GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 30th April 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
ARDLEY UTD 0
Wantage recorded their 16th clean sheet of the season and in doing so earnt the
point that gave them a respectable top ten finish on their return to the Premier
Division.
A weakened Ardley were the livelier of the two sides in the first half but posed
little goal threat. The best chance of the half fell to Wantage's leading scorer
Steve Tucker, who failed to get a decent contact on Danny Allen's deep left wing
cross to the far post.
Wantage were better in the second half and Paul Tassell produced two fine saves
down low to his left to keep out Adam Giles, before Gary Swann got under a free
header from a free kick. Teenager Tommy Austin ghosted in at the far post late
on and Tassell again blocked well from him and Liam McCullough following up.
The last five minutes saw the best two chances of the game, firstly Austin crossed
superbly for Allen to somehow head over from point blank range and then Ardley's
Paul Bough failed to lob over Belcher as he broke through the offside trap.
A disappointing game but Wantage gained the point they needed to edge out Witney
for 10th place on goal average and so will be pleased with their seasons work.
This game though epitomized their season, solid and hard working, they just lack
that extra bit of quality in front of goal that would make them top 8.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Bedwell, Lamont,
Harbert, Jones, Bourne, Giles, Tucker, Danny Allen.
Subs: McCullough, Austin, Zielinski.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 23rd April 2005
ALMONDSBURY TOWN 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2
TEENAGE KICKS NEARLY CLINCH IT FOR THE ALDREDIANS
Goals from talented teenagers Tommy Austin and Liam McCullough were nearly enough
to gain three points for Wantage but they were cruelly robbed of a deserved win,
when a late Almondsbury goal levelled the scores.
Wantage went in front on five minutes, when Nigel Emsden's fine run and cross
down the left, found teenager Tommy Austin at the far post and he clinically
slotted home. It was all Wantage in the first twenty minutes as their neat and
intricate passing movements tore the home side apart, time after time.
Danny Allen just failed to get on the end of another fine Emsden cross on 15
minutes. On 25 minutes Town should have been awarded a penalty when Tim Zielinski's
powerful shot struck a defenders raised arm but as so often this season, inconsistent
decision making by the officials saw it waved away.
Within five minutes and quite ironically, the home side had levelled with a penalty
of their own. Gary Swann was adjudged to have fouled as the ball was crossed
from the right. Even the home side were amazed at the decision-worse was to follow
though as Paul Belcher made a superb save from Davidge's spot kick, only for
the referee to have it retaken for encroachment! Berry stepped up to send Belcher
the wrong way with the second attempt.
Wantage continued to be the more constructive of the two sides in the second
half and the outstanding Richard Bourne had a header saved at the near post and
Austin a stinging drive blocked before Emsden's mazy run and finish saw the ball
come back off the bar. Wantage were not to be denied though and on 75 minutes
canny teenager Liam McCullough got on the end of a long through ball that eluded
the Almondsbury back line and he fired home from fifteen yards.
With barely five minutes on the clock the referee awarded another innocuous free
kick from inside the centre circle. The keeper took the kick and everyone piled
into the Wantage box. From the deeply delivered ball Wantage won the first header
but the ball dropped to Berry who swivelled to level the scores.
This was Towns best performance for weeks they played neat constructive football
throughout the game and competed well against their more physical opponents.
Superb displays from Tommy Austin and Liam McCullough will have greatly lifted
the travelling Town support who outnumbered the home crowd.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Bedwell, Lamont,
Harbert, Zielinski, Austin, McCullough, Bourne, Danny Allen.
Subs: Tucker, Giles, Jones.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Wednesday 20th April 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
CARTERTON TOWN 1
A solitary James Mortimer-Jones goal on 65 minutes was all that separated these
two teams after 90 minutes of insipid football, made even worse by some totally
bizarre refereeing decisions, which were divided equally between both sides.
Carterton were much the better side in the first half and kicking down the slope
they caused problems for Wantage with Odom and Holmes using their experience
and movement up front and the effective Lewis and Mortimer-Jones making good
runs from deep.
Wantage went closest in the first half when Gary Swann's 35th minute header from
Danny Allen's corner skimmed the angle of bar and post. In truth there were very
few chances created in the entire game and it always looked as if one goal would
decide it. It arrived with 25 minutes to go when a long ball out of defence saw
Odom out jump Paul Bedwell and Mortimer-Jones ran unchallenged from midfield
to lob Paul Belcher.
Adam Giles had a couple of half chances but finished woefully, before the best
chance for Town came right at the death, as Liam McCullough dummied a through
ball and Tom Austin broke clear down the right but Heritage was quick from his
line to save with his legs.
On the balance of play Town deserved a point but again their inability to create
and take chances proved their undoing.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Harbert, Bedwell,
Zielinski, Jones, Bourne, Giles, Tucker, Danny Allen.
Subs: Austin, Broad, McCullough.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 16th April 2005
ARDLEY UTD 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 1
Wantage completed a good week with a hard earned 1-0 victory over Ardley. It
looked as if Wantage had took an early lead when Tim Zielinski's long throw seemed
to go in off a defender at the near post. The referee awarded a goal and then
changed his mind.
Minutes before half time Ardley should have been awarded a penalty when they
broke the offside trap and Paul Belcher appeared to clip the oncoming forward
as he broke through. Tony Bott went close for Ardley with a well struck free
kick before Steve Tucker had a glorious chance with a free header at the far
post but he knocked it over.
The introduction of Wayne Harbert changed the game for Wantage as on 69 minutes
he finished superbly after a superb through ball from debutant Liam McCullough.
In the final minutes Wantage had two good chances to wrap things up as Harbert
beat the offside trap but shot wide and then Peter Broad crossed only for Tucker
to fire into the side netting
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Bedwell, Lamont,
McCullough, Jones, Zielinski, Giles, Tucker, Danny Allen.
Subs: Broad, Harbert, Austin.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Thursday 14th April 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
DIDCOT TOWN 0
Didcot failed to take advantage of their game in hand on leaders Highworth
after slumping to a 1-0 defeat at local rivals Wantage Town on Thursday evening.
In an insipid contest, Didcot produced a distinctly below-par display and it
would have been an injustice on Wantage had the desperately needed victory been
secured.
The home side shaded the early exchanges and produced the first
real opening after 14 minutes. Winger Gavin Jones crossed from
the right, and after Danny Allen flicked on, Steve Tucker was
presented with a clear sight of goal but failed to test Didcot
keeper Chris Webb as he blasted his effort over the crossbar.
The rest of the half was distinctly uneventful apart from a
couple of half chances Didcot created. Firstly, after Wantage
failed to clear their lines midfielder Graham Edney lashed the
ball goalwards from 20 yards but his effort was well gathered
by keeper Paul Belcher. Possibly the best opportunity came on
the half hour mark, Andy Cooper heading narrowly over following
an Edney corner.
Eleven
minutes into the second half, Wantage struck the winning goal.
After a free-kick
was
awarded for
a clear foul on Adam
Giles, Tucker stepped up and his 20 yard strike flew into the
bottom left corner beyond Webb’s dive.
The only flowing attack the Railwaymen created in the entire
match saw substitute Glyn Jones feed Stuart Beavon. He created
space for himself, then struck a curling shot beyond Belcher
but just outside the far post.
Wantage were content to soak up any pressure Didcot exerted
but it was noticeable that the Railwaymen lacked any real urgency
to attack the home side until the last few minutes. In fact the
best chance came when Wantage were caught out by a burst of pace
from Matty Jack in the final minute. Goalkeeper Belcher found
himself stranded but Paul Powell failed to control the resulting
cross. Had he done, the goal would have been gaping.
The
defeat did not only damage Didcot’s
championship aspirations. It also kept the gap between themselves
and third placed Bishops
Cleeve, the only other side in contention to have applied for
promotion, to four points. With Bishops Cleeve hosting Highworth
and Didcot entertaining fourth placed Slimbridge on Saturday,
the title and promotion race could be blown wide open.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Danny Allen, Lamont, Bedwell, Harbert,
Jones, Bourne, Giles, Tucker, Zielinski.
Subs: McCullough, Emsden, Broad.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Tuesday 12th April 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
ABINGDON UTD 3
Abingdon were by far the better of the two teams early on dominating the midfield
and causing the Town back line all sorts of problems with their movement and
pace.
Ryan Curtin deservedly fired United ahead on 25 minutes when he seized on a through
ball from Anaclet Odihiambo and blasted an unstoppable shot past Paul Belcher.
The pacey Odihiambo had two further half chances as he burst onto through balls
but Belcher was quick off his line to thwart him.
Wantage equalised against the run of play when Nigel Emsden netted at the second
attempt at the far post after a mazy run and cross from the lively Gavin Jones.
Right on half time Adam Giles broke clear one on one but he slipped his shot
the wrong side of the far post.
Abingdon regained the advantage on 49 minutes when they quickly took a throw
that was so obviously Wantage's ball that they stopped in their tracks allowing
Odihiambo to net a left wing cross unchallenged in the centre. At this stage
there only looked likely to be one winner as Abingdon were causing Wantage problems
every time they broke.
Jones had a great chance to equalise when he slipped through but his indecisive
lobbed finish was comfortably saved by Barry McBeth. This proved an expensive
miss as on 65 minutes United extended their lead when Paul Day was dispossessed
near the United goal and in a superb three pass sweeping movement, they took
Wantage apart, Odihiambo finishing superbly as Belcher raced from his line.
Wantage removed the ineffective Emsden and brought on Danny Allen who quickly
picked up the pace of the game and proved to be something of a catalyst to the
Wantage recovery. As is so often the case concentration lapses after a goal and
within a minute Wantage had reduced the arrears as Giles fired home a stinging
left foot shot from just inside the box.
Jones was causing Abingdon increasing problems with his pace and trickery and
on 66 minutes he drew the home side level as he rode two challenges in the box
to fire high past McBeth. Giles had two good half chances inside the six yard
box but could not get his shot away.
It was all Wantage in the closing stages as Tim Zielinski's mammoth throws penned
United back. Minutes from time Jones again broke down the left but his fierce
cross cum shot skimmed the bar.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Bedwell, Lamont,
Harbert, Day, Bourne, Giles, Jones, Zielinski.
Subs: Spittle, Broad, Danny Allen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Tuesday 5th April 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
SLIMBRIDGE 2
Wantage produced a vastly improved performance after Saturdays shocking second
half display against Pegasus and were good value for their point. They will though,
no doubt, be greatly aggrieved with both Slimbridge goals.
It was Slimbridge who created the first chance within the opening five minutes
when a foul by Gary Swann resulted in a superb free kick which found the giant
Phil Ward in the box but his goal bound header was superbly saved by the in-form
Paul Belcher in the home goal.
Wantage were on their game though competing well all over the pitch and after
20 minutes they took the lead, when Wayne Harbert netted at the far post from
Nigel Emsden's in swinging corner. Two minutes later and it was 2-0, when Adam
Giles celebrated the birth of his son Louis by turning superbly in the box to
crash a left foot shot high into the net following Tim Zielinski's long throw.
Slimbridge reduced the arrears with what is best described as a double whammy.
It started when they quickly took a throw from a position fully 5-6 yards from
where it had gone out. The officials allowed play to continue and Wantage were
caught square as Reigr raced through to lob Belcher from Cole's flick on, from
what many suspected was an offside position.
The second half again kicked off with some controversy, when Wantage should have
been awarded a free kick for a foul on Day in the bottom right hand corner. Slimbridge
were allowed to clear however and forced a corner on the left. From the melee
that followed the ball was struck against Paul Bedwell's arm and the referee
was quick to point to the spot, from where Cole levelled the scores on 48 minutes.
Wantage had every reason to feel hard done by as it was clearly a case of ball
to hand but instead they stormed back into the game and looked the more likely
side to win it. All that stood between them time and time again was the superb
defending of Ward recently signed from Southern League Mangotsfield. He was an
absolute colossus in the Slimbridge rearguard and matched only by the imperious
Bedwell at the other end.
Wantage tested Slimbridge's resolve with numerous massive long throws from the
impressive Zielinski. Swann headed over from Emsdens superb in swinging free
kick from out on the right and Day did likewise as Lamont headed back across
goal shortly after. Steve Tucker withstood a hefty challenge to send Rich Bourne
away and the Wantage skipper just failed to get a touch as he burst through.
Tucker and Giles went close before Harbert blasted over after arriving late into
the box.
This was another good performance from Wantage against another
of those sides at the top of the table and if they could
only find the consistency to see off "supposed" lesser
sides then they would be much higher up the table.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Lamont, Bedwell,
Harbert, Bourne, Tucker, Giles, Zielinski, Day.
Subs: Danny Allen, McCullough, Jones.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 2nd April 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
PEGASUS JUNIORS 1
Paul Day had a great early chance to put Wantage in front but he pulled his shot
wide when clean through on the right side of goal. Steve Tucker eventually gave
the home side the lead on 17 minutes when he brought down Day's cross inside
the six yard box and neatly slipped the ball home.
Minutes later Day should have made it two but shot straight at the keeper after
bursting through and then Danny Allen was similarly guilty as he played an exquisite
one two with Tucker.
There was a feeling at the interval that these chances may come back to haunt
Wantage, as they have so often since Christmas and those fears were justified.
Pegasus dominated the second half possession without really threatening the Wantage
goal but a lapse in concentration by Gary Swann on 75 minutes saw Harris rob
him wide out on the left and cross for leading scorer Mortlock to arrive late
and drive high into the net.
This proved to be the turning point and produced the home sides worse spell of
the season. Wantage failed to respond and only a fine goaline clearance from
Nigel Emsden prevented what looked a certain goal. This was followed minutes
later by an uncharacteristic error by Paul Bedwell that produced an equally golden
chance that Pegasus somehow pushed wide of Paul Belcher's upright.
Wantage were glad to hear the final whistle, as indeed were their supporters,
as Mr Maynard put everyone out of their misery bang on time!!
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Danny Allen, Lamont, Bedwell,
Harbert, Jones, Bourne, Tucker, Day, Tom Austin.
Subs: Emsden, Sam Belcher, North.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Monday 28th March 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
MILTON UTD 0
Wantage Manager Andy Lyne sprang a couple of surprises giving a debut to teenager
Liam McCullough, bringing back Sam Belcher after injury and recalling Steve Tucker
after a lengthy absence, leaving out Paul Day, Adam Giles and Danny Allen and
opting for an attacking 3-4-3 formation.
As anticipated, Milton, with more to play for, were much
the livelier of the two sides in the early exchanges and were getting to everything
first all over the pitch. Paddy Malone was a constant threat down the Milton
left and Gavin Jones did well to keep him quiet for most of the game.
Milton forced a series of free kicks from sloppy Wantage fouls and went close
on several occasions without forcing a save from Paul Belcher in the home goal.
It was Wantage though who had the better chances of the first half when Gareth
Walker twice made magnificent saves to deny young Sam Belcher.
Wantage were the better side in the second half and with Liam McCullough probing
cleverly in midfield they gave a much better account of themselves. A Nigel Emsden
corner was met at the near post by McCullough but Fox acrobatically cleared the
danger with a scissor kick away. Emsden twice got clear down the left but sliced
wide when well placed and then forced a corner from the second position.
A neat one two between Emsden and McCullough saw Giles just fail to get across
his man at the near post to meet Emsden's cross. As the game wore on Milton had
two decent chances to win it. Firstly Jason Brizell got away down the right but
pulled his shot well wide and then Malone miss kicked when he got in at the far
post.
On the balance of play a fair result, though Milton will doubtless regret not
making more of their first half supremacy. Wantage will be lifted by the debut
of young Liam McCullough, who looked composed and pretty much the only player
on the pitch with the touch craft and guile to open up the game.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Lamont, Bedwell,
Harbert, Jones, Bourne, Tucker, McCullough, Sam Belcher.
Subs: Day, Giles, Danny Allen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 19th March 2005
SHORTWOOD UTD 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0
Wantage dominated this game from start to finish and yet still managed to come
away empty handed. The home side had little attacking intent throughout the ninety
minutes and their late winning goal from Sing was farcical to say the least.
Wantage started very brightly and inside five minutes Paul Day had
a glorious chance at the far post but drove high over the bar. A fine
run
and cross from
Danny Allen saw Adam Giles just fail to reach the final ball and that was pretty
much the story of Wantage's day as they "nearly" got to so many things.
One has to ask is the ball simply not running for them in the box or are they
just not reacting or hungry enough to get themselves into the right positions.
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with Wantage, if anything, enjoying
even more of the possession. Giles turned and shot across the face of the goal
and Day just failed to get a touch on the ball. It was Giles again with a header
that beat the keeper but that was headed off the line.
Liam McCullough came on for his first team debut and showed several neat touches.
Wantage forced numerous restart positions but the second ball would not come
their way and with the game petering out towards a 0-0 stalemate, the home side
surprised even themselves when they conjured up an 86th minute winner.
A long ball out of defence saw Sing clearly ten yards the wrong side of Paul
Bedwell when it was played. Bedwell got a head on the ball though and Sing yards
free, went on to round Paul Belcher and slot home for a contenscious winner.
It was a bitter pill for Town to swallow as the linesman had given numerous tight
offside decisions against them in the first half.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Lamont, Bedwell,
Harbert, Jones, Bourne, Giles, Day, Danny Allen.
Subs: Tom Austin, McCullough.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Tuesday 15th March 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
TUFFLEY ROVERS 0
This was a dour game played out in extremely difficult conditions at Alfredian
Park. The wind was behind the back of the team kicking down the slope and in
the first period this was Wantage.
There was little cohesion in the play of either side throughout and barely two
passes were strung together. Wantage exerted considerable pressure on the Tuffley
goal from set pieces particularly throws and corners where delivery was good.
When they did manage to keep the ball in the box long enough to test the visiting
keeper, they found Rose in superb form.
Although Wantage did more against the wind than the visitors did, Tuffley had
several one on ones and had it not been for the brilliance of veteran home custodian
Paul Belcher, could well have inflicted a heavy defeat on their hosts.
Right at the death Gavin Jones could have stolen it for Wantage when a ball fell
kindly to him on the edge of the Tuffley box but he dragged his shot wide of
the left upright. It would have been an injustice to Tuffley had Wantage stolen
the points as they worked hard for their point.
From a Wantage perspective the performance of teenager Sam Belcher will have
warmed the hearts of the 50 odd brave souls who venture out on a miserable night.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Bedwell, Lamont,
Spittle, Jones, Bourne, Belcher, Day, Danny Allen.
Subs: Tom Austin, Harbert, Broad.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Tuesday 8th March 2005
HENLEY TOWN 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 1
This was a real case of after the lord mayors show, with Wantage falling well
below the high standards they had set for themselves last weekend. The passing
and movement were poor and there was a real lethargy about the Alfredians game.
The home side looked lively up front in the first half with teenager Seaward
causing the visiting defence a number of problems. Wantage were more like themselves
in the second half and drove on in search of the one goal that was clearly going
to decide this game.
The all important break through came twenty minutes from time when Wantage managed
to keep a Danny Allen corner in the Henley box and after Paul Day's header had
come back off the bar Gary Swann rose to head home at the near post.
Adam Giles created a good chance for himself cutting in from the right and being
denied by Jenkins at the near post. Tommy Austin and Sam Belcher combined to
create another chance for Giles but he delayed his shot.
Wantage comfortably played down the clock to complete the double over Henley,
who on the balance of play probably deserved a draw.
Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Emsden, Lamont, Bedwell,
Danny Allen, Jones, Bourne, Giles, Day, Spittle.
Subs: Sam Belcher, Austin, Broad.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 5th March 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
BISHOPS CLEEVE 1
Wantage were back to something like their best in this enthralling encounter
at Alfredian Park. This was a high tempo game with no quarter asked or given
and chances were created at both ends throughout.
Paul Day struck a ferocious free kick round
the Cleeve wall on 10 minutes but Jon Skeen did well to punch away. Kevin Slack
had a great chance one on one when he burst through the Wantage back line but
Paul Belcher saved superbly with his feet.
Wantage should have gone ahead mid way
through the half when Adam Giles was held back in the box and a penalty was awarded
but Paul Bedwell pulled his shot wide from the spot. Minutes later Danny Allen
was through one on one but Skeen spread himself well to block. Shortly before
half time Pete Moss drove just over for the visitors as the ball broke to him
from a corner.
The second half continued in the same vein
with both teams searching for a winner and the game becoming very open as a result.
Paul Day drove just over for Town before his near post effort was brilliantly
tipped over by Skeen. Slack again got through one on one but again Belcher saved
superbly. Wantage substitute Sam Belcher rattled the angle of post and bar after
good work from Giles.
As the game entered the last few minutes
Cleeve struck what they must have thought was the winner, when Slack way out
on the left flank connected superbly with his volley and it flew past Belcher
at the far post.
Wantage sensing the injustice of this drove
on and deservedly levelled three minutes from time when the tireless Giles held
off two challenges before laying the ball into the path of Sam Belcher and the
youngster blasted his shot high into the net giving Skeen no chance.
Both sides went in search of the winner
and there were chances at both ends but a draw was a fair reflection on a cracking
game played in difficult conditions.
Team: Paul Belcher, Burton, Lamont, Bedwell, Emsden,
Harbert, Bourne, Swann, Danny Allen, Day, Giles.
Subs:
Jones, Davies, Sam Belcher.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 19th February2005
CHIPPING NORTON TOWN 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0
Chippy just about edged this one, a game played in extremely difficult conditions.
It was a tale of two offside decisions in the last fifteen minutes that decided
the outcome of this contest.
Wantage will rue the fact that Chippy's winning goal started from a clear offside
position but in truth they posed little goal threat and once again relied upon
their effective rearguard.
Kicking with the wind it was all Chippy in the first period as Wantage defended
desperately to keep themselves in the game. Johnson missed a chance with a clear
header from a free kick and Paul Belcher made a couple of good stops to keep
the home side at bay.
Wantage had far more of the play in the second period but Chippy's three man
forward line was always a threat on the break and from one such situation fifteen
minutes from time Paul Belcher saved well but Jo Tustian drove home the rebound.
Alan Judge made a couple of good saves at the other end as Wantage piled forward
in search of an equaliser. Paul Bedwell looked to have won a point for the Alfredians
five minutes from time when he burst through and slipped the ball past Judge.
Bizarrely this was ruled offside when he clearly made his run from slightly behind
if not level with the last defender.
Minutes from time Judge made an astonishing one handed save from Adam Giles fierce
left footed shot to earn Chippy the points.
Team: Paul Belcher, Burton, Bedwell, Lamont, Emsden,
Harbert, Davies, Bourne, Day, Swann, Jones.
Subs: Danny Allen, Giles, Sam Belcher.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Tuesday 15th February2005
WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
ALMONDSBURY TOWN 3
Wantage started very slowly and allowed the in form Almonds to gain the initiative,
something that they knew before the game would cost them dear, the visitors having
put ten past Bicester just four days earlier.
Within the first five minutes a free kick was awarded for an innocuous foul out
on the Wantage left flank, where visiting striker Tony Bennett had clearly manhandled
Paul Bedwell seconds earlier. Wantage failed to deal with ball played in by Craig
Davidge and the stylish Phil Walsh drove the second ball high into the net.
Slowly the home side worked themselves back into the game with some neat passing
and movement and Paul Day, Gavin Jones and Nigel Emsden all drew good saves from
the visiting keeper. As half time approached Wantage had got themselves a real
foothold in the game and would have been optimistic kicking down the slope in
the second half.
The Alfredians started the second half well and were clearly in the ascendancy
in the opening fifteen minutes but the first break from the visitors in the second
period brought about the second goal on 60 minutes. Almondsbury forced a corner
on their left flank and Wantage again failed to deal with the quality ball played
in amongst the enormous physical pressure applied by their visitors.
There was an air of intimidation every time Almondsbury got a restart as they
made life very difficult for Paul Belcher time and time again. Sadly much went
unseen and thus unpunished, although most infringements were spotted at the other
end.
Wantage's good approach play was inevitably ruined by a poor final pass selection
in the oppositions last third, or indeed a bad cross in from wide positions beyond
the Almonds rearguard. To be fair any ball that was played into the visitors
box, was always won by them at the first or second attempt, as their hunger to
maintain their advantage far outweighed the home sides desire or determination
to score.
Wantage went to three up front and brought Danny Allen into the hole for the
surprisingly ineffective Wayne Harbert but as they pushed forward in search of
a crumb of comfort they were picked off on the break on 88 minutes, when sloppily
giving the ball away when in possession.
The late arrival in midfield of Stuart Lamont will have given everyone around
the club a boost, as the brave serviceman made his return after a long lay off
due to illness.
Team: Paul Belcher, Burton, Bedwell, Broad, Harbert,
Swann, Davies, Jones, Emsden, Day, Bourne.
Subs: Claydon, Danny Allen, Lamont.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 12th February2005
MILTON UTD 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0
A 65th minute header from Gary Hartley was enough to edge this even contest,
played out in extremely difficult conditions at the Heights.
There was very little goalmouth action throughout the first period as
both sides struggled to come to terms with a swirling cross field wind.
Paul Day broke away
down the Milton left flank and let fly but his effort went narrowly wide. Whilst
Steve Hale was relatively untroubled at the other end.
Wantage though looked in a strangely subdued mood for a local
derby and there play belied their recent good form. In the
second half a superbly delivered free
kick from Lee Davies saw Adam Giles rise to power a header just over and Gareth
Walker was quick from his line to thwart Richard Claydon. On the break Paddy
Malone drove into the side netting after capitalising on Paul Bedwell's sliced
clearance before the home side scored the all important goal.
Adam Burton did
well to get a challenge on Hartley as he broke dangerously through
the middle but conceded a corner in the
process. Malone's delivery was cleared
to Pete Culley who again fed Malone, who's superb cross was met by Hartley who
did well to get across Bedwell and past the helpless Hale.
The goal stung Wantage into action and within minutes they should have levelled
when a fine diagonal cross from Davies fell to Day at the far post his header
back across the goal went inches past the post. Milton defended bravely to hang
onto their lead and Walker did well to regain possession almost on his goal line
after losing the ball to Day. Gavin Jones' late drive flew inches past the far
post but again, as in the last outing between these side Milton got the rub of
the green to secure an all important victory.
This was only Town's second defeat in ten games and they will doubtless consider
themselves unlucky once again not to have taken at least a draw from the game
but its the chances you take that win football matches not those you make!!
Team: Hale, Burton, Emsden, Harbert, Bedwell, Bourne,
Davies, Day, Giles, Claydon, Jones.
Subs: Spittle, Swann, Broad.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 5th February2005
WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
HIGHWORTH TOWN 1
Wantage's current good form continued as they took a point
off high flying Highworth at Alfredian Park. Had it not been for a wonder strike
from john Knox fifteen minutes from time, Wantage would have been celebrating
a memorable and richly deserved victory.
Wantage got on top from the start and their sharp precise passing and movement
created problems for Highworth, who's outstanding rearguard were well up to the
challenge. At the other end a Highworth corner was twice headed off the line
before Wantage went in front on the stroke of half time.
Adam Giles was fouled out on the right flank and from the resultant free kick
Paul Bedwell's fierce strike deflected off the wall and past Elliott Jackson.
Highworth, as expected started the second half well and with the slope and wind
in their favour they pinned Wantage back for long periods. A rare opportunity
saw a half chance fall to Mark O'Hara on the edge of the box but he fired well
over. Paul Day then met a fine cross from Gavin Jones and his left foot strike
went inches over with Jackson beaten.
Twenty minutes from time came the turning point in the game, Giles broke clear
and honed in on Jackson one on one as he reached the keeper he pushed the ball
past him and appeared to be brought down. No penalty was given and within five
minutes Highworth had levelled.
Clever inter play between the strangely subdued Matty Saye and Justin Miller
saw the ball run to Knox just outside the box and his rasping drive left Paul
Belcher clutching at thin air. Highworth surged forward in search of a winner
but Wantage were in no mood to give way and stout defending was matched by clever
play on the break. Lee Davies just failed to find the onrushing Rich Claydon
at the near post and then the lively Gavin Jones was thwarted by last ditch defending.
Team: Paul Belcher, Burton, Bedwell, Pilling, Harbert,
Danny Allen, O’Connell, Bourne, Giles, Day, Jones.
Subs: Claydon, Emsden, Davies.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 29th January 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 6
v
BICESTER TOWN 0
Wantage came out fast in this game and should have had a penalty inside the first
five minutes when Paul Darch brought down Adam Giles. Giles then had two good
opportunities to put Wantage in front but Richard Darvill saved well on both
occasions.
The home side eventually went ahead on 20 minutes when Paul Day fired home after
good work by Gavin Jones and Giles. The lead became two on 41 minutes when Giles
rose majestically to head home CJ O'Connell's free kick from out on the right.
Bicester came more into the game in the second period but despite forcing a number
of free kicks posed little goal threat. At the other end Darvill made a stunning
one handed save to thwart Day before the same player missed two further chances.
Wantage put the game out of reach twelve minutes from time when Lee Davies' cross
to the near post was met by Rich Claydon, his shot was spilled by Darvill and
the oncoming Danny Allen blasted high into the roof of the net.
Within a minute it was four nil as Claydon burst onto Rich Bourne's through ball
and superbly clipped it beyond Darvill. With Bicester tiring Wantage piled forward
and two further goals followed in the last ten minutes. Firstly Davies crossed
for Adam Pilling to net and then a fine run by Paul Bedwell ended with Giles
converting his cross to round off the scoring.
Team: Paul
Belcher, Burton, Bedwell, Harbert, Adam Pilling, Danny
Allen, O’Connell, Bourne, Giles, Day, Jones.
Subs: Davies, Claydon, Emsden.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 22nd January 2005
HUNGERFORD TOWN 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 1
This was a hard fought local derby in which Hungerford had to thank goalkeeper
Dave Leno for a share of the points.
Wantage had the better of the early exchanges
with Paul Day just failing to connect with Sam Belcher's cross at the far post
and C J O'Connell testing Leno from 25 yards.
Darren Howell gave the home side the lead
right against the run of play when he powerfully headed home from a free kick
from wide on the right.
Wantage took command from the outset of
the second half but found Leno in almost unbeatable form. Adam Giles just failed
to connect with O'Connell's superb cross to the near post and Gavin Jones saw
his stinging drive turned for a corner by Leno.
Just when it looked as if it wasn't to
be Wantage's day lively substitute Rich Claydon broke down the right and was
brought down in the box. Paul Bedwell gave Leno no chance from the spot.
Wantage piled forward looking for the winner
that their performance deserved but Jones and Wayne Harbert were both denied
at the death by stunning saves from Leno.
Team: Hale, Burton, Pilling, Bedwell, O’Connell,
Bourne, Harbert, Jones, Day, Giles, Sam Belcher.
Subs: Claydon, Danny Allen, Matty Allen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 15th January 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
NORTH LEIGH 0
Another healthy three figure crowd saw Wantage overcome high riding North Leigh
at Alfredian Park on Saturday.
A confident North Leigh were quick starters in this game and threatened to over
run Wantage in the early stages with Robbie Wyatt looking lively in attack and
Burnley and Hope a threat on the flanks. Wantage slowly got themselves into the
game and their three man front line of Paul Day, Sam Belcher and Adam Giles caused
the visitors a number of problems, with the returning Giles pivotal in all their
attacks.
On 8 minutes a goalmouth scrimmage saw
talented teenager Sam Belcher fire the Alfredians in front at the second attempt
after good work from Gavin Jones and Giles down the left flank. Foster made a
fine initial save from Belcher but the talented youngster followed up to blast
home to the delight of the home crowd.
Wyatt had a good chance to equalise after
getting across Adam Burton the first half but he fired just over. Minutes from
half time Wyatt blasted a shot against the underside of the bar but the ball
came back out with the linesman well placed to decide it had not crossed the
line. North Leigh were incensed by this decision and lost their composure and
Wantage capitalised upon this when a minute from the interval they scored the
all important second goal.
A hopeful long ball eluded the Maisey in
the North Leigh defence and Day ran on to hit an unstoppable shot past Foster.
Kicking down the slope and with the wind behind them North Leigh dominated for
long periods of the second half but Wantage battled hard and defended superbly
as a team to gain a creditable victory.
This was a fine victory for the Alfredians
and just reward for their efforts over the last few games when luck has not always
been on their side.
Team: Hale, Burton, Pilling, Bedwell, O’Connell,
Bourne, Harbert, Jones, Sam Belcher, Giles, Day.
Subs: Danny Allen, Broad, Claydon.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Saturday 8th January 2005
ABINGDON UTD 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0
Wantage can count themselves extremely unlucky not to have claimed a point from
this game, when a debatable penalty awarded fifteen minutes from time pretty
much decided the outcome of this tight local derby.
Abingdon were much the better side for the opening fifteen minutes and put pressure
on the Wantage goal with a series of throws, corners and free kicks. Odhiambo
had the ball in the net after ten minutes but was ruled offside.
Wantage slowly got their game together and created a couple of really good opportunities
but were thwarted by a combination of Wilkins in the home goal and some good
block challenges by the home defence in the box.
The second half was even and with the game entering the final stages and a draw
the likely outcome a deep ball to the back of the Wantage box fell invitingly
for Curtin and he cut inside one challenge before going to ground under an innocuous
challenge from Harbert. Curtin duly converted from the spot.
Wantage made substitutions and pressed forward in numbers in search of a deserved
equaliser but the best chances fell to Day who broke dangerously into the Abingdon
box but finished weakly and then Giles, who headed just wide after he was left
with a free header from an O'Connell cross. The right call however could have
brought a better result as he did have time to bring the ball down.
Wantage were well stretched in the final five minutes and from one break Abingdon
picked them off to seal their victory. The ball was cleverly moved from the right
to Curtin on the left of the Town box and he finished clinically past Hale.
Team: Hale, Burton, Broad,
Pilling, Harbert, Matty Allen, Danny Allen, Jones, O’Connell, Claydon,
Day.
Subs: Sam Belcher, Zielinski, Giles.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS
FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Monday 3rd January 2005
WANTAGE TOWN 4
v
HENLEY TOWN 1
A powerful second half performance saw Wantage gain a valuable three points at
the expense of Henley Town.
Kicking down the slope and with the wind in their favour, Wantage
started brightly and took the game to the visitors with strikers
Paul Day and Rich Claydon looking
particularly lively again.
Town went in front on 11 minutes when Danny Allen got in a good left footed cross
from the right hand side and Stevens under pressure from Claydon at the far post
headed past his own keeper.
Minutes later a superb interchange between Claydon and Allen saw the latter go
free in on goal but the visiting keeper made a fine save with his legs. The last
quarter of the first half really belonged to Henley as they surged forward in
numbers, with Barry Primmer and Ray Jack pulling the strings in midfield and
Ray Spence a constant threat at their top end.
Just after the half hour mark the persistent Spence forced two back to back corners
and from the second of these Steve Hale appeared to have been caught by an arm,
having grasped the ball but play was allowed to continue and eventually Spence
forced it over the line. The same player was very fortunate just before half
time however, when a melee involving Wayne Harbert saw Spence strike out at the
Wantage midfield man but it went unseen by all the officials.
With Harbert on a yellow and looking likely to pick up another given the tempo
and type of game it was, he was replaced at half time and Matty Allen took over.
If Henley thought that the hard work had been done, then they were not expecting
what came next, as Town raised their game to another level. The hard working
Claydon had a really good chance on barely 50 minutes, when the ball broke to
him in the box but he pulled his shot beyond the keeper and the far post.
On 55 minutes The Alfredians regained their lead when Day blasted home from a
free kick right on the edge of the Henley box. Five minutes later and the game
was all but over when Matty Allen broke through two midfield challenges and sent
Day away down the left with a brilliant through ball and he outpaced all around
him to fire across the keeper and in.
Henley's best chances after that fell from set pieces where they were given a
bizarre number of opportunities by some puzzling decisions awarded in their favour.
However most of their delivery was too deep and strong and Wantage managed to
compete well for both first and second ball.
As the game entered its final stages Day had a chance to put others in on at
least three occasions as Wantage broke away but he sought his hat trick and made
the wrong decisions or delayed his pass on each occasion.
It was Day though who eventually capped a fine night for himself and the team
when he returned a bad clearance from the Henley keeper across goal and substitute
Alex Lynch had the simple task of rolling the ball into an empty net.
Team: Hale, Burton,
Broad, Pilling, Danny Allen, Harbert, O’Connell, Bourne,
Day, Claydon, Jones.
Subs: Matty Allen, Zielinski, Lynch.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC
LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION
Monday 27th December 2004
DIDCOT TOWN 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0
The late withdrawal of Jon Beames and Matty Allen and the suspension of Gary
Swann meant that the Alfredians were made to reshuffle their side. Steve Hale
came into the goals, Adam Burton made his debut on the right side at the back
and the imperious Adam Pilling made his first start for over a month alongside
him and Paul Bedwell.
Before a huge holiday crowd of over 400, Wantage started much the livelier
of the two sides with Rich Claydon and Paul Day looking very mobile across
their front line, whilst Beavon was working hard along with Hoey at the other
end to give Didcot a foothold in the game.
The home side eventually got into their stride and on ten minutes a couple
of back to back corners ended with Steve Hale smothering Green's attempted
shot on the turn. Two minutes later Claydon failed to find the target when
a flowing Wantage move left him well placed on goal.
Powell then headed Claydon's looped header from Paul Bedwell's long throw off
the line, with Webb already committed. The bustling Beavon then hit the post
and bar in the space of five minutes and Didcot could be forgiven if they thought
it wasn't going to be their day.
Wantage then had what was probably the best chance of the entire game right
on half time, when Jones failed to cut out a fine cross field pass from Danny
Allen and CJ O'Connell's superb cross was somehow screwed wide of Webb's far
post by the oncoming Claydon.
Didcot pretty much as one would have expected started the second half in much
brighter vein and Wantage were guilty of giving away a number of sloppy and
unnecessary free kicks. One of these saw Gavin Jones head Green's header off
the line.
The unusually subdued Beauchamp then unleashed two cracking drives that brought
the very best out of stand in custodian Hale, before Webb was quickly off his
line to thwart Day at the other end, as the game swung one way then the other.
Webb then showed that anything Hale could do he was equal to, as he made a
stunning one handed save to turn over the bar O'Connell's rasping drive,as
the ball broke to him from a corner.
There was still time for Hale to make another outstanding save from Beauchamp
to earn Wantage a deserved and precious point.
Team: Hale, Burton,
Bedwell, Pilling, O’Connell, Bourne, Harbert, Danny Allen,
Jones, Day, Claydon.
Subs: Sam Belcher, Broad, Austin.
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