CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 1st May 2004

MARTIN BAKER SPORTS 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 7

Wantage's magnificent unbeaten record on their travels was maintained as they thumped the Baker Boys at Denham and but for some inspired goalkeeping could have reached double figures, as they laid siege on the Home goal.

Wantage started brightly enough but despite several openings struggled to get their noses in front. The home side grew in confidence and had a good spell that seemed to sting the Division One East Champions into action.

Wantage eventually took the lead when Glyn Jones’ deep corner from the right was volleyed in by skipper Richard Bourne at the far post. Bourne quickly added a second when his head was first to Jamie Mills' near post corner from the left. Steve Tucker added a third shortly before the interval.

Wantage continued to go about their work in a professional manner and their early crosses were causing havoc in the Bakers box. Tucker added his second before Bourne completed his hat trick. Tucker then made it six with his third of the day before he made way for Steve Hale.

Chris Nelson rose to power home the seventh before Hale looked to have added another but was harshly ruled offside.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Broad, Nelson, Pilling, Gav Jones, Bourne, Jamie Mills, Glyn Jones, Tucker, Newport.
Subs: Lynch, Hale, Day.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Tuesday 27th April 2004

FINCHAMPSTEAD 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 3

Wantage clinched the Division One East title in clinical fashion and with great style, on a night of rain, thunder and lightning in Finchampstead.

The game started at a furious pace and in the very first minute, Gavin Jones, who proved a constant threat to the home side all night, picked up a loose ball down the middle and outpaced two defenders before burying a magnificent shot low into the bottom corner of the net.

It was all Wantage in the early stages and minutes later Jones’ header from Glyn Jones' fine cross was parried by the keeper at the far post. The giant home striker Bruce Rolls caused problems with his height and power throughout the night but the outstanding Chris Nelson and Adam Pilling handled him well throughout.

Wantage doubled their lead on 28 minutes when Gary Swann again arrived late at the far post to powerfully head home Glyn Jones' vicious in-swinging corner from the right. From the resultant kick off Wantage pressed the ball and regained immediate possession. Steve Tucker and Paul Day broke away two on one but Tuckers fierce drive was deflected off the keepers legs for a corner.

The home side came out for the second half with all guns blazing and as the thunder crackled so the game moved on to another level. The injured Day was replaced by Lee Newport who added another dimension to the Alfredians attack with great touch and vision and a previously missing aerial threat. Wantage defended magnificently as the home side continued to make them work hard for their victory. Wantage though were looking very menacing on the counter attack and from a typical break Newport's early cross was met by Gavin Jones but again his goal bound attempt ricocheted off the keepers legs.

It was fitting that Ade Tinsley, on for Tucker, should complete the scoring when with just two minutes remaining, he ran on to a superb cross field pass from Newport and slotted his shot beneath the keeper. Tinsley has typified the spirit at the club this season, filling all manner of roles for both first and reserve teams. That he was buried beneath a sea of bodies when he score was testament to his popularity amongst all the players.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Broad, Pilling, Nelson, Jamie Mills, Gav Jones, Bourne, Tucker, Day, Glyn Jones.
Subs: Newport, Tyler, Tinsley.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 17th April 2004

RAYNERS LANE 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

Rayners Lane were the last team to beat Wantage way back in November but there was never any doubt that there would not be a repeat of that in this game.

Wantage dominated from the off and passed the ball superbly on a well prepared surface. Steve Tucker twice struck the bar, Lee Newport turned to fire inches wide and Jamie Mills broke through but was thwarted by a fine save to the keepers left. A goal had to come and sure enough Gavin Jones, who had an inspired first half for Town, cut in from the left and let fly with a rasping shot that dipped over the keeper.

Two goals quickly followed as first Gary Swann arrived late to blast home Glyn Jones' corner after Chris nelson had helped the ball on, and then Paul Day cleverly beat the offside trap before turning inside and hitting a shot under the keeper.

At the start of the second half Newport Grazed the bar with a chip and Gavin Jones and Tucker fired wide as Wantage picked up where they left off. A fourth goal wouldn't come though and it was the home side who reduced the deficit twenty minutes from time. Town sealed victory five minutes from the end when Swann again arrived late at the far post to head home Glyn Jones' corner.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Pilling, Nelson, Jamie Mills, Day, Bourne, Tucker, Newport, Gav Jones.
Subs: Tyler, Broad, Hale.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 3rd April 2004

HOUNSLOW BOROUGH 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 8

Wantage secured promotion back to the Premier Division in style with a spectacular display at Hounslow.

After a hesitant start the game sprung to life when JP Mills went past three defenders before being brought down in the box. The ever reliable Steve Tucker scored from the spot and the floodgates opened. Within fifteen minutes Wantage has scored five more goals with a Richard Bourne hat trick and two blistering free kicks from Glyn Jones.

Wantage never took their foot off the gas in the second half and only inspired goalkeeping kept the score down. Town were not to be denied though and further goals from JP Mills and Gavin Jones rounded off a terrific display by the Alfredians.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Pilling, Nelson, Jamie Mills, JP Mills, Tyler, Tucker, Bourne, Gav Jones.
Subs: Newport, Day, Broad.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Tuesday 30th March 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
ETON WICK 1

Wantage were somewhat fortunate to come out of this game with a valuable draw after Eton Wick, had, for the best part, been the livelier and more competitive side.

On a well rolled pitch, which was extremely lively as it dried out, Wick made their intentions clear from the start as they battled for every ball in every area and were first to pretty much every second ball. Mick McManus and Gary Stevens were in awesome form in the Wick defence and had a real "they shall not pass" look about them. Wantage mysteriously did not look to have the appetite for the battle and this and some indifferent refereeing throughout the first half sent the warning signs flashing around Alfredian Park.

Wantage looked jaded after a long hard season and failed to create one worthwhile opening in the entire first forty five minutes. Paul Belcher kept Wantage in the game as he made a fine one handed save from Eton Wick's best opportunity of the game.

Wantage started the second half as they had left off the first and almost expectantly went behind on 50 minutes even though the circumstances were bizarre and in total contrast to Wantage's defending this season. A long through ball, one of many during the evening, caused confusion between Chris Nelson and Paul Belcher and the dependable Nelson ended up heading over Belcher into an unguarded net.

This stung Wantage into action and they forced a series of set pieces as Wick dropped back to defend their lead. On 63 minutes the league leaders levelled when Gary Swann, one of the few to emerge from this game with any credit, got the final touch on a great free kick from Glyn Jones, whipped in from wide out on the right.

Andy Lyne brought on Lee Newport for an ineffective Paul Day and then moved JP Mills up alongside Newport in a an effort to force the win. Gavin Jones came on wide right with Steve Tucker coming off. Wantage mounted considerable pressure on the Wick goal in the latter stages of the game, as Wick conceded numerous free kicks, as they became more stretched and their defending more desperate.

Despite getting to the by line and putting in some good restarts Wantage could not get the finishing touch and Wick looked dangerous as they bombed the ball forward whenever Wantage's attacks broke down.

A bad day at the office for the Alfredians then a very rare occurrence this season it has to be said. On the bright side, this draw took two points off Eton Wick who now need to win all their remaining 9 games to amass 66 points and with Milton now unable to get beyond 65 points, it would take a monumental collapse from Wantage or an unprecedented run of form from Eton or Milton, to deny Town the promotion their season has so richly deserved.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Nelson, Broad, Jamie Mills, Morrisey, Bourne, Tucker, Day, JP Mills.
Subs: Newport, Gav Jones, Tyler.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 27th March 2004

ENGLEFIELD GREEN ROVERS 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

Wantage stand on the verge of an immediate return to the Premier Division after this emphatic win.

After squandering four clear cut chances in the opening fifteen minutes Wantage finally took the lead ten minutes before half time when Terry Morrisey forced the ball home in a goalmouth scramble following a corner.

Lee Newport added a second early in the second half when he broke away down the right before squeezing the ball between defender and keeper on the near post. Minutes later Newport again got away, this time down the left where he hung up a terrific cross for Steve Tucker to bury a powerful header past a stagnant keeper.

Tucker took his tally for the season to 19 goals late on, when he converted from the spot after JP Mills had been unceremoniously chopped down in the box.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Pilling, Broad, Jamie Mills, Morrisey, Bourne, Newport, Tucker, JP Mills.
Subs: Day, Gav Jones, Tyler.
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HUNGERFORD CUP

Tuesday 23rd March 2004

PEWSEY VALE 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 1

Town made a solid start to their challenge for the Hungerford Cup, when they overcame Pewsey Vale 1-0 away on Tuesday evening.

Both sides fielded mixed line up's, with Wantage giving a first team debut to Sam Belcher and Alex Lynch deputising for Paul Belcher and Huw Evans between the sticks. Jamie Mills returned after his lengthy suspension picked up whilst playing for Highworth.

It was very difficult to get the ball down and play on what was basically a quagmire of a pitch, but Wantage had the better of the opening exchanges with Jamie Mills and Terry Morrisey prominent and linking well.

It was a move between these two that led to the only goal of the game shortly before half time, when Morrisey got on the end of a superb through ball from Mills and crossed for Adey Tinsley to net at the near post. The home side though battled hard throughout and defended resolutely to prevent Wantage adding to their lead.

Lynch in the Wantage goal was untroubled throughout the second half and was virtually a spectator. Wantage introduced Paul Day, Tom Larman and Tommy Austin for Chris Nelson, Lee Newport and Tinsley midway through the second half. Nelson had a particularly bad gash on his forehead after a clash of heads that may rule him out of Saturdays crucial game at Englefield.

Larman looked lively when he got on as did Austin and it was great to see two of the clubs youngest and brightest prospects in Belcher and Austin, going by people and getting in good quality crosses from the flanks in the latter stages.

Altogether a solid nights work and doubtless the bonus for Manager Andy Lyne will have been Sam Belcher who had a very good first team debut for the Alfredians, passing and moving the ball well, competing physically and getting in some telling crosses.

Team: Lynch, Swann, Nelson, Stevens, Broad, Morrisey, Jamie Mills, Tyler, Sam Belcher, Newport, Tinsley.
Subs: Day, Larman, Austin.
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BERKS & BUCKS SENIOR TROPHY SEMI-FINAL

Tuesday 16th March 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
BUCKINGHAM TOWN 2

Giant killers Wantage were finally slain by virtue of a late goal in a pulsating Berks and Bucks Trophy semi-final at Alfredian Park.

Wantage took the field without seven of their regular line up but still took the game to their more senior opponents, currently leaders of the United Counties League Premier Division.

Wantage went in front inside the first five minutes when Lee Newport scored with a stunning volley. With the wind at their backs the powerful Buckingham side edged their way back into the game and although never opening up a resolute Town defence always posed a threat at set pieces. From one of these, an unforced corner, they equalised with a superb strike from the edge of the box.

Kicking down the slope and with the wind Wantage totally dominated the second half. Newport blasted a free kick against the foot of the post and Gary Swann and JP mills both went close as the home side sought to drive home their advantage. With the clock ticking down an extra time looking a formality Buckingham made a rare break into the Wantage half to force a corner. Bizarrely they were afforded a free header at the back of the six yard box and thus secured their passage to the final against Beaconsfield, but I am sure will count themselves extremely fortunate to have won on the night when a draw was the least that battling Wantage deserved.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Nelson, Broad, Tyler, Tinsley, Bourne, Newport, JP Mills, Gav Jones.
Subs: Tucker, Lynch, Larman, Austin, Sam Belcher.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Tuesday 9th March 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 4
v
HOLYPORT 1

Wantage got back to winning ways with a 4-1 victory over a lively and physical Holyport side and in doing so took their tally to 60 points, something seen by many as a major psychological blow for the chasing pack.

Despite being well up for the game Wantage, after a recent slight dip in form, looked a little apprehensive and it was the visitors who set about the game in a more positive fashion.

After dominating all the early exchanges Holyport went in front when a long ball from defence (the first of many) caught out the Town back line and the Holyport striker got between Chris Nelson and Gary Swann to fire past Paul Belcher for only the 14th league goal conceded by Wantage all season.

It would be good to say that this stirred Wantage into action but this was not the case as Richard Bourne and Nathan Perkins battled for supremacy against the central three man midfield that was picking up every loose ball. Before Holyport had scored Paul day had broken away and a good chance was lost and after the goal the same player got the ball stuck between his feet when in another good position. However what was to prove something of a turning point happened shortly before half time when JP Mills sent Day away and as he closed in on the keeper the ball cannoned back off him and against Day and into the net. This was the run of the ball that Wantage had not been getting of late and so they went in somewhat undeservedly level.

If you had seen just the second half you would have wondered what had happened in the first, as a totally transformed Wantage stormed into Holyport from the off and as so often has happened this season eventually wore down their opponents.

Day put Steve Tucker away and he blasted home his 16th goal of the season. Terry Morrisey then bent a free kick against the bar before Glyn Jones' corner was helped on by Nelson and Bourne arrived to thunder home number three. Mills wrapped up the points on 70 minutes, with as fine a goal as you are likely to see this season. Cutting in from the left onto his right foot from the edge of the 18 yard box, he bent a superb strike around the keeper at pace, into the top corner of the net.

Gavin Jones and Lee Newport replaced Perkins and Day and both had good chances to extend the lead, as Wantage started to play with a fluency and delightful one touch passing that had been missing for weeks.

Team: Belcher, Tyler, Swann, Nelson, Glyn Jones, JP Mills, Bourne, Perkins, Morrisey, Tucker, Day.
Subs: Newport, Gav Jones, Broad.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 6th March 2004

BISLEY SPORTS 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

Wantage maintained their unbeaten away record with this draw and in doing so recorded their 21st clean sheet of the season.

In a game of few goalworthy attempts, Wantage totally dominated the possession throughout but lacked a cutting edge. The best chances of the first half saw Richard Bourne fire wide from Paul Day's cross and Chris Nelson shave the post with a header from Glyn Jones' corner.

Wantage introduced substitute Terry Morrisey midway through the second half and he proceeded to create havoc down the right flank with a number of mazy runs and crosses.

Bisley looked happy to settle for the draw as Wantage made all the running looking for another win. Bourne's header from Lee Newport's long throw was tipped onto the bar by the keeper and that was the closest Wantage came to a goal despite good periods of neat build up play.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Nelson, Pilling, Broad, Day, Glyn Jones, Bourne, Perkins, Tucker, JP Mills.
Subs: Gav Jones, Newport, Morrisey.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Tuesday 2nd March 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
PENN & TYLERS GREEN 0

On an ice cold night a frenetic game was played out on a bone hard Alfredian Park pitch.

Penn defied their lowly league position and in the first half were the livelier of the two sides with former Marlow man Paul Catlin causing problems with his probing passing and massive long throw.

Despite this it was Wantage who had the better of the chances, the best of which fell to Chris Nelson after ten minutes but his point blank header from Paul Day's cross flew wide. Minutes later Wantage had a nailed on penalty claim turned away when Day was blocked by Matt Lance as he burst through. Nathan Perkins also went close late on in the half after a neat interchange with Richard Bourne.

As so often this season Wantage came out for the second period really fired up and proceded to dominate the remaining forty five minutes but they met stubborn resistance in a resolute Penn defence. JP Mills twice and Steve Tucker both had chances but Andy Wright denied them with point blank saves. Richard Bourne and Nathan Perkins were magnificent in the heart of the Wantage midfield as they probed and battled to win supremacy over the five man Penn midfield.

In the closing minutes Wantage bombarded the visitors goal with crosses, free kicks and corners but could not get the break through they needed and probably just just about deserved.

So another clean sheet for the Town rearguard their 20th of the season, as the team extended its unbeaten league record to 14 games.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Nelson, Broad, Glyn Jones, Day, Bourne, Perkins, JP Mills, Tucker, Newport.
Subs: Gav Jones, Tyler, Larman.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 28th February 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
BINFIELD 0

Wantage produced their best display for weeks in disposing of sixth placed Binfield and thus extending their lead yet further.

Binfield started the better of the two sides and Gary Swann's misplaced pass presented an early chance to John Finneston but Paul Belcher stood up well to make a crucial save.

Wantage took the lead after 22 minutes when defender Peter Broad created an opportunity for JP Mills who superbly chipped the loose ball beyond Callum Whitty. Wantage dominated the rest of the half but could not add to their lead.

The second half was all Wantage and at last the home side started to reproduce the sort of play that has seen them become runaway leaders. On 75 minutes Paul Day replaced Gavin Jones and he had an immediate impact as his deft through ball gave Mills a great chance to score but Whitty made a superb save. Mark Stevens, Lee Newport and Richard Bourne all went close before Day broke and crossed superbly for Mills to double the lead with a superb diving header.

The Leagues leading goalscorer Steve Tucker replaced Newport and was unlucky as he just failed to get on the end of another Day cross. It was all Wantage thereafter as they stormed on on the Binfield goal.

Former Salisbury City midfielder Nathan Perkins was Wantage's man of the match making a superb home debut for the Alfredians.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Nelson, Stevens, Broad, Gav Jones, Bourne, Perkins, Glyn Jones, Newport, JP Mills.
Subs: Tucker, Day, Tyler.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE MATCH.....

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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Tuesday 24th February 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
MILTON UTD 1

It was honours even again at Alfredian Park as Wantage and Milton battled out a 1-1 draw.

As was the case last week Wantage were fast out of the traps and most of the early action was in the Milton half. Milton slowly worked their way into the game and their play was the more fluid of the two sides. Good passing and movement was the highlight of the Milton approach play but there was little end product.

Wantage went with an experimental pairing up front of Lee Newport and JP Mills. Their movement touch and play was good to watch and all that was missing was an extra yard of pace and a kinder bounce of the ball.

Early in the second half Milton appeared to have a reasonable shout for a penalty turned away as Chris Nelson appeared to pull back Davis.

Wantage went in front on 60 minutes when Gary Swann rose to head home from Glyn Jones' pinpoint free kick from out on the right. The Town had a couple of half chances to extend their lead through Newport and Mills but both found the Milton keeper in good form.

Milton equalised on 80 minutes when Hartley slid the ball home at the near post after the Town defence, not at its best all evening, failed to pick up a late run off the ball. Steve Tucker and Paul Day had by this stage replaced Newport and Mills and the Divisions leading scorer Tucker had a great chance to put Town in front again but shot right at the keeper when through on goal.

Right at the death Tucker broke the offside trap as Milton pushed out from Jones' free kick but he was given offside as he netted at the far post. It was a tight call and Tucker was probably just about onside when the ball was kicked but given all that had gone before a draw was probably about right.

Team: Belcher, Morrisey, Broad, Nelson, Stevens, Gav Jones, Bourne, Swann, Glyn Jones, Newport, JP Mills.
Subs: Tucker, Day, Lynch.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 21st February 2004

PRESTWOOD 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

Wantage maintained their unbeaten away record despite a totally inept performance at much improved Prestwood.

Wantage owed their victory to a display of inspired goalkeeping from Paul Belcher, so often a spectator behind Town's strong defence this season.

Prestwoood went in front midway through the first half when Henney was allowed to get in his cross and Pontin scored with a free header inside the six yard box. Wantage equalised just after the half hour when Lee Newport rose to bury a well controlled header after Chris Nelson had helped on Glyn Jones' corner.

Prestwood had the better of the second half and wasted a few good chances before Paul Day popped up with the winner for Town. JP Mills, as so often, was the provider getting a cross into the home box from the narrowest of angles, and in the melee that followed Day drove home the winner.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Nelson, Pilling, Perkins, JP Mills, Bourne, Tucker, Newport, Day.
Subs: Gav Jones, Tyler, Broad.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Tuesday 17th February 2004

MILTON UNITED 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

It was honours even at Milton Heights after a hard fought local derby played out before a large crowd. This was a draw that perhaps suited the visitors more than the home side who needed to win to narrow the gap on the chasing pack.

Wantage included new signing Nathan Perkins on their bench but JP Mills was missing from the line up due to a knee injury and oh how they missed his creativity, instead they jproduced a gritty performance but one that lacked quality and inspiration. .

Wantage opened the stronger but despite having the lions share of the possession failed to make any real impact on the Milton goal. Chances were at a premium at both ends with Edney and Davis going close for Milton and Tucker and Day for Wantage.

The second half was pretty much a midfield battle with Bourne and Harbutt battling for supremacy. Milton had a couple of half chances in the second half but failed to take them, leaving Wantage to apply late pressure in search of a winner from a series of set pieces.

A draw was a fair result but with Milton having the better chances this could well be two dropped points that they will come to rue. Wantage meanwhile will have been happy to extend their lead at the top of the division yet further and maintain their unbeaten away record this season, whilst also recording their 18th clean sheet.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Broad, Nelson, Pilling, Tyler, Gav Jones, Bourne, Tucker, Day, Glyn Jones.
Subs: Newport, Stevens, Perkins.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 14th February 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
LETCOMBE 0

This was a typical local derby played out in front of a crowd of around 150, boosted by the lads and parents from the successful Grove Challengers, as well as the normal loyal and partisan support from both sets of supporters.

Wantage appeared to be right up for the game and stormed at Letcombe taking the lead in the opening minutes. JP Mills, so often the creator of Town's goals this season, beat his marker down the right and sent in an inviting ball across the face of the Letcombe goal. Defender Chris Nelson, still up field from a set piece, was on hand at the back post to force the ball home.

The game then turned into a midfield battle for supremacy and Wantage did well to keep on top of the five man midfield that Letcombe chose to go with. There was little creative play to report as both teams were denying each other space all over the field and tigerish tackling was very much the order of the day with Letcombe's Adam Pendell prominent in all the exchanges.

Letcombe danger man Richard Claydon got away only once in the first half but Wantage managed to force him wide of a shooting position. It was easy to see why both teams have been successful this season and they both worked extremely hard off the ball, competed well throughout and have solid defence bases.

Wantage appeared well in control in the second period despite the narrowness of their lead, and Claydon's snapshot in the opening minutes of the second half was the sum token of their resistance as an attacking force.

Midway through the half Steve Tucker won a header to set Paul Day free and he was hacked down from behind by the last defender right on the edge of the box. He was sent off and Mills’ superb free kick was superbly saved by Stuart game diving low to his right. Paul day went close with a chipped effort as he broke down the left before Wantage sealed their victory.

Glyn Jones and Mills worked a free kick wide on the right and narrow to the goal line, a deep cross was headed back across goal by the towering Gary Swann and Nelson again arrived to power an unstoppable header beyond Game. Wantage then took a firm grip on the game and went in search of another goal with Mills prominent in some excellent wing play in the latter stages.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Nelson, Pilling, Tyler, JPMills, Bourne, Tucker, Day, Gav Jones.
Subs: Broad, Tinsley, Lynch.
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RPM RECORDS SUPPLEMENTARY CHALLENGE CUP

Tuesday 10th February 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
MALMESBURY VICTORIA 1

(2-4 after penalties)

This game was a tale of missed chances and Paul Day in particular, normally so deadly in front of goal, was the main culprit and had a night he will wish to forget, culminating in a penalty miss in the shoot out.

Wantage dominated the game throughout the ninety minutes of normal and extra half hour but their 1-0 lead virtue of a stunning Steve Tucker strike always looked perilous and their inability to build upon their lead proved to be their eventual undoing.

After Gary Swann had gone close with two headers midway through the second half and JP Mills header had hit the post the signs started to become ominous. As the clock ticked down successive and unnecessary fouls by Alex Lynch and Glyn Jones resulted in free kicks that eventually saw the ball break to a Malmesbury midfielder 25 yards from goal. He hit a truly memorable and unstoppable goal screaming past Paul Belcher. The irony was not lost on the crowd as this was the visitors first real goal bound effort of the evening.

Wantage remained the more positive of the two sides in the final minutes and throughout extra time and should have won it as Tucker and Day both had good opportunities to settle it.

Thus it went to penalties and there was an air of the inevitable about it really as Paul Day and Gary Swann both missed from the spot.
The failure of Malmesbury to hit the target during the 90 minutes was not found to be the case from 12 yards and for the first time in the evening they were superior to Wantage.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Nelson, Stevens, Tyler, JPMills, Bourne, Tucker, Day, Gav Jones.
Subs: Lynch, Austin, Tom Srawley.
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BERKS & BUCKS SENIOR TROPHY

Tuesday 27th January 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
NEWPORT PAGNELL 0

Wantage Town's fine season continued when they booked a place in the semi-final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy with a home tie against against either Flackwell Heath or Buckingham Town.

The Alfredians won through after a tough and pulsating quarter final that had just about everything, including three goals, two sendings off and a number of bookings sprinkled with moments of inspired football.

Despite the fact that their visitors play at a level above them Wantage set about them pretty much the same as they had Abingdon Town in the previous round with Paul Day's pacy runs and Steve Tucker's cunning proving difficult for the visiting defence to contend with.

Day it was who got the all important first goal on his recall to the side. Latching on to a cross from the left he cut inside his marker and fired inside the near post. Newport posed significant threat both with their pace up front and an enormous long throw but as so often this season Wantage's giant rearguard of Nelson, Swann and Stevens stood strong.

Newport started the more positive in the second half and Wantage became guilty of some sloppy periods of passing that gave the visitors some incentive. The whole game then seemed to turn on the sending off of JP Mills who after receiving a stern challenge proceeded to raise his hand across an opponents cheek. Despite the fact that several bad challenges had gone unpunished Mills wad dismissed and two players booked.

The set back seemed to lift the home side who re-found their desire for the challenge. Gavin Jones was almost immediately sacrificed for Peter Broad as Manager Andy Lyne sought to close out the game.

Eighteen minutes from time Wantage went two up as Tucker withstood a tremendous physical challenge out on the right and broke to square across goal where Gary Swann made a lung bursting run from midfield to slide the ball home.

It was a piece of Tucker guile again ten minutes from time that wrapped it up. His deep cross from tight on the by-line was majestically headed home at the far post by Glyn Jones to cap a wonderful night for the home side.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Nelson, Stevens, Tinsley, JPMills, Bourne, Tucker, Day, Gav Jones.
Subs: Newport, Broad, Tyler, Sam Belcher, Tom Srawley, Austin.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 24th January 2004

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
HOUNSLOW BOROUGH 0

Hounslow started the better of the two sides and on ten minutes leading goalscorer Adam Lock should have given them the lead but instead he shot against the right hand upright.

This appeared to shake Wantage into life and after the Leagues leading scorer Steve Tucker shot narrowly wide on 15 minutes he fired the home side in front on 25 minutes after good work from JP Mills. Tucker could have had a second shortly after but his powerful header from Mills' cross went straight at the keeper. Lee Newport broke away and just beat the onrushing keeper, the loose ball ran to Tucker who lobbed just wide.

The visitors failed to register a shot on target after the break as Wantage's superb back line maintained their record of two goals conceded in the last thirteen games.

Tucker (twice), Newport, Jamie Mills, JP Mills, Richard Bourne and Gary Swann were all denied as Town laid siege upon the Hounslow goal.

With second placed Letcombe losing, Wantage extended their lead to 8 points at the top of the table.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Broad, Nelson, Stevens, Jamie Mills, JPMills, Bourne, Tucker, Newport, Glyn Jones.
Subs: Gav Jones, Day, Tinsley.
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RPM RECORDS SUPPLEMENTARY CHALLENGE CUP - 1st Round

Saturday 10th January 2004

NORTH LEIGH 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 3

When these two teams last met in April, North Leigh were crowned Champions and a 1-0 defeat sent Wantage spiralling towards relegation. Now some ten monhs later and so much has changed. Wantage's transformation under Manager Andy Lyne has been immense and their 3-0 win in this game marked their improvement.

Both sides were forced to make changes but Wantage had five regulars missing. The early stages were all about North Leigh but after Paul Belcher had saved an early penalty Wantage's confidence grew and they came more into the game. Fifteen minutes into the second half they took the lead when Adie Tinsley fired home after being put through by Richard Bourne. JP Mills then increased their lead from the penalty spot after his initial shot was handled on the line. Town withstood the expected aerial bombardment well and showed why they have conceded so few goals this season, with some resolute defending. Wantage wrapped up a terrific win fifteeen minutes from time when Gary Swann flicked home Glyn Jones's free kick whipped in from the right hand side of the box.

Team: Belcher, Broad, Stevens, Nelson, Glyn Jones, JPMills, Swann, Allen, Gav Jones, Bourne, Tinsley.
Subs: Lynch, Day, Griffin.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 3rd January 2004

BADSHOT LEA 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

When these two teams met way back in August they fought out a thrilling 3-3 draw and this encounter was equally as evenly contested.

With a weakened side Wantage took the early initiative and created several opportunities before eventually taking the lead on 15 minutes.
J P Mills was fouled on the edge of the Badshot box and the same player picked himself up to bend the ball round the home wall.

Minutes later Lee Newport created space for himself in the box but crashed his shot against the post. Paul Day and Steve Tucker both went close to doubling the Town lead as the half wore on.

The second half belonged to Badshot who had a greater percentage of the possession but failed to threaten the Wantage goal. Tucker, Day, Mills and Newport all went close before substitute Gavin Jones wrapped it up at the death with a fine individual goal.

Debutant Jamie Mills had a solid debut in the Wantage midfield.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Stevens, Nelson, Jamie Mills, JPMills, Newport, Tucker, Bourne, Day.
Subs: Allen, Gav Jones, Tinsley.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 27th December

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
CHINNOR 1

Despite the very heavy conditions this was an enthralling local derby that finished with honours even before a big crowd.

Chinnor took an early lead when Fortnam's inswinging corner from the left beat Paul Belcher at the near post. Minutes later the visitors could have stretched their lead but were guilty of failing to hit the target from close in. After that they failed to get in another shot all game.

Wantage worked hard to get back in the game and Glyn Jones' magnificent run from deep resulted in a fine pass to leading scorer Steve Tucker who blasted past Brion to level the scores. Minutes later Lee Newport had a great chance to put Town in front but he failed to find the target from Danny Allen's superb cross.

The second half was pretty much one way traffic as Town bombed on down the slope.

To their credit Chinnor defended stoutly with skipper Richard Carr in awesome form in the heart of their rearguard. JP Mills struck the foot of the post with a free kick and then hit the upright with a stunning drive. Adam, Pilling and Mark Stevens should both have done better with headers from a corner and free kick respectively, Jones then rattled the crossbar with a rasping 30 yard free kick before Pilling's cross was stepped over by Mills only for Tucker to slice wide at the far post. In the dying seconds a superb free kick from Jones flew across the Chinnor goal but evaded everyone at the far post.

Team: Belcher, Pilling, Broad, Stevens, Nelson, Allen, JPMills, Swann, Tucker, Newport, Glyn Jones.
Subs: Bourne, Gav Jones, Day.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 20th December

CHALFONT WASPS 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

Wantage completed the double over Chalfont but it took a supreme second half effort in appalling conditions to achieve it.

The Wasps were by far the better and livelier side in the first half and Town were somewhat fortuetous to go in just a goal behind. Marcus Fearon who proved a real handful all afternoon gave the home side an early lead when he received the ball on the edge of the Town box, got the break of the ball from Chris Nelson's challenge and shot low inside Paul Belchers right hand post.

Wantage's best efforts in the first period were Lee Newport's rasping drive which Chris Burton pushed onto the angle of bar and post and Steve Tuckers near post drive from Gavin Jones' cross.

Not surprisingly Wantage came out for the second half in a more determined mood but on 55 minutes could have fallen further behind. Raich Fraser broke down the left leaving Mark Stevens in his wake, he cut in off the byline and appeared to be scythed down by Adam Pilling. Fraser himself took the penalty but blasted it against the Wantage cross bar.

This proved the games turning point and Town at last began to exert their authority and show just why they are the league leaders, with some neat inter passing and build up play.

Midway through the second period they levelled the scores when Newport won a free kick out on the left. Glyn Jones whipped in a superb ball and Tucker got across the first defender to send his header low and beyond Burton's right hand. Wantage immediately replaced a tiring Newport with the pacey Paul Day, brought on Pete Broad at left back and pushed Glyn Jones on into midfield, with brother Gavin coming off. Town then pushed on sensing victory could be theirs and only minutes after his arrival Day scored a cracking goal. Tucker spotted Day's fine diagonal run and cleverly slipped him in. As Burton came out to narrow the angle Day calmly bent his shot round him and into the far corner of the net, to the delight of the Town supporters.

Tucker had one further chance right at the death when Burton kicked the ball straight to him but he struggled to get his shot out of the mud and Burton recovered.

Team: Belcher, Pilling, Glyn Jones, Stevens, Nelson, Allen, Mills, Newport, Tucker, Swann, Gavin Jones.
Subs: Broad, Day, Austin.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 13th December

ETON WICK 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

This division one east battle between the top two turned out to be a damp squib , as Wantage eased to their sixth consecutive away win.

Wantage striker Steve Tucker was celebrating the birth of his son Oakley and fired the visitors into a two goal interval lead courtesy of two pieces of J P Mills magic.

Wantage extended their lead immediately after the break when Tucker's challenge on McManus broke for Lee Newport to calmly drill home.
Victory was secured twelve minutes from time when Tommy Austin and Mills combined to set up man of the match Danny Allen with number four.

Team: Belcher, Swann, Glyn Jones, Stevens , Nelson, Allen, Mills, Newport, Tucker, Bourne, Gavin Jones.
Subs: Austin, Lynch, Broad.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 6th December

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
CHALFONT WASPS 0

Wantage Town extended their lead at the top of Division One East with a hard earned victory over a well organised and fourth placed Chalfont.

In a very even first half there was little to choose between the sides with Raich Fraser proving a real handful to the Wantage rearguard but five minutes from half time Chris Burton in the Chalfont goal dropped a high cross from Adam Pilling who had an outstanding debut for Town and the ever alert Steve Tucker poked home.

Wanatge were well in control in the second half and on 65 minutes they extended their lead when Mark Stevens deep free kick turned the home defence and in the goalmouth melee that followed Tucker forced home his and Towns second goal.

On 85 minutes Wanatge wrapped the game up when a wicked free kick out on the left from Glyn Jones caused chaos in the Chalfont box and Gary Swann put the finishing touch.

Team: Belcher, Pilling, Glyn Jones, Stevens, Nelson, Tyler, Mills, Newport, Tucker, Swann, Gavin Jones.
Subs: Day, Broad, Allen.
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FRED CARROLL CUP

Wednesday 3rd December

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
UPPER THAMES VALLEY SUNDAY REPS 0

Wantage Town had to work hard to overcome the Upper Thames Valley Sunday league rep side in the Fred Carroll Cup on Tuesday night.
On a sticky pitch and with barely the full eleven players, the Rep side worked very hard and made it very difficult for Town. Wantage found it hard to get going and their normally free flowing football was often interrupted by the heavy going and some committed play from the rep side.

Wantage eventually went in front right on half time when Gary Swann rose to bury Lee Newport's corner. Neither side really threatened at either end throughout the second period despite a lot of huffing and puffing in the midfield.

Wantage sealed their first piece of silverware of the season ten minutes from time when Steve Tucker released JP Mills who ran on to fire under the oncoming keeper.

Team: Belcher, Lynch, Broad, Nelson, Stevens, Allen, Tinsley, Swann, Bourne, Newport, North.
Subs: Austin, Gavin Jones,Glyn Jones, Mills, Tucker.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 22nd November

BINFIELD 0
v
WANATGE TOWN 3

Wantage extended their lead at the top of Division One East in a terrific game that was a credit to the League.

It was nip and tuck throughout the first half with both sides squandering opportunities. However although Wantage totally dominated the second period it took two pieces of individual brilliance from J P Mills to swing the game in their favour.

Firstly on 60 minutes,he drove a low sweet free kick home from the edge of the box and then he decided the game on 85 minutes when he bent another unbelievable free kick, with incredible pace and accuracy into the top corner.

In the dying seconds Lee Newport created an opprotunity for Paul Day and he ran on to net the third.
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BERKS AND BUCKS TROPHY - SECOND ROUND

Tuesday 19th November

WANTAGE TOWN 4
v
ABINGDON TOWN 0

In less than 12 months Andy Lyne and Terry Delaney have transformed Wantage Town Football Club, producing an exciting side that is playing entertaining and winning football.

Never was that more evident than last Tuesday as Town overcame Ryman League Abingdon Town at Alfredian Park.

Both sides were without key strikers, Chris Harper for Abingdon and Lee Newport for Wantage but it was a midfield player that took the game by storm, as Town's former Southampton starlet J P Mills scored twice and laid on two more as Wantage comfortably beat Abingdon Town.

Wantage got off to the best possible start going in front after just five minutes. Mills long through ball drew Caulfield but the ball slipped from his grasp and Paul Day cut in to rifle a shot high into the Abingdon net, The home side increased their lead on 20 minutes when Glyn Jones sent Day free down the left and his pin point cross was blasted home by the oncoming Mills.

Wantage were rampant at this point and looked likely to score every time they went forward.

After 35 minutes two became three as Mills picked out Day with a superb cross field pass and his delivery was driven home at the far post.
Abingdon rallied in the second half but on 55 minutes a delightful interchange between the mercurial Steve Tucker and Mills saw the latter skip past two defenders cut in and lift the ball over Caulfield for number four.
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CHERRY RED RECORDS HELLENIC LEAGUE - DIVISION 1 (EAST)

Saturday 15th November

HOLYPORT 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

Wantage went top of Division One East after a hard earned victory in difficult conditions at Maidenhead.

The bumpy pitch made it virtually impossible for either team to string together many passes but it was Wantage who held the upper hand with new signing Lee Newport pulling the strings.

After Paul Day and JP Mills had gone close with headers, Day gave Town the lead on the half hour after good work by Newport and Steve Tucker. Gavin Jones could have doubled the lead but shot narrowly wide after breaking clear down the left and minutes from half time Newport's cunning free kick whistled inches wide.

Holyport regained the initiative after the break and put Wantage on the backfoot. However the visitors defence was as reliable as ever and held firm. In a rare sortee Richard Bourne headed Mills corner narrowly wide. Paul Belcher then made a good save from Emlyn Hill and from it Wantage broke away to seal the game. Tucker got free on half way and held off the challenges of two defenders and the home keeper to drive home. Deep into injury time Hill reduced the arrears, when his first time drive hit a divot and evaded Belcher.