WW Blog

2009 6-a-side Tournament

2009-05-20T20:13:00.002+01:00

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

2009-04-22T20:52:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-22T20:44:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-22T20:42:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-22T20:40:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-22T20:38:00.001+01:00

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

2009-04-19T19:28:00.001+01:00

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

2009-03-30T20:14:00.001+01:00

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)

2009-03-30T20:11:00.001+01:00

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)

2009-03-22T15:50:00.002Z

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)

2009-03-22T15:49:00.001Z

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)

2009-03-02T19:54:00.001Z

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)

2009-02-02T19:36:00.001Z

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

2009-02-01T19:15:00.002Z

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

2009-02-01T19:12:00.002Z

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

2009-01-23T20:37:00.001Z

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.

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

2008-12-15T20:22:00.001Z

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

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

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

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

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

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

Albie Oakman,

Charlie de Fraine

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

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

2008-12-14T14:17:00.001Z

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

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

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

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

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

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

James Davis

William Herrington, Karl Admans, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

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

Albie Oakman,

Charlie de Fraine

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

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

2008-11-30T15:47:00.001Z

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

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Albie Oakman,

Callum Johnson

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

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

2008-11-23T17:59:00.001Z

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Albie Oakman, Charlie de Fraine.

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

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

2008-11-18T21:11:00.001Z

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

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

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

Tom

Aiden, Jordan, Joe, Josh

AO, Luke, Jack, Harry, Max

Ben

Subs:- Jordie, Stephen

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

2008-11-18T21:09:00.001Z

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

Ben.

Max, Bradley, Luke, Aiden, AO

Josh, Jack, Joe, Fraser.

Tom

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

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

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

The Parents player of the Day Award went to AO.

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

2008-11-15T18:07:00.001Z

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

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

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

2008-11-15T18:00:00.001Z

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

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

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

Report: U15 vs Greenmeadow B 26-Oct-2008

2008-11-03T19:23:00.001Z

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

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

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

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

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

2008-11-02T18:39:00.001Z

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

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

Report: U13OM vs. Grove 12-Oct-2008

2008-10-17T19:09:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jordan Shaw

Aiden Weeks, Jack Wild, Jordie Rowlands, Tom Farman

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

Fraser Roberts

Subs:- Josh Willcocks, Joe Withers.

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

2008-10-15T20:44:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

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

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

2008-10-12T16:53:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest

Callum Johnson, Iggy Ilott

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

Report: U13NW vs. Shaw 28-Sep-2008

2008-10-02T19:59:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Callum Johnson, Albie Oakman

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

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

2008-09-26T08:40:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

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

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

2008-09-18T21:11:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

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

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

2008-09-15T21:41:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Iggy Ilott

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson.

Subs:- Albie Oakman, Duncan Lorrain.

Report: U13OM vs. Garsington 14-Sep-2008

2008-09-14T21:24:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

Report: U13NW vs. Pewsham 10-Sep-2008

2008-09-12T20:24:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

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

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

2008-09-10T21:07:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Callum Johnson, Iggy Ilott.

Report: U13OM vs. Brightwell 7-Sep-2008

2008-09-08T20:38:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

Subs: Steven Enever, Harry Russell, Josh

Report: U13 NW vs. Oxford City (Friendly)

2008-09-06T15:24:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

James Davis

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jordan Shaw & Max Nicholls.

Report: U13 NW vs. Thatcham Tornadoes (Friendly)

2008-09-04T22:39:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ben Grey

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

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

Charlie de Fraine.

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

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

2008-06-03T20:12:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

2008 6-a-Side Tournament Day 2

2008-05-23T21:23:00.001+01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Action photos from D E Photos of Milton Keynes

Results summary.

The U7’s festival was sponsored by Barclays Partner Finance

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

U9’s sponsored by Wilds Sports

Wickham 1 – 0 Hatch Warren

U10‘s sponsored by Newbury Building Society

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

U11’s sponsored by D E Photos

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

U12’s sponsored by ITQ

Wroughton A 3 – 1 Wickham A

U13’s sponsored by H S Pipequipment

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

U14’s sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland

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

U15’s sponsored by Express Vending

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

U16’s sponsored by Bells Engineering

Swindon Soccer Skills 1 - 0 North Greenford

2008 6-a-side Tournament - Day 1

2008-05-19T21:18:00.000+01:00

Day 1 of Wickham Wanderers Annual Six a Side Tournament was played in overcast conditions but fortunately there was no rain.

The first semi finals of the day saw Wickham beat Ballers FC (of Hammersmith) 2-1 and then Hatch Warren beat Stratton Juniors 1-0 in the other semi.
Hatch Warren were the favorites, having already beaten Wickham in the group stages, but Wickham were determined not to let lightning strike twice and scored through Harry Hoareau from a corner just before half time. Both teams had chances in the second half but Wickham held on to become the day’s first winners.

It was then the U11’s turn. The 1st Semi saw Bourne End run out deserved 2-0 winners against Oxford. The second semi between Bournemouth academy U10’s side and Lydiard A went to penalties, after the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with the academy side winning though 2-1. The final was a great advert for U11 soccer as both teams passed the ball around playing lovely football but after extra time the game was still goalless. It was back to penalties with Bournemouth won 3-2.

The U16’s were next up on the finals pitch last on in the afternoon. North Greenford and got past Rusthall (from Kent) 2-0 in one semi final with Swindon Soccer Skill getting past Ealing by a similar score. Both sides had won their groups by only conceding 1 goal apiece so a tight final was expected which it proved to be. With time rapidly running out Swindon Soccer Skills scored the only goal of the game to win 1-0.

The last game of the day was the U12’s final. Wroughton A had got past Rusthall 1-0 in one semi final but Wickham had needed to go though Extra time and then penalties to get the better of Ballers 1-0 on penalties. The final between these two top North Wilts league sides was always going to be a tough game and Wickham took the lead after 3 minutes. Wroughton struck back almost straight from the kick off and then scored again just before half time. As Wickham attacked in the second half a free kick just outside the Wroughton box was cleared and a breakaway goal made the game safe and a 3-1 for Wroughton, who were the best U12 side at the Tournament,

Report: U12 NW League Cup Final vs. Wootton Bassett 26-Apr-2008

2008-05-03T17:01:00.001+01:00

Cup Final day had arrived as both sets of players waited in the car park to be called in. Eventually at 13.45 in we went, with Wickham having the home changing room. The lads showed no signs of nervousness in here or whilst warming up. Andy Amos, the Bassett manager, confessed to being nervous himself but it was quickly time to line up and get out on the pitch. Wickham won the toss and played with the wind in front of a crowd of at least 300 people.

Bassett kicked off but Wickham were soon on the attack. In the second minute Albie took a free kick out on the right into the near post but Jesse could only knock the ball just wide of the post. Bassett were mostly pinned back in their own half and in the 6^th minute they gave away another free kick on the left about 10 yards from the by line and 6 yards outside the box. Albie lined up to swing the ball in with Bassett having players on both posts. The ball went deep and as Duncan challenged for the ball the defender left the post only to see the ball clear both of then and end up in the back of the net. A great start for Wickham! With 14 minutes gone Jesse was feeling the pressure on his knee so he was replaced by Fraser on the left with Duncan tucking more into the middle. Bassett’s attacks were mainly being kept out of the final third as the back four were in go form with Jack looking after Josh Way well. Wickham won their first corner in the 16^th minute which caused some panic in the Bassett box but it was eventually cleared to safety. In the 22^nd minute a long clearance by Bassett went up towards Josh and as Jack challenged for the ball Josh knocked it out deep in Wickham’s half. Jack took the throw to Marcus who flicked it on to Albie. Under pressure he cleared the ball up the line for Charlie to chase. Despite having little chance in getting the ball this chase forced the keeper to put the ball out for a throw. Albie took the throw back to Marcus some 25 yards out who whipped the ball into the middle. The ball cleared the first centre back but the second, under pressure from Fraser headed the ball goal bound and could only watch as the keeper parried the ball and Fraser followed it into the back of the net. The 28^th minute saw a Bassett corner well cleared by Albie at the near post and shortly afterwards James touched the ball for the first time.

The half time team chat was all about concentrating and working for each other. If we could score two goals in a half then so could Bassett, but this was a new experience for them as this was the first time that they had conceded two goals in a game this year, a third would surely kill the game off. Wickham kicked off and almost immediately won a free kick on the left. The power of Albie’s kick knocked the defender over as he headed the ball clear. Play was then switch to the right and Albie was brought down about 23 yards out. Bassett again pulled everyone back with players on both post. He hit the ball towards the back post and somehow the ball was deflected out towards Charlie. The ball hit him in the face with the ball going goal bound it was somehow cleared off the line. After 6 minutes Marcus was flattened for the 3^rd time & needed attention which took Wickham temporarily down to 10 men. With the wind with them now Bassett were coming more into the game. With 8 minutes gone they had a free kick 30 yards out which William cleared for a corner, and this was eventually scrambled away. With 12 minutes gone Josh got away down the left, he cut inside but some desperate defending by Jack and William as they both throw themselves in front for the ball ensured that the ball was eventually cleared away. In the 19^th minute Duncan found himself on the right wing. He hit a great cross into the box where Albie seemed to have been flattened but the ball came back to Duncan. He hit the ball deep to Fraser who laid the ball back to Karl but his shot cleared the bar. Bassett had now switched to three at the back and it was end to end stuff. In the 22^nd minute Ablie hit another free kick from the right into the box but the keeper gathered the ball in over the top of Duncan. He hit a quick long ball down field which Karl could only head backwards sending Fraser Evans through. With William chasing back James held his position until the last moment which forced Fraser to knock the ball wide of the goal. There was more Bassett pressure in the last 5 minutes and a knock to Albie saw Callum come on to replace him. The lads however held firm for a deserved 2-0 win winning we believe the first ever Cup for a Wickham side.

The tournament organisers made Albie Man of the match for which he duly received a trophy but the parents player of the day again showed how well the defence has been playing recently and it went to Bert. It may now be difficult to get the lads “up” for the Coleshill game tomorrow but the double is still on and it’s another must win game to keep the pressure on Bassett.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

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

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Callum Johnson, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U12 OM vs. Northway 27-Apr-2008

2008-05-03T16:55:00.001+01:00

A point behind St James who had finished their fixtures and 4 points ahead of Appleton with 2 games to go. Quite simply the lads needed 3 points from their last two games. Today against Northway, already crowned Champions, was the first and most difficult chance to get those points. There was a slight wind so Wickham played with it and up the slight slope in the first half.

Did Northway start slowly or were the boys buoyed by the North Wilts cup win yesterday, however the initial play was all Wickham’s. After only 30 second a throw in sent Fraser away but the keeper came out and blocked the shot with his feet. In the second minute Fraser hit a corner into the box which Jordan headed onto the underside of the bar and it came out. Wickham continued to press forwards but were having no luck in front of goal. In the 13^th minute Wickham had a free kick in their own half. This was taken quickly and another was conceded for handball. This time Fraser took his time, hitting it towards the back post but it drifted wide. In the 17^th minute yet another Wickham attack saw Fraser cut in from the left only to have his shot saved. Ben got to the ball first seemed to get round the keeper but under pressure from 3 defenders lifted his shot over the bar. A minute later it looked like Wickham had been caught out as three defenders chased a long clearance but Josh got his header in getting the ball back to Ben. Ben hit a massive kick up field which bounce between the two central defenders for Ben C to run onto before neatly slipping the ball past the keeper for 1-0. The 20^th minute saw yet another Wickham chance saved by the keepers legs as this time Fraser was foiled. Northway then had some pressure of their own which was kept out by some frantic defending, which culminated in a free kick from 22 yards out being smashed wide. With a minute left Max hit a corner into the box but Luke’s head went wide of the post. With time rapidly running out Northway thought they had stopped a Wickham attack but the ball fell to Max who controlled the ball on his chest before hitting a dipping volley into the back of the next for a half time 2-0 lead.

It was so important not to concede and early goal. As the saying goes the next goal would be very important. In the 5^th minute Wickham brook quickly out of defence as Aiden knocked the ball to Ben and he sent Jack away but the impressive 14 came across to stop the danger the next minute saw Jack intercept a goal kick getting the ball quickly to Ben but his shot across the keeper went wide. Wickham’s next attack was down the left as Fraser

Got himself clear. As the keeper came out he tried to chip it over the top of him but he did not quite get enough height on it and the save was made. From a Wickham corner Northway brook away very quickly and it seemed that three players were clear but somehow Aiden got back to cover. Northway eventually got their first corner in the second half which was hit deep to the back post and unfortunately one of their players was unmarked and he bundled the ball into the back of the net. This now set up 20 tense minutes of passionate football. With 16 minute gone Fraser broke away from the defenders but was off balance and could get no power into his shot. In the 20^th minute Northway broke down the right as the cross came in the central defenders were beaten but Aiden was able to clear it away. Wickham finally managed to break away as AO broke away. He was dragged down but the resulting free kick flashed past the far post. This end to end stuff continued right to then end with Wickham living on their nerves but they held on for a surprise victory and are now guaranteed runners up spot with one game still to play.

The Player of the Day voting was again close between two players with max unluckily missing out in the casting vote, so the Award went to Aiden.

Ben Grey

Aiden Weeks, Josh Newbrook, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farman

Jack Wild, Max Nichols, Jordie Rowlands, Luke Evans, Fraser Roberts

Ben Cipolla.

Subs:- Alex Olford, William Herrington, Stephen Enever.

Report: U12 NW vs. Coleshill 27-Apr-2008

2008-05-03T16:53:00.001+01:00

We arrived at Coleshill slightly later than planned but straight away we were made to feel at home with the congratulations for the cup win the previous day. It was great to hear all the good comments about both the team and the parental support. However, here was a league match which we needed the points from and what happened yesterday had nothing to do with it. Coleshill's last result was a draw with Stratton Youth so this could be tough.

In the first minute an Albie corner was flicked on by Charlie at the near post. It was partially cleared to William who hit a left foot drive just wide. The third minute also saw the 3^rd Wickham corner but again this was cleared with ease. In the 6^th minute Coleshill made it into the Wickham half for the first time but this was cleared up field over the Coleshill defenders for Charlie and Albie to run onto. Albie got there but his chip just cleared the bar. Wickham won the ball back almost immediate and won a corner. This was sent into the box where Bert got a looping header on the ball sending it into the back of the net. However the linesman said the ball had gone out on the cross so a goal kick was awarded. The boys were very “flat” and there was little or no fight in then, which was probably a hang over from the previous days efforts. The 8^th minute saw Albie swing a cross in which glanced off the bar and then behind Charlie and Callum. With all the pressure and no goals the parents were now getting a little worried. Duncan then headed over an Albie cross, he then drove one just wide and then Marcus did exactly the same thing. Finally in the 16^th minute a ball through the middle found Callum who knocked the ball sideways for Charlie to open the scoring. The lads now started to play some football passing the ball around and after 21 minutes Albie played a lovely ball inside for Charlie to race away from the defender and to score again. Two minutes later again an attack through the middle saw Callum set up Charlie to complete his hat trick. Wickham won the ball back straight form the centre with Jack sending the ball to Marcus. An early cross was headed by Callum and as it dropped he hit a cracking volley which just went the wrong side of the post. Right on half time Callum created an opportunity for Duncan but his side foot shot went wide.

After 2 minute of the second half Olly switched the ball across the back to Jack and then onto Fraser who had come on for Albie. He got his cross in and it was met by a fierce drive across the goal from Duncan but wide. The next minute saw Fraser and Jack combine and a powerful cross from Jack saw Callum drive the ball wide. In the 10^th minute Duncan came off and Karl replaced William at centre back as he moved into midfield. A Coleshill clearance saw Bert “hoof” the ball up the right. Jack eventually controlled the ball and played it back to Fraser who set up Ollie. His shot was saved by the keeper but Callum following in put the ball away. An attack down the right saw Ollie get a cross in which Fraser hit first time against the bar and it was then cleared to safety. In the 15^th minute Ollie then took a corner which was cleared back to him he cut into the box before hitting a shot to the near post which the keeper could only parry against the post before it went in. The side had now scored 999 goals since it was first formed in 2002-03 season. William had the first chance for the 1,000^th as he hit a left footed shot wide of the post. Duncan had another chance but again his shot went just wide. In the 25^th minute the ball was in the box and Ollie managed to take a boot in the face so the ref gave a penalty. Up stepped William with a chance of scoring his personal 250^th goal for the club and hit it wide of the left post. A minute later Bert found Albie in the centre who then sent Charlie away. He went round the keeper and was about to put the ball away but the ref blew for Off side back on the halfway line. A 5-0 victory and we will have to wait for Tuesday against Stratton Youth for the 1,000 goal for the side.

The parents Player of the Day Award was a split decision with the votes equally cast, so for the first time this season the award was shared between Charlie, for his hat trick, and Marcus, for his non stop effort in midfield again today.

Report: U12 NW vs. Ferndale 22-Apr-2008

2008-04-29T20:57:00.001+01:00

As the season starts to draw to a close another midweek game saw the trip to Ferndale Rodbourne. Jack was still suffering with his bad knee from Thursday and Ollie Norman was out so in stepped Aiden and Callum. Bassett were also playing tonight at Highworth so potentially there could be a big turnaround at the top of the table.

The lads started the game well enough attacking almost at will. In the second minute Albie got a cross in from the right which just cleared Charlie but Marcus got his head to it only to see it drift wide of the post. In the 4^th minute Duncan did well to win a corner on the left. Albie hit it into the box, the ball cleared William but Marcus following in behind could only head over. It was all one way traffic and you felt that a goal had to arrive shortly. In the 8^th minute Duncan was fouled near the touch line but about 35 yards out. Ablie hit the ball into the box but no player could get their heads on it and the keeper gathered it in without having to move. In the 12^th minute Ferndale had a free kick midway in there own half which Karl intercepted. He knocked the ball forward to Charlie, in the post position and he played a lovely reverse pass into Albie’s path. He raced away towards goal and neatly slipped the ball past the keeper into the back of the net for 1-0. In the 15^th minute Charlie seemingly chased a lost cause to the by line and won a corner. This came into the middle where Marcus again unfortunate headed over. In the 17^th minute Ferndale had their first real attack. The forward seemed to outpace William but he got in the tackle to stop the initial danger. However the ball was clipped back into the box, Jordan went up for the header but it fell to a forward who shot against the post, the ball was still not cleared and another shot came in which James turned round the post for a corner. This seemed to wake Ferndale up and they now seemed to believe that they could get a goal back. In the 23^rd minute an Albie corner came into the near post, was partially cleared to Karl who gave it back to Albie. He hit a cross back into the middle but no one could get a touch on it as it hit the back post before being scrambled clear. In the 28^th minute some panic in the Wickham defence as a Ferndale throw in turned into a game of head tennis before William thumped it of for a throw near the half way line.

No changes were made at half time but the boys were told to concentrate and pass the ball around to create the chances. In the 2^nd minute a ball through the middle saw James come out and dive at the forwards feet at the edge of his area. A minute later the roles were reversed as this time Charlie was put through but again the keeper got to the ball just in time, and in the 4^th minute it was Duncan’s turn to be frustrated by the fast advancing keeper. Ferndale seemed to have much more belief in the second half and they seemed to be pressing forwards the most. In the 12^th minute a forward first got past Jordan and then as Bert came across got the cross in for James to push out for a corner. Callum now came on for Jesse and 3 minute later he almost got ontot he end of an Albie cross but the defender just got there first to concede a corner. In the 19^th minute Ferndale really should have equalised. Wickham had chances to clear the ball but didn’t. Eventually the ball came across from the Wickham left to a player totally unmark. Jordan made great efforts to close the guy down and just did enough as the shot flew over the bar. In the 22^nd minute Karl brought the ball out of defence and slipped it between the centre backs for Charlie and the left back came across he found Callum who chipped the keeper only to see the ball come back off the underside of the bar. Charlie’s follow up header was then pushed wide for a corner. It was end to end stuff for the last 8 minutes but neither side really created a clear cut chance. However a potential blow for Wickham happened in the 28^th minute as James cleared the ball he seemed to pull his groin. Jordan took over in goal with Aiden playing at right back but we just need to hope James will be fit for the cup final on Saturday as Ben has not qualified to play in the game.

This was a pressure game which the lads battled for but at other times panicked a little. The back four were again strong with all the votes going to three of these players but it was William who got the Player of the Day Award. Bassett won 5-0 at Highworth, so Wickham remain just 1 point clear.

James Davis.

Jordan Shaw, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

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

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Aiden Weeks, Callum Johnson, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U12 NW vs. Wroughton 17-Apr-2008

2008-04-29T20:54:00.001+01:00

With Halcrow not available the Thursday night game against Wroughton was played in the middle of the village on an even larger pitch….18 yards from touchline to 18 yard box. It would be very interesting to see how the lads played having played on Tuesday and then with 5 of them having a trial at Southampton on Wednesday. It was into the wind in the first half but Wroughton were looking into the sun.

The lads knew they had to step up their game but in the 1st minute Nana had a run on William but he managed to get the ball off for a corner. This was cleared by Albie to Jack who got the ball up to Charlie but the move then broke down. Wroughton were pushing forwards but the back 4 were again dealing with most things but they were giving corners away. Being such a wide pitch most of these were only getting to the near post but in the 6^th minute a corner did find its way to an unmarked Nana at the back post. Marcus quickly attempted to close him down but he got his shot away which came crashing back off the post and was eventually cleared. More Wroughton pressure followed but in the 10^th minute a quick break through Albie down the right saw him get a great cross in which was just in front of Charlie, and Duncan could not quite get there at the back post. Playing with the wind Wroughton continued to have the majority of play but without really troubling James. In the 20^th minute Wickham won the ball on the left, Duncan knocking it into Karl who then switch it wide to Jack. After a couple of touches he sent Albie away who cut in towards the box and tried to bend the ball inside the post but it drifted wide. After 25 minutes a Wroughton ball was hit over the top of William and Bert. James came out of his area but fluffed his clearance which went straight to Nana but his chipped missed the wide open goal. The 27^th minute saw a sweeping move; Jack to Karl, then to Albie, Marcus & wide left to Duncan. His through ball to Charlie was just too strong & the keeper got their first. Jack took a knock on his knee tackling Nana and was replaced by Jordan.

Half time saw a major change around. James came off feeling sick, so Jordan now switched into goal. Ollie came on at right back and Fraser for Jesse whose knee was now hurting as well. No more subs for the second half then. In the second minute Fraser battled for the ball down the left, some how won it & laid it back to Duncan and then to Marcus. He found Karl but his shot went over the top. The goal kick was won by Albie but his cross went behind both Charlie & Fraser and with no midfield players running in the chance went by. In the 5^th minute Wroughton never really cleared a Wickham attack and when the ball came out to Duncan. He hit a speculative shot high into the box which cleared the keeper and went into the net, 1-0. Two minutes later a Wickham corner seemed to have been cleared but Ollie won the ball back. He knocked it forward to Charlie who seemed to have put Fraser through but a last ditch tackle gave away another corner. It was now all Wickham pressure but the lads can not get the 2nd goal to hopefully kill the game off. In the 14^th minute William got above Nana for a clearance, the ball went to Charlie and then onto Albie but he volleyed over the bar. The next minute Ollie sent Albie away but his pull back to Duncan saw him shot wide. The 22^nd minute saw Charlie send Albie through but his shot came cannoning back off the far post. Fierce tackles were now coming in with Marcus and Ollie needing treatment. In the 24^th minute William now took a blow in the face just outside the 6 yard box as Wroughton pushed forwards. Time seemed to be up but in the 31^st minute Fraser dinked a ball into the middle however the new keeper just got there in front of Albie. In the 33^rd minute Albie pulled the ball back to Fraser who was able to force the ball home. Still time went on as Wroughton throw everything forwards. Wickham cleared the ball to the Wroughton keeper, just short of the halfway line. His kick could only find Charlie but his long range shot went wide. With 37 minutes on the clock Albie was through, he went round the keeper, steadied himself and then shot but somehow the keeper got back to concede a corner. This was the last kick of the game; Wickham had got a hard fought 3 points.

This was a great battling performance and defiantly a game of two halves. Everyone gave 100% despite the pressures of the last few days but Marcus stood out in the midfield and was duly awarded the Player of the Day Award.

James Davis.

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

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

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U12 OM vs. St. James 13-Apr-2008

2008-04-20T16:02:00.001+01:00

The big game had arrived. St James were 4 points ahead in the Division but this was their last fixture. A Wickham win and this gap was down to a point with two games remain and thus 2^nd place and promotion in the side’s first season could be a distinct possibility. Ian warned that lads that St. James could not play as poorly again as they did at the Triangle and they would have to battle for everything. A lost toss meant playing up the hill on this small pitch first.

Despite the slope Wickham were determined not to let St James settle into there stride. The majority of the play was at the top end of the field as Wickham pressed forwards. With 4 minutes gone Fraser was brought down out on the left. William hit the free kick goal bound but it just went past the left hand post. Still Wickham went forwards and two minutes later Ollie was brought down near the edge of the area. He got up and hit the free kick over the wall and into the top left hand corner of the goal to open the scoring. A minute later William sent a ball between the centre backs for Ben to run onto but the keeper was quickly out to clear the danger. A goal kick was headed back into Ben’s path by Ollie but his shot was well saved by the keeper who had already kept St. James in the game. Jack then sent Ollie down the right who then suffered a horror tackle being taken out just below the knee which the ref played on for with Wickham eventually getting a corner. After long treatment Ollie was forced to come off and was replaced by Max. Justice was however done as the corner was headed in at the near post by Josh for his first goal for the club. Following a St James attack the ball was cleared to Ben in the centre circle who immediately sent Max away but his shot across the keeper just went wide. Another free kick on the left after 17 minutes was quickly taken by Tom into Ben. He played it out left to Fraser who after getting past his man crossed it into the box where Jack let it run for Max to slam in at the back post. St James’ heads had gone down but in the 22^nd minute they had a free kick of there own which was well dealt with by Ben. His early clearance sent Max away but again the keeper just managed to save it.

With all the elements now in Wickham’s favour they should have been able to continue to dominate the game but a totally different St James side came out pinning Wickham back in their own half. With 5 minute gone a corner came in and following a scramble William cleared it off the line and away to safety. A free kick on the edge of the area was again well saved by Ben and his long kick sent Ollie away but he sliced his shot wide. The St James keeper had now found his kicking boots and in the 8^th minute a long kick cleared the Wickham defence and the forward got to the ball before Ben and chipped it into the net for 3-1. This set the tone for the game but in the 12^th minute a long shot came bouncing back off Ben’s bar with him totally beaten. Wickham tried to play on the break but the next 8 minutes were all St. James pressure but fortunately no clear cut chances were created. With 10 minute remaining Aiden tried his luck from distance but his volley cleared the bar. The pressure was mounting as Wickham had created at least three 1 on 1’s but failed to put any away to kill the game off. Finally with 25 minutes gone AO attacked down the right and whipped the ball into the middle. Ben was clattered as he seemed destine to put the ball in but Max was following in behind and duly scored. In the 27^th minute Ollie flicked the ball on seeming putting max away but the defender handled the ball giving a free kick away. Ollie hit this to the back post which was just too high for Jordie to head in. This was the last chance for either side, so St James’ season ended with them just 1 point ahead of Wickham in 2^nd place but Wickham still have 2 games left to claim that 2^nd place.

The Player of the Day voting was again close between two players but despite having to come off in the first half after a good battling second half performance was noted by the parents and it went to Ollie Norman

Ben Grey

Aiden Weeks, Josh Newbrook, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farman

Jack Wild, William Herrington, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Fraser Roberts

Ben Cipolla.

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

Report: U12 NW vs. Pewsham Youth 15-Apr-2008

2008-04-20T15:59:00.001+01:00

On a dark Tuesday evening it was off to Goatacre C.C. to play Pewsham. With rain all around the boys were very lucky to play the whole game with out getting wet. Having been buzzed by some aircraft going into RAF Lynham, Karl lost the toss, so it was up the hill and against the wind in the first half but as the boys lined up they found there were only 10 players opposing them. How would this affect them?

From the kick off Wickham were in the Pewsham half but were unable to take advantage of their pressure with an early goal. In the 4^th minute Bert had the ball near the halfway line where he played it across to William and then onto Jack before it was played up the line to Albie. Albie’s cross went all the way to the back post where Olly dinked the cross to the back post where Jesse at full stretch could only put the ball over the bar. Two minutes later the ball was again worked down the right, the cross was partially cleared back out to Ablie but he shot straight at the keeper. The next minute saw two quick corners with the latter coming out to William on the edge of the box but his left foot drive was also straight at the keeper. A minute later Albie found Charlie who tried to turn and get a shot away, this was blocked but the rebound came quickly to Marcus whose snap shot went wide. The 12^th minute final saw a goal as Albie’s corner cleared William and Bert but was controlled by Jesse at the back before he drilled it in for 1-0. In the 16^th minute a Pewsham clearance found Bert some 40 yards out, his shot was missed by the keeper but it came off the post and hit Duncan before going just wide. The next minute Karl found Marcus who sent Albie away but the shot was to close to the keeper and he again made the save. Pewsham only made the occasional trip into the Wickham half when normally the back 4 dealt with everything, in fact James only probably touched the ball three times by rushing to the edge of his area to gather. Despite all the pressure Wickham only lead by 1-0 at the break.

If the first half was one sided the second was even more so as Pewsham struggled to clear their lines. Marcus probably had the first chance after 3 minutes but his shot across the keeper just missed the far post. The goal kick was intercepted by Jesse who then shot directly at the keeper for an easy save. The next minute saw Olly Karl and Duncan work the ball down the left but Albie’s shot with the outside of his right foot went straight to the keeper. In the 6^th minute the ball was worked down the left and into Albie and this time his left footed shot went to the keeper. A minute later another chance went over the bar. Finally in the 9^th minute a ball through the middle saw Ablie get his head on the ball, Charlie had a shot which the keeper fumbled. Albie battled for the ball which came back to Jesse on the edge of the area to poke in for 2-0. Wickham still went forwards and the next minute saw Duncan and Charlie combine to get the ball to Albie who again had his shot saved. In the 15^th minute Albie took two quick corners with Bert heading the second just wide of the back post. In the 18^th minute Marcus won the ball from a goal kick and dinked the ball back into the box where, for some reason, the centre back handled. Albie made no mistake from the spot. The 20^th minute saw a quick break following James’ only save of the day as Jack found Albie who played a 1-2 with Karl before crossing for Karl whose shot got deflected wide. The corner saw Charlie go up for the header and almost have his head kicked off but no foul was given. Eventually in the 28^th minute the 4^th and final goal came. Charlie sent the ball out to Albie who knocked the ball back into the middle but just in front of Charlie and Marcus but Fraser was at the back post to walk the ball into the net.

Not a good performance by the guys today possibly caused by the high work rate of the Pewsham players but a win is a win. Charlie won the Player of the Day Award but the lads need to put in a much higher level of performance and effort in their game on Thursday away at Wroughton if they want to stay in the title hunt.

James Davis.

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Marcus guest, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorrain

Jesse Bowers

Charlie de Fraine

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman, Fraser Roberts.

Report U12 NW vs. Shaw 12-Apr-2008

2008-04-13T19:43:00.001+01:00

The run of away games continued with the trip over to Shaw. Their recent results of a 1-1 draw against Ferndale, hitting the bar right at the end, a 2-1 loss with Bassett scoring in the last minute and a 2-1 loss against Stratton Juniors all said it would be a tough game. Karl won an important toss and decided to play with the wind in the first half.

Shaw kicked off but Wickham quite quickly set their stall out to dominate the midfield. A few quick chances were created but were just off target. In the 4^th minute Albie had drifted into the centre circle. He twisted and turned and from fully 35 yards out made space for a shot which the keeper parried onto the bar and the ball was turned away for a corner. Albie hit the corner to the near post where Charlie flicked it on for Bert to volley into the back of the net for 1-0. Wickham were now rampant and this was illustrated by the 2^nd goal which duly arrived in the 6^th minute. Marcus won the ball in midfield and immediately gave it to Karl in space. He looked up and laid it out to Duncan on the left. Callum went on a run cutting out to the left wing and Duncan found him with ease. A great left footed cross, was controlled beautifully by Charlie on his chest. He dragged the defender to the left before turning onto his right foot and drilling the ball into the back of the net. Any Shaw attack was being kept at bay by all the members of the back four who again were playing well as a unit. The midfield players were all working so hard for each other but the final balls were tending to force the forwards a little wide giving the Shaw defenders time to get back and cover…just. With 13 minutes on the clock Duncan won the ball and gave it to Karl. This time he chipped the ball over the centre back for Albie to run onto. As the keeper came out he played a little chip into the back of the net for 3-0. A series of corners then followed which were mixtures of both front and back post ones; none of these were dealt with by Shaw but all the resulting volleys or headers just missed the target. However, the pressure finally did tell, as in the 16^th minute yet another corner from Albie was driven into the net by Charlie at the near post. With 20 minutes gone Charlie and Albie came off to be replaced by Jesse on the right and Fraser up front. Despite the change in personnel Wickham still kept going forwards looking for goals. James finally touched the ball in the 25^th minute as Shaw over hit a ball over the top but it was a simple collection for him. With 28 minutes gone Wickham had a free kick some 35 yards out. Karl took it driving it into the box but Marcus just failed to get a flicked header on target so it was 4-0 at half time.

The system was changed for the second half as Olly pushed into midfield leaving only three at the back. Although this gave extra strength going forwards the lads were a little stretched at times at the back due to the now stronger wind. James had more to do as the clearances by the Shaw keeper quite often cleared William and Bert but again the back three were dealing with most things. With 10 minute gone James cleared to ball to Jack who laid it inside to Olly and then onto Charlie. He immediately sent the ball out to Albie who after getting past his man crossed the ball back to Charlie to score off the inside of the far post. Jordan then replaced Jack in the back three and despite more Shaw pressure James had still not had a save to make. With 20 minute gone James made his first save as he dived to he right and at full stretch pushed the ball past the post. The resulting corner was partially cleared and William following out knocked it up to Charlie. With no one in support he held the ball up and then was amazed to see William go running past him. He duly played the ball into his path but just before William could shoot, a covering defender got back to put the ball out of play. A few more chances were created but none were taken, however a good result putting the boys back into second place a point behind Bassett on level games.

The Player of the Day voting was close. Marcus had had a great game in midfield but he was pipped for the award by hat trick boy Charlie.

James Davis

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Marcus Guest, Duncan Lorrain

Callum Johnson, Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Jesse Bowers, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U12 OM vs. Radley 30-Mar-2008

2008-04-06T16:41:00.001+01:00

With the lads having got themselves into a position where they could possibly finish second, this fixture against Radley was one of those games that they could be over confident and slip up. The next problem was that there were only 12 players available so any injury could have a big effect on the game; however the lads were up for it, so fingers crossed.

Wickham attacked straight from the centre and won a throw in on the left by the 18 yard box. A quick one sent Ollie away but his cross was behind all three players waiting in the box. However, AO chased it down and laid it back to Aiden who hit it back into the middle over the top of the keeper and into the back of the net for 1-0.With 6 minutes gone an AO cross was meet by Harry at the near post but his flick was well saved by the tail Radley keeper. The ball was played out but Luke won it in midfield, chipping it back towards goal. Ben brought it nicely under control before chipping the keeper and putting the ball into the back of the net, but he was adjudged to have been offside. The next minute saw a corner from Ollie headed over the bar by Ben. In the 9^th minute another Wickham attack saw the ball cleared to Ollie who was in the exact position that Aiden scored from but his shot just drifted wide of the far post. Luke then headed a corner wide as Wickham created chance after chance. Eventually in the 15^th minute Radley cleared their lines but Aiden won the ball sending Ollie away down the right. His cross found Ben, whose shot was well saved but Harry put the ball away for 2-0. More chances came and went but in the 22^nd minute James was called upon to make a great save diving at the forwards feet. With 2 minutes to go Radley again broke through and James made another good diving save but this time he stayed down having injured his back. Jack took over the keepers jersey with Luke going to centre back, Ben dropping into midfield and Stephen coming on to play up front.

There were no changes for the second half and no chance of James coming back on, so the pressure was on the lads to not concede an early goal. In the 1^st minute Ben hit a vicious shot which hit the post and went off for a goal kick. Radley had a few half attacks but any Wickham nerves were settled in the 6^th minute as a Wickham corner was cleared up field to Luke. He took his time and then sent the ball back for Ben, Harry and Stephen to run onto. A mix up between the Radley defender and the keeper let Ben in for a simple tap in. Two minutes later AO attacked down the right wing and on getting to the by line whipped the ball into the box for Stephen to hit home a first time volley. The football was now much less nervy from Wickham as they continued to create chances but the Radley keeper was in fine form keeping the lads out. After 15 minutes William brought the ball out of defence and then slipped it between the centre back and left back for AO to run on to. As the keeper came out he neatly chipped the ball over him for 5-0. A lovely move down the left hand side between Fraser and Ben eventually saw the ball played into the middle were Harry seemed to have loads of time. He controlled the ball and then calmly slotted it past the keeper to complete the scoring for the day at 6-0. Three games left and the lads are now up to 3^rd in the Division only 4 points behind St James with 2 games in hand. The next league match away at St. James is therefore a vital one in the pursuit of 2^nd place; but if it all goes wrong they can still finish in 5^th place.

Having had a good game at the back, getting up the right wing to support AO at every possible occasion and for opening the scoring, The Player of the Day Trophy was awarded to Aiden.

Report: U12 NW vs. Stratton Youth 30-Apr-2008

2008-04-06T16:37:00.001+01:00

It was back to League fixtures with a trip up to Stratton Youth. Although they were in 8^th place the top 6 sides had all struggled to get good results against them with Bassett only winning 3-1 earlier in the month. A tough game was therefore expected with errors kept to a minimum.

In the second minute a free kick near the apex of the box was swung toward the back post by Albie was tipped round the post for a corner. The 5^th minute saw Fraser go down the left, having got past the first player he played the ball inside to Karl who tried to power the ball in with his left but only succeeded it putting it straight at the keeper. A minute later William sent Albie away down the right but just as he was going to cross the no18 got across to give away a corner. It was all Wickham pressure and in the 11^th minute Fraser got to the by line pulled the ball back which went high in the air from an attempted clearance but Charlie could not quite get onto it to force the ball home. The next minute saw Albie and the No18 battling again and again a corner was conceded. This time the corner was volleyed over by Fraser. The goal kick was won by Karl who feed Albie and his cross was headed into the keeper’s arms by Marcus. In the 16^th minute Stratton had their first real attack with Jack winning the ball near the right corner flag. He beat the forward then played it up the line to Karl. Karl followed the centre line to the middle of the pitch before playing it forwards to Charlie who played a lovely reverse pass to send Duncan away and he duly rounded the keeper to score. Almost immediately Duncan repaid the favour but this time Charlie was force wide and shot into the side netting. In the 22^nd minute a run down the right saw the ball cut inside to Charlie. He shaped to hit it with his left but dragged it back onto his right and placing it inside the post for 2-0. Two minutes before time Marcus played a ball out to Albie who got past the No18 before sending in a perfect cross for Charlie to head home off the underside of the bar.

Wickham played some better football I the second half and after 6 minute Karl sent Albie away on the right. He cut inside the defender and was taken down from behind with a penalty eventually given. Albie stepped up himself and slammed the ball into the net. More pressure followed but the Stratton keeper was now saving everything. In the 21^st minute, Albie stood over a free kick some 35 yards out. Instead of shooting he hit the ball low to Ollie (who had come on for Fraser) who turned at shot from the edge of the area but again the keeper turn the ball round for a corner. Albie took the resulting corner which came back to him from the near post. He got to the corner of the box and shot. This was blocked but the ball came back to Duncan, who after steadying himself, drilled it in for 5-0.

Following an outstanding game in midfield, never giving anything up and for scoring two goals, well the keeper was playing in orange, The Player of the Day Trophy was awarded to Duncan.

Report: U12 OM vs. Benson 17-Feb-2008

2008-04-02T19:36:00.001+01:00

With nearly a full squad to select from and Ian away skiing, Jon took charge of this Oxford Mail fixture. A clear sky greeted everyone and it was a nice day to play football. Everything was set hopefully for a good game.

It was important that this time the lads started quickly against Benson and not to give them a four goal start like earlier in the season. With only a minute on the clock the ball was played out wide to Jack, who crossed first time. The ball landed at Jordie’s feet who hit a first time shot but unfortunately it went straight at the keeper for a regulation save. This was to be the pattern of the first half. 10 minutes went by with Wickham dominating the game. Chance after chance came and went. Prime examples where when Ben C hit the post and then Ollie somehow managed to blast over the bar from only 6 yards out. With 22 minutes on the clock, Jack cleared the ball from a Benson corner, every one pushed out, and Max helped the ball on. However, the Benson Centre half picked the ball up on this 18 yard box, and hit a ball over the top. Wickham had all pushed out up to the centre circle, with two Benson forwards just walking back still only 20 yards from the Wickham goal. This was clearly off side which was missed by both the linesman and the Ref. The Benson forwards turned took a touch and duly smashed the ball passed Ben G unopposed. Benson where now one up at half time, totally against the run of play.

The half time talk was set around the lads continuing to play the type of football which they had been doing in the first half but just converting a chance or two. The boys response was good and immediate. They attacked straight from the kick off. Ben C latched on to a pass from Max, and having taken a touch, hit low and hard into the bottom left corner of the goal. From this point on it was all one way traffic. Max was playing really well out on the wing creating lots of space for himself. Another ball played in into the box by Max was coolly finished by Ben C putting Wickham 2 – 1 up and the lads were flying playing some lovely football. Then come the best move of the game, the ball was played out left to Max; he passed it to Ollie in the middle, and after beating has man played it back to him on the half way line. Having controlled the ball Max looked up, and hit a 20 yard ball over the top, where Ben ran on to it hitting the ball first time into the back of the net, 3 -1 and a great goal. With 5 minutes remaining Max won a corner on the left. Ollie hit a great ball in right under the bar, it was clear to edge of the box where Luke hit a half volley which the keeper could only parry into the net for a final score of 4 – 1.

Ben Grey

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

Jack Wild, Luke Evans, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls.

Ben Cipolla.

Subs:- Alex Olford, Stephen Enever, Harry Russell.

U12 NW Brean Sands 2008

2008-03-29T14:32:00.001Z

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

2008-03-29T13:44:00.002Z

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

2008-03-23T18:37:00.001Z

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

2008-03-16T19:22:00.001Z

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

2008-03-16T19:17:00.001Z

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

2008-03-10T20:45:00.001Z

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

2008-03-10T20:18:00.001Z

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

2008-03-10T20:17:00.001Z

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

2008-03-02T19:29:00.001Z

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^thminute 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.

Report: U12 OM vs. Kidlington

2008-02-28T21:07:00.001Z

Following a week off due to B & B cup action, the lads travelled up to Kidlington. Not having played them this season, and knowing they were only just behind in the table, a difficult game was expected.

Straight from the centre Kidlington attacked and won a corner but this was cleared. Almost immediately they broke again and despite the player looking offside Ben made the save. In the 2^nd minute Max went down the left cut inside and shot across the keeper, however the ball came back off the far post for Jack to put in, but he was adjudged to have been offside. The first goal did however follow a minute later as Ben burst through. Just on the edge of the box he lost control of the ball but knocked it sideways for Ollie to score. Wickham were running the game but they were vulnerable on the break and in the 13^th minute a ball over the top seemed to be played to an offside forward but the flag stayed down. The player shot across Ben who pushed the ball onto the post but it went in for 1-1. Wickham continued to press and Kidlington break until the 20^th minute when Jack got through only to see his shot turned away for a corner. The corner was taken short to Jack who played it into the near post. Jordan’s flicked head was blocked on the line but he then slammed the rebound in for 2-1. In the 23^rd minute Wickham attacked down the left with Max and Tom battling for the ball. Eventually it was played into the middle where Ben hit the ball under the keeper. Two minutes later Ben just failed to convert another chance but then the clearance went over the top of all the Wickham defenders and despite Ben G getting a good hand on the ball, there was just enough power for it to go into the net. In the 29^th minute it was Wickham’s turn to break as Ben went straight through the middle. As both defenders closed on him he flicked the ball over the keeper with just enough power for it to reach the back of the net. Jordie then won the ball from the centre sending Jack away down the right. After getting past two players the ball came into the middle where Ollie had his shot saved but Ben turned in the rebound, thus giving Wickham a rather flattering 5-2 half time lead.

Ian asked for a better controlled style of football in the second half with the midfield working back more. The first 8 minutes were all played in the Kidlington half with multiple corners won but all were well defended, but then Kidlington broke away 2 on 2. Aiden won the ball back, then lost it but the second Kidlington player had drifted offside. In the 9^th minute a Kidlington clearance came out Tom in the centre circle who had a shot which hit the post and went to safety. In the 15^th minute Kidlington had a corner which Ben G saved next to his back post. An early long clearance found Ben C racing past the defender and he duly slotting it past the advancing keeper. Wickham won the ball immediately from the centre and Jack sent AO away down the right. He passed the ball inside to Ollie who then feed Ben for him to score his 5^th of the day. Ben and Luke were then substituted for Steven and Harry but Wickham continued to go forwards. In the 25^th minute a break down the left eventually saw Ollie cut into the box. With Harry and AO waiting at the back post Ollie’s cross shot found its way into the back of the net. Disappointingly, with a minute, left Kidlington went down the right and crossed the ball into the middle. As Ben came out to meet the forward he was chipped, to make the final score 8-3 to Wickham.

For a good all round performance and not just for scoring 5 goals in the game, the parent’s choice for the Player of the Day Award went to Ben C.

Report: U12 NW vs. Stratton Juniors A 10-Feb-2008

2008-02-25T20:36:00.002Z

Back to League action this weekend and the visit of Stratton Juniors. These are always hard games and they have just come off the back of a good draw against Bassett, so would be a real threat today. Marcus Guest was making his debut but Jesse seemed to be carrying and injury.

Wickham seemed to have everything under control in the initial stages, as the majority of the play was in the Stratton half. Despite the pressure no clear cut chances were created. In the 6th minute a long clearance put the Wickham defence under pressure and the ball was put out for a corner. This initial one was put out for another corner, but the second was an out-swinger which was volleyed goal bound but Olly headed it off the line. This seemed to spur Stratton on and if anything they now became the dominant force. Wickham were playing with very little width and as they tried to play down the middle the balls were easily dealt with by the Stratton central two. James was force to come rushing off his line and clear on a number of occasions but in the 17th minute Stratton attacked down their left. With 6 Wickham defenders back and only one forward in the box there seemed little damage but the cross was pulled back to the edge of the area where a midfield play arrived unmarked to crash the ball into the roof of the net. Neither side created much more in the half, so Wickham found themselves 1-0 down at half time.

The lads came out much stronger in the second half with Albie pushed out on the right and Callum, on for Jesse, on the left. In the 6th minute Olly hit a ball into the box for Charlie but the defender just got there with his head first. The ball seemed to be going in but it cannoned back off the post straight into the keeper arms. After 10 minutes Albie had drifted across to the left and received the ball from Callum. As he cut inside he hit a dipping shot which just dipped too much and the keeper was able to gather at full stretch. A quick Wickham attack down the right after 15 minutes saw Jack feed Albie. As he got away from his man he cut into the box but his cross shot just missed the far post and Callum could not quite reach it to tuck it away. In the 18th minute a rare Stratton break saw them get past Jack and then William as well, as he came across to cover. The cross then came into the box on the 6 yard line and unfortunately under pressure Olly put it in. The next minute saw an Albie corner go to the back post which Marcus just headed over. An Albie free kick was then well saved by the keeper which was quickly followed by another free kick from Bert, which hit Albie on the back as he seemed certain to get through the defenders. This was to prove costly as in the 22nd minute a high ball was back headed by Bert sending the forward through 1 on 1 with James and it was duly slammed into the net. The next minute saw a similar incident but this time James made the initial save. However, the ball came out to another forward who slammed the ball towards the goal. Fortunately William had got back onto the line, stopping it in his midriff before clearing it. The 26th minute saw a Wickham corner hit the post and then a second well saved by the keeper. James made another good save coming to the edge of his area before the final corner of the game was crashed against the Stratton bar by Bert. Wickham had gone down to a 3-0 defeat on a day when nothing seemed to bounce for them; however nothing must be taken away from Stratton who deserved their victory.

Player of the Day Trophy was given to James who was off his line quickly during most of the game making some vital saves near the edge of his area.

Report: U12 NW vs. Kennington 3-Feb-2008

2008-02-11T22:42:00.001Z

Berks and Bucks ¼ final week saw Kennington, a top 3 OML side, come to the Triangle. As they had lost to Didcot in the OML Cup ¼ final the previous week, we were expecting them to be up for this game. Wickham were without Jesse, who had fallen off a trampoline on Saturday evening, and with a strong wind blowing, Kennington elected to play the first half against it.

The initial stages were quite even but in the 6^th minute an Olly throw in cleared both Duncan and Callum but Fraser had cut to the line to get the ball. He went past his man and found Charlie in the middle, who, after controlling the ball, tucked it away with his left foot. With 10 minute gone Fraser was fouled out near the touchline. Albie hit the kick to the back of the box but it just drifted wide of the far post. The second goal soon arrived, all be it by an unusual method. Albie took a corner from the right hitting it long and deep. With the aid of the wind the ball drifted in at the back post for 2-0. Wickham continued to attack getting a number of corners but all these we just scrambled away. In the 17^th minute some work between Karl, Duncan and Albie saw the latter fouled in a similar position to the early free kick. This time Albie’s kick was more accurate and went straight in at the far post for 3-0. A minute later some great passing between Charlie and Albie put the latter in some space but his quick shot drifted just wide. With 25 minute gone Bert broke up an attack, immediately hitting the ball to the left wing. Good work from Callum and Fraser put Albie into some space and his early cross was controlled by Charlie before slotting the ball home. The whole back four were playing well with James only touching the ball twice, which included a save from a free kick from about 25 yards out, thus a 4-0 half time lead.

Straight from the kick off Charlie intercepted the ball and went on a little run getting past all the defenders before reaching the edge of the box, but unfortunately hit shot, under pressure, went over the bar. Despite the wind, which now seemed to be even stronger, Wickham were not getting over run by Kennington. The back four were still playing well covering for each other, with William and Bert winning most things in the air. After 10 minutes a rash challenge near the edge of the Wickham area saw Kennington have a free kick about 22 yards out. They tried to float it into the far corner but fortunately the ball went about 2 yards wide. Wickham were now keeping the ball on the floor and were getting some space down the left as Kennington push 3 and sometimes 4 players forward however, Wickham failed to use this space until there was only 10 minutes left. Jack won the ball out wide on the right and played it up the line to Karl. He played it inside to Charlie who turned and immediately sent Callum away. As he got past the last defender he shot and the ball slipped nicely past the keeper and into the net for 5-0. In the 24^th minute another corner caused panic in the defence and the ball came out to Bert, who’s shot shaved the outside of the post. With five minutes left a lovely move involving Karl and Albie saw the ball crossed to Charlie at the near post but his flick ended up in the side netting. In the 27^th minute a Kennington break away looked certain to give them a consolation goal, but some good chasing back and then a great tackle from William stopped the initial shot. James was then able to make the block and gather up the rebound from the follow up. Thus, a 5-0 victory was secured and now the boys must travel to Harwell to play the semi-final at East Hendred’s ground, another top 3 OML side.

Player of the Day Trophy was given to William who was again a rock at the back, covering his fellow defenders, but when he made a mistake he always seemed to have enough time to regain control and then clear the danger.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Fraser Roberts

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls, Ben Cipolla

Report: U12 NW vs. Highworth C 27-Jan-2008

2008-02-11T22:36:00.001Z

Back to League action and Highworth C came to the Triangle on a lovely sunny afternoon. Karl was ill so William took the armband and Ollie Norman stepped into the starting eleven.

Wickham started slowing and it was noticeable that the drive (and the voice) were missing from Wickham’s midfield. The tentative approach was almost exposed in the 4^th minute as Highworth attacked down their left. The winger got past Jack and as the defence shifted across he whipped the cross in to an unmarked player at the back post only 5 yards out. Fortunately he could get no power into the shot and James got across to make the save. Wickham did not really test the Highworth keeper until a corner in the 15^th minute was bundled off the line and away to safety. In the 17^th minute Duncan took a throw in to Callum who then turned the ball inside to Albie. He seemed to be blocked out and was forced across the edge of the Highworth box until he was able to create a little space to lash the ball into the roof of the net. The game was still quite even and in the 23^rd minute a Highworth corner was partially cleared. The ball was knocked back to the corner taker who was just onside and he hit a good cross to the back post for a simple tap in equaliser. A minute later Wickham attacked down the left with the ball eventually coming inside to Albie. The ball seemed to get stuck under his feet but somehow he dug it out, getting power into the shot which ended up hitting the top of the bar. With time running out Highworth broke through but James came out to make the initial save which William then cleared for a corner.

Jon impressed on the lads that things had to improve in the second half as the Highworth manager could be heard to say “more of the same boys, the job is only half done”. In the first minute Wickham almost got back in front after some play down the right but Jesse’s shot was headed off the line for a corner with the keeper nowhere. The corner was played in and the defender sliced his clearance back out to Albie. His measured cross found Duncan, who chipped the ball into the corner of the goal for 2-1. In the 4^th minute the Highworth sub no.12 used his pace to create some space but William got across to rob him and in turn sent the ball up to Charlie. Charlie battled on his own for the ball, somehow winning it and then able to get his shot away. This was initially save but he put the rebound away for 3-1. Highworth were packing the defence only leaving the No.12 up front but this paid dividends in the 9^th minute as a long clearance set him free. William could only just keep pace and as James came out the forward neatly clipped the ball into the back of the net. The next minute saw Ollie put the ball through the middle for Callum and Charlie to attack. Callum got a shot in which was saved but he got to the rebound only to hit the outside of the post. In the 15^th minute the ball was worked down the right and then into Charlie. Despite the presents of two defenders he was able to force the ball home. The next 6 minutes were all Wickham and they were able to secure the game. The 17^th minute saw Charlie complete his hat trick as he played two 1-2’s with Albie before tucking the ball inside the right hand post. In the 19^th minute a goal kick was headed back by Duncan to Charlie with his back to goal. He played a little reverse ball to Albie who drilled the ball home from the edge of the area. Two minutes later the Wickham defence cleared the ball up the right wing. Max should never have got near it but he battled and won the ball, then immediately feed Albie. The keeper saved the initial shot but Albie had followed up to put away the rebound completing his hat trick and a 7-2 win for Wickham. As Bassett could only draw again Stratton Juniors, Wickham’s position at the top of the division became a little stronger.

Player of the Day Trophy was given to a player who worked even harder than normal without Karl by his side and who actually scored against a side who did not play in Orange…..Duncan.

Report: U12 OM vs. Kennington 27-Jan-2008

2008-02-02T11:39:00.001Z

Having had another 2 weeks off, it was Oxford to play Kennington B. Jordan, Ben C and Fraser were all missing and with 10 minutes to go so were 5 other players. Fortunately Kennington’s A team, who were already using the pitch, had their OML cup game go into extra time, allowing everyone to get to the ground for the start.

From the start Wickham had two quick attacks down the right then in the 3^rd minute AO got past the full back before getting his cross in. Harry’s initial shot was blocked, as was Max’s follow up, but Harry was able to put the second rebound away. Wickham totally dominated the next 10 minutes creating lots of chances but never quite able to force the ball home. Most of the attacking was coming from the right and in the 12^th minute AO delivered another cross to the back post where Max was waiting to hit his shot across the keeper into the far corner for 2-0. Two minutes later another cross from AO saw Harry’s shot saved, the defenders clearance only found Max, who scored again. In the 19^th minute it looked like Max would complete his hat trick but the keeper made a fine save pushing the ball out to the left. Max chased after it and turned it back into Tom’s path for him to hit it across the keeper and in. With the half running out a rare Kennington attack saw Jack boxed in near his own corner flag. He created a little space and played it inside to Jordie, who had been everywhere during the half, and he, in turn gave it to Luke. Luke then played a simple ball between the two full backs for William to run onto, who then duly went round the keeper to tap the ball in.

Despite the lads being 5-0 up at half time Ian was not happy with the performance. Players were bunching together not keeper the ball on the floor and generally not working for each other. A big improvement was needed in the second half, and it came. Ben made his first real save in the 5^th minute and then his long clearance saw Ollie hit the ball over the bar. From the resulting goal kick Luke won the ball and played it forward to Ollie. With his back to the goal, he flicked the ball up in the air, span round and volleyed it over the keeper into the back of the net. From the centre Wickham attacked and Harry hit the post with his best shot of the day. A minute later Kennington broke up an attack and went down the right. With the Wickham defence appealing for offside the attacker was away and had no problems in putting the ball past Ben. This stunned Wickham into playing their best football of the match. A series of attacks were partially cleared until finally in the 13^th minute the ball came out to Luke who hit a stunning volley from 35 yards into the net. A minute later Ollie intercept a goal kick and went past two defenders before drawing the keeper and slotting the ball home. Wickham kept on going forwards and in the 19^th minute a cross was drilled in from the left which AO neatly laid back for Jordie to deservedly score. Kennington mounted a few attacks in the next couple of minutes but this only left them exposed. With 23 minutes gone Max was left free on the left and just went on a run from the half way line. He went past the full back and then duly completed his hat trick. With 25 minutes on the clock Josh cleared the ball up field to Stephen who neatly laid the ball into AO’s path. He cut into the box and hit his shot into the back of the net for 11-1. There was still time for one more as Luke played the ball up to Harry who drew the keeper before setting up Stephen to score the final goal of the day.

A much improved second half in terms of passing the ball around was capped by two great goal and it was Luke, one of those scorers, who won his first Player of the Day award.

Report: U12 NW vs. Wroughton 20-Jan-2008

2008-01-27T15:08:00.000Z

The ¼ final of the North Wilts League Cup saw fellow title rivals Wroughton come over to the Triangle Field. With the rain during the week, the pitch could be described as heavy but the ball rolled and bounced OK and both management teams agreed that the game could go ahead, as, more importantly, did the ref. Karl had been ill over night but the normal 11 started the game.

Wroughton had the initial pressure, as in the first minute a Wickham defensive throw in was won by them and switched into the middle when Nana, who had started playing as a centre forward, somehow flicked the ball on. Jesse half cleared the ball to their left winger who flashed a shot some two yards wide of the post. Wickham then went on the attack playing down the right wing. Karl got the cross into Callum who got his shot away just as the defender dived in but this also just went past the post. The wind and rain was into Wickham’s faces but, like last week, they started to dominate the game. In the 4th minute Jack broke up a Wroughton attack and fired the ball to Karl on the right. After going past a man he played the ball into Callum, who sent Charlie though on the left of the goal. He drew the keeper switched to the right, evaded a sliding defender before slamming the ball home. In the 12th minute Christie Miller, in the Wroughton goal, pulled off a cracking save from Karl and from the resulting corner Duncan’s flicked header just went past the far post. The Wickham back four were dealing with everything which came their way, with William playing in a slightly deeper roll sweeping up anything which came through and Olly doing a similar covering job from the left back position. With 16 minutes gone Wickham’s pressure paid off. Charlie won the ball and fired it out to Albie who had now switched to the right. He got past his man and fired the ball into the middle. Callum could not get the finished touch to it but he stopped it going out for a goal kick, cutting back into the box. He seemed to have his legs taken away but somehow stayed on his feet to shoot under the diving keeper for 2-0. The last 10 minutes were all Wickham attacks. Albie had two volleys drift just wide of the post and a third cannon off the post, Callum had a chance which went just wide, Charlie put the ball into the back of the net following a Duncan return header from a goal kick but he was adjudged to be off side. Finally, in the 27th minute a corner was headed in by Callum which was just reward for all the prior pressure. The rain had now stopped but the wind was still quite fresh as the lads came off 3-0 up.

Wroughton, just like Windsor last weekend, came out strong against the wind but they had now pushed 3 up front. More of the play was now in the Wickham half but again the back four were clearing the lines with James limited to goal kicks. In the 8th minute Duncan was free near the edge of the box and he got his shot away. The keeper fumbled it, so Fraser picked it up, went round the keeper and got his shot away only to see it cleared off the line. In the 13th minute Fraser got down the left pulling a cross into the middle which missed Albie but Charlie at the back post slammed the ball in only for Albie to be given off side. With 15 minutes left Wroughton brought on a different keeper with Christie going back into his midfield role as Wroughton now switched to a 2-4-4 formation. Ollie replaced Fraser to strengthen the midfield area and the Wickham’s defence still held strong until the 21st minute when Wroughton attacked down their right. The Wickham defence moved across to cover but they were badly outnumbered. As the ball was centred Jack had come from right back into the centre and got there before the two forwards; however his attempted left footed volley clearance was sliced over the top of James and into the back of the net for a cracking own goal. The last 9 minutes were mainly in the Wickham half but James only had one shot to deal with, which he comfortably saved. Thus a 3-1 victory and now the lads are only 1 game away from a final at Swindon Town F. C.

Player of the Day Trophy was given to a player who was asked to do a specific job and did it so well that the parents noticed as well. He also could have had a hat trick and considering he only played the first half it was a great performance by Callum.
James Davies
Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Jesse Bowers
Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson
Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman, Fraser Roberts

Report: U12 NW vs. New Windsor Youth 13-Jan-2008

2008-01-15T20:57:00.001Z

The 4^th round of the Berks & Bucks cup saw the lads travel to Eton Playing Fields to play in the shadow of Windsor castle against New Windsor Youth. Having seen Windsor’s form, this was likely to be a close, hard game and if the lads were not concentrating from the start then the game could be out of reach very quickly.

Wickham kicked off and almost immediately gave the ball away as it was hit directly to the ref. Windsor, playing with the wind, seemed to have the best of the initial stages as it was a slow start by the lads. Fortunately the back 4 were looking solid and James was not really tested. Time flew by with the first Wickham chance coming in the 8^th minute. Callum worked the ball down the left, chipped it into the middle where Charlie flicked it on into Albie’s path. He hit a rasping shot which, unlike Geoff Hurst’s hit the underside of the bar and came out. In the 11^th minute a Windsor throw in was won by Duncan who laid the ball off to Callum. He again went down the left, before tucking the ball inside for Ablie. He seemed to be squeezed out by the defenders but as the keeper came out Albie was able to block the clearance which cannoned over the keeper and gave Albie the chance to run round to put the ball into the back of the net for 1-0. In the 17^th minute Windsor had the first corner of the game which was played short but Duncan won the ball, playing it out to the left. Here Karl and Callum combined before Karl whipped the cross in, but Albie’s volley went over the top. Despite the wind Wickham were dominating and 2 minutes later some lovely interplay between Jesse, Karl and Albie ended with a cross coming in which Charlie just failed to apply the finishing touch to. Wickham won their first corner after 25 minutes but Bert’s header just went just over and wide.

Despite Wickham having, the now stronger, wind on their backs Windsor, as expected, came out strongly. However after 30 seconds Albie put Charlie through but the keeper made a great save. Windsor went straight on the attack pulling Wickham’s defence all over the place but eventually William cleared the ball up field. Wickham were now playing on the counter attack and in the 5^th minute Jack sent Albie away, he cut into the box but again the keeper made the save. Windsor were now pushing hard and after 8 minutes the Wickham defence were all dragged across to the right leaving two Windsor players unmarked in the centre. As the ball came across to them Duncan made a timely tackle to clear the danger. With 13 minute gone the inevitable happened. Following a breakdown of a Wickham attack, Windsor broke down their right. First Duncan and then Olly were beaten by the winger, Bert came across but was beaten for pace but William got the tackle in; unfortunately the ball ricochet of the attacker and set him free. Having got close to the by line he had two team mates to pick out with only Jack to defend them and sure enough the ball was fired home. In the 15^th minute Albie was beautifully put through the middle by Jesse but as he approached the edge of the box he was brought down. His free kick was heading towards the corner of the goal but the keeper got across to make the save. A minute later Albie got through again but this time his shot just went over the bar. In the 21^st minute some interplay between Jesse and Albie saw a cross come in which Callum’s loopy header went over the keeper but also the bar. Another attack down the right saw the ball fired into Charlie at the near post but the defender just got to the ball first. The resulting corner it was partially cleared out to William, who drilled the ball towards the goal but unfortunately straight at the keeper. The goal kick was again won back by Wickham and then put back into the box where Charlie and Duncan battled for the ball. Eventually it was squared out to Callum on the apex of the 18 yard box who hit a dipping, bending shot into the top left hand corner. Wickham continued to create chances but could not get the third goal to kill the game off, until eventually, in the dying seconds, a throw by Olly went down the line to Callum. He played the ball to Jesse who crossed it into the box where Charlie hit it. The keeper made a partial stop but the ball slipped under his body and Charlie raced round to slam it into the net. There was only just time for Windsor to kick off, thus Wickham had won this highly competitive game 3-1 and progress to the quarter finals.

Player of the Day Trophy was not awarded to anyone as this was seen as a great team effort by everyone, with it being possible to make a case for most of the players to win it. The next round on 3rd February is a home match against either Newport Pagnell or Kennington from the Oxford Mail League.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Jesse Bowers

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks, Tom Farman, Ollie Norman, Ben Cipolla

Report: WW U12 OM vs. Didcot Casuals

2008-01-13T16:08:00.001Z

It was a long time since the Appleton game but with a full squad of 16 players the lads seemed up for this trip to Didcot Casuals, who were 1 point ahead in the table. Josh Newbrook was making his debut for the side so Aiden and Jack were given the freedom of the right hand side, able to swap positions whenever they wished.

Despite the lay off Wickham started playing some lovely football. Didcot’s little no.16 was causing a few problems getting down the line quite easily at times but the new central pairing were dealing well with anything which got to them. After 8 minutes the ball was worked down the right and then switched to the left. As the cross came in Jack was steaming in; his shot was parried out towards Fraser but the keeper was quick enough to smother the chance. In the 9^th minute neither Jack nor Aiden were in the right back position so the forward had a clear run on goal but Ben timed his run perfectly to make the initial block and got up quickly to complete the save. A minute later Jack was in the right wing position on the edge of the area where he played it back to Aiden. This allowed Jack to get some space and after receiving the ball back drilled a shot against the post. Ben was there to place the rebound into the back of the net. After 12 minutes Ian finally notice that Tom was playing in trainers, he was therefore replaced by William so he could put some boots on. Wickham now attacked more down the left and the ball was played into Ben, who, after drawing the keeper just placed his shot wide of the post. After 17 minutes William, Luke and Fraser played some lovely one touch football which eventually set William free. As he cut into the box he seemed to be crossing the ball but it beat the keeper at the near post for 2-0. Tom now returned for William. Three minutes later Jack did some great work on the right but was grossly out numbered. He kept battling for the ball eventually winning it and getting into the box where he was fouled. Fraser stepped up to take the penalty which came crashing back off the post to him which he duly tucked away. Did the keeper push it onto the post? He must have done as the goal stood! AO and Max now replaced Jack and Fraser and shortly afterwards Harry and Stephen were also introduced into the game. With time running out Didcot again broke down the left but Ben came out and made another great save.

Didcot were taken away into the changing rooms for their half time “talk” so Ian warned the boys that they would come out hard in the second half and it was important not to concede and early goal. Sure enough, the game changed around, with Wickham struggling to clear the ball and Didcot being a constant threat. With 14 minutes gone Didcot went straight down the middle and for the first time the Jordan / Josh combination did not cut out the danger. Ben came out to narrow the angle but the ball was just slipped past him into the corner for 3-1. Ben and William now replaced Harry and Stephen but this had very little effect, as Didcot were buoyed by the goal. The Wickham players were now picking up injuries forcing subs to be made with players now playing out of position. In the 23^rd minute Ollie slipped Ben though, who then played the ball out to the right where Fraser was now playing. His cross came back to Ben who crashed the ball against the keeper but Fraser got to the rebound first, drilling a cross to the far post where Max had arrived to score. Didcot went back on the attack but Aiden, now at left back, won the ball sending Max away down the line. Having advanced down the line Max played the ball across to Ben, who then slipped the ball inside the fullback for Fraser to run onto and slam the ball into the back of the net for 5-1. With 3 minutes left Ben was again sent though but this time the defender was able to catch him; however his back pass was picked up by the keeper, so Wickham had an indirect free kick some 14 yards out. William and Fraser stood over the ball but it was touched to Ollie who duly slammed the ball into the net through a crowd of players.

This was a great performance, with the lads passing the ball around, looking for space and helping each other out. Ben had a great game in goal pulling off three fantastic saves and was a candidate for the Player of the Day. However, by one vote it went to Fraser.

Ben Grey

Aiden Weeks, Josh Newbrook, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farmer

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

Ben Cipolla

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

Report: WW U12 NW vs. Ferndale Rodbourne

2008-01-13T16:05:00.001Z

The first game in the New Year was against last years runners up Ferndale Rodbourne. These are always highly competitive games and one which the lads would have to be up for. James was suffering with illness so Ben Grey returned back into the side after a year and a half away.

The opening exchanges must have been exciting since the first check of the watch saw that 5 minutes had already gone, but shortly after this the first goal arrived. Jesse threaded the ball through the middle, up Charlie who laid it out wide to Albie. He simply advanced into the area before blasting the ball over the keeper. From the centre Ferndale just went straight through the middle of the Wickham defence but fortunately Olly got across to make the saving tackle. The warning signs should have been seen, however, within a minute Ferndale again attacked and three Wickham players had the chance to clear the ball but went for the playing it out option. Eventually, the ball fell to the Ferndale forward who hit his shot first time over Ben and into the net. This set off wild celebrations both on and off the field. Ferndale were able to limit Wickham to half chances in the box and long range efforts during the next 15 minutes. Olly hit a cross shot into the area which Charlie just failed to get his head to and the ball fell into the keepers arms. An Albie free kick was headed just over by Charlie and in the 21^st minute Charlie was set free by a quick throw in but he was forced wide and his shot went into the side netting. The last 5 minutes saw Wickham encamped in the final third of the pitch but just could not put the ball away. In the 28^th minute Jesse let fly from outside the box beating the keeper all ends up but the ball came back off the post. Charlie raced in and put the ball away but Callum was adjudged to have been off side when the initial shot came in, becoming active after the ball hit the post, so the goal did not stand and it was 1-1 at half time.

Wickham attacked from the start but in the 5^th minute it was Ferndale who had the first chance. A free kick was hit into the area; Bert made a great sliding tackle, with the ball coming out to Duncan. He placed the ball between the centre backs for Albie to run on to. Despite the defender getting close enough to push him in the back, Albie coolly slotting the ball home for 2-1. Three minutes later Charlie and Albie worked the ball between themselves down the right hand side. Charlie laid the ball back to Karl who drove the shot goal bound only to see the keeper make a great save, however Fraser was following in and, despite an initial miscontrol, he squeezed the ball home from a tight angle. More Wickham pressure followed and you felt that a 4^th would kill the game off. In the 14^th minute an Albie corner went to the back post but some how the ball was eventually cleared off the line. Ferndale, as expected, were always dangerous on the break and after 18 minutes they had a 3 on 2 but William timed the tackle perfectly to break up the attack. More Ferndale pressure followed as they looked to get back into the game. In the 20^th minute William again stopped an attack and, seeing the Ferndale defence pushed up, hit a long ball over the top of the centre backs. Fraser and Charlie raced past the defenders and as the keeper came out Fraser knocked the ball into Charlie’s path for him to walk the ball into the back of the net. Wickham won the ball from the centre but a great double save from the keeper, first from Albie and then from Charlie ensured Wickham did not score again. There was now only one team in it. In the 25^th minute another great save from the keeper kept out a rasping drive from Fraser. Wickham then had a series of corners which were all hit to the near post but all dealt with by the defenders; however the 4^th was hit long to the back post where William rose unchallenged to power his header home. A good 5-1 win and now off to Eton for round 4 of the B & B cup.

Player of the Day was a very close battle. Two players had the votes split between them but for a fine defensive display and scoring with a bullet header the award went to William.

Ben Grey

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Jesse Bowers

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Fraser Roberts, Jordan Shaw, Max Nicholls

Report: WW U12 NW vs. Coleshill

2008-01-13T16:02:00.001Z

The postponed fixture against Coleshill was slotted in just before Xmas. A surprise frost did put the game in some doubt but by moving to the U14’s pitch and delaying the start to 11.15 the game was able to go ahead OK although initially the surface was quite hard.

Coleshill kicked off but Charlie chased the ball down before feeding it out to Albie, who unfortunately could not get his shot away before being closed down. However the early goal sequence was continued as in the 2^nd minute Jack played the ball down the line to Albie. Albie jinked past a couple of players before playing the ball square to Jesse. He seemed to take an age to get his shot away but the rebound came out to Charlie who scored. In the 3^rd minute a slide rule pas from Jesse sent Albie away but his dipping shot hit the apex of the right hand upright before going out of play. The 6^th minute saw a Charlie shot from a corner cleared off the line and away to safety. The lads seemed to be in cruse mode and in the 7^th minute almost paid the price as Coleshill broke but the shot cannoned off the post for a goal kick. Wickham were creating chances but still the normal passion did not seem to be there. In the16th minute a Coleshill corner was headed clear by Bert to Jesse. He feed the ball up-field to Charlie who laid it back to Karl for him to send Jack away down the right. He played an inside pass to Albie and went for the return but Albie spun round and chipped the keeper from the edge of the box for 2-0. in the 18^th minute Wickham worked a throw on the right hand side which saw Albie whip a cross in which cleared Callum at the back post. Karl chased the ball down knocked it to Charlie who scored from the edge of the box.

The first Coleshill attack of the second half seemed to have been cleared up by William but as the attacked closed him down an over exuberant shoulder charge lead to a penalty being conceded. Despite James going the right way the ball found the back of the net. This spurred Coleshill on and they had plenty of position during the next 10 minutes, in fact they had a great chance to get another goal but James got his angles right and the forward shot wide. In the 15^th Minute Ollie Norman, who was now on for Duncan, played a lovely ball between the two centre backs for Charlie to run onto and as the keeper came out he slotted the ball into the corner. Three minutes later the ball was bouncing around in the Coleshill box, with shots coming in from Albie, Karl and Charlie but eventually Albie put the ball away. Wickham now started to play their normal flowing football scoring four more times in the last 6 minutes. The first saw Ben drive in a cross fired in from the right. Straight from the centre Wickham won the ball back and played some lovely one touch football which eventually saw Karl through on goal. His shot was well saved but the ball was then played back into the box for Charlie to finish. In the 26^th minute Charlie rattled the post following another slick passing movement which started with Olly at left back. Two minutes later following two cleared corners the third was played short and then out to William on the edge of the box. His drive was handled by a defender in the six yard box but Callum pounced on the ball to drill it home. In the final minute Albie found himself on the left hand side following a corner, so he dinked a cross into the box where Bert fired the ball home giving Wickham a, little flattering, 9-1 victory.

Player of the Day went to Charlie for a great attacking display which yielded four goals, but also for a great effort in working back and creating opportunities for other people.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Jesse Bowers

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Ollie Norman, Ben Cipolla

Report: WW U12 NW vs. Cricklade

2007-12-23T21:55:00.001Z

Arriving at the ground for the 10.30 kick off, Cricklade were not keen to play but the pitch was taking a stud OK with the grass being lightly frosted. We were again treated to ¾ sized goals and a small pitch but this time even the goal mouths were ¾ sized measuring only 13 yards. We were without Charlie and Bert so Fraser and Jordan stepped into the starting line up. The question was how would yesterday’s game affect the boys.

The early chance to score in the first 2 minutes came and went as did the keeper dropping the ball and then being allowed to pick it up without penalty. However, in the 3^rd minute William cleared the ball to Karl who in turn sent Callum through on the left who neatly lifted the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. In the 8^th minute Wickham again moved the ball from the back via Jack and Jesse to send Albie through. He was forced wide and just hit his shot over the top. When Wickham played through the middle of the park they were constantly being given off side but in the 10th minute it was Jordan’s turn to find Duncan and he sent Albie way. He neatly side stepped the keeper to tuck the ball into an empty net. Two minutes later Albie was pulled down and from the resulting free kick Callum slammed the ball home but he was given off side. In the 17^th minute a Cricklade throw was won by Duncan on the halfway line. He beat two players before slipping the ball between the two centre backs for Albie to run onto and score. In the 28^th William took a quick free kick on the halfway line after being fouled for Fraser to crash against the crossbar. The 30^th minute saw a great ball for Fraser run through the defenders to score but Callum on the other side of the pitch was given off side. The last kick of the half saw Albie drill a shot goal bound which hit the keeper in the face and go off for a throw in.

The 3^rd minute of the half again saw Wickham score as the ball was chipped forward for Callum to run onto. The keeper came out of his area but messed up the clearance giving the ball to Fraser to score. Albie added another a minute later and the game was effectively over. Two minutes later Olly played the big switch ball fro the left wing to Albie on the right. He got past the left back to score again. The game then went end to end as Wickham’s midfield started not to work back putting pressure on the back four. Jack Bolton came off for Jack Wild and Max replaced Fraser. With 15 minutes left Jesse hit a rasping drive which seemed to be in the back of the net but the ref decided that it went through the side netting. Cricklade went on the attack but William broke this up with a big clearance up field. The ball went out left where Karl controlled it and sprinted goal wards. Having drawn the keeper the birthday boy scored inside the left hand post. In a space of 2 minutes Wickham added three more goals. Having had one ruled out for off side, Cricklade made a mess of the free kick giving it straight to Albie who got his cross in for Callum to have a simple tap in. From the centre Albie won the ball and found himself out on the left wing. Again he hit his cross to the back post where Jesse was to tap in this time. From the next centre the ball came to William who clipped the ball over the advancing Cricklade side. Albie was in a 1 on 1 with the keeper but he made a great save only to see Max there to slot the ball home. All day the midfield players had been slipping diagonal passes through for the forwards to run onto so it was only fitting that in the 27^th minute Duncan played Albie in again for his to score his 5^th of the day matching is efforts of yesterday and bring up his 50^th goal for the club.

Player of the Day went to Jordan who stepped into Bert’s shoes with no problems what so ever. He was as solid as ever at the back inspiring confidence to all around him.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Jordan Shaw, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Jesse Bowers

Fraser Roberts, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Aiden Weeks, Jack Wilds, Max Nicholls

Report: WW U12 NW vs. Maidenhead Girls & Boys

2007-12-16T18:16:00.001Z

A cold afternoon saw the lads out on a Saturday to play the Berks & Bucks cup game against Maidenhead Boys & Girls since it was called off last weekend. The home side had an impressive record going into the game having won all their games except one which they had drawn. Wickham had played then in our six a side tournament, only beating them in extra time. Jesse was welcomed back having had his appendixes out after the Wroughton game plus there were fives subs…a full strength team then…but ¾ goals again and a small pitch.

In the last four games Wickham had opened the scoring in the first 2 minutes of the match. The first two minutes were all in the Maidenhead half. A partial clearance saw William hit a shot from deep which rebounded of a defender to Duncan. He gave the ball to Karl who drove the ball home with his left foot (1m 57 sec…so the run continues). Two minutes later some good work down the left by Callum saw the ball come into Charlie. He placed the ball between the centre back and the full back for Albie to run onto and his shot across the keeper nestled into the far corner. Two minutes later Charlie and Albie played a couple of 1-2’s with each other before Charlie’s shot came crashing off the bar. It was not long for the 3^rd goal to come as a Maidenhead clearance was blocked by William. He fired the ball to Callum on the left who immediately knocked it into the middle. It was then a foot race between Albie and Charlie which Albie won and scored with ease. In the 12^th minute a lovely move down the left saw Callum put through, he cut inside and drilled the ball inside the near post but for some reason Charlie was given offside in the middle, despite not having played any part in the move. Wickham’s first corner caused panic in the Maidenhead defence but eventually Duncan lifted the ball over the bar. Maidenhead got a goal back in the 17^th minute as a throw in was partially cleared by Duncan but a speculative shot cleared James, despite him only being 5 yards out of his goal. Wickham’s replay was immediate as the ball was played out to Albie. He flicked the ball inside to Duncan who passed it onto Callum. Callum hit his cross to the back where Albie powered the ball home. The 24^th minute produced the goal we had all been waiting for. Olly took a throw to Callum who played it to Ollie and then back to Olly who clipped the ball into the box. As the keeper came out Charlie slipped the ball past him to score his 100^th goal for the club. In the 28^th minute a Maidenhead goal kick was knocked out to Albie. As he went past his man he got his cross in which flew over the top of the keeper and into the back of the net for a 6-1 half time lead.

Wickham kicked off with Aiden on for Jack, Ben for Albie & Tom for Olly. In the second minute with, Callum now out on the right, he knocked the ball into the box straight to Charlie, who put the ball away to the keepers left. Wickham continued to attack and Callum seemed to be enjoying his role out on the right. In the 9^th minute he again was the provider, knocking the ball into the box for Charlie to finish. In the 15^th minute Wickham played the ball down the left with Ollie, Ben and Tom all involved. As the ball came into the area a few people tried to convert but eventually the ball came back to Charlie on the penalty spot and he smashed it into the roof of the net. With 20 minutes gone Wickham switched back to the starting line up. Four minutes later Wickham attacked down the left with the ball starting off at the back with Olly then onto Duncan and then Callum. The ball was switched into Charlie who moved the ball from his right then onto his left before hitting a sweet shot with the outside of his right foot into the net. With two minutes left a long clearance from the Maidenhead keeper was controlled by Bert before playing it forwards to Duncan. His diagonal ball went straight into Albie’s path but his shot was saved, only for Charlie to be on hand to tap the ball away. With time running out Maidenhead broke through but Jack Bolton came across from his right back position to make a great sliding tackle on the edge of the box. Jack then tidied up clearing the ball to Charlie. He knocked the ball through to Albie who deftly chipped the keeper with the last kick of the game, giving Wickham as 12-1 victory.

Player of the Day went to Charlie for some great work up front, scoring a double hat trick and also bringing up his hundredth goal for the club.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Jesse Bowers

Charlie De Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman, Tom Farman, Aiden Weeks, Ben Cipolla

Report: WW U12 NW vs. Statton Juniors B

2007-12-07T21:38:00.001Z

After last weeks top of the table battle, it was off to Stratton Juniors B, who were rock bottom of the league with only 1 point to their name. Driving rain and a sloping pitch greeted the boys but just before the start of the match the rain eased off and then stopped. How lucky is this team. With Jesse having had an appendectomy during the week Tom came in on the left of midfield.

Wickham kicked off playing down the slope and with the wind needing to build a lead which could be defended against the conditions in the second half. The ball went out to Tom but the defender got across to concede a throw. This was quickly taken and the ball ended up with Charlie on the by-line. He cut back inside and then slotted the ball inside the near post for a goal in the first 30 seconds. With two minutes gone a free kick just inside the Stratton half saw Albie hit it long and hard towards the goal. The keeper could only parry the ball and Jack was there to score his 4^th goal in as many games. In the 3^rd minute Albie’s corner was controlled by Duncan at the near post. He laid it back to Bert who somehow drilled his shot wide. With such a good start everyone was pushing forwards but in the 6^th minute Stratton burst away with 2 attackers on 1 defender. James seemed to do everything right but a lovely chipped cleared him and went under the bar. In the 13^th minute a similar attack saw William slip over and this time three attackers with just Jack to cover. James came out and got a hand to the ball but could not stop it going in the far right hand corner. So the bottom side had pulled Wickham back to 2-2, now where have we seen that before? The next 5 minutes or so were a little tense as the lads came to terms with what had happened. Ollie Norman then replaced Tom on the left and had an immediate effect. An Albie free kick from the left hand side was hit into the box. This was partially cleared out to Karl who hit the ball towards the goal where Ollie jumped to head the ball into the top corner. This goal lifted the lads and they started to pass the ball again. In the 22^nd minute Duncan got to the by-line and squared the ball back but it was cleared out to Albie. He got past his man and hit the cross into the near post where Duncan got up before anyone else to score his normal goal against Stratton in the League. Two minute later a hopeful ball was pumped forward by Albie. The defenders let it bounce and it then “got big” on the keeper who could only parry the ball for Callum to run in & score into an empty net.

It was important for Wickham not to concede an early goal as they played against the conditions. In the first minute Stratton went down the right and swung a cross into the box. The wind drifted the ball over James and it seemed destined to go in but Jack had got back to clear off the line. Wickham’s first attack was not until the 6^th minute when Albie went down the line and got a great cross in but it went over Ollie in the middle. Olly however retrieved the ball firing it back into the middle for Charlie to crash home. A minute later saw Wickham play the ball out of defence as James passed the ball to Jack. He brought it forwards and then slipped it onto Albie. Albie eventually got his cross in to Callum at the back post but his shot was saved however the ball came out to Charlie who duly completed his hat trick. The wind seemed to get stronger but the chances which Stratton now created were either snuffed out by the defenders or James was able to deal with. Wickham did not create another clear cut chance but had already done enough to secure the points. The rain…yes you’ve guessed it…it started to come down again just as we left the ground.

Player of the Day went to Duncan for all his hard graft in midfield and...oh yes…. for scoring his usual goal against Stratton Juniors.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine, Tom Farman

Charlie De Fraine, Callum Johnson

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Ollie Norman

Report: U12 NW vs. Wroughton Juniors 25-Nov-2007

2007-11-26T21:57:00.000Z

It was back to North Wilts League action after two cup weeks and we all know what happened in the last league game. This was certainly no easy game to get the League program back on track as Wroughton, the only side to beat us at home last year were the visitors.

Wroughton kicked off and played the ball back through the midfield to the defenders. Charlie got stuck in and won the ball knocking it out to Callum; he advanced into the area and just shot over the bar. This was a little taster for the first 10 minutes of the game. In the second minute Albie had a chance on the right but his dipping shot was just grabbed by the keeper under the bar. The clearance came to Duncan who feed it out to Albie, his early cross was met by Callum at the back post who slammed the ball home. Wroughton just had not got out of their half yet. In the 4th minute Callum chased what seemed to be a lose cause into the left hand corner and won a corner kick. Albie hit it deep just clearing Bert but Charlie got above the defender the head powerfully home. In the 7th minute Jack pushed up the right to make a great tackle and then feed Albie. His cross was parried by the keeper who just collected it at the second attempt and Charlie charged in. The ball was cleared out by Wroughton but Bert made a great challenge and as the ball rolled to Karl, under pressure he lobbed the ball into the area. The defenders let the ball bounce and in nipped Charlie to head the ball over the advancing keeper for 3-0 after only 8 minutes. In the 12th minute as similar attack saw Callum get away as he was closed down he passed the ball to Charlie but this time the keeper just got the block in. Duncan, Charlie and Jesse all had half chances but the ball was always blocked. Then Wroughton broke down their right with a diagonally hit ball over the top. Jack, William and James all closed in on the ball but none of them took control of the situation and somehow the forward got there first to toe poke the ball in-between everyone for 3-1 and only 12 minutes have gone. Wroughton were now back in the game and in the 16th minute following a poor clearance a cross from the left saw the Wroughton forward with a few header which was put well wide. In the 20th minute a long free kick was hit into the Wroughton box, Bert went in on the keeper who dropped the ball which Charlie then put into the back of the net but a foul on the keeper was correctly awarded. However a minute later a Wroughton throw in the right hand corner was won by Albie who tucked it inside to Charlie. He gave it back and Albie hit one of his long range specials into the far corner of the goal for 4-1. Some panic in defence close on half time almost saw Wroughton almost score again but the lead was held.

Jon pointed out that if we could get 4 goals in a half then so could Wroughton and a defeat would move us down from 1st to 5th place. In the first minute Jesse played a great through ball for Albie to run onto. He was forced slightly wide to the right but his is cross shot across the replacement keeper but just past the far post…surely that would have killed the game off. Wroughton were now a totally different side, far more fired up. With seven minutes gone Wroughton turned a rare Wickham attack into a quick attack of their own. The danger seemed to have been dealt with but the clearance from the by line only made it to the “D” of the area where a midfield player arrived late to smash the ball into the apex of the goal for 4-2. In the 10th minute Jesse was flattened on the edge of the Wroughton “D”. Able hit the kick to the top left hand corner but somehow the keeper managed to palm the ball away. The next goal was going to prove important and in the 20th minute a Wroughton corner was unfortunately turned into his own net by Olly. This set up a grandstand finish with Wroughton now playing 4 up front but Wickham keeping 2 or 3 up as well. Jack had taken a knock so Jordan now stepped in never putting a foot wrong. With 4 minutes to go a Wroughton free kick found Nana on the edge of the area but his shot to the top corner was pushed round the post for a corner by James. Wroughton still kept coming but they were just about dealing with the Wickham forwards as they tried to break until the very last minute. The ball came to Fraser on the left who tucked it inside to Charlie who in turn immediately sent Albie away. This time he confidently slotted the ball away. There was only just time to kick off again before the final whistle went.

Player of the Day went to Albie who was instrumental in creating the initial 3-0 lead, however Ian did ask him that next time could he put away the 1 on 1 in the first minute and not the last minute of the half.
James Davies
Jack Wild, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine
Charlie De Fraine, Callum Johnson
Subs:- Fraser Roberts, Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks .

Report: U12 OM vs. Appleton 18-Nov-2007

2007-11-25T14:07:00.000Z

The weekend saw the start of the return fixtures in the Oxford Mail League as Appleton were the visitors to the Triangle Field. For the first game we were ask to kick off at 10.00, this time it was cold with driving rain into Appleton’s faces for the first half.

After a number of times of asking Appleton finally lined up but then had 12 players on the field... nice try, which again took some time to sort out, but eventually the game started. In the first minute Max was put through on the left beyond the last defender. However, a poor final touch saw the ball get away from him and into the waiting keepers hands. In the second minute the ball was fired across the box from the right to Max at the back post but having controlled the ball he could only produce a weak finish into the keepers hands. After five minutes, the ball was again at Max’ feet on the left hand side. This time he hit a cross to AO who was just beyond the far post but his first touch was too heavy which made the angle for the shot too narrow and the chance was gone. Wickham were pushing forwards and dominating the game; surely a goal would come shortly? The 7th minute saw another chance created by good midfield play from Jordie, Ollie and Max. This time the ball ended up at Ben’s feet only 3 yards out from goal but he hit it straight to the keeper and another chance had gone. It was very much a case of “de je vois” as this was exactly what happened in the game at Appleton, multiple chances were created with most of them wasted. More pressure in the 9th minute looked as if it would bring the opening goal. The ball was partially cleared out to Jordie on the edge of the box. He went round the first defender but was then clattered to the ground….. “Penalty Ref”…but after some thought and after moving the whistle to his lips Jon waived play on. Appleton then broke away but in a 1 on 1 with Ben, he did just enough to force the forward to shoot wide. Appleton were now beginning to find their feet and in the 16th minute they cut through the Wickham defence again. This time Ben came diving out at the same time as the forward slid in. The ball bounced free but Jordan was there to clear it away. Wickham attacked again & a nice pass from Ollie saw William flick the ball over the defender for Jordie to run onto but his shot was well saved by the keeper. In the 23rd minute William dragged a shot just wide of the left hand post. A minute later Appleton went on the attack which saw Ben C foul the forward near the edge of the box.. The free kick was hit well but Ben G managed to make the save at the second attempt. However, in the 26th minute Wickham were made to pay for their misses. A through ball split Jordan and Jack and despite the forward looking off side the flag stayed down. Ben came out to narrow the angle but the forward knocked it past him and into the net, just inside the left hand post. In the 27th minute Wickham attacked down the left with the cross coming into AO, who saw his shot saved. In the final minute Max seemed to have sent William clear but, despite a covering defender on the opposite side of the pitch, the flag went up for off side.

The lads were cold at half time so more layers of clothes went on. Wickham won their first corner of the game in the 3rd minute but the keeper gathered this in at the near post. Wickham were still attacking, despite now having the wind in their face but they had not yet tested the keeper. In the 10th minute Jack went to clear an Appleton attack and moved progressively up the field. He eventually got to the edge of the box where he laid the ball off to Ben but his shot just cleared the bar. Which ever team were now defending were finding it hard to clear the ball, as both teams suffered from the cold. In the 22nd minute Jodie won the ball in defence but tried to dribble the ball out. Unfortunately he lost the ball and then fouled the attacker…penalty to Appleton. Despite it being well struck to Ben’s right, he made a great save gathering the ball at the second attempt after knocking his hat off which had come over his eyes. Unfortunately the fresh legs provided by Stephen and Harry in the last 10 minutes of the game could not help produce a goal, so the lads went down to an unfortunate 1-0 defeat, which they did not deserve.

Player of the Day was almost unanimous and for some great saves including the penalty it went to Ben Grey.
Ben Grey
Aiden Weeks, Jack Wild, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, William Herrington, Jordie Rowlands Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla
Subs:- Stephen Enever, Harry Russell.

Report: U12 NW vs. Croft A 18-Nov-2007

2007-11-25T14:03:00.000Z

A rain soaked Triangle Field was the venue for the next round of the North Wilts League cup. Although it had stopped raining just before the start of the game it started again and this was the first match that this side had ever played in the rain. The “prize” for a victory was Wroughton at home in the next round of the cup.

Croft kicked off with the slight wind on their backs and immediately Charlie won the ball. He played it out to the right where both Karl and Jesse seemed to tackle each other but eventually the ball was switched left to Callum. As her was closed down he knocked the ball inside to Charlie who hit his shot over the keeper and into the top left corner for 1-0 after 27 seconds. In the second minute Albie went down the line got a great cross in for Callum to crash home but somehow he was adjudged to be off side. Wickham were battling for everything today and in the 6th minute a ball which should have been an easy corner for the Croft defender was turned into a corner by Duncan’s harrying. Duncan took the corner quickly to Albie who sent a cross to the back post. Both William and Charlie went up for the ball but it was Charlie who headed the ball home. Considering the conditions Wickham were passing the ball well but Croft were also defending well. In the 13th minute Wickham built an attack from the back at it was Jack out on the right wing. He hit a cross into the middle which Charlie either dummied or missed with the ball going onto hit Albie and then into the net. The croft keeper was having a great game in goal turning efforts wide of the posts and grabbing the ball when he could. In the 18th minute Callum was down the left. He got to the by line and then cut back to this time get a cross in off his right foot. The keeper then made three cracking saves before finally the ball came out to Jack, who smashed the ball across the goal and into the far corner for his first North Wilts goal of the season. Wickham had very little defending to do as the majority of the play had been in the Croft half. In the 27th minute Albie had a shot which the defender partially cleared onto his own post and then away for a corner. In the 29th minute a quick throw from Olly went to Ollie who played it inside to Duncan. He immediately sent Callum away and with no defenders near him he was able to cut inside and score with ease to make the half time score 5-0.

Croft came out with more fight in the second half and seemed a little bit quicker into the tackles. However the first 4 minutes were still played in their half until a clearance seemed to catch both Bert and William out leaving the forward to race clear. As James came out the shot went past his right hand and into the corner of the net. Wickham went straight back onto the attack with Karl and Albie breaking clear. The initial attack was stopped but the ball came out to Jack who drove the ball past the keeper onto so see a defender clear the ball off the line. Albie swung the corner into the box where a defender, under pressure from William turned the ball into the back of the net. The keeper was still pulling off saves as Wickham continued to press but Croft were getting into the Wickham half now but the back four were dealing with most things. In the 15th minute a Croft corner was turned into an attack as three quick passes saw Charlie race clear. His cross shot came back off the far post with the follow up blocked on the line, but the rebound came out to Ben, who had only been on the field for a minute, who drove the ball into the back of the net. Three minutes later which had a corner on the right which Albie took short to Jack. He duly gave him the ball back and Albie’s cross nestled nicely in the back of the net at the far post. In the 23rd minute a Croft defensive throw in was won by Ollie who gave the ball to Karl. Karl sent Charlie through who played a one two with Callum before going around the keeper to slot the ball away with his left foot. Croft to their credit kept going but near the end Jack won the ball at right back and sent it up the line to Albie. It was then Albie’s turn to play a one two, this time with Jesse before getting his cross in. Charlie had the initial shot which was blocked on the line but Ollie was there to complete the scoring for the day.

In such cold wet conditions both sides should be pleased with the way they kept going right to the end and it was a good passing and moving game from the Wickham lads. The Player of the Day voting was tight but went to Karl for his very good workman like effort in midfield throughout the game. So it’s onto Wroughton now, both next weekend in the League and in the next round of the cup.

James Davies
Jack Wild, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorraine
Charlie De Fraine, Callum Johnson
Subs:- Ben Cipolla, Ollie Norman.

Report: U12 NW vs. Radley 11-Nov-2007

2007-11-19T20:49:00.000Z

Following the Bassett defeat in the League it was Berks & Bucks cup action away at Radley. All we knew about them was that they are an OML division 1 side that is currently struggling at the bottom of that division and our B side had beaten their B team 10-0 earlier in the season. The usual 11 players were supplemented by Ollie, Tom Fraser and Jordan.

Straight form the kick off Charlie won the ball and sent it out to Albie on the right. His cross was partially cleared but then it came out to Jesse who also went right. His cross went to the back post where Callum knocked it in. A minute later Albie was fouled out on the right. He swung the free kick to the far post where both Callum and Bert were free, with the latter firing the ball into the roof of the net. After 4 minutes Karl landed badly on his back and was replaced by Ollie and almost immediately Olly took a throw in to Ollie who played it down the line to Callum. He his a great diagonal ball into Albie’s path, who took it around the keeper to tap the ball into an empty net. In the 7th minute it was Charlie who found himself out on the right wing. He went past the full back before getting his cross in for Ollie to head home. Bert was now struggling at the back so Jordan came on. Wickham were in top form today with confidence flowing. In the 11th minute Jack won the ball in the centre circle and went on a run. No one got in an effective challenge and Jack soon found himself on the edge of the box. As the keeper came out he slipped the ball under him to score his first goal of the season. Duncan now took a knock so Tom come on. 11 minutes gone three subs used and already 5-0 up…what a strange game. Three minutes later some great interplay between Ollie, Tom and William saw the ball knocked up to Charlie who headed the ball into Albie’s path, who, after letter the ball bounce cracked in the volley. A minute later Albie hit a corner in from the left which William powerfully headed home. Two minutes later saw Callum and Tom work the ball down the left. Callum got a deep cross in which saw Jack up from the back hit a flying volley into the roof of the net. Somewhat surprisingly there were no more goals in the last 12 minutes of the half but Charlie did force a cracking save from the Radley keeper and could only hit the post from the narrowest of angles from the follow up.

It could have been difficult to motivate the guys for the second half but an early disallowed goal from Fraser for off side seemed to do the trick. Almost immediately Charlie won the ball from a clearance switched the ball left to Callum for him to score. In the 9th minute Olly took a throw deep in the Wickham half, which Albie immediately switched to Fraser on the right. He got to the by line and cut the ball back for Charlie to volley in. Karl then scored two goals in quick succession, the first from just inside the box but the second from quite some distance out after Albie had had his shot blocked. After some Radley pressure Bert intercepted the ball playing it to Olly. Olly played the ball across the back line to Jack who after making some ground sent Charlie free down the right. He got to the by line before laying it back to Jesse to score. A minute later Albie got a deep cross in from the right to Callum beyond the back post. He placed it into Jesse’s path who delicately chipped the keeper. Radley now had their best period of the game as a series of attacked resulted in James having to make some saves. In the 28th minute Wickham broke quickly via Albie. His deep cross was controlled by Jesse who somehow managed to chip the keeper from the tightest of angles to complete his hat trick and a 15-0 win.

Everyone played much better today, passing the ball around and making good runs. However one player stood out, not only for his defensive work but also his attacking play. The player of the Day Award thus went to Jack Bolton.

James Davies,
Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Bert Cherrill, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers Duncan Lorrain
Callum Johnson, Charlie de Fraine.
Subs, Jordan Shaw, Tom Farmer, Ollie Norman, Fraser Roberts.

Report: U12 OM vs. Kennington 11-Nov-2007

2007-11-18T15:36:00.000Z

Following the great performance in the cup last week, it was back to League duties with a home game against Kennington. The lads were just asked to play the ball around and to compete for every ball. Despite Fraser being back the same starting eleven took to the field.

All this advice seemed to go out of the window as the passes were poor, there was no covering back and no one seemed to want the ball. Wickham did create some chances but the flag going up for non interfering players caused the game to be stopped on a number of occasions. In the 7th minute Jordie gathered the ball from a goal kick and played the it out to AO. He sent Ben through the middle but he let the ball run out to Max who calmly put the ball away. Despite this, the passing still did not get going. AO hit the bar in the 12th minute and 3 minutes later Ben hit a volley just wide. Fraser now replaced AO on the right and suddenly Wickham started to pass the ball around. In the 18th minute some interplay between Jordie and Ben eventually saw Max put through and he calmly scored his second with a good left footed strike. Kennington attacked from the centre but Jordan intercepted and passed to Jack, he knocked it to Luke who sent the ball between the centre backs for Ben to run onto and score. Two minutes later it was Jordie’s turn to send Ben through on goal. The keeper got a hand to his shot but could not stop it going in. In the 28th minute Jordie was brought down in just inside the Wickham half. Aiden hit the free kick over the top for Jordie to run onto but his shot went just wide. From the goal kick Tom battled well to win it and sent Max down the left. His dink into the box was knocked back to the keeper but Max chased it down getting there first to pass it to Fraser for a simple tap in. Almost straight from the centre Fraser got the ball down the right, got past his man before hitting a cross in for Ben to put away the simplest of headers to complete his hat trick.

Wickham started the second half well creating two chances in the first 30 second but both were saved. However, in the 2nd minute Max completed his hat trick as Luke’s cross was powered in at the back post. In the 3rd minute Max got a good cross in from the left which Stephen missed but Fraser was there to score. The next minute saw Jack feed Jordie and with runners going both ways for him the defence just opened up allowing him to get to the edge of the box and score. Wickham never stopped attacking but, for a change, people were keeping in their positions. In the 7th minute Ollie hit a good corner into the box which Stephen cracked against the post. The clearance then was hit against him and flew into the back of the net. Jordie was having a great game in midfield and he now set up Max and Jordan for a goal apiece. The 13th minute saw Max again get a cross in from the left for Fraser to complete his hat trick. Direct from the centre Ollie won the ball and just went straight through the middle of the defence to score. The next goal was only a minute later and was a sweetly struck free kick from Ollie which went flying into the top corner (see guys, practice does help!). The hectic scoring then stopped for 10 minutes as Kennington were able to get tackles in but the last 5 minutes saw four more goals scored, two from Ben and one each from Jordie and Max to give a final score of 19-0.

The player of the day award was close but for his influential role in midfield it went to Jordie.

Ben Grey,
Aiden Weeks, Jordan Shaw, Jack Wild, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, Luke Evans, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla.
Sub:- Fraser Roberts, Declan Hess, Stephen Enever.

Report: U12 NW vs. Wootton Bassett Town 4-Nov-2007

2007-11-09T20:49:00.000Z

The away game this weekend saw the lads travel over to Wootton Bassett. They had strengthened again during the off season with two more rep players joining the squad and of course acquaintances with Josh Way would be renewed. The side were at full strength but much would depend on the player’s attitudes and how much they wanted to win.

Wickham started brightly enough and in the first minute created two half chances as shots came in from the edge of the area, first from Charlie and then from Jesse, but both were blocked by covering defenders. Then we saw the first sign of Bassett’s tactics for the day as a long diagonal ball was hit over the Wickham defenders for their no.8 to run onto but he put his shot wide of the near post. Wickham pressing forwards and Bassett countering was the early shape of the game but with 5 minute gone Wickham seemed to have cleared the ball but from 35 yards out Fraser Evans sent a speculative shot goal wards which just went in under the bar. This stunned Wickham and gave Bassett a big boost. The Bassett back four were a solid as a rock with Wickham attempting to hit the ball over the top. Bassett were far more adept at this often creating one on one’s with James but never being able to finish them off. With 18 minutes gone a Bassett throw in the corner was headed into the Wickham box by Bert. After some panic the ball was partially cleared only for it to be knocked into the middle again. Both William and Bert went for the header which neither dealt with effectively as it fell between two Bassett players who could choose who made it 2-0. In the 23rd minute Wickham passed the ball around as Callum feed Charlie down the left. He played the ball to Albie in the middle who went across the defenders before hitting his shot just over the bar.

The half time talk was all about keeping the ball on the floor and passing it around, effectively playing to our strengths and not to get hitting the ball long and forwards. The first 10 minutes were fairly even with neither side creating a clear cut chance. With 12 minutes gone Aiden came on to play at left back with Olly moving up to left midfield as Callum came off. Almost immediately Olly got a cross in but Albie’s shot was blocked. The ball came back to Olly who found Charlie at the back post but his shot went just wide. With 15 minutes gone following lots of Wickham pressure and innocuous ball forwards towards the centre of Wickham’s box was not called for by James and William attempted to clear. The ball came off the back of his head and into the path of Bassett’s right winger who hit a first time shot across James and inside the far post for 3-0. Things just got worse 3 minutes later as Wickham never full cleared their lines from a goal kick. A scramble took place in the area but the initial shot went wide. Aiden had a chance to put the ball out for a corner but tried to clear it. The ball went straight to Josh Way who coolly slotted the ball away. Wickham now actually started to play some good passing football. When Bassett did break James got his positioning correct and made the saves. With a minute to go Wickham forgot how to defend from their goal kicks. A poor goal kick went straight to Josh Way, who took his time before placing the ball past James completing a 5-0 victory for Bassett.

In summary, a very disappointing display, with a number of players not playing anywhere near their best. Maybe this was because of the way Bassett set themselves up to play the game but certainly the best side won easily on the day. Hopefully everyone will now realise that they need to perform in all games and that we need to improve for the next League match against Wroughton. The Player of the Day award went to one of the few people who did put in his normal effort for the whole game, Duncan Lorrain.

James Davies
Jack Bolton, Bert Cherrill, William Herrington, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.
Charlie de Fraine
Sub:- Aiden Weeks, Jordan Shaw, Max Nicholls

Report: U12 OM vs. Abingdon 4-Nov-2007

2007-11-09T20:46:00.000Z

The OML side went up to Abingdon for the 2nd round of the League Cup have had a bye in the 1st. Abingdon are a mid table division 2 side so this would be a tough game especially as there were only 12 players available.

In the early stages Wickham were able to hold their own and in the 2nd minute AO worked an angle down the right but saw his shot fly across the goal and just wide. Three minutes later two corners followed in quick succession but Abingdon were able to scramble both away. The 7th minute saw Abingdon’s first genuine chance as they broke with pace. Jack Wild was able to get a partial block in but the forward went around Ben. The shot was cleared off the line by Jordie but only to another forward who shot into Ben’s arms. Abingdon’s no5 was looking dangerous down the right and in the 11th minute he got around Tom and then past Jack as he came across to cover. Fortunately he went directly for goal, instead of passing to the free player in the middle, and Ben made the save. A minute later Abingdon again broke down the right. A cross came in which Jack tried to clear first time, but he miss-kicked it to a forward for a tap in. Wickham kept battling and in the 15th minute Ben had a chance but hit the ball straight at the keeper from the edge of the box. A minute later Ollie’s cross was headed over by Ben and then Max hit a shot across the keeper but wide of the far post. Abingdon dominated the last section of the half but without really troubling Ben in goal.

With 10 minutes of the second half gone Wickham were looking tired but they were beginning to dominate without creating clear chances. The Tom feed Stephen down the left he got his cross in and Ben’s shot was deflected wide. The corner came in and was played back to Tom whose shot just cleared the bar. Abingdon’s attacks were now limited but when they did get through Ben either got his angles correct or times his intercepts perfectly. In the 17th minute and Abingdon corner was cleared and Wickham came out. As the ball was dinked back in the ball was put into the net but both the scorer and 2 other players were off side. With 9 minutes left the switch to 3-5-2 was made as both Tom and AO pushed forwards more, and it was all Wickham pressure. With 4 minutes left a corner came out to Jack but he shot straight at the keeper. With 2 minute left a defensive Abingdon throw was won by Ollie who hit a shot goal bound. It cleared the keeper but came back off the bar and Tom’s follow up shot was saved. In the last minute a corner flashed across the box and Max’s volley went just wide. Finally with 30 seconds left another corner was cleared out to Ben at the edge of the box (what was he doing there!) and he drilled it into the roof of the net.
Extra time was dominated by Abingdon but neither side created a decent chance so it was down to penalties. Abingdon missed their first two and with Jack scoring Wickham’s second they were 1 up. However, Abingdon scored all their remaining kicks with only Tom scoring for Wickham so Wickham went out 3-2. The player of the Day Award went to Ben Grey who had a great game in goal, remembering all the positional tips he was given during training and then carrying them out. He could not be blamed for either the goal during the match or not getting to any of the penalties which were well placed in the corners of the goal
Ben Grey,
Aiden Weeks, Jordan Shaw, Jack Wild, Tom Farmer
Alex Olford, Luke Evans, Jordie Rowlands, Ollie Norman, Max Nicholls
Ben Cipolla
Sub:- Stephen Enever.

Report: U12 OM vs. Marlborough 28-Oct-2007

2007-10-29T21:20:00.000Z

The OML side had a week off from League action, so a friendly was arranged against Marlborough from Div. 3 of the North Wilts League and initially the rain lashed it down. Jordan was missing so Luke dropped into the centre back role for this match that should be quite close given the two side’s results against Bassett Rangers & their performance against Pewsham in the cup.

Marlborough kicked off and went straight through the middle of the Wickham defence almost scoring straight away; fortunately Jack just got the interception in. In the 3rd minute Fraser went down the left cut inside but took ages to get his shot away which was deflected for a corner. In the 5th minute Ollie hit a corner deep into the box. The ball came out to Jordie whose drive was blocked but then Ben hit a rising drive in off the bar for 1-0. A minute later another corner saw Ben volley the ball just over the bar but within a minute the lead had been doubled. Ollie swung a free kick in from the right to the back post where Frazer knocked the ball back for Max to score. Wickham then fell asleep from the centre as Marlborough just went straight through the middle to score. Within 2 minutes the two goal margin was restored. Despite Marlborough pressure Jack coolly won the ball and then laid it out to Aiden. He seemed to shape the pass down the line; but bent it between the centre backs to Fraser to run onto. Having cut in from the wing his cross shot was nicely planted into the far corner off the post. Wickham were using the wings well with the 4th goal coming from a whipped in cross from Ollie which Ben side footed home. The game became a bit of a midfield battle for the next 5 minutes or so. In the 20th minute an attack down the left saw Fraser and Ollie working together with Ollie getting to the by-line before playing the ball into Max for him to score his second. Marlborough pressed forwards again having a good little spell but after 24 minutes Jordie sent Fraser away and clear down the left. He headed straight towards the goal and slotted the ball under the keeper for 6-1. There was one more goal before half time as AO went down the right but went down under a heavy challenge but Ollie retrieved the ball. He played a little reverse pass back to AO who duly scored.
Straight from the centre the ball was played out to Max, he then put a cross in which Harry flicked onto Fraser for him to complete his hat trick. After such a bright start to the half the game got a little scrappy. The visitors seemed to be going down injured almost constantly and because of this, the Wickham lads seemed to back off a little. Two corners around the 10 minute mark caused panic in the Marlborough area but neither could be converted. The 17th minute brought the next goal which was a well worked one built up from defence. The ball was played by Luke, Jack, Steven, Ollie, Ben and then eventually to AO to smash into the roof of the net. The next minute saw route 1 football as a long punt from Ben Grey was allowed to bounce over the defenders which left Ben C a clear run on goal and he duly completed his hat trick. The 22nd minute saw the most spectacular goal as Ollie’s corner was cleared out to Tom some 30 yards out from goal. He steadied himself and then let fly, seeing the ball dip just under the bar for 11-1. A minute later another flowing move from the back saw the ball end up with AO on the right. He switched the ball via Ben out to Max; his shot was parried by the keeper but AO was there to complete his hat trick. With Ollie having swapped with Luke and now playing centre back the final goal I guess was inevitable. Ollie picked the ball up in his own half and just drove forwards. With Max screaming for the ball on the left Ollie just kept going to score himself.

Report: U12 NW vs. Pewsham Youth 28-Oct-2007

2007-10-29T21:13:00.000Z

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 4th 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 8th 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 13th 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 21st 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 8th 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 16th 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 20th 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