SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 19th April 2008

KIDLINGTON 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 1

For an end of the season game with little at stake, this was a hard fought game in which both sides tried to produce flowing football, particularly in the first half. Played on a hard and bumpy pitch, both teams struggled to exert control over a ball with an unpredictable bounce. The difference between the sides was the strength of the Wantage defence, which neutralised most of the threat posed by Kidlington’s attack. Honours even at half-time was a true reflection of the half.

Wantage applied more pressure at the start of the second half, and were rewarded in the 57th minute when Tom Austin beat the offside trap attempted by the high-line Kidlington defence, running on to a Danny Allen through-ball and neatly lobbing Matt Hutton in the Kidlington goal, to give Wantage the lead. Kidlington rallied and in turn put Wantage under pressure, abandoning flowing football in favour of punting high balls into the area, hoping to capitalise on substitute Jimmy Deabill’s sizeable presence. Wantage always looked threatening on the break, substitutes Danny Keen and Liam McCullough both having chances to seal the game.

With the second leg of the Supplementary Cup semi-final against Ardley coming up on Tuesday evening, there were worrying knocks sustained by Ellis Langford and Sam Belcher.

Team: L Alford, A Wallbridge, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, P Day, S Belcher.
Subs: N Hall, D Keen, L McCullough.
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SOCCER KITS PLUS SUPPLEMENTARY CUP - Semi Final (1st Leg)

Thursday 17th April 2008

ARDLEY UTD 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

This was a hard fought cup-tie, in which neither side was able to produce any flowing football. Played on a hard and bumpy pitch, both teams struggled to exert control over a ball with an unpredictable bounce. The difference between the sides was the strength of the Ardley defence, which neutralised, with relative ease, any threat that Wantage could muster. Two fine left footed strikes from Ardley forward Phil Martin sealed the game for Ardley. The first, on the point of half time, came from a rebound from his own free kick, the ball being neatly placed away from Wantage keeper Luke Alford. Martin repeated the feat in the second half, turning the Wantage defence to put the ball on to his trusty left foot and driving a shot past Alford, in off of the post. In games like this, when chances are few, missed opportunities effect the outcome of the game. Had Wantage’s Danny Keen not driven the ball over the bar from close-in, in the first minute, the game’s outcome may not have been the same. Whilst Wantage lost experienced defender Chris Copp, through a reoccurrence of a key injury, their defence generally coped with the threat posed by Ardley’s forwards. It was in attack where Wantage failed to penetrate a well organised Ardley defence.

In the second leg at Wantage on Tuesday, 22nd April, the team scoring the first goal will determine the shape of the game. One goal scored will get Wantage back into this tie, one goal conceded will put the tie beyond reach.

Team: L Alford, C Copp, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, D Keen, S Belcher.
Subs: N Hall, P Day, A Wallbridge.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 15th April 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
CARTERTON TOWN 0

Carterton Town secured a valuable away point in their quest to stay outside the bottom four relegation places, with a gutsy performance against a Wantage Town team, which had one eye on Thursday’s first leg of the Supplementary Cup semi-final against Ardley. Carterton put in an energetic performance against a lethargic Wantage, who struggled to build any meaningful movement from midfield. Neither side exerted any real control over the high bounce from the rock hard pitch, and neither side could finish on the night. Despite both teams having plenty of chances, Luke Alford in the Wantage goal, and Ben Collier in the Carterton goal, had few actual saves to make. Chief culprit for Wantage was defender Adam Learoyd, who left unchallenged as three corners were delivered, conspired to miss the target each time with ill judged headers. Carterton’s forwards were equally guilty, a very small proportion of their shots being on target. A game that will quickly fade in the memory of the small band of loyal supporters present, but a point gained by Carterton that might be crucial in their fight for survival.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, N Hall, D Allen, T Austin, P Day, R Bourne, G Hartley, S Belcher.
Subs: E Langford, D Keen, A Wallbridge.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 12th April 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
ALMONDSBURY TOWN 4

Wantage Town failed to assist their Oxfordshire neighbours North Leigh in their top of the table battle with Almondsbury Town, as the squad strength of the west-country team sealed this competitive game in the final minutes. It was not without the home side’s total effort, but ending the game with nine men and presenting the final two goals on a plate, flattered Almondsbury and disappointed the home supporters. The game started with a cynical foul on Wantage’s Chris Copp in the 4th minute that went totally unpunished by the Referee Mr. Hobbs, the Wantage full back later leaving the field because of the injury sustained in the late tackle. Wantage took the game to Almondsbury, whose defence looked nervous, Danny Keen narrowly missing with a lob from outside the box in the 20th minute. Almondsbury’s quick forwards responded putting Wantage under pressure, the home side’s defence conceding too many free kicks around the edge of the box. On the half hour Keen was dismissed for mindless retaliation after another heavy tackle, the referee also dismissing Almondsbury’s Matt Emery who had appeared to be peripheral to the incident. Wantage, left with just one striker, were now at a disadvantage going forward. In the 34th minute, the lively Kane Ingram was given too much space around the edge of the box, and the Almondsbury striker drove past Luke Alford in the Wantage goal, at his leisure.

The second half saw Wantage gamble by replacing Copp with striker Paul Day. Wantage again took the game to Almondsbury and were rewarded in the 56th minute, when Ellis Langford levelled the score, poaching a goal at the near post as a jittery Almondsbury defence watched on. Wantage now pressed for the advantage but in doing so left themselves thin at the back, and in the 70th minute Simon Gilbert put Almondsbury back into the lead, the pacey striker having been given too much space as he struck an unstoppable shot past Alford, again from the edge of the box. Wantage continued to press and the game’s outcome could have been very different had Wantage’s man of the match Adam Learoyd’s header from a corner, not been brilliantly saved by Almondsbury keeper Danny Holdcroft, who tipped the goal bound ball on to the bar to rebound to safety. As Wantage pressed for the equaliser, they increasingly looked vulnerable to breakaways, and with the introduction of Almondsbury’s extremely fast front man Kabba Sahr, this proved to be Wantage’s downfall. In the 79th minute Wantage were reduced to nine men when Danny Allen hauled down Sahr as he broke away towards an undefended goal. Brad Andrews punished Wantage further as he drove in the resulting free kick. Sahr had the last word in the 89th minute, when he was gifted an ill judged clearance, and gave Alford no chance from close in.

This was a gutsy performance from Wantage, who deserved something from a game in which they invested so much effort. But the lack of discipline again gave them a mountain to climb as, for the second game in a row, they lost a striker unnecessarily.

Team: L Alford, C Copp, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, D Keen, S Belcher.
Subs: N Hall, P Day, R Bourne.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 5th April 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
BADSHOT LEA 0

Adam Learoyd grabbed the injury time winner in this extremely competitive mid-table game. Wantage, still smarting from their 5 1 defeat earlier in the season away to Badshot Lea, opened the game brightly, playing against the wind on a slippery but hard pitch. In the 6th minute Tom Austin brought out the best in Badshot goalkeeper Peter Rapley, as the keeper acrobatically tipped the Wantage wingers edge of the box free kick over the bar. The half continued with sliding biting tackles aided by the greasy surface. On 35 minutes, WantageTowns striker Gary Hartley was dismissed as he reacted to a couple of bites from Badshots Jason Short. The Referee casually allowed the afters to continue, before attempting to restore order, during which time the nearest Assistant Referee saw something that resulted in Jason Short also being dismissed. Ten-a-side opened up the game and although each side huffed and puffed, the half finished honours even.

Both teams responsibly muted their over-reaction and the second half settled into an end to end battle, Wantage slowly but surely getting the upper hand. As Wantage pressed for the winner, and in the depths of five or six minutes of added time due to an injury to an Assistant Referee, Wantage secured a corner. Badshot failed to clear as Learoyd headed forward only to receive back a desperate clearance, which he drove into the net past a helpless Rapley in the Badshot goal, to give Wantage the points, which gives them temporary claim to 9th spot in the league.

WantageTowns next game is against the leagues potential top side AlmondsburyTown on Saturday, 12th April. In this season of inconsistent performances, which team will turn out for Wantage ?

Team: L Alford, C Copp, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, D Allen, T Austin, N Hall, G Hartley, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: E Langford, S Belcher, R Bourne.
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SOCCER KITS PLUS SUPPLEMENTARY CUP - Quarter Final

Thursday 3rd April 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
CARTERTON 0

This was an extremely hard fought cup-tie, in which neither side was able to produce any flowing football, and the outcome of which was not sealed until the Referee’s final whistle. Played on a hard and bumpy pitch, both teams struggled to exert control over a ball with an unpredictable bounce. The first half ended honours even with all the huff and puff taking place in the middle of the park, with neither goal keeper being really threatened. Carterton’s industrial hard work prevented Wantage from developing the game from midfield. Consequently Wantage’s wide men Tom Austin and Matty Horsell never got into the game, whilst the central midfield pairing of Danny Allen and Nathan Hall covered every blade of grass in the centre circle, but were unable to produce any meaningful supply to the wingers or the front pair of Danny Keen and Gary Hartley.

The second half appeared to be more of the same. Wantage pressed forward with little effect until the 72nd minute when substitute striker Paul Day received the ball wide on the edge of Carterton’s penalty area. As he set off on yet another tour of the Carterton defensive wall, working his way towards the centre, he found a small gap, and delivered a perfect strike, sending ball low and hard past Ben Collier in the Carterton goal. This lifted Wantage and for a short period Wantage took the game to Carterton producing one goal mouth incident in which the ball ricocheted between defenders and strikers on the Carterton goal line, but would not be forced over the line despite the desperate attempts of Ellis Langford and Gary Hartley. Wantage were forced back in the final minutes of the game, and defended too deep, as Carterton fought to get something out of the game. The game should have been sealed in the dying minutes, when Gary Hartley was played through, but the in-form striker drove over the bar with the Carterton goal at his mercy.

This was a battling performance from Wantage, who move on to a two legged semi-final tie with Ardley United.

Team: L Alford, C Copp, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, D Allen, T Austin, N Hall, G Hartley, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: E Langford, P Day, S Belcher.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 1st April 2008

AFC WALLINGFORD 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 8

HARTLEY MISSES SITTER!

For the first time in what seems like ages, this was a game played that was not influenced by wind or rain. Only the bumpy pitch and some weird refereeing decisions marginally occasionally got in the way of two teams who from their very different levels of experience and skill, both attempted to play attacking football. AFC Wallingford, from the start allowed Wantage space to build their moves, and did not get close enough to Wantage strikers Danny Keen and Gary Hartley. In the 20th minute, Keen played in Hartley, after the AFC Wallingford defence hesitated, Hartley giving Duncan Turner in the AFC Wallingford goal no chance with a hard struck shot. Keen created his own space in the 26th minute when, with his back to the goal, he flicked the ball over his head, turned and stepped past a stationary line of defenders, and slotted the ball past Turner. Wantage’s wing play was becoming dominant as the half continued, Tom Austin setting up Hartley for his second and third goals, in the 36th and 43rd minutes, the second from a well delivered corner. The half finished with a bizarre decision from the Referee who took the signal from his Assistant indicating a Wantage handball, not having spotted the incident itself which allegedly occurred just in front of him. Jamie Debanks drove home the spot kick to give AFC Wallingford some reward for maintaining their effort and endeavour despite conceding four first half goals.

AFC Wallingford’s second half did not improve despite their laudable ‘head-up’ attitude. Five minutes into the half, Keen’s shot was well saved by Duncan Turner, only to rebound into the path of Gary Hartley, who picked his spot for his fourth goal. AFC Wallingford battled back and deserved more reward for their effort, but could not finish, Luke Alford in the Wantage goal, having to tidy up behind his inattentive defence on two occasions. In the 80th minute, Danny Keen was further rewarded for his unselfish support of his striking partner, when he drove in past Turner from the edge of the box. The final two minutes produced two goals, both scored by the rampant Hartley. The first a penalty for handball, and the second, a well finished low shot past the luckless Duncan Turner.

………………and the reason for the headline. Gary Hartley, despite scoring a hat-trick in each half, contrived to make the miss of the season, when having neatly sidestepped his way past the entire AFC Wallingford defence, he neatly slid the ball past the wrong side of an open goal.

AFC Wallingford, to their credit, did not lose their composure, and it can only be hoped that from their relegated status in North Berks, they can once again rebuild to match and achieve their former glories.

Team: L Alford, C Copp, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, N Hall, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: D Allen, R Bourne, A Wallbridge.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 29th March 2008

PEGASUS JUNIORS 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 1

Pegasus Juniors gained three valuable points in the SPORT ITALIA Hellenic League Premier Division fixture against Wantage Town at Old School Lane, Hereford, in atrocious weather conditions that made the pitch extremely slippery and ball control difficult. Two first half goals at the extremities of the first period by the home side with the wind in their favour gave them something to defend when playing into the strong wind and rain. This was always going to be a difficult task against one of the form sides but, the Pegasus defence held firm until mid way through the half when the visitors reduced the deficit but were unable to level the scores. A draw might have been a fair result but, the resilience and a more collective performance of the home side enabled them to withstand the pressure and move on to forty points in the league table.

Pegasus Juniors got off to a flying start when in the first minute Cory Hyde chased a long defensive clearance to the goal line forcing a corner kick off former Hereford United youth player defender Gary Swann. The corner kick taken by Richard Harrison was missed by two defenders at the near post and Lee Mussell crashed the ball into the net from near the penalty spot for his first goal since rejoining the club from Wellington in February.

Pegasus had a good opportunity to increase the lead when another long clearance deceived the visiting defence, the diminutive Simon Gwynne wriggled his way between defenders but his shot was cleared at the expense of a corner kick by Andy Wallbridge, who was injured in the process and had to be replaced shortly after. On the quarter of an hour mark, Nick Aldrich making his full home debut from the start seized upon a defence splitting pass from Lewis Jones but, despite beating Luke Alford in the Wantage goal he dragged the ball about a yard wide of the upright.

Most of the play for the remainder of the half was contained in the middle third of the pitch with the exception of several wind assisted long range passes by the Hereford side that went for a goal kick or to the goalkeeper. With two minutes of normal time remaining in the first period Pegasus increased their advantage with a well worked goal. A driven clearance by Andy Mowen was deftly redirected into the path of Hyde by Chris Mortlock; the striker took one touch of the ball before driving the ball from the corner of the penalty box low to the left of Alford before nestling inside the far goalpost.

Wantage should have reduced the lead in the dying seconds of the half when Gary Hartley latched onto a pass from Leominster born Ellis Langford, he forced his way past Mowen but the striker fired the ball high and wide of the target. H | T 2 0

The second half was always going to be a war of attrition for the Redmen as they defended their lead against the increased strength of the elements. Early in the half Mowen made an important blocking tackle to deny Paul Day a shot from close range. Both sides were quilty of playing a long ball game that allowed the wind to disrupt the flow of the game. The Pegasus defensive unit of Lewis Jones, Lee Mussell, Mark Davies and man of the match Andy Mowen protected goalkeeper Stuart Turpin making his home debut who was not required to make other than regulation saves. Wantage produced waves of wind assisted attacks without seriously testing the Hereford gloveman.

The inevitable breakthrough came from an unexpected situation in the seventy third minute, Matty Horsell gained possession on the left, his low driven cross into the penalty area beat everyone before bouncing off the shin of Hartley and much to his surprise the ball rolled over the goal line.

Six minutes later the visiting players except Chris Copp demanded a penalty kick as the full back fell over the ball inside the penalty area. Further last ditch tackles by Rob Laurie and Richard Harrison prevented the visitors breaching the home defence when they appeared the more likely to score.

Pegasus drawing on previous experiences ran down the clock in the final minutes to ensure they gained maximum points. This was not a pretty game to watch but, for Pegasus winning from these situations was more important than an attractive defeat. It is said Points mean prizes and the prize here was the opportunity for Pegasus to ease away from the dreaded R word.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Monday 24th March 2008

NORTH LEIGH 4
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

North Leigh spent the afternoon playing catch-up as a lively Wantage side, whose inconsistency has marred their season, decided that this was the game in which to compete. 35 seconds after the Referee started the game, hesitation in the North Leigh defence, allowed Gary Hartley the space and time to prod home Wantage’s first. Playing up the hill, Wantage surprised their hosts with their enterprising and resolute attitude, which was further rewarded in the 20th minute when, after the ball flew towards and out of the North Leigh goal area several times like a pin-ball, it finally came to rest at the feet of Wantage midfielder Ellis Langford, who relaxed and picked his spot with a fine strike from the edge of the box. North Leigh always looked dangerous on the break, and in the 28th minute, Paul Cooper made Wantage pay the price for conceding too many free kicks on the edge of their box, when he glanced home a simple header from Simon Futcher’s accurate free kick.

The second half saw no change in the attitude of either side, as North Leigh dug in to push forward up the slope. In the 55th minute their pressure paid off as they drew level, when a deflected no-hope shot lopped over the stranded Luke Alford in the Wantage goal, and into the back of the net. Wantage inspired by their opponents good fortune, pressed again from the restart and two minutes later, Matty Horsell lobbed North Leigh keeper Richard Barrett to give Wantage the lead again. If their second goal was a fluke, North Leigh’s third was a wonder strike from James Mortimer-Jones, whose left footed 35 yards drive flew into the Wantage net, giving Alford no chance in the 63rd minute. With the game evenly poised and the home support desperate for a win, it was Wantage whose purposeful approach play again paid dividends when, in the 80th minute, the lively Matty Horsell, again got the better of his man, and played the ball into the path of substitute Paul Day, who made no mistake from 10 yards, guiding the ball past Barrett.

The final ten minutes were frantic as North Leigh desperately sought at least a point from the game. Wantage conceded one free kick too many, and in the 89th minute, a cross beat a, for once square, Wantage defence to land at the feet of Mark Simms, whose quick left footed low drive gave Alford little chance. A couple of minutes of huff and puff saw the game to its completion, North Leigh frustrated at their poor performance, Wantage annoyed at not having held on to the lead.

This was a great performance from Wantage for whom the back four of Andy Wallbridge, Gary Swann, Jon Stott and Adam Learoyd were outstanding. The centre midfield duo Danny Allen and Ellis Langford worked their socks off, in a game in which few would have complained if Wantage had taken all points. For their part North Leigh notched up their 100th goal of the season, but also conceded their 50th, confirming a defensive weakness that may yet cost them the top spot.

Team: L Alford, G Swann, A Learoyd, J Stott, A Wallbridge, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: N Hall, P Day, R Bourne.
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SOCCER KITS PLUS SUPPLEMENTARY CUP (2nd Round)

Saturday 22nd March 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 4
v
THAME UTD 1

On an afternoon when the weather more closely resembled the staged effects for a movie, as it switched from bright sunshine to blizzard conditions, several times, both sets of players endeavoured to play football in an entertaining game for the brave handful of supporters. The difference between the teams lay in their ability to finish. In the 15th minute, Wantage winger Luke Horsell chased a wind powered, overdriven through ball, caught it at the by-line, and crossed perfectly for Wantage striker Paul Day to turn the ball past Mike Higgs in the Thame goal. In the 25th minute, goalkeeper- turned striker, Paul Searl was presented with a clear shot on goal, only five metres out, but the Thame striker drove the ball over the goal, when an equaliser seemed a sure bet. Despite having the wind behind them, Wantage could not build on their lead, as Thame defended well and held their own in mid-field.

With Wantage kicking into the wind in the second half, they opted to keep the ball down and play to feet. Three minutes into the half, Danny Keen, returning to form, swept the ball across the Thame penalty box to Matty Horsell, who returned the compliment by touching the ball back to Keen, whose run had taken him into the box. Keen’s close control and turn, wrong footed the Thame defence, and the Wantage striker placed the ball out of the reach of Higgs in the Thame goal. In the 67th minute, Tom Austin delivered the perfect cross for Wantage Captain Ellis Langford to head back across the Thame goal, where Keen reacted first, neatly flicking the ball past the luckless Higgs. With seven minutes left on the clock, Wantage new signing Chris Copp capped an impressive debut, delivering a sharp low cross into the path of substitute Nathan Hall, who guided the ball past Higgs into the Thame goal for Wantage’s fourth. To their credit, Thame did not lose their composure, and were rewarded in the 88th minute, when Dave Hocking found himself with bags of space as the Wantage defence went walkabout, Hocking neatly placing the ball past the exposed Luke Alford in the Wantage goal.

Credit should be paid to Referee Chris Wicks, whose close communication with the players overcame the frustration caused by a hard pitch and a swirling wind. Wantage move on to the third round of the Supplementary Cup and a home tie with Carterton.

Team: L Alford, C Copp, A Learoyd, J Stott, A Wallbridge, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, P Day, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: N Hall, G Hartley, R Bourne.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 11th March 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 4
v
HARROW HILL 1

On a night when the wind swirled and at one point driving rain was blown into the faces of both teams, it was the finishing strength of Wantage Town’s front duo Danny Keen and Gary Hartley, which made the difference between the two sides. In the first half, neither side could put the finishing touch to handfuls of chances that occurred at both ends. Harrow Hill should have been two up in the first three minutes when a strangely hesitant Wantage defence stood back and allowed clear sight of Luke Alford’s goal. As the first half proceeded it looked as if the scattering of hardy supporters were going to be in for a long night as chance after chance went begging at both ends. It was not until the 42nd minute that one moment of shear class brought reward for Wantage. Tom Austin picked up the ball on the right wing and delivered a pin-point cross at pace to the alert Danny Keen who swept the ball past Dane Adams in the Harrow goal in one decisive strike. With half-time looming, Wantage’s defence conspired to undo Keen’s good work by standing off and allowing Shaun Bucklan free passage into the box, Bucklan finishing well past the helpless Luke Alford in the Wantage goal.

Manager Richie Bourne ‘had a word’ at half-time, and the difference showed in the second half as Wantage turned in a much more workmanlike performance. In the 51st minute, Gary Hartley was first to a low cross from Matt Horsell, steering the ball past Adams to put Wantage into the lead. Four minutes later the big striker rose to head firmly past Dane Adams, Hartley directing Tom Austin’s cross into the top corner of Harrow Hill’s goal. Wantage settled in to retaining possession and were firmly in control when, in the 89th minute, Danny Keen met another Tom Austin cross with a sharp header past the luckless Adams.

To their credit, Harrow Hill did not lose their composure, in a game well handled by Referee Mark Treadwell. Wantage climbed three places up the table as a consequence of this performance, which sets them up for an interesting away fixture on Saturday, at neighbours Shrivenham, whose league record matches exactly that of Wantage Town.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, S Belcher, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: N Hall, A Wallbridge, P Day.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 8th March 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 6
v
LYDNEY TOWN 0

Consistency has not been Wantage’s strength this season. Winning sequences of two or three impressive performances have been interspersed with lacklustre showings. It was good to see the reverse apply as Wantage supporters, looking at 1 point gained from the last three outings, were taken aback by this highly polished performance against a strong Lydney team, well positioned in the league with several games in hand.

Playing against a strong wind in the first half, Wantage took the game to Lydney from the start. In the 15th minute Danny Keen was played in by an intelligent defence splitting ball from Tom Austin, Keen’s hard driven shot being well saved by Richard Thomas in the Lydney goal. In the 28th minute, hard work by Danny Allen forced a weak back pass to the Lydney keeper, which was intercepted by the lively Keen, who slotted home from close-in. In the 40th minute, a flicked on header from Gary Hartley found Keen, whose sharp shot was instinctively saved by Thomas, but only by palming the ball into the path of Matty Horsell, who gave the luckless keeper no chance from five yards out.

Wantage maintained their disciplined approach in the second half, opting to play the ball on the ground rather than kicking and rushing with the wind. Their patient build-up play paid off in the 57th minute, when Andy Wallbridge’s neat chip into the box was directed into the goal off of a post by a clever flicked header from the star of Wantage’s midfield, Ellis Langford. Six minutes later, substitute Paul Day played in Gary Hartley, who drove past Thomas from the edge of the box. Lydney, looking weary after their two mid-week games, struggled to get possession and could not cope, particularly with Wantage’s wing play. Matty Horsell got his second in the 83rd minute, with a well struck low shot on the run. Horsell created the sixth in the 85th minute when a defensive mix-up saw two defenders on the line turning Horsell’s cross into their own net.

To their credit, Lydney did not lose their composure, in a game tightly handled by Referee Adrian Piggott, who close communication with the players produced no bookings.

Team: L Alford, A Wallbridge, J Stott, G Swann, S Belcher, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: N Hall, A Learoyd, P Day.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 1st March 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
HIGHWORTH TOWN 2

Having released Mitch Wyatt to join Highworth because he was not getting enough starts at Wantage, it was in evitable that when Wyatt came on as a substitute in the second half, it would be his cross that caught the wind and drifted over Luke Alford in the Wantage goal, to give Highworth their second half lead. Neither side had impressed in front of goal, or had been particularly creative in midfield, in a match that failed to inspire either set of supporters. As the game edged towards its conclusion, Wantage showed a little more spark, but were unable to penetrate a resolute Highworth defence. Equally unimpressive was the standard of refereeing, with too many decisions being made too far from the action.

If the game was to have a turning point, it was in the first half when Wantage were denied a penalty when Highworth keeper Ian Gill was second to a well delivered through ball and clattered into Gary Hartley, as the Wantage front man touched the ball past him. The Referee, again someway behind play, refused the Wantage claims for blatant interference, and gave a goal kick, and then dramatically consulted an assistant. It is always a bad sign when the performance of the official features in the reporter’s notes, and neither side deserved credit as they each failed to produce flowing football. Highworth, however did produce a cracking opening goal, when Mark Belcher drove in a first class shot from 30 yards in the 10th minute. Wantage responded positively, and within 5 minutes equalised when the enterprising Matty Horsell switched wings and, crossing from the right, found the head of Danny Keen who, under pressure headed past Gill in the Highworth goal from close range.

A disappointing outcome from Wantage ‘s perspective, but when you would have taken a draw as a fair result, the odd goal defeat is always a possibility.

Team: L Alford, N Hall, A Learoyd, A Wallbridge, J Stott, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: L McCullough, R Bourne.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 26th February 2008

HOOK NORTON 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

On a bitterly cold and extremely windy night, the hero of the evening was the downwind ballboy, who spent the entire game scurrying off into the pitch black to retrieve a succession of gale blown clearances and miss-kicks that put any high ball at the mercy of the strong crossfield wind. Consequently the first half play hugged the downwind touchline. Hook Norton, used to such artic conditions, had the best of the half, creating a handful of chances that all went begging. Luke Alford in the Wantage goal saved well from ex-Wantage player Ben Spiero in the 6th minute, but wasn’t really tested for the rest of the half.

Wantage, still stinging from their second half weekend cave-in at Badshot Lea, had the better of the second half. Deliberately playing the ball to feet, and showing enterprising movement off the ball, they had most of the possession, but could not penetrate a well organised Hook Norton defence for whom full back Terry Fitton was outstanding. Wantage midfielder Danny Allen came closest in the 75th minute with a well driven volley that whipped past the wrong side of the post. The wind had the last word as a succession of overhit crosses failed to threaten the reliable Richard Meadows in the Hook Norton goal.

This was definitely a ship-steadying performance from Wantage after Saturday’s rout, and, on balance, a fair result.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, A Wallbridge, G Swann, J Stott, D Allen, R Bourne, T Austin, M Horsell, D Keen , G Hartley.
Subs: P Day, L McCullough.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 16th February 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
WITNEY UTD 2

With Witney United pressing to go level on points with Almondsbury at the top of the league, they ran into stubborn resistance and quality from a battling Wantage Town. Early exchanges were even and competitive, with both sides tackling hard and giving no quarter, on a firm and level, well prepared surface. In the 15th minute, Witney lost Captain and central defender Vinny Byfield with a shoulder injury, after an innocuous tangle with Wantage striker Gary Hartley. Byfield’s presence was missed in the 27th minute when Wantage defender Adam Learoyd rose to meet Matty Horsell’s well delivered corner, Learoyd heading back over ex-Wantage keeper Chris Webb, to give Wantage the lead. Wound up by their vocal supporters, Witney pressed hard for an equaliser, and were rewarded in the 31st minute, when Kevin Lewis stabbed the ball home, after Wantage failed to clear their lines. A minute later Wantage were back in the lead, when Witney conceded a free kick on the edge of their penalty area. Tom Austin deceptively whipped the free kick past a rooted Webb to give Wantage the advantage. Wantage should have increased their lead when, on the point of half-time, Danny Keen drew a great save from Chris Webb with a low, well-struck shot from the edge of the box.

Ex-Wantage Manager Andy Lyne’s half-time talk stirred Witney, and they started the second half with all guns blazing. Wantage defended well, Captain Gary Swann marshalling and encouraging great performances from Learoyd, Jon Stott and the impressive Sam Belcher. The Wantage defence however was caught out in the 65th minute when Andy Younie reacted first to a delicious JP Mill’s lob into the Wantage box, Younie slotting home past the exposed Luke Alford in the Wantage goal. Wantage were not to be outdone and responded with a battling spirit, inspired by Ellis Langford in midfield and the busy Gary Hartley up front. Wantage won a corner in the 75th minute. Matty Horsell’s precise delivery was not cleared by the hesitant Witney defence, leaving Langford unmarked to pick his spot past Webb, to give Wantage a deserved lead. Witney huffed and puffed, but looked vulnerable to Wantage attacks on the break. Despite Referee John Sayer allowing nine minutes of extra time, Wantage withstood the Witney pressure and ran out deserved winners in this highly competitive and entertaining local derby.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, G Swann, J Stott, S Belcher, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, G Hartley, D Keen, M Horsell.
Subs: L McCullough, N Hall, R Bourne.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 9th February 2008

SHORTWOOD UTD 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

In a game of two halfs Wantage Town players must rue there missed chances.Town could only huff & puff as Chance’s were squandered. Matt Horsell Narrowly failed to put his toe on a pinpoint Dan Keen cross on 23 minutes. Town striker Gary Hartly had just the keeper to beat, in what look like a sure thing, but narrowly placed the ball wide of the post on 33 minutes.
Matt Horsell was replaced by Richie Bourne on 43minutes of receiving a couple of knocks. On 44 minutes against the run of play Shortwoods no9 Chris Davis changed the game, scoring a cracking goal by chipping Town keeper from 38yards. . Wantage, until this point. Were well on top with 75 percent of the possession & pouring on the pressure, but failing to finish.
2nd half was a different game, with the half starting as it was end, with a disappointed set of WantageTown Players (& fans) who must “all” look at themselves and talk to each other on & off the pitch to sort things out.

30 seconds or so after kick off Town defender Gary Swann received his 1st yellow card for a foul on the edge of the box. Shortwood shot went wide. 3 minutes into the half, Town striker Dan Keen with what could be described as a half chance failed to finish in what turned out to be towns only chance of the half. Gary Swann on 7 minutes made a poor tackle near the “half way” line, giving the ref no choice but hand Gary his 2nd yellow & of course Red. Gary Hartley now having to fill in at the back leaves Keen alone at the front & Shortwood well & truly in control. The 2nd Shortwood goal coming after 20 minutes off the head of Luke Bennyworth, from a corner. Pressure from Shortwood continues & they score on 25 minutes, but have it disallowed (offside).James Keller replaced Adam Learoyd with 5 to play, but with steady Pressure from a Lively Shortwood team ends with there 3rd goal. & own goal by Town defender John Stott, although Utd’s Luke Bennyworth was the creator. Town players will be kicking themselves after this match in which missed chances did come back to haunt them.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, S Belcher, D Allen, T Austin, M Horsell, N Hall, D Keen, G Hartley.
Subs: R Bourne, J Keller.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 2nd February 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
FLACKWELL HEATH 0

Wantage eased themselves into the upper half of the league table, climbing four places, with a less than assured performance against a Flackwell Heath line up that was much changed from the side that Wantage had faced, and defeated, at the end of December. Despite having taken the lead in the 16th minute, Wantage failed to dominate in the first half, Flackwell Heath having the majority of chances. Gary Hartley put Wantage in front when he prodded home past Carl Dennison in the Flackwell goal after good build-up work by Matty Horsell. But once again Wantage’s first half performance was poor, and had Flackwell Heath’s finishing been sharper, Wantage could well have faced a half-time deficit. The second half brought more Wantage possession, wingmen Matty Horsell and Tom Austin being brought into play more often, each unsettling the Flackwell defence. Wantage consolidated their lead in the 55th minute, when ironically, having improved their wing play, Danny Keen latched on to a keeper Luke Alford’s long clearance which went straight down the middle and over the Flackwell defence, Keen finishing well by lobbing the exposed Dennison in the Flackwell goal. Wantage paced themselves well for the ninety minutes, ending the stronger team as the young Flackwell side tired towards the end.

Another good win for Wantage in a sequence of seven wins in ten games, a run of form that will be severely tested in the next two games, away to Shortwood and then home to local neighbours Witney United.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, G Swann, A Wallbridge, S Belcher, D Allen, T Austin, G Hartley, D Keen, N Hall, M Horsell.
Subs: L McCullough, J Stott, R Bourne.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 26th January 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 4
v
HOOK NORTON 1

Ninety minutes of mutual mediocrity produced a goal apiece for two sides, both of which were playing well below par. Hook Norton took the lead in the 24th minute when Wantage defenders failed to pick up Mark Griffin, whose unchallenged run into the box enabled him to pick his spot, as he slotted the ball past Luke Alford in the Wantage goal. Wantage huffed and puffed but failed to penetrate a well organised Hook Norton defence. Overall Hook Norton had the lion’s share of the few chances that occurred, but neither side impressed. The second half served up more of the same, with the exception of a well worked goal for Wantage in the 55th minute. Half a dozen precise passes through the hesitant Hook Norton defence, worked the ball to Danny Keen, who volleyed in style past Richard Meadows in the Hook Norton goal. The game proceeded to extra time with Wantage marginally having the upper hand. Only Andy Wallbridge will know how he managed to lift the ball over the bar from two metres out, when a cross fell kindly to him in the Hook Norton box. Hook Norton keeper Richard Meadows brought off the save of the game, tipping a powerful header from Danny Keen over the bar, after Matty Horsell had driven in an inch perfect cross.

Hardy supporters sighed as the game moved inexorably into extra-time, totally unprepared for what was to come. Nathan Hall blasted over from close-in when presented with an early chance, and the extra 30 minutes seemed to be proceeding as the preceding 90 minutes. All this was to change. In the fourth minute of extra-time, Wantage were awarded a free kick a couple of metres outside of the Hook Norton penalty area. Tom Austin stepped up and deliciously curled his kick into the corner of Meadow’s goal, the Hook Norton keeper unable to respond to the accuracy, flight and pace of the free kick. Two minutes later, great work by Wantage’s other wing man, Matty Horsell, resulted in a cross that was forced in by the alert Danny Keen to put Wantage 3 – 1 up. Three minutes later, Gary Hartley chased a ball driven forward wide on the right wing, and hit a first time cross that beat the entire Hook Norton defence, and accurately picked out Danny Keen who neatly headed back past Meadows for Wantage’s fourth and his hat-trick. Five minutes of accurate, first time passing and positive movement off of the ball, had secured this cup-tie for Wantage. The rest of the game was played out with Wantage now confidently retaining possession in a manner that they had appeared to be incapable of doing in the ninety minutes of normal time. Substitute Liam McCullough impressed as Wantage easily controlled the balance of the game until the final whistle from Referee Mr. A. Piggott, whose close control of the game and communication with players was commendable.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, A Wallbridge, G Swann, S Belcher, D Allen, E Langford, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, M Horsell.
Subs: L McCullough, N Hall, J Stott.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 22nd January 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
FAIRFORD TOWN 2

After a disappointing weekend performance away to local rivals Milton United, Wantage looked set to deliver more of the same in a first half showing against Fairford that lacked thrust and fluidity, and was strewn with errors. The playing surface didn’t help, but Wantage struggled with even the basic task of keeping possession. Time after time in the first half Wantage gave the ball away, and when they did threaten the Fairford goal, front runners Keen and Hartley lacked accuracy. Fairford battled from the start, and were rewarded in the 41st minute when Wantage failed to clear a well struck corner, leaving an unmarked Brad Gill to head unchallenged into an undefended goal. On the point of half-time Fairford increased their lead when Wantage’s Danny Allen lost possession on the edge of his own penalty area, and Matt Boucher struck a great shot past the helpless Luke Alford in the Wantage goal.

The second half saw a more positive approach by Wantage and almost the entire 45 minutes play was spent in the Fairford half. Fairford defended resolutely and looked set to tough-out a victory. Rob Paget in the Fairford goal saved brilliantly from Ellis Langford, and the hardy few Wantage supporters were beginning to feel that Wantage had left their positive response too late to overcome a stubborn Fairford 11 man defence. Referee Ed Turner had other ideas and awarded Wantage a penalty in the 75th minute for a foul that supporters and players alike failed to notice. Danny Keen confidently slotted home the penalty past Paget, and Wantage’s late revival was underway. Five minutes later Referee Turner awarded Wantage another penalty, this time for hand ball. This time Keen’s confidence was dented by a brilliant save by Paget. Wantage continued to push for the equaliser, and in the 88th minute, Matty Horsell outpaced the tiring Fairford defence and drove in a left footed shot that went in off the post. Wantage pressed for the winner, and after several corners, it was left to Assistant Manager Andy Wallbridge to stab the ball over the line, after Fairford failed to clear.

This was a spirited Wantage second half performance against a determined young Fairford side, and recovering from a 2 – 0 deficit is always a great achievement. With more consistency, this Wantage squad is capable of maintaining a higher league position.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, A Wallbridge, G Swann, N Hall, D Allen, E Langford, T Austin, D Keen , G Hartley, M Horsell.
Subs: R Bourne, L McCullough, J Stott.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 5th January 2008

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
ARDLEY UTD 0

Two high quality first half goals separated these two sides, each of whom contributed to an entertaining game, played on a deteriorating surface as the greasy pitch turned to mud as the rain persisted. Wantage were fronted by Nathan Hall and Danny Keen, each of whom spurned early chances, as Wantage took the game to Ardley in the first quarter. 22 minutes into the game, Matty Horsell hinted at what was to come, beating several players before forcing a great save from Matt Dixon in the Ardley goal. But it was Ardley who netted first from a corner in the 26th minute, the goal being disallowed for a foul on Wantage keeper Luke Alford. Both goalkeepers were well protected by Referee Mr. C. Wicks, who consistently penalised challenges on both keepers, particularly from corners. Wantage took the lead in the 31st minute with a goal of great quality. A pin point cross from Tom Austin to the far post found Matty Horsell, whose first touch neatly placed the ball in the path of Danny Allen, whose precisely placed shot gave Dixon no chance. Three minutes later, Wantage increased their lead through a fine individual effort from the enterprising Matty Horsell on Wantage’s left wing. Horsell received the ball just inside Ardley’s half and set off at pace. Skating past several defenders, Horsell finished the run with an unstoppable shot past the rooted Dixon in the Ardley goal. Horsell’s close control was remarkable bearing in mind the ground condition. Just before the half-time whistle, Nathan Hall went close after good work from Tom Austin on Wantage’s right wing.

The second half mirrored the first, with Wantage shading Ardley in terms of possession and producing more chances. In the 61st minute. Tom Austin was put through by a fine ball from Danny Keen, only to see his shot slip narrowly past the post. Substitute Gary Hartley brought the best out of Matt Dixon, Hartley’s header being well saved by the Ardley Keeper.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, A Wallbridge, G Swann, S Belcher, D Allen, E Langford, T Austin, D Keen, N Hall, M Horsell.
Subs: L McCullough, G Hartley, R Bourne.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 29th December 2007

FLACKWELL HEATH 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

Following their disappointing performance away to Hungerford on Boxing Day, Wantage took on their second Christmas fixture challenge away to high riding Flackwell Heath. Seven minutes into the game, the quick and skilful Myron Ramsey danced around Luke Alford in the Wantage goal, having left the Wantage defence looking strictly flat-footed, and rolled the ball into an empty net. Wantage supporters had visions of a Boxing Day repeat performance, but this was not to be the case. Manager Richie Bourne and Assistant Manager Andy Wallbridge, without the services of strikers Keen and Hartley, and Captain Gary Swann, rolled up their sleeves and led by example. Wantage got back into the game and began to trouble the opposition who were uncomfortable as Wantage kept possession and moved the ball into their half. Wantage pressure paid off in the 37th minute, wingback Sam Belcher putting in the perfect cross to Ellis Langford who headed past Ryan Martindale in the Flackwell goal. Two minutes later, Wantage took a deserved lead when Adam Learoyd hooked in after a Matty Horsell corner was not cleared by the hesitant Flackwell defence.

Wantage maintained the pressure in the second half, Danny Allen hitting the post from Tom Austin’s cross, two minutes after the restart. In the 57th minute, from Austin’s well flighted corner kick, Wantage increased their lead, Adam Learoyd’s powerful header striking the bar and bouncing onto the line. First to react was the lively Nathan Hall, who gleefully prodded the ball over the line. To their credit, Flackwell, kicking downhill and with the wind behind them, fought back, Matt Jarvis pulling the score back to 3 – 2. But when Wantage broke forward, they always looked dangerous, and they were rewarded when Tom Austin was put through one on one with Martingale in the Flackwell goal. The young Flackwell keeper saved Austin’s first attempt, but was helpless to prevent the talented Wantage winger driving the rebound over the keeper and into the net. Back came Flackwell with Wantage defending deeper and deeper. The sharp Ramsey grabbed his second and Flackwell’s third, seven minutes from the end. But for all of their huff and puff, Flackwell were unable to force an equaliser, Referee Mr. B. Murdoch’s final whistle being well received by a tiring Wantage. The Officials deserve recognition for their control of a very competitive game, the game being allowed to flow.

A much better performance from Wantage, turning the short spells of controlled performance shown against Hungerford into a solid 90 minutes of hard work, and a deserved win.

Team. L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, A Wallbridge, S Belcher, D Allen, E Langford, T Austin, N Hall, R Bourne, M Horsell.
Subs: L McCullough, J Daly.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Wednesday 26th December 2007

HUNGERFORD TOWN 6
v
WANTAGE TOWN 3

You can't afford to be sloppy and give the ball away when the opposition consists of the some of the sharpest and most highly paid players at our level. Frustratingly, had we been more disciplined, we could and should have taken something from this game. Danny Keen looked sharp but was isolated, Sam Belcher playing deeper, used the ball intellingently, and Adam Learoyd turned in a sound performance, scoring a cracker at the start of the second half. The second half performance was much better than the first, which despite Danny Keen's pair, always had Hungerford in front, generally after we had lost possession in midfield. What is really f***ing frustrating is that there is a potential in this side to play sharp football and dominate games. We see it each week for short spells during games, but we just don't seem to be able to keep it up. What is the missing ingredient ? Confidence ? Self belief ? Viagra ?

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, A Wallbridge, S Belcher, D Allen, T Austin, E Langford, D Keen, R Bourne, M Horsell.
Subs: L McCullough, N Hall, J Keller.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 1st December 2007

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
SHRIVENHAM 1

Both teams struggled to keep control on a very difficult surface that deteriorated from the start as bad weather persisted throughout the game. Both teams deserve credit for battling through the conditions and producing a competitive game which was very well handled by Swindon Referee Mark Niemirski.

The goals, which came in the 27th and 38th minutes, both came from corners. Shrivenham took the lead after Wantage failed clear their lines after an inswinging corner, Mark Peters nodding the ball past Luke Alford in the Wantage goal, after it had been driven back into the box. Eleven minutes later, honours were even when Gary Hartley firmly headed home past Daryl Simms in the Shrivenham goal from a precise Tom Austin corner. This was Hartleys fifth goal in three matches. The corner followed the best move of the match, when Danny Allen cleverly threaded a ball through the centre of the Shrivenham defence, setting clear Tom Austin to drive home, only for Simms to produce a diving save, tipping the ball round the post.

In the second half, chances were few as players found close control difficult on a worsening surface. Luke Alford, in the Wantage goal saved well, pushing a deflected shot over the bar, and at the other end, Tom Austin and Ellis Langford both went close with opportunities that should have been converted into goals.

With the surface destroyed, the wisdom of playing a game in these conditions must be doubted, as future games will be put at risk as the pitch becomes more and more fragile as a consequence of churning it up in extreme weather.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, A Wallbridge, D Allen, E Langford, R Bourne, T Austin, G Hartley, M Horsell.
Subs: S Belcher, L McCullough, N Hall.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 24th November 2007

HARROW HILL 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

Wantage Town turned in their most solid performance of the season to overcome bottom club Harrow Hill. To Harrow Hill’s credit they battled from start to finish and stretched and tested Wantage in every department. It is unusual to report that that in a game with a 4 – 0 scoreline, Wantage Town’s defence were outstanding. Luke Alford, in the Wantage goal, made great saves at crucial times, and the back four of Adam Learoyd, Jon Stott, Gary Swann, and Assistant Manager, Andy Wallbridge, were called upon to be solid from start to finish to resist Harrow’s persistent probing. But it was in the centre of midfield where Danny Allen and Ellis Langford dominated play, that Wantage showed the most improvement from previous performances.

In the 4th minute, Ellis Langford put Wantage on the winning track with a blistering drive from the edge of the box that gave Dane Adams in the Harrow goal no chance. But Harrow do not roll over easily, and Wantage had to work hard to resist their forward thrusts. Wantage had a couple of chances, notably when Danny Keen lobbed just over the bar when put through one on one with Adams. But the turning point came in the 31st minute when Luke Alford saved brilliantly from Scott Morgan. From this move the play went to the other end where Wantage won a corner. Tom Austin’s inswinging cross beat everybody, except Gary Hartley who prodded the ball in at the far post.

Harrow Hill started the second half strongly, with two clear cut opportunities that went narrowly wide. Wantage responded to this wake-up call positively by exerting more control in midfield. In the 67th minute, Danny Allen fed the ball through to Gary Hartley who neatly beat the offside trap, drew Dane Adams out of the Harrow goal, and sidestepping the keeper, presented himself with an empty goal, to put Wantage 3 – 0 up. Six minutes later, substitute Mitch Wyatt repeated the exercise and slotted home from close range. But, the final action was in the Wantage half, as Luke Alford saved brilliantly from the on rushing Harrow front men.

This win moves Wantage a couple of positions up the league, and the current target of a safe mid-table position, once again looks achievable.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, A Wallbridge, D Allen, E Langford, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, M Horsell.
Subs: R Bourne, N Hall, M Wyatt.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 17th November 2007

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
ABINGDON TOWN 1

Abingdon's recent unbeaten run was ended today with a 2-1 defeat at a chilly Alfredian Park, ex-Town striker Garry Hartley bagging both goals for the home side with Aaron Williams replying for Town.

With the recent departures of Mark Simms and Danny Wise, combined with a long injury list, it was all change again for the side that made the short trip to Wantage today, Christian Perkins returned from injury at the back, Mike Mitchell made a start on the right wing and Tommy Larman made a welcome return to partner Carl Bloomfield up front, and Abingdon made a bright start, in the opening minute Mitchell played Bloomfield in but the Town striker's shot was well blocked by Wantage keeper Luke Alford. Following this Wantage proceeded to dominate play in the main, going close when Matty Horsell chipped narrowly over the bar in the 5th minute, before they took the lead after 12 minutes when Abingdon could only half clear the ball following a Wantage attack before it was crossed back into the area for ex-Town striker Garry Hartley to head home from close range. Abingdon were still struggling to make an impact but after Bloomfield saw an effort saved the Town striker again showed he could be dangerous as he stole the ball off a defender on 21 minutes before running in on goal, but Alford managed to smother the ball at his feet. Then as the game entered first half stoppage time Abingdon almost snatched an equaliser, Aaron Williams whipped in a deep corner that Colin Ryan headed over from close range, the ball arriving at speed at the Town midfielder following a touch from keeper Alford.

After the break the home side took the initiative and pushed forward at every opportunity, putting the Town defence under pressure for long periods. It was almost 2-0 on 49 minutes when Sam Belcher blasted in a great volley only to be denied by an equally superb save from Walker to tip the ball around the post. Town had a rare chance to score after 58 minutes as Bloomfield again made a good break that was snuffed out by a good block in the box, before Wantage immediately launched a dangerous counter attack and Walker was forced to tip the ball over his bar. The home side then made it 2-0 from the subsequent corner as Hartley pounced again from close range. It took another good save from Walker to deny Hartley his hat-trick after 66 minutes, before Abingdon were thrown a lifeline after 72 minutes when they were awarded a free-kick wide on the left, and Aaron Williams curled the ball perfectly beyond the reach of Alford and into the top corner to make it 2-1. After this Abingdon pressed for an equaliser, but despite having a decent spell of possession they couldn't create another clear cut chance and the home side held out to emerge 2-1 winners.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, S Belcher, D Allen, T Austin, R Bourne, D Keen, G Hartley, M Horsell.
Subs: Wyatt, Collier, McCullough.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 10th November 2007

WITNEY UTD 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

3 - 0 scoreline flattered Witney as Wantage moved the ball well and kept possession for long periods but just could not penetrate a well organised Witney defence. Significantly, at key moments in the game Wantage couldn't beat their former keeper Chris Webb. After a bright start for Wantage, Liam McCullough had a powerful drive blocked by Webb, only for Witney to take the lead a few minutes later. Ten minutes into the second half Danny Keen was played in after good work by Gary Hartley, but Keen's well struck effort was again brilliantly saved by Webb. Within two minutes play had switched to the other end, Andy Younie getting his second for Witney, as Wantage failed to clear. Wantage heads did not drop, although most were looking for the final whistle, when John McMahon scored their third in injury time.

Team: L Alford, R Bourne, J Stott, G Swann, M Horsell, M Chatwin, T Austin, E Langford, D Keen, G Hartley, L McCullough.
Subs: M Wyatt, S Collier, N Hall.
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SBJ INSURANCE BROKERS CHALLENGE CUP

Saturday 27th October 2007

WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
TYTHERINGTON ROCKS 1

In the 76th minute ex Torquay United youth trainee Rob Sage collected the ball just into the Wantage half and moved unchallenged towards the Wantage goal. The Wantage defence, as it had done successfully throughout the game, set itself up to defend another passing move around the edge of the box. This time it was different. Sage unleashed from 35 yards an unstoppable shot that rifled into the top corner of Gareth Tucker’s goal. Tucker making his debut at Wantage, stood no chance as the ball flew into the goal.

Up to this point neither keeper had been pressured as each defence effectively coped with lacklustre attacks and poor midfield build-up. When Wantage did find themselves in front of the Tytherington goal, their shooting was wayward, Tom Austin, Gary Hartley and Mitch Wyatt, all squandering chances. Wantage huffed and puffed after conceding the goal, and the introduction of Danny Keen enlivened Wantage’s forward threat, but even Keen could only lob the keeper and the crossbar when put through one on one with Ben John in the Tytherington goal. A succession of well delivered corners were manfully defended by Tytherington and more chances wasted by Wantage, as they finally received their wake-up call.

Overall Tytherington deserved their win. They battled from the start and when put under pressure, defended with spirit and skill. Wantage need to take a long hard look at their poor performance. There was little positive movement off of the ball with the consequence that the player receiving the ball was almost always under pressure from a challenge. A lot of work needs to be done if their season is to be turned around.

Team: G Tucker, I Howell, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, R Bourne, M Chatwin, T Austin, M Wyatt, G Hartley, M Horsell.
Subs: D Keen, N Hall, S Collier.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 20th October 2007

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
HOOK NORTON 2

Wantage old boy Ben Spiero rolled back the years and began Hook Norton’s second half comeback, when he drove in past Luke Alford in the 63rd minute. The Wantage defence had failed to clear, having resisted heavy Hook Norton pressure at the start of the half. Seven minutes later Hook Norton substitute Richard Northover was presented with an opportunity to put the visitors ahead, when again indecision in the Wantage defence resulted in the ball not being cleared. Northover struck the ball past Alford to put the north Oxfordshire team in front. Their robust and packed midfield cancelled out any opportunity creation for Wantage and the game drew to a close with neither side really threatening the goal, and Hook Norton protecting their lead, although Danny Keen went close for Wantage in the 85th minute, with a shot that narrowly slipped past the wrong side of the post. Overall, Wantage deserved a draw, but in this game of hard knocks, what you deserve and what you get are seldom the same.

The first half had gone Wantage’s way. Player Manager Richie Bourne notched up a classic on the half hour, driving in a left footed volley from 35 yards, which left Richard Meadows in the Hook Norton goal rooted as the ball flew into the top left hand corner. The games outcome could have been different if Matty Horsell’s delicious chip had dipped under the bar instead of hitting it, Meadows again only a spectator as the ball hit the woodwork.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, A Wallbridge, R Bourne, M Chatwin, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, M Horsell.
Subs: M Wyatt, N Hall, L McCullough.
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THE HPL HELLENIC FLOODLIT CUP

Tuesday 9th October 2007

CARTERTON 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

Floodlit Cup holder’s Wantage Town bowed out of the competition in the first round against a hard working Carterton side. Wantage again flattered to deceive in this disappointing game at Kilkenny Lane. In the first half they had the lion’s share of the possession, and not for the first time this season, played impressive possession football. Matt Horsell, in particular looked dangerous and provided a succession of pin point crosses that nobody could convert. The missed chances were evenly spread amongst the front runners Danny Keen and Gary Hartley, and the midfield of Richie Bourne, Mark Chatwin and Tom Austin, who conspired not to capitalise from the chances created around the edge of the box.

Carterton’s confidence grew in the second half and Wantage became less dominant, but still Horsell and Austin produced the crosses that came to nothing in front of goal. Inevitably, with Wantage pushing forward, Carterton looked increasingly threatening on the break and scored twice in the last quarter, leaving Wantage to rue their missed chances.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, R Bourne, M Horsell, M Chatwin, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, A Wallbridge.
Subs: C Hogan, L McCullough.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 6th October 2007

FAIRFORD TOWN 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 3

Wantage ended the game with ten men after goalkeeper Luke Alford handled the ball three metres outside of his box, and was sent off. At that point, with five minutes to go, Wantage were having to defend, as Fairford looked for the winner, as their substitute Pete Griffiths had just blasted an equaliser to make the score 2-2. With the Referee looking at his watch, play switched to the other end where Tom Austin’s cross was met by the inrushing Danny Keen to head past Luke Adams in the Fairford goal, to give Wantage their last-gasp victory in the 89th minute. This was a dramatic end to a game that Wantage should have wrapped up, long before the end. Fairford scored in the 10th minute, to take the lead against the run of play. Brad Gill ran through Wantage’s square defence, and drove neatly past Alford, in what was Fairford’s first foray into Wantage territory. Wantage patiently kept possession and the pressure on the busy Fairford defence, and were rewarded in the 14th minute when Captain Gary Swann, who was to end the game as emergency goalkeeper, headed home a Sam Belcher corner. Wantage were unable to break down the defiant Fairford defence, in which Captain Chris Hill was outstanding, and half-time came with the score at 1 – 1.

The second half saw more Wantage possession and several chances spurned by their front running duo, Danny Keen and Gary Hartley. The pressure eventually paid off when Hartley headed home from a perfectly delivered Tom Austin cross, in the 72nd minute. At 2 – 1, with less than twenty minutes left on the clock, Wantage looked to have secured the points, and visibly took their collective ‘foot off the gas’. Wantage substitutes Chris Hogan and Liam McCullough replaced the overworked midfield pairing of Mark Chatwin and Richie Bourne, but struggled to get into the game quickly enough, whereas Fairford substitute Pete Griffiths made immediate impact by scoring the goal described above, and took the game into that dramatic last few minutes.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, R Bourne, S Belcher, M Chatwin, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, A Wallbridge.
Subs: C Hogan, L McCullough, M Horsell.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 25th September 2007

WANTAGE TOWN 4
v
MILTON UTD 0

In an evenly matched encounter, played on a slippery surface, Wantage tucked away their chances, whilst injury hit Milton could not get a shot on target or past Luke Alford in the Wantage goal. With six Wantage old boys lining up for Milton the game delivered the competitive edge promised in the pre-match talk. Three Wantage goals in a hectic ten minutes spell in the first half should have sealed the result, but a spirited Milton fight back in the first twenty minutes of the second half could have produced a very different result, had Milton converted any of a handful of chances.

Wantage opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, when Milton keeper Dave Tasker, and then ex Wantage defender Lee Davies, each failed to clear an Adam Learoyd cross, allowing Sam Belcher to turn the ball in at the far post. Five minutes later, Milton were undone by another cross, this time Tom Austins free kick, being turned back across goal by Gary Hartley, for Wantage Captain Gary Swann to force across the line. Five further minutes on and Hartley was allowed space to chase down a loose ball and turn the ball back across goal for his striking partner Danny Keen to strike past Tasker in the Milton goal, to send Wantage into the half-time break with a three goal advantage.

Milton applied great pressure in the early part of the second half, but could not convert their chances. Second half substitute Vinny Rusher had a goal-bound shot blocked by Luke Alford in the Wantage goal, and spurned several other scoring opportunities with shots that missed their target. As Milton pushed forward Wantage looked to take advantage on the break. In the 65th minute, the industrious Mark Chatwin found Tom Austin in open space, the pacey Wantage winger giving Tasker no chance with a well directed low hard shot.

Wantage have played football better than shown in this game this season, and have lost. But, the determination that they showed throughout the team, inspired by having both Manager Richie Bourne and Assistant Manager Andy Wallbridge on the pitch, enabled then to resist the threat posed by Milton.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, R Bourne, S Belcher, M Chatwin, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, A Wallbridge.
Subs: A Mcfarlane , R Joyce, M Horsell.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 22nd September 2007

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
AFC WALLINGFORD 0

Wantage battled to secure their first league win of the season against a determined Wallingford squad that worked hard to close down and stultify, every effort that Wantage made to play a passing game. When Wantage front men Danny Keen and Gary Hartley each went close, but not close enough, in the first ten minutes, it looked as if Wantage supporters were in for a frustrating afternoon. Wallingford packed their midfeld and Wantage could only react by pinging the ball straight forward and time and time again triggering offside decisions. After a succession of corners at both ends, Wantage took the lead in the 38th minute, when Danny Keen headed in from close range in a packed penalty box, Wallingford keeper John Shea, unable to get past his own defenders to the ball. Gary Hartley slotted narrowly wide in the 43rd minute when put clean through.

Immediately after the break, Mark Chatwin lobbed the luckless Shea from twenty yards, after good work by player manager Richie Bourne, to put Wantage two up. Bourne, rolling away the years, and Chatwin changed the midfield policy for the balance of the game as Wallingford increased their numbers behind the ball. Wantage kept possession for long periods, and saw out the rest of the game comfortably. Wallingford slightly lost their discipline in the 78th minute when John Walker incurred two yellow cards in a matter of a couple of minutes and was sent off.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, R Bourne, S Belcher, M Chatwin, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, M Horsell.
Subs: J Daley, C Hogan, A Wallbridge.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 15th September 2007

HIGHWORTH TOWN 4
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

Wantage took the lead in the 8th minute when Danny Keen got on to the end of a four man move from midfield. Keen turned in a cross from a narrow angle which Mark Chatwin crashed past Ian Gill in the Highworth goal. Throughout the first half, Wantage patiently built up play from midfield but could not add to their lead, as Hartley and Keen failed to make any impression on a resolute Highworth defence. The second half started brightly for Highworth, who within ten minutes of the restart were 2-1 up. First Highworth Captain Gary Hill, and then Paul Cooper, capitalised upon poor Wantage defending, as Wantage were firstly caught in possession and then failed to clear. Matty Horsell replaced the injured Liam McCullough, and in the 59th minute laid on the final pass for Gary Hartley to pull Wantage back to 2-2. With a quarter of an hour to go, Wantage allowed Paul Cooper a clear shot at goal, the left footed Cooper giving Luke Alford no chance in the Wantage goal, with a low hard drive. Ex Wantage stalwart Paul Day sealed Highworths victory with another clear shot on goal as the Wantage defence was caught upfield chasing a further equaliser.

At times the football being played by Wantage is better than last season, but every mistake is being penalised, and when Wantage do have the upper hand, chances are not being converted. This was the identical story at Hamble during the week, when having controlled the game for long periods, the defence momentarily lost its shape and allowed Hamble to score the winner in the 100th minute of the replay. This a tough time for the management team of Richie Bourne and Andy Wallbridge. They will need all of our support, on the pitch from the players, and off the pitch from management and supporters alike.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, C Hogan, A Wallbridge, M Chatwin, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, L McCullough.
Subs: J Daley, B Eltham, M Horsell.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Monday 27th August 2007

WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
HUNGERFORD TOWN 4

After significantly raising their game against Ardley on Saturday, Wantage continued their abject start to the season with a lacklustre performance against near neighbours Hungerford Town, in this Bank Holiday derby. Whilst Wantage were never going to match the skill levels on show in the talented Hungerford team, they do possess the ability to ‘get in the faces’ off their opponents and break up their game, as they demonstrated at Ardley on Saturday. But not against Hungerford. In front of a large crowd Wantage offered little in response to the visitors fast flowing and ‘fizzing’ game. The first couple of minutes parodied the 90 minutes when Danny Keen failed to place his lob attempt over Dominic Green in the Hungerford goal. From the keeper’s measured clearance, Hungerford zipped through the static Wantage defence, Graham Edney heading in unchallenged at the far post, the game only two minutes old. Edney was on hand again in the 23rd minute to turn in past Luke Alford, after a sharp penetrating series of passes easily opened up the Wantage defence. Wantage’s midfield were unable to stem the origins of most Hungerford moves, and only Wantage Captain Gary Swann ended the game with any credit.

The second half mirrored the first, with Wantage unable to string together a sequence of passing, giving away hard won possession with ease. Again crisp Hungerford movement opened up the Wantage defence as first, Nick McCrae and then Ben Fitch finished off fluid passing moves into the heart of the Wantage penalty box, in the 62nd and 65th minutes respectively. The game ended, as it had started, with Wantage’s Danny Keen firing narrowly over, having sharply turned a relaxed Hungerford defence.

This was a disappointing showing from Wantage. With a large crowd, a great playing surface, and a local derby, all that was missing was a performance.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, C Hogan, A Wallbridge, S Morrison, T Austin, D Keen, G Hartley, M Pedder.
Subs: M Chatwin, S Belcher, L McCullough.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 25th August 2005

ARDLEY UTD 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

This was a much improved performance after their lacklustre showing against a poor Shortwood team in midweek. Strengthened by the return of Gary Hartley and Andy Wallbridge, and the debut of Adam Learoyd, Wantage took the game to a strong Ardley side, still glowing from their midweek 4 – 1 thrashing of Witney United. In the 16th minute, after a period of sustained Wantage pressure, Liam McCullough narrowly drove over the bar after a pin-point cross from Tom Austin. Seven minutes later, in a remarkable spell of goal mouth action, Wantage saw their efforts cleared off the Ardley line three times following two corners. The Wantage midfield of Wallbridge, McCullogh and Hogan controlled the action for long periods, feeding the wide running of Matty Pedder on the left and Tom Austin on the right. Austin’s crossing particularly was a feature of the Town’s expansive play. But in the 35th minute a poor defensive clearance left Luke Alford stranded, Steve Garbutt left with the easy task of lobbing the ball over the Wantage keeper. To their credit, Wantage lifted their game and were rewarded when, on the point of half time, Danny Keen was first to react to a well placed Wallbridge free kick, the Wantage forward driving in from close range, as Ardley failed to clear.

It was Ardley’s turn to raid down the hill in the second half, and from the start they put Wantage under pressure. In the 50th minute, Ardley took the lead, Tom Green driving in after the Wantage defence failed to clear after a couple of good saves by Alford in the Wantage goal. Sam Belcher made a welcome return after a long injury lay-off, replacing Matty Pedder in the 60th minute. Wantage again began to assert themselves, playing fine possession football, with great movement off of the ball. This was to no avail, when in the 70th minute two Ardley forwards were left unmarked to work the ball past Alford, Tom Green getting the final touch. At 3-1 down Wantage should have been dead and buried, but with a quarter of an hour left to play, Danny Keen reduced the deficit, firing past Matthew Dixon in the Ardley goal. Both teams had opportunity to add to their score in the last 15 minutes, Adley finishing stronger as the hill and the heat of the day took its toll on Wantage.

Despite the defeat, there are plenty of positives to be taken from the game from Wantage’s point of view. Adam Learoyd had a polished debut, showing good distribution and aerial ability. Sam Belcher looked strong as he returned to action. But it was the all round performance that impressed, some of the football being played at times, being the best seen for a long time. With determined application, there is reason for hope that the poor start to this season’s league campaign can be turned round.

Team: L Alford, A Learoyd, J Stott, G Swann, C Hogan, A Wallbridge, T Austin, L McCullough, D Keen, G Hartley, M Pedder.
Subs: M Chatwin, S Belcher, R Joyce.