a Jesse corner in the 29^th minute the ball was cleared out to Marcus. He played it back to Jesse who whipped the ball towards to far post where Charlie and Iggy were closing in on the ball but it flicked a defenders head and went in. Wickham continued to attack and to their credit so did Stratton. With two minutes left James came out to dive at the forwards feet then hit the ball long down the right. Max got the ball getting a good cross in, which the keeper could only get fingertips to, allowing Charlie to force the ball home.

A patchy display from the boys with the ball often in the air however for good work in two positions on the left The Player of the Day Award went to a very surprised Olly.

James Davies

William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Karl Admans, Ben Finch

Duncan Lorrain, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Olly Sopp

Iggy Ilott, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jack Bolton, Max Nicholls.

Report: U13NW vs. Abbey Meads 9-Apr-2009

Another game in hand to clear; this time a win would take the boys back top. The opponents are Abbey Meads who are in the bottom half for the table but the lads have never beaten them at home, which is a surprising fact.

William was again captain and decided to kick up the slope. Wickham attacked from the start with Marcus having a long range shot which seemed destined for the top corner but the keeper saved it. In the 6^th minute Olly hit a couple of great crosses from the left, the second one finding Charlie but again the keeper made the save. A minute later a goal kick was won by William who played it up to Albie who slipped Charlie between the centre backs to open the scoring. The 9^th minute saw an Abbey Meads attack stopped by Ben who switched the ball to Duncan on the right. His pass found Albie who got past his man and drilled the ball into the top right corner. A minute later the ball was won by Marcus who tried to play Albie in. He seemed to have lost the ball but won it back before tucking a left foot drive just inside the post. In the 15^th minute a throw in saw Charlie battling for the ball by the corner flag. He played it back to Olly who fed the ball into Albie. As he advanced into the area he was brought down by two defenders but duly stuck the resulting penalty away to complete his hat trick. In the 17^th minute Marcus played a lovely “channel” ball for Duncan to run onto. He got to the by line then cut back inside the defender hitting the ball to the back post where it drifted into the back of the net for 5-0. With 5 goals in ten minutes things had to calm down a little. With 20 minutes gone both wingers were replace with Iggy coming on the left hand side and Max on the right. Iggy then had two runs down the left getting in good crosses to no avail but in the 23^rd minute he pulled the ball back to Albie who saw hit shot cleared off the line but only as far as Jesse who drilled it into the roof of the net. In the 25^th minute Albie intercepted a goal kick and after taking a touch curled the ball into the far corner to give a half time score line of 7-0.

At the start of the second half Jack came off with the rest of the back four shifting across a slot with Olly dropping in at left back. In the first minute a throw in cause problems in the Abbey Meads area as they conceded a corner. From this the ball went all the way across the area to be cleared giving the visitors a break down their right. The ball was knocked over Ben to a sticker in the clear but James came out made the parry for Ben to run round and clear the ball to safety. Abbey Meads were now a different side matching everything Wickham through at them. However, in the 9^th minute Iggy went on a run down the right cutting into the box and getting his shot away which the keeper blocked but Iggy put the rebound in. This was the start of another goal blitz. Albie was now replace by Fraser and it was Fraser who knocked the ball inside to Charlie, who despite being force left, was able to hook a left footed shot across the keeper and in. Two minute later again an attack down the right saw Iggy battle his way past two defenders and hit a shot across the keeper into the far corner. Play was now constantly down the right as a ball was played back to William who sent Charlie clear. He was about to shoot when he was pulled down. Charlie was persuaded to take the penalty and duly completed his hat trick. Another long throw caused problems in the Abbey Meads defence as both Charlie and Jesse attacked the ball. It was cleared out to Fraser on the edge of the box and he drilled it into the net. Finally, in the 21^st minute the ball was worked to the left flank with Duncan tucking it inside to Fraser who got past his man before curling the ball inside the far post. With 6 goals in 12 minutes the stuffing had been completely knocked out of Abbey Meads and chances were still being created. In the 25^th minute a corner was played into the box and after an almighty scramble Jack, who had come on for William. forced the ball over the line for his first goal of the season. The final goal was scored in the 27^th minute as a long clearance from James was flick on by Marcus for both Charlie and Fraser to chase, Charlie getting there first to score. Abbey Meads did hit the crossbar in the 30^th minute direct from a free kick but this was their only real chance of the game.

Following a fantastic first half display scoring 4 goals and continuing the good work in the second half Albie won The Player of the Day Award plus the opposition coaches award as well.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Ben Finch

Duncan Lorrain, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Iggy Ilott, Fraser Roberts, Max Nicholls.

Report: U13NW vs Ferndale Rodbourne 5-Apr-2009

With Wroughton not playing this was a chance to use one of the games in hand and close the gap at the top. With Bassett away on tour the gap from them could also be increased, but away games at Ferndale are always tough hard ones.

Without Karl, William was captain winning the toss and kicking off. In the 2^nd minute a long throw went over everyone for Iggy to try run onto, the keeper got a touch to it diverting the ball just away from Duncan and to safety. Two minutes later Wickham conceded a free kick out wide on the left. This was swung into the box to a tall lad running in but James was able to gather the ball. Wickham went on the attack with Charlie battling for the ball, which he won only to have his shot charged down. The 7^th minute saw Ben and Duncan attack down the left. The ball eventually came to Albie whose reverse pass sent Iggy away but he hit his shot over the near post. In the 9^th minute Iggy was brought down near the touchline. Albie hit the ball into the box where Charlie flicked it on for the ball to bounce around in the area with it eventually coming to William who slammed it into the roof of the net for 1-0. In the 16^th minute William broke an attack up sending a ball out wide to Iggy who got an early cross in which just evaded Charlie in the middle. Three minute later another long throw went all the way across the box to Iggy in the clear but he somehow failed to connect with his shot and the chance was gone. In the 21^st minute a Wickham attack down the right saw Ferndale win the ball and quickly switch play to their right. The attacker beat Bert for pace but drove his shot well wide of the near post. A quick throw a minute later saw Charlie get free and burst into the box. He had his ankle tapped and went down but the ref gave a free kick right on the edge of the area which came to nothing. In the 29^th minute another Ferndale break down the left again saw the forward shot wide of the near post. A Wickham free kick saw Bert win the ball near the by line but he was pushed off the ball as the defender conceded a corner. More Wickham pressure followed and with a minute left Charlie, battling hard for the ball in the corner, managed to get a cross over but Albie’s near post header just went wide of the far post. There was still time for Charlie to get a powerful left foot shot away which the keeper saved next to the post. Right on time Ferndale had a free kick, 30 yards out, which just cleared the bar.

Half time saw Duncan switch wings as Iggy came off with Olly coming onto the left. In the second minute following a Wickham corner, Ferndale quickly attacked down there left with Duncan and Jack leaving the ball to each other. As the forward cut into the area Bert got back to clear the danger. In the 4^th minute Charlie switched the ball out to Olly, the early cross came in to Albie who laid it back for Jesse to drive just over. A Ferndale break in the 6^th minute saw a brief 3 onto 1 but James made the save with his foot for Ben to clear. The ball went down the other end again for Olly to get a cross in which the keeper palmed out for Jesse to shoot over. In the 10^th minute a long Ferndale clearance sent their left winger away, he cut into the box and as William came across to cover the forward hit the shot wide. Wickham then suffered a double blow as Jack turned his ankle, so Iggy came on at right back; then Bert had to come off injured as well so Ben went to the centre, Olly to left back, Iggy to left wing, Duncan to right back and Max to right wing. This naturally caused some disruption and soon after James came rushing out of his area to clear the ball up field. Max was now making good runs and getting some great crosses in, one of which found Iggy at the back post. His shot was blocked by the keeper with the ball coming back and hitting him in the face before going off. With 10 minutes left Ferndale had a free kick some 35 yards out which was powerfully struck, hitting the underside of the bar and just bouncing over the line. Both sides wanted to win the game and a long throw saw an overhead kick from Albie just clear the bar. In the 30^th minute a long goal kick was flicked on by Charlie sending Albie racing through. As the keeper came out he drilled the ball past him for 2-1. Ferndale then switched to 3 at the back and 3 up front but Wickham seemed the most likely to score again but the score line remained unchanged and the win was secured.

Another great battling display up front chasing everything down saw Charlie deservedly win The Player of the Day Award.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Ben Finch

Iggy Ilott, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Olly Sopp, Fraser Roberts, Max Nicholls.

Report: U13NW vs. Wroughton Juniors 29-Mar-2009

Finally a home game which saw Wroughton, who are 5 points clear at the top of the table but having played three games more than Wickham, visit “The Triangle”. This was therefore an important game for both sides with a victory for one denting the others title ambitions.

Wickham kicked off going up the slight slope and against the wind immediately sending the ball to the left. It was switched to the right and Iggy go the cross in but this was cleared. William picked up the ball near the halfway line sending it up to Charlie who got past the defender and slipped the ball under Christie Miller in goal to score. With 3 minutes gone Wroughton got a cross into the box and William, not under any pressure, headed the ball off just past the post. From the resulting corner Ryan Rawlings headed just over. The 6^th minute saw a long throw eventually come out to Marcus whose shot was deflected wide for a corner. The corner saw both Marcus and Jesse compete for the ball, it was knocked out sideways where Bert laid it back to William who hit a snap shot which just cleared the bar. In the 11^th minute Iggy got a cross into Charlie who was pushed across the left hand side of the box but he got away a left footed drive which came cannoning back of the post only for his second left footed shot to go just wide of the far post. Marcus picked up an injury so Ben came on with Olly pushing up to left midfield. It was mainly Wickham attacks but in the 17^th minute a Wroughton attack was cleared out of the area but a midfielder was not picked up who hit a low drive from approx 30 yards out which James could only parry into the roof of the net. This buoyed up the visitors who now had more belief. In the 27^th minute a throw on the Wroughton left was played back to a midfielder who whipped the ball to two unmarked players at the back post for Josh Riggs to score. In the 31^st minute a Wroughton corner saw Wickham clear the ball out but Karl stayed in the box. As the ball was played back in he found himself with three onside Wroughton players who were able to convert the chance.

Jack now came on at right back with Bert coming off; Olly came off with Duncan switching to left midfield and Marcus back in the middle. Wickham were pushing forwards chasing the game but the play was always through the middle with the wings being strangely unused. In the 14^th minute Charlie battled for the ball near the left hand corner flag winning a free kick for a push in the back. Albie swung the corner to the far post where it drifted into the top far corner. A minute later a corner caused some panic in the Wroughton defence but they were able to clear it away. In the 21^st minute William stopped a Wroughton attack and Charlie flicked the header into Albie’s path but under pressure he shot wide. In the 249^th minute Ben got a cross into the box which Jesse brought down on his chest hitting a first time Volley which Christie somehow parried and was able to scramble back to dive on the ball before it crossed the line. In the 25^th minute a Wickham corner came out to Jesse and his shot cleared the bar. It seemed that all the Wickham pressure would not get the goal which they needed however with a minute left the ball was played down the right with the cross coming to Charlie at the back of the area where he knocked it past Christie for Albie to beat the defender and slid the ball into the box for 3-3. Wroughton attached from the centre but the defence won the ball sending it up to Charlie but unfortunately he could not get past the defender to get his shot away. Despite a number of stoppages for the ref to talk to various Wroughton supporters and players no time was added and this was the last play of the game.

Despite not starting the game, the injury to Marcus ensured Ben got onto the pitch midway through the first half. He then produced his best game of the season at left back and was duly voted The Player of the Day.

James Davies

William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Karl Admans, Olly Sopp

Iggy Ilott, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jack Bolton, Ben Finch, Max Nicholls.

U13's Berks & Bucks Champions 2008-2009

It was Berks and Bucks County Final time at AFC Wallingford on Sunday 19th April as Wickham took on Slough.

Slough shocked the North Wilts League side opening the scoring from a corner in the first minute. Wickham took time to settle but got back to their passing game and in the 17th minute Marcus Guest level things up. Wickham were in the ascendance but in the 24th minute they conceded a corner which was powerfully headed in by Slough's captain. Straight from the centre Wickham went up the right with Iggy Ilott putting in a point to point cross for Albie Oakman to head home. This time Wickham were to make their ascendancy pay as in the 29th minute Iggy hit a shot from distance which deceived the keeper and flew into the top corner. Thus Wickham went in 3-2 up at half time.

The second half was a torrid affair as both sides threw caution to the wind. Iggy hit the post in the 4th minute but despite Wickham pressure they could not add the 4th. Karl Admans was at hand to rob the Slough forward as he seemed destined to score. With 10 minutes left a Jack Bolton defensive header was turned round their post by James Davies and two minutes later did the same as a powerful shot came in. With three minutes left he was there again to punch clear a free kick from the right and Wickham attacked down the left winning a corner. This was played into the near post where Duncan Lorrain flicked the ball to the back post for Marcus to slam home as Wickham ran out 4-2 winners.

Report: U13NW vs. Liden Community 21-Mar-2009

Back to League action and a Saturday game at Liden. Again things did not start well as an accident on the M4 meant a long struggle for some people and other going round back rounds but come 12.30 we had all arrived. The ref was also delayed so on a lovely sunny morning the kick off was delayed 15 minutes until 13.00.

Wickham immediately won the ball in midfield with Jesse and Marcus playing the ball out left to Duncan but his cross was blocked. In the second minute Wickham’s first corner was flicked on by Charlie and William’s stab at the ball was turned wide for another corner. the 7^th minute saw a free kick was given away near the touch line some 35 yards out. This was swung to the back of the box where three Liden players found themselves with only one Wickham defender and the ball was duly headed home. In the 9^th minute a long throw was flicked by Albie to Charlie who played the ball back to him but his cross field shot just drifted past the far post. In the 10^th minute Charlie battled for the ball out left, knocking it into Albie. His path was blocked so he laid it back to William who also saw his deep cross shot drift past the far post. A minute later a throw on the left came into Albie. He drifted past three defender before chipping the ball over the keeper to level the scores. The 13^th minute saw

Wickham have a free kick similar to the one which Liden scored from, but, as the ball came into William, in the clear, he was flagged off side. In the 16^th minute, following a Wickham throw in near the corner flag, Liden won the ball sending a speculative ball towards the goal. Unfortunately it was perfectly placed just dropping over James and under the bar. This rocked Wickham, being behind for the second time. Bert came off injured with Jack replaced him. It was five more minutes before Wickham created another chance which was a long range effort from Albie which was turned round the post for a corner. There followed a series of scrappy play, before, in the 29^th minute, Iggy took a throw which Charlie flicked on. There was now one behind him so he battled for the ball eventually stabbing it across the goal for Duncan to stretch and force the ball home.

Ben replaced Olly for the start of the second half and within 12 seconds of the restart Iggy battled for the ball before seeing his shot go past the post. A minute later, Jack whipped a ball into the far post for Duncan to head just wide. In the third minute it was Duncan’s turn to cross the ball in for Albie but the ball would not come down for him and his snap shot went over.

However, from the resulting goal kick Duncan won the header in midfield knocking it beyond the left back for Iggy to cut into the box slotting it inside the near post for 3-2. Wickham won the ball from the centre and attacked again. Liden were able to clear their lines but Duncan headed the ball forwards for Jesse to send Iggy through who this time hit the ball across the keeper and inside the far post for 4-2. Any fear had now gone from the lads play as they started to play some good passing football however Liden were still dangerous on the break. In the 12^th minute some flowing play saw Duncan & Marcus involved as Charlie was played in. He laid the ball out to Albie on the left and having reached the by line cut it back over the top of Charlie to Iggy who was charging in at the back post to complete his hat trick. Liden continued to cause problems especially when silly free kicks were conceding in the midfield areas. A couple of times long balls into the box saw some hesitation from the Wickham defenders but James either gathered the ball or Karl, Ben or William cleared the danger. Wickham however were still dominating procedures and it came as no surprise when in the 28^th minute a long ball was well controlled by Iggy which gave him a one on one with the keeper which he duly netted.

There was no doubt who was going to get the Player of the Day Award, so with 4 second half goals and hit first hat trick for Wickham, it went to Iggy.

The 16th League match against Stratton Juniors B saw them fail to get a side out giving Wickham the game, so 6 points form the weekend, only playing once was a very nice return. Wroughton, next weeks opponents, are now top, 2 points clear but having played 2 games more. Thus next week’s match against them is very important. However; even a win may not put us back on top as they have an extra game on Saturday against Liden.

James Davies

William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Karl Admans, Olly Sopp

Iggy Ilott, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jack Bolton, Ben Finch.

Report: U13NW vs. Stratton Youth 15-Mar-2009 (Cup)

Another weekend, another Cup game. It was the League Cup Semi Final at Stratton Youth with the side suffering two blows before the game. Karl was not available and Jack had been delayed on route from the wedding in Aylesbury, so a reshuffled back 4 took to the field. With Ben going to School with a lot of the Stratton players he knew they were up for this game.

Wickham kicked off, immediately going down the right. Iggy’s cross came in but Olly just failed to force it home. Marcus then put Iggy thought but he just failed to clear the keeper with his cross. It took a little time for William and Bert to judge the length of the keepers kicks but this was soon sorted out with William playing the Karl role. After 5 minutes a deep cross by Olly just cleared Iggy at the back post. A minute later Albie got a cross in for Charlie to flick on which just evaded Olly at the back post. After 8 minutes Duncan swung the ball into the box but under pressure from Olly Stratton cleared out to Ben on the half way line. He hit the ball back into the middle where Jesse flicked a header for Charlie to run onto and as the keeper came out he slipped the ball under him and into the net. Stratton had their first corner after ten minutes which was headed clear by Marcus. In the 12^th minute Albie headed the ball onto Charlie who headed it into Olly’s path; as the defender and keeper hesitated Olly got a foot to the ball but it went just wide. A minute later Iggy got past the left back but his shot drifted past the near post. Jack now replaced Ben with Olly switching to left back and Duncan to left midfield. For some reason this seemed to spur Stratton on as they created a chance coming down the left flank with the shot flying past James’ back post. The no7, playing at centre back started to cover everything which Wickham were creating and Sammy Russell was coming more into the game up front for the home side. Despite Stratton having the better of the last 15 minutes James was never really trouble. Charlie almost scored from a corner right on half time but the header went the wrong side of the far post so the lads went in 1-0 up.

In the first minute Charlie created a half chance but his volley was well saved by the keeper. It was mainly Wickham attacking and in the 8^th minute Charlie created a chance from nothing, hitting the far post with the ball rebounding to safety. Wickham were picking up the majority of the Stratton clearances which was putting more pressure on the home defence. With 14 minutes gone a Duncan throw was flicked on by Charlie to Albie. He was blocked off on the edge of the area but Marcus hit a drive from 25 yards out which hit the bar and went over. In the 21^st minute a throw in saw Charlie get down the right. He battled for the ball near the corner flag before getting his cross into the far post where Duncan volleyed it home. Max then came on for Iggy and Ben replace Jack at right back who looked absolutely shattered. Stratton changed their shape for the last 10 minutes moving the no.7 into midfield. As a Wickham attack broke down the long clearance saw both Bert and William go for the ball. It came off one of them sending Sammy through on James. The forward just got to the ball first knocking at around James and despite William getting back to attempt the block the shot he was able to knock the ball into the net. There followed 2 minutes of intense Stratton pressure but again James did not have to make a save. With 8 minutes left Charlie broke through and seemed to have slotted the ball past the advancing keeper but the ball hit his foot and was then cleared by a defender. With 5 minutes left James was called upon to rush out of his area and clear long up field. In the 32nd minute Duncan was taken down from behind some 30 yards out, so Albie hit the free kick into the area. The ball dipped and swerved, with the keeper doing well to push the shot onto the bar but Jesse followed in to put the ball in the net. Two minutes later Charlie seemed to be through on goal but as a defender came across he knocked the ball sideways to Max for him to drive the ball across the keeper and in by the far post.

There were two candidates for the Player of the Day Award, both getting 6 votes but when the final vote was cast Bert, who undoubtedly had his best game of the season, took the trophy. So it’s back to the County Ground to again play Bassett, who got through in extra time 2-1 against Liden, who we play next Saturday in the League. The games do not get any easier.

James Davies

Duncan Lorrain, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Ben Finch

Iggy Ilott, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jack Bolton, Max Nicholls.

Report: U13NW vs. Highworth (1-Mar-2009)

A break from the cups saw an away trip to Highworth Juniors who had moved up to 3^rd in the League. With other big games coming up it was important that the lads concentrated on this game to consolidate their position at the top of the table as Bassett were playing in the Wiltshire County Cup semi final this weekend.

The lads kicked off up the hill, as seems to be the norm now on this ¾ sized pitch immediately attacking down the right. Iggy got the cross in which Charlie flicked on but Albie’s shot went just wide. Almost immediately another chance was created but this time it was Charlie’s shot that went wide. The new back 4 line up were dealing well with the Highworth attacks and this also allowed William to get forwards down the right and use his long throw. On a number of occasions the Highworth defenders failed to judge the distance on these throw ins which then put Iggy or Albie away in space. Wickham’s first corner came in the 11^th minute which Albie drove low across the face of the goal but no one seemed to attack the ball and it went out on the far side. Jesse was again dominating the midfield with Marcus initially taking on the roll of marking Fraser Evans. Wickham were dominating the territory but not really testing the Highworth keeper. After 20 minutes Olly knocked the ball inside to Charlie who feed Albie but the shot went just wide. Charlie then seemed to be though but a last ditch tackle stopped him. From a corner in the 23^rd minute the ball came out to Jack but his shot was charged down. After 30 minutes a long throw from William sent Albie away. He cut into the box drawing the keeper who made the save with his knee deflecting the ball over the bar. Jesse then had a left footed shot from outside the area which flashed just wide as it seemed the goal would never come. However, with a minute left, Albie was sent through the middle and this time as the keeper came out he slotted it into the bottom right hand corner for a half time 1-0 lead.

In the 2^nd minute of the second half James was called into action for the first time making an initial save and after grabbing the ball a second time felt the full force of Fraser. After receiving some attention he was OK to continue. Wickham’s attacks down the slope were now more positive with Iggy and Olly getting crosses in forcing the keeper to make saves. After 10 minutes Olly was replace by Max & Bert by Ben as the defence moved back to a more familiar shape. In the next minute, following a Highworth attack, Fraser picked the ball up in the centre circle, advanced a little way and seeing James off his line hit a speculative shot goal bounds. As James back peddled the ball went over the top of him hitting the back of the net. Highworth all celebrated the equaliser but then they noticed the ball going up the hill beyond the goal and realised that the ball had also just cleared the bar. This did spur Highworth on as they now had their best period of the game. You felt Wickham needed a second goal, which arrived some 3 minute later. A cross from the left was flicked on by Albie for Charlie to run onto and slam home. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the home side who now just hit the long ball into the Wickham half which was easily dealt with by Karl and William. In the last minute Karl knocked a ball over the Highworth defence for both Albie and Charlie to chase. As the ball dropped in the area Charlie had his shot blocked by the keeper but Max had been following up on the right hand side and duly knocked the ball into the unattended net.

So, goals at the end of each half showed the necessity to keep going throughout the game but it was a deserved result with the score line not flattering the lads. Karl was the Parents Player of the Day for another good game at the back. Next week is off to Burnham in the hope that this time we can reach the Berks & Bucks Cup final.

James Davies

William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Karl Admans, Jack Bolton

Iggy Illott, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Ben Finch, Max Nicholls, Jordan Shaw

Report: U13NW vs. Burnham 8-Mar-2009 (Cup)

Following a lovely morning, it was overcast and very windy on our arrival at Burnham. As the boys warmed up it turned into driving rain, so it was off to the changing rooms as the ref delayed the start until 2.15. Wickham were forced to play into the wind and rain but within 5 minutes the rain had stopped and after 25 minutes the wind had calmed down a little. However, how did the game go against a side that had only lost once (against Slough Crusaders in their League Cup) so far this season?

With a minute gone a William long throw eventually came out to Charlie who hit a powerful volley straight at the keeper. The clearance down the middle was missed by Marcus and then William and with Bert missing a sliding tackle the forward went clear down the left wing. As Karl came across to make the tackle the ball was fired into the middle for a simple tap in at the back post. A minute later an Albie corner was cleared out to Iggy who hit a spinning shot goal bound. This spun past the keeper but Marcus was stopped from putting the ball in. However, in the 4^th minute Jack took a throw down the left, the ball was cleared back to him so he played it sideways into William by the centre circle. He immediately sent the ball up to Charlie whose little flick put Albie clear to equalise. Despite the wind the game became even with Burnham hitting long balls and Wickham trying to play on the ground. As the half moved on more of the play was in the Wickham half but James was still to make a save. With 25 minutes gone Olly replaced Bert and almost immediate Olly played the ball to Marcus then onto Duncan sending Albie through to go round the keeper but from a tight angle put his shot wide. With 8 minutes to go Burnham stopped a Wickham attack down the left. The big no3. sent the ball out to the left and history repeated itself as the ball was crossed into the box for another tap in. With 6 minutes left Marcus was fouled near the centre circle so Albie floated the free kick into the box. Marcus controlled it on his chest turned and drove it goal bound only for the keeper to save it with his legs, then, as the ball came back to him, he stubbed his shot which was then cleared off the line. With 3 minutes left James had his first shot to save as an effort came in from the edge of the box. A minute later Iggy was sent away down the right; his early cross came to Marcus who hit an early shot just over the bar. Would the equaliser ever come? With a minute left Marcus had the ball in midfield and he gave it to Jesse who spread it wide to Duncan. It pass was over hit but as Duncan got his cross in the big no3 handled the ball and Albie duly drilled the penalty home.

Jon gave the boys lots of “encouragement” at half time making sure they knew what they were doing wrong and how to sort it out. With Wickham now playing with the wind they continued to play the ball on the floor and not pumping it long. In the 5^th minute an Albie corner saw both Marcus and Jesse have attempts cleared off the line. A minute later Albie went away down the left got his cross in for a defender just to clear in front of Charlie. With 8 minutes gone Marcus was bundled down in the centre circle. After some discussion Albie hit the free kick into the box where William, having lost the big no3, tucked is header inside the near post. A minute later Albie was challenging for the ball near the left corner flag forcing the defender to clear directly to Charlie. He took the ball into the box before shooting only for the keeper to palm the ball onto the top of the crossbar and over for a corner. Burnham continued to try to go aerial but the Wickham defenders were always there to deal with this threat. With 15 minutes gone an error in the Burnham defence almost saw Charlie latch onto a through ball but the keeper just got there first. Two minutes later it was Albie’s turn to chase a pass from Charlie from the half way line but the strength of the wind kept the ball those vital few feet in font of him just allowing the keeper to get to the ball first. When Burnham did play the ball on the floor their no16 looked dangerous and in the 20^th minute he seemed to be though on goal but James made a good save despite the player being eventually given off side. Burnham had now changing things around playing three at the back and started to put Wickham under pressure but without forcing James to make any more saves despite them having a number of free kicks within shooting distance. With 7 minutes left Iggy had a chance saved and from the resulting corner Charlie’s header was cleared off the line for a throw in near the half way line. Olly’s throw was feed through to Albie who turned and got his shot away, which the keeper saved but Charlie was there to tap it in. Wickham created a couple more half chances but the final result was 4-2 and a place in the Final on 19^th April against Slough.

There were a number of candidates for the Player of the Day but having played probably his best game of the season it went to Albie.

James Davies

William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Karl Admans, Jack Bolton

Iggy Ilott, Marcus Guest, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Olly Sopp, Ben Finch, Max Nicholls, Joe Withers, Aiden Weeks

Report: U13NW vs. Stratton Juniors 22-Feb-2009 (Cup)

It was another 1/4 final weekend; this time in the League Cup away at Lydiard Park against Stratton Juniors A. Both sides were suffering a little due to half term as both teams only had 12 players available. On a sloping pitch with the wind blowing down the slope Wickham elected to play against the conditions.

As expected Stratton were immediately on the attack moving the ball down the left. A goal kick saw the ball return back into the area with a corner being conceded. This came in from the right but cleared everyone. A Stratton player stopped the ball going out and with the Wickham defence clearing out, a lofted ball to the back post started to curl in but Jack Doult was there to head in from a yard out giving Stratton the lead within 2 minutes. Stratton were playing everything at a high tempo getting the ball back into play as soon as possible. It was not until the 7^th minute that Wickham were able to have there first attack which resulted in a corner. Albie hit a good one into the box but everyone had gone to the front post so despite the ball dropping

invitingly in front of goal no one was there and Stratton easily cleared the ball. More Stratton pressure followed as the ball went from James into midfield and then back to him again. In the 14^th minute Jesse gained control of the ball just inside Wickham’s half and played it up to Albie. He headed the ball out to Duncan on the left who hit a cross to the back post for Charlie to run onto. The defender and keeper got there at the same time and as they collided Marcus was on hand to hit the ball home. More Stratton pressure followed but either Karl or William dealt with it when it came through the middle or the ball was over hit for James to gather. In the 20^th minute the ball was worked down the left by Duncan and Charlie before it was played back for Marcus to dink into the near post. Albie battled for the ball before crossing for Iggy who initially missed the ball but it came back off a defender to him but his shot on the turn was saved. Again the next chance fell to Wickham some 2 minutes later as Albie got past his man but his chip into the box was just gathered by the keeper before Charlie arrived. A free kick in the 26^th minute for Stratton was hit into the box but James dealt with it easily. A minute later Jack Clifton did have the ball in the back of the net but he was well offside. Another free kick, some 35 yards out, was conceded in the 29^th minute but this was hit straight at James. Three corners in quick succession for Stratton were eventually cleared and Duncan had a shot go just wide of the post towards the end of the half.

In the 5^th minute of the 2nd half Charlie was brought down near the touch line 18 yards out. Albie’s free kick seemed to have deceived the keeper but he got a hand to the ball and it was cleared off the line. The wind seemed to have died a little allowing Stratton to get out of their half more than Wickham had been able to. In the 7^th minute an Albie corner just drifted over the bar and then a minute later he was eased off the ball near the penalty spot before he could get a shot away. In the 10^th minute Albie cut the ball back from the by line but it was just two high for Duncan who was free at the back post. A free kick given for handball in the 14^th minute saw Albie swing the free kick in from the left hand side. This cleared all the Stratton defenders for William to power a header in from 3 yards out. From the centre Wickham won a corner, which when played into the box, seemed to have been handled but play continued. Stratton went straight up the other end but a great sliding tackle from Marcus stopped the shot. It was noticeable that both sides were now getting tired. Max came on to replace Duncan with Iggy switching wings where he had a little more success. With 8 minutes left James came out of the area to get a block in which William then cleared away. In the last minute an Albie corner came out to Marcus who hit a shot on the turn which struck the underside of the bar and then seemed to be helped away by a defenders hand. Play however continued and Stratton broke up field but James again came out to deal with it. That was the last play of the game & a hard 2-1 victory was the result. It’s now another away game in the semi final at Stratton Youth in 3 weeks time.

It was a good team effort from all the boys today but Jesse had a great game in midfield battling for everything and he duly won all three Player of the Day awards.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Karl Admans, Olly Sopp

Iggy Ilott, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Max Nicholls.

Report: U13NW vs Kennington 1-Feb-2009 (Cup)

So it’s 1/4 final weekend of the Berks and Bucks Cup and Wickham entertained Kennington again, the same as last year. This time Kennington are stronger and running away with the Oxford Mail League so a tough game is expected. Ben fails to make the game as the car broke down and James has a suspect back after being injured in Saturday’s St Barts. school game so only 4 subs, with Jordan there as the reserve keeper.

The first 5 minutes were all Wickham pressure with the first clear chance going from a cross shot by Jesse. With 10 minutes gone and the snow coming down Duncan was fouled out wide on the edge of the Kennington box but the free kick was played into the side netting, A minute latter and Iggy chased a ball down the right, cutting back inside but his cross shot just went past the far post. Kennington won their first corning in the 15^th minute but Wickham cleared breaking quickly down the left as Karl feed Charlie and then onto Duncan. Eventually the ball came back to Charlie in the middle but his snap shot went just wide. In the 17^th minute Charlie was put though again but the keeper made two good saves to deny him. A minute later following a scramble on the edge of the Kennington box the ball fell to Iggy but he was tackled just as he got his shot away and the keeper again saved it. Kennington’s second corner came in the 20th minute which was taken short but Wickham pushed out quickly so that the player was offside when receiving the return pass. In the 24^th minute the ball was worked down the left wing with Albie switching it to Iggy. He played it back to Jack whose cross was a little bit to heavy for Charlie and Albie, however Duncan fired in a fierce drive which the keeper did well to parry but Charlie was arriving at the back post seemingly only having to tap it in but Albie got there first and knocked the ball wide of the goal. Two minutes later the gaol arrived, as Jesse chipped the ball into the box for Charlie to head the ball goal bound. This was scrambled clear but only out to Marcus, who from 25 yards out, hit the ball high over the keeper and just under the bar for 1-0. Almost straight from the centre Kennington lofted the ball forwards but the forward was well offside, with the whistle going a long time before he hit the ball into the net. Jesse has a similar chance to Marcus’ just before the end of the half but his shot just cleared the bar landing on the net.

Within a minute of the restart Wickham had scored again as the ball was played through the middle before being sent out wide to Iggy. He got an early cross in and Jesse duly put the ball into the net. In the 3^rd minute Bert, who had come on for Jack, knocked the ball forwards which Charlie battled for. His little pass to Albie in the “D” saw him spin round and put the ball into the top corner for 3-0. In the 6^th minute Wickham worked the ball down the right with Marcus clipping the ball forward to Albie. He got past his man before laying it into Charlie’s path to score. Wickham’s first corner of the game came in the 7^th minute but Marcus hit it over the bar. Wickham conceded a free kick from the resulting goal kick which was pumped into the Wickham half. Karl played it back up field and again Charlie won the ball flicking it over the defender for Albie to volley past the keeper. The Kennington players were now getting frustrated as they had still not tested James in goal. All he had been called on to do was to come rushing out of his goal area twice to clear. With 15 minute of the half gone the no.8 totally lost it and walked off the pitch towards the changing room after an exchange of words with the ref and took no further part in the game. From the resulting free kick the ball was quickly played into the Kennington box for Charlie to make it 6-0. Two minutes later the ref had to have a word with the no.2 who was also removed from the game. The game now became rather flat with both sides knowing what the eventual result would be. Wickham didn’t create another clear cut chance but James was called upon to make one good save, which he duly did, to ensure that he kept a clean sheet.

Next week is another cup quarter-final this time in the League cup against Stratton Juniors. A good solid display at the back was noticed by the parents despite the score line so The Player of the Day Award went to Karl.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Karl Admans, Olly Sopp

Iggy Ilott, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Max Nicholls, Bert Cherrill, Jordan Shaw, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U13NW vs. Pewsham Youth 18-Jan-2009

Pewsham, who had apparently watched the lads play over the last two weekends, were the latest visitors to the Triangle Field. They had hoped that seeing how the boys played would help them get a result but the squad was now up to full strength with Callum and Bert back. Jon however kept the same side as last week, and they therefore started on the bench alongside Jack Wild.

In the first minute Albie got a cross in that Charlie went for, but their keeper was just tall enough to gather the ball in. In the 4^th minute some interplay between Fraser and Duncan on the left hand side eventually saw Duncan get to the by-line. He pulled it back to Albie who took a touch before flicking it over the keeper for 1-0. The lads then played some lovely one- and two-touch football. Pewsham’s plan seemed to be press for everything but the neat little triangles that Wickham were playing meant Pewsham were playing “catch up” football. The 8^th minute saw Albie’s corner headed by William, their keeper parried this clear. Duncan’s follow-up shot was blocked on the line and then Olly hit the rebound over. Wickham’s pressure eventually told in the 13^th minute as a corner was cleared to Duncan on the edge of the box for him to drill in just inside the far post. Two minutes later, a long throw towards Charlie could only be headed up in the air. The headed clearance came out to Jesse who bent his shot towards the far post. The keeper did brilliantly to get down and stop it from nestling in the corner of the net but Olly was there to tap in the rebound. A minute later and it seemed that Duncan had caught the scoring bug but his shot from the edge of the area came cannoning back off the post. Bert and Callum came on for Aiden and Fraser but Wickham kept on going forwards. In the 21^st minute an Albie corner just skimmed off Charlie’s head and wide of the back post. A minute latter Callum hit a drive just over the bar from an intercepted goal kick. With three minutes left Albie latched onto a through ball and knocked it past the keeper and into the net before colliding with him. However, the goal did not stand. In the last minute another cross was met by both Bert and the keeper. William put the ball in the back of the net but again a foul on the keeper was given.

Straight from the centre Albie whipped a cross into the area which just cleared Charlie. Fraser was at the back post but his shot came back off the post. The resulting goal kick was intercepted by Charlie but he dragged his left footed shot just wide. In the 8^th minute Wickham scored again. A goal kick found Karl and he played it up to Charlie. He turned and slipped the ball through for Callum to run onto and score. With 12 minutes gone a heavy challenge from Bert conceded a free kick some 25 yards out. Despite the wall being lined up the kick went directly into the far corner. Straight after this Wickham seemed to have scored again. Callum got around the keeper pulled the ball back for Charlie to tap in but for some reason Charlie was given offside. With 14 minutes gone a corner to the near post was played back to Albie and his little chip into the box was tucked away by Fraser for 5-1. In the 16^th minute a Pewsham goal kick was headed back by Duncan on the half way line towards Charlie. He held the ball up and laid it back to Karl, who hit a dipping shot over the keeper and into the net. Albie had taken a knock which saw Jack Wild came on for 5 minutes so Albie could receive some attention - this did not stop the flowing football. The 20^th minute saw Karl hit a deep corner to Olly at the back. He knocked it into the box where Callum hit a volley straight at the keeper, who made the save. Almost immediately afterwards Charlie became the third person to hit the post from a fierce shot. The final goal, with 5 minutes remaining, was a lovely sweeping move with a bit of danger at the start. Karl stopped a Pewsham attack down the left by clearing the ball across the back to Jack Bolton on the right hand side. Jack played the ball up the line to Albie, who had just returned, who in turn played the ball inside to Charlie. He ran onto the ball before smashing it inside the keeper’s nearside post.

A good victory with a number of contenders for Player of the Day but following an excellent defensive display, controlled attacking down the left and for scoring, the Player of the Day Award went to Olly.

James Davies

Aiden Weeks, Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorrain, Fraser Roberts

Albie Oakman

Charlie de Fraine

Sub:- Bert Cherrill, Jack Wild, Callum Johnson

Report: U13NW vs. Highworth Town J (Coleshill) 25-Jan-2009

Having received a call on Friday night to cancel the fixture due to a waterlogged school pitch, the Triangle was offered as a venue. However, pitch availability was found at Elms Rec. so this Sunday it was off to Highworth for a 12.15 kick off.

Wickham went straight onto the attack winning a corner. Albie played it into the near post but William’s header went just wide. In the 2^nd minute Max won a Coleshill throw playing it inside to Karl who then moved the ball onto Marcus. Marcus played the ball through the channel for Albie to flick into Charlie’s path to calmly slot the ball away for 1-0. In the 6^th minute, Coleshill had a corner which was cleared into midfield. Some quick interplay got Max free on the left and his cross was met by Albie to score with a header. The 11^th minute saw a Wickham corner swung into Charlie at the near post who directed his header into the back of the net for 3-0. Following more Wickham pressure the 4^th goal arrived in the 16^th minute. The ball was played out of defence by Ben to Olly. He knocked it into Charlie who in turn played it onto Albie who sent Max through. His shot was well saved by the keeper but Charlie was following in to complete his hat trick. Wickham seemed to switch into attacking mode often just leaving two defenders at the back. An attack down the Coleshill left saw the ball fired across the box beating both Karl and Ben but fortunately it went out of a throw on the far side. This warning was not heeded and in the 26^th minute a high ball through the middle was missed by Bert and the winger was away. Karl came across but before he could get there the ball was centred to an unmarked player who had the easy task of slipping the ball into the net. In the 33^rd minute a similar attack with Karl missing the take saw Ben against two forwards. Fortunately this time when the second forward was passed to he was quite wide and his shot across James evaded the far post.

Iggy replace Max and Jack replaced Ben at the start of the second half which saw Wickham going down the slope. Straight from the centre Iggy got a cross in but it missed everyone and went off of a goal kick. The ball was won back from the goal kick and again switch to Iggy who found Charlie with his cross but his shot scrapped the outside of the post. In the 6^th minute a Coleshill throw was won by William who knocked it side to Jesse. He in turn gave it to Charlie who sent Albie away to tuck the ball inside the near post for 5-1. Jesse seemed destined to score in the 8^th minute but from 8 yards out his shot was deflected over the bar. Four minutes later Jesse hit a long range effort which squeezed under the keeper but he just managed to dive back to gather the ball before it crossed the line. In the 14^th minute Marcus tried to go through the middle of the defence but was brought down some 25 yards out. Albie duly smashed the free kick into the top right corner completing his hat trick. Wickham then gained three corners in succession the 3^rd of which saw Bart flash a shot just wide of the post. Olly and Bert now came off with Max now playing on the left and Ben left back. Another free kick from a similar distance this time saw Albie’s shot clear the bar. In the 21^st minute a ball into the box saw Iggy and the keeper clash when both going for the ball and despite Charlie tucking the ball away a free kick was awarded for a foul on the keeper. The next 8 minutes belonged to Jesse. In the 22^nd minute Charlie won the ball from a goal kick, knocked it sideways for Jesse to hit into the top corner. In the 26^th minute Wickham passed the ball around in defence before a ball was played over Marcus’ head for him to run onto. It was played into Albie who set up Jesse on the edge of the box to place the ball into the bottom left hand corner. In the 28^th minute Iggy hit a shot on the turn but the keeper saved well. Coleshill then broke away in numbers but Karl was able to make the saving tackle. A minute later Wickham again went down the right with a deep cross finding Olly. He played it into Jesse’s path and he again drilled it into the back of the next to complete his first League hat trick for the club. Bert now came back on to play in midfield and in the 34^th minute he took a corner which caused a scramble in the box but Albie eventually tucked the ball away to complete the scoring for the day.

Having played well in midfield for a good number of weeks now plus scoring a second half hat trick, Jesse was awarded both The Player of the Day Award and the opposition coaches award as well.

James Davis

William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Karl Admans, Ben Finch

Max Nicholls, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Iggy Ilott, Jack Bolton, Jordan Shaw.

Report: U13NW vs. Moretonville 11-Jan-2009

After almost a month off due to Christmas and frozen pitches it was back to the action with the Berks and Bucks Cup and the visit of Moretonville. Despite freezing temperatures all week the sun had come out on Sunday morning and combined with the straw which had been placed in the goal mouth at the hedge end the game was able to take place. However, with minutes to go both Albie and Duncan were missing, so the 11 players at the ground started with Max slotting in just behind Albie.

Moretonville kicked off and almost immediately lost possession as Wickham attacked down the right but the cross went behind the goal. Thirty seconds latter Iggy was down the line again, this time pulling the ball back for Jesse but his shot was blocked by the covering no.12. In the third minute a William throw to Charlie again saw Iggy get free but his cross cleared Max and Olly at the back post. From the resulting goal kick, Charlie intercepted the ball playing it across the box to Max. After creating a little bit of space Max riffled the ball into the top right corner. Wickham continued to press forwards dominating the play but were unable to get another goal. After 19 minutes Max was replaced by Albie whose first touch was to send a corner into the box which seemed to be right under the crossbar but the wind just drifted it behind. From the goal kick Marcus won the header playing it up to Charlie who in turn laid it into Albie’s path but his shot went over the bar. Any Moretonville attack was tidied up by either Karl or

William; so much so that James did not touch the ball in the whole of the first half with the visitor restricted to one shot on goal from some range that went well wide.

Wickham kicked off the second half and ended up going backwards but some interplay between William and Karl saw Duncan receive the ball on the left. His pass through to Charlie saw the latter bear down on goal but a defender got across to clear the danger. Wickham had their first corner of the half in the 5^th minute which saw the ball knocked back out to Albie who played it to Jack to send into the box but it was scrambled clear. In the 8^th minute Karl tidied the ball up in defence playing it out to Jack who sent Iggy away down the line. His cross cleared Albie but Charlie dragged the ball down before laying it back to Marcus on the edge of the box. His first time shot was heading towards the top corner but Iggy got his head to it putting the ball onto the bar but he place his follow up header into the back of the net. Charlie battled for the ball from the centre but gave away a free kick in the centre circle. The ball was hit straight down the middle to the centre forward who quickly turned to get a shot away which James saved (his first touch). In the 15^th minute a Moretonville defensive free kick was won by Marcus near the half way line and he sent Jesse through the middle. He squeezed between two defenders and then chipped the advancing keeper. With the ball going into the net Iggy smashed it home but he had been in an offside position so the goal was disallowed. Moretonville then went on the attack with a ball up their left to their no. 7, which he seemed to handle, before getting to the by-line and being brought down by Karl by the 6 yard box. A perfect penalty into the side netting set up an interesting last 15 minutes. Despite the pressure James only had one more save to make diving left and pushing the ball out to safety. An Albie free kick was headed over the bar by Jesse and then Albie hit a rasping drive which cannoned off the near post and wide. Charlie had a chance near the end but his chip over the last defender saw the keeper just get to the ball before he did.

Well a 2-1 victory sets up a ¼ final rematch against Kennington, who Wickham beat at the same stage last year. The Player of the Day award went to Karl for his great display in defence ensuring James only actually touched the ball 4 times.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Karl Admans, Ben Finch

Iggy Ilott, Jesse Bowers, Marcus Guest, Olly Sopp

Max Nicholls, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Duncan Lorrain, Albie Oakman.