GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Monday 17th April 2006

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
HUNGERFORD TOWN 0

Building upon their strong Easter Saturday performance against Witney United, Wantage set about Hungerford from the start of this game. In the 15th minute, after a spell of sustained pressure, an intricate move between young players Sam Belcher and Wantage Town’s March Player of the Month, Tom Austin, resulted in Austin’s volleyed drive being tipped around the post by Dave Leno in the Hungerford goal.

In the 21st minute, Wantage took the lead, when Adam Giles’ precise control of a high bouncing ball enabled him to force the ball past Leno, as the Hungerford keeper was slow to advance. Giles was on target again 8 minutes later, when he met Captain Gary Swann’s perfectly weighted cross to head powerfully past Leno. Wantage bossed a lacklustre Hungerford team, neutralizing their midfield and starving their forwards. Player Manager Richie Bourne and the impressive Ellis Langford totally ruled the middle of the Park.

It was Langford whose defence splitting pin-point pass set up Sam Belcher, who, in the 73rd minute, deftly slid the ball past the luckless Leno in the Hungerford goal. Wantage created several more chances, Belcher, Austin, Jones and Giles, all going close, when, had the score not been 3 – 0, they would have been criticized by Management and Supporters alike. However, the end of term atmosphere at Wantage’s last home game of the season prevailed, and the talk was of another strong performance, which cemented Wantage’s ninth position in the League table. This overall is a major achievement, bearing in mind the Club’s start to the season, when, with only half a squad signed on, and no management in place, Wantage were within an inch of being unable to raise a competitive side.

The loyalty shown by former players, particularly Player Manager Richie Bourne and Captain Gary Swann, together with incredible hard work put in by the Club’s Management Committee has turned the season from disaster, to survival, to success, enabling Chairman Tony Woodward to announce that next season’s management teams will be 1st Team, Manager Richie Bourne, assisted by Kevin Lloyd (Assistant Manager and Coach), together with Marcus Brown as Physio. Wantage Reserves will continue to be managed by David Broadis and Paul Wilkins.

Team: S Purcell, L Davies, M Shelton, G Swann, B Ingram, E Langford, T Austin, S Belcher, A Giles, R Bourne, G Jones.
Subs: P Day, S Lamont, P Broadis.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 15th April 2006

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
WITNEY UTD 1

When Danny Wise moved through a static Wantage Town defence to put Witney ahead in the 13th minute, it looked as if the poor Wantage performance in the previous meeting of these two clubs at Witney in January was about to be repeated. But Wantage, without their regular midfield pairing of Player Manager Richie Bourne and Danny Allen, battled back.

The midfield replacement’s Ellis Langford and Sam Belcher persistently inhibited Witney’s midfield build-up and reduced the supply to Witney’s star Jamie Cook. Wantage’s endeavour was rewarded in the 25th minute when Paul Day deftly back headed past Paul Tassell in the Witney goal from a Wantage corner. Wantage continued to work hard and were further rewarded a minute before half-time when from a Tom Austin pinpoint cross, Ellis Langford crept unmarked into the area and nodded past Tassell.

Just as the half-time whistle was about to sound, Adam Giles twisted and turned on the edge of the Witney area and shot just wide. Similarly, Ellis Langford went close immediately after the start of the second half. Either of these attempts might have settled the game for Wantage, but it was left to the Referee to influence the outcome when, in the 57th minute, he awarded Wantage a penalty as Gavin Jones was floored as he broke into the Witney box. Adam Giles put himself under pressure, missing the initial spot kick, but settled his own, and the supporter’s nerves, by coolly slotting home the retaken kick, after Tassell was adjudged to have moved early for the first attempt.

Witney huffed and puffed for the remaining 30 minutes but never really threatened as Wantage worked hard from front to back. In defence, Bryn Ingram and Captain Gary Swann were solid, Langford and Belcher covered every midfield blade of the hard Alfredian Park pitch, and Paul Day’s and Adam Giles’ goals were fitting rewards for the amount of work they put in. The other solid performance was that of the Referee Mr. S. Wales from Tewkesbury who kept the lid on a hard fought end of season game, by being on the spot for all of the big decisions.

Team: S Purcell, L Davies, M Shelton, G Swann, B Ingram, E Langford, T Austin, S Belcher, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: T Rowe, S Lamont, P Broadis.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 8th April 2006

WANTAGE TOWN 0
v
BISHOPS CLEEVE 0

Neither Wantage nor Bishop’s Cleeve had featured in a goalless league game before today. However a combination of difficult (blustery) conditions and resolute defending resulted in a game of few chances.

The majority of the game was contested in midfield, with both sides working hard to create chances. As usual Wantage made effective use of the flanks with both Jones and Austin involved throughout the game. But, whilst both sides were able to engineer some promising attacks, this was a day for defences and the number of genuine chances in the entire game wouldn’t trouble the arithmetic ability of a one legged 3-toed sloth.

On balance, Wantage probably were the more creative of the 2 teams, although Bishop’s Cleeve, who arguably had more to lose from this game, did try to force the pace as the game entered the final 3rd. However, Wantage reacted well to the challenge and the entire team worked hard to limit Cleeve to little more than half chances.

A well contested game, the result of which probably meant as much to a significant number of Didcot fans who had travelled across to Alfredian park clearly hoping Wantage would be able to get something from the game.

Team: S Purcell, L Davies, G Swann, B Ingram, M Shelton, R Bourne, D Allen, T Austin, G Jones, A Giles, S Belcher.
Subs: L McCullough, T Rowe, S Morrison.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 25th March 2006

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
NORTH LEIGH 2

Wantage had the best of the early exchanges, although neither team really threatened to break the dead lock until the 25th minute when a quickly taken free kick was played to Gavin Jones who calmly slotted past Barrett. However, North Leigh, playing with the wind in the 1st half, never gave up and came back to score twice before half time, both goals courtesy of some poor defending. (Half time 1-2)

Wantage, now playing down the slope and with the wind at their backs, clearly felt they were still in this game, and took the game to North Leigh, competing fiercely in midfield and using the flanks to attack at every opportunity. Two well taken goals by Sam Belcher restored the advantage to Wantage, and although there were chances for both sides in the closing minutes Wantage were worthy winners.

Team: S Purcell, G Swann, L Davies, B Ingram, M Shelton, T Austin, R Bourne, D Allen, S Belcher, A Giles, G Jones.
Subs: L McCullough, P Day, S Lamont.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 18th March 2006

HIGHWORTH TOWN 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

Wantage Town’s youngsters had their day against a depleted and lacklustre Highworth Town. Tom Austin and subs Liam McCullough and Sam Belcher all weighed in with well taken goals, their pace and liveliness being too much to handle for the Highworth defence.

Veteran Paul Day got the show on the road in the 11th minute when he was brought down in the penalty area. Day dusted himself off and stepped up to the spot to fire home past Mark Turner in the Highworth goal. Two minutes later Wantage increased their lead, Adam Giles fooling the Highworth defence by allowing a cross to run through to Tom Austin whose pace and first touch put him in front of Turner who he beat by neatly passing the ball past the Highworth keeper. To their credit Highworth rallied and Sean Purcell in the Wantage goal was forced to make a couple of fine saves. Adam Giles, leading the line for Wantage, should have put the game’s outcome beyond doubt, just before half-time when he was one on one with Mark Turner, but the Highworth keeper saved well.

The second half came to life with the introduction of Wantage youngsters, Sam Belcher, Matthew Malton and Liam McCullough. Their pace was too much for a tiring Highworth defence, Belcher in particular leading the attack with energy and persistence. In the 42nd of the half, Belcher broke way on the left and accurately crossed for Liam McCullogh to fire in at the far post. In the final minute of the game, Matthew Shelton sent Belcher away, the youngster driving a low hard shot past the luckless Turner.

This was an impressive display by Wantage, raising their game after a poor midweek performance against Slimbridge in the second leg of the Floodlit Cup. In defence, Bryn Ingram and Stuart Morrison were safe and secure alongside Captain Gary Swann. A feature of the game was the excellent performance of the Referee Antony Coggins whose close attention to detail was tempered by his continuous reasoned dialogue with players.

Team: S Purcell, G Swann, S Morrison, B Ingram, M Shelton, T Austin, R Bourne, D Allen, P Day, A Giles, G Jones.
Subs: L McCullough, M Malton, S Belcher.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 4th February 2006

HENLEY TOWN 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

When Player Manager Richie Bourne gave his team talk before the game, he reminded his squad how slow they had been to get into the game in their last away match at Almondsbury. He stressed the need to press from the start and to ensure that they kept the pressure on. Bourne’s team obviously took his comments to heart, when after six minutes, Gavin Jones neatly tucked way his second goal, Jones having been played in past a frozen Henley back four by a defence splitting ball from Danny Allen. Jones first goal had come after three minutes, following neat work by Adam Giles who held up the first Wantage probing attack long enough for Jones to break through and slot home accurately from ten yards out. The shape of the game was then cast with Wantage enjoying most of the possession on a very well prepared and level pitch. Several Wantage opportunities went begging until the 40th minute, when Matt Shelton’s perfectly delivered crossfield pass found Wantage’s leading scorer Adam Giles whose favoured left foot drove in past the Henley keeper from 10 yards.

To their credit Henley did not capitulate and on several occasions in the second half they put the Wantage defence under pressure. But with Captain Gary Swann making a welcome return from an extended ankle injury, the Wantage back four of Swann, Stuart Lamont, Bryn Ingram and Shelton stood firm, except in one bizarre episode of play where Wantage keeper Sean Purcell and his defence repelled five successive attempts on goal in a freakish two minute spell, as Wantage failed to clear but remained desperate to keep a clean sheet. Only Shane Small-King will know how it feels to have successive on target, well-driven shots pinballed back to you from various parts of the goal keeper’s anatomy. Wantage finished the second half with its young army of subs Matty Malton, Tom Rowe and the returning Sam Belcher adding energy to the front line. It was Belcher, whose breaking pace gave a tiring Henley defence no respite, who set up an opportunity for Adam Giles to pop in his 25th goal of the season.

It was rumoured that within minutes of Giles scoring his second, the Wantage bench received a telephone call from their errant striker Paul Day (holidaying in Spain) whose four goals in his last two games had taken his season’s tally to 20, pleading to have Giles withdrawn before he scored any more. The Wantage bench responded replacing Giles with young Tom Rowe, whose industry in the last twenty minutes went unrewarded as several chances were clawed away by Fejzullaha in the Henley goal.

This was a strong performance, albeit against a depleted and lacklustre Henley side. But it was a significant victory. Throughout the season Wantage have outperformed many of the sides above them in the table, only to flounder against teams residing in the lower half of the league. On their day, Wantage should be able to claim a top six place, but as Player Manager Richie Bourne pleaded, only if every game is played as if it were a local derby.

Two points of note:

Referee Kevin Norris, under pressure from assessment, had a fine game, particularly in the constructive manner in which he talked throughout the game to players, leaving them in no doubt as to why decisions had been taken………if only more officials would do this!!

Several Clubs in the league survive solely due to the incredible efforts of just one or two stalwarts within their organisation. These individuals not only deserve greater recognition for their hard and often unrewarded hard work, they also need to have demonstrated a greater understanding by League Management, but most of all, they really need more support from within their own Clubs. Too many of these individuals are taken, too much, for granted. Henley Town are certainly a case in point.

Team: S Purcell, G Swann, S Lamont, B Ingram, M Shelton, T Austin, R Bourne, D Allen, A Giles, L McCullough, G Jones.
Subs: T Rowe, M Malton, S Belcher.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 7th January 2006

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
DIDCOT TOWN 0

With the seconds running down to the final blow of the Referee’s whistle, in this hard but fairly fought local derby, both teams would have accepted a point and shared the honours. Wantage centre forward Adam Giles however had not read the script. As Wantage pressed, in the 90th minute, Giles twisted and turned on the edge of the Didcot penalty area before firing in a left footed drive that Chris Webb in the Didcot goal could not hold, the ball eluding his grasp and settling neatly in the back corner of the net. Both sides had had opportunities to settle this match, played in front of a bumper crowd of 252. In the first half, Concannon, Beavon and Powell all posed problems for the Wantage defence, Ian Concannon particularly missing twice when generally he would have been expected to score. But the Wantage defence, especially Assistant manager Stewart Lamont and his central defensive partner Bryn Ingram were outstanding. Wantage also had their first half chances, the best of which had fallen to Giles just before the half-time whistle. But Giles, with twenty one competitive goals to his credit already this season, slipped the ball the wrong side of Webb’s post when left with only the Didcot keeper to beat.

The pace and thrust of the first half was repeated in the second. For the first twenty minutes Wantage looked slightly in awe of Didcot and defended too deeply allowing Didcot to have possession over too large an area of the pitch, but as the half wore on, Player Manager Richie Bourne and Ellis Langford in the Wantage midfield wrestled the control of the game away from the Didcot midfield, where Jack King had been particularly impressive, and set up the surprise finale to this exciting game. Wantage had had to be at their very best against one of the strongest Hellenic League club squads for many years. Didcot as a well managed and soundly based club are the only Hellenic team who, because of their consistency during this and the past couple of seasons, will not only deserve promotion, but will also be strong enough to prosper at a higher level.

After the game Wantage Town Player Manager Richie Bourne was presented with a bottle of champagne by Wantage Town sponsor Roger Goodchild of Acorn Timber Supplies in recognition of Richie’s nomination as December Player of the Month. Not to be outdone, Peter Broad, now in his nineteenth year with the Club, received the Reserve Team December Player of the Month.

Team: S Purcell, L Davies, M Shelton, S Lamont, B Ingram, R Bourne, E Langford, T Austin, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: P Douglass, A Hallett, L McCullough.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 31st December 2005

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
ABINGDON TOWN 2

Wantage began this derby on the back of a good win away to Carterton and a not so good 4-2 defeat by Shrivenham Town.
As early as the first 5 minutes saw Wantage put under pressure from a livelier Abingdon side, and it took 15 minutes before Wantage started to find the pace of the game. Gavin Jones was always a threat with some speedy counter attacks on the right wing. Abingdon’s Mera missed a good chance in the 17th minute and it was Abingdon who had the clearer cut chances of the first half hour. Against the run of play, Jones beat the offside trap and with just Beams to beat passed the ball to Day who slotted home, however the referee deemed that Day was in an offside position. Finally Abingdon’s pressure paid off and a free kick by Agyeman put Abingdon 1-0 up and this saw the score until half time.

Wantage started the second half brightly but against the run of play Abingdon went 2-0 up from a well taken goal. To Wantage’s credit they continued to pressure Abingdon but it was always a threat that they would counter attack with there pace forward line. However Ellis Langford made it 2-1 after 55 minutes. Wantage’s captain Gary Swann was forced to leave the field after a nasty head injury and substitute Tom Austin was the replacement. Wantage began to force Abingdon into making mistakes and with 20 minutes to go Gavin Jones chipped Beams to put the score line level. Within minutes of scoring Langford was alleged to have retaliated after a confrontation with the Abingdon left back. The full back was booked and Langford was given a very dubious sending off. Jones attacking was paying dividends and a certain penalty appeal was over ruled. With 5 minutes to go a well worked Wantage combination saw Adam Giles score the winner and his 22nd goal of the season.

This was a fierce derby played at pace, Abingdon were the better side first half but the second half saw Wantage compete more and take the game to Abingdon. This result puts Wantage into 9th place in the Hellenic league and looking forward to an interesting game with 10th place Witney on bank holiday Monday.

Team: S Purcell, G Swann, B Ingram, A Hallett, M Shelton, D Allen, R Bourne, E Langford, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: T Austin, L McCullough, M Malton.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Friday 23rd December 2005

CARTERTON TOWN 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 1

After a protracted transfer wrangle, Ellis Langford returned to Wantage Town from Abingdon Town, capping a fine performance by scoring the goal that gave Wantage the points. This was a fast and open game, Wantage raising their game after a woeful showing against Finchampstead in the League Cup, the week before. High flying Carterton Town disappointed, only showing occasional glimpses of their high speed forward power, and failing to grab hold of the game in midfield. But, for Wantage this was a deserved win, with plenty of hard work in evidence throughout the team. From start to finish, they battled, particularly in midfield, where Player Manager Richie Bourne, Danny Allen, Langford and Gavin Jones won the fight for possession.

The first half ended honours even with Wantage having had more possession, but unable to penetrate the slightly nervous Carterton defence. Wantage forwards Paul Day and Adam Giles proved to be a handful for the Carterton back four, but neither really threatened Scott Rose in the Carterton goal, Day going the closest with a shot on the run in the 32nd minute that narrowly flew over the bar. At the other end, Wantage were lucky to survive, when a Paul Sherwood effort struck the post. There was an assumption at half-time that Wantage would run out of steam as they turned to play ‘up the hill’, on the very good playing surface that the Kilkenny Road ground now provides. There was no evidence of this, and as the half progressed, Wantage again took the game to Carterton, and were rewarded in the 63rd minute with the goal that proved to be the winner. Danny Allen was played in on the left wing, he danced his way passed two Carterton players and put in the perfect cross that found Ellis Langford, who had drifted in between a static Carterton defence and neatly headed in past Rose. The goal sparked Carterton into life and for the last twenty minutes, they had the greater possession. The Wantage defence, marshalled by Assistant Manager Stuart Lamont, with Bryn Ingram turning in another sound performance, and with the busy Lee Davies tidying up in a sweeper role, withstood the pressure and took the heat out of the Carterton threat, enabling Wantage to create a couple of chances in the last few minutes, when twice substitute Tom Austin got in behind a ‘pushed-up’ Carterton defence.

A good night for Wantage, whose goal as the season progresses must now be to turn in consistently this type of performance in every remaining game, in order to realise their pre-season target of a top six position.

Team: S Purcell, L Davies, B Ingram, S Lamont (Captain), M Shelton, R Bourne, E Langford, D Allen, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: T Austin, A Hallett, T Rowe.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 3rd December 2005

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
CHIPPING NORTON 0

Basement team Chipping Norton battled competitively throughout this game and deserved a share of the spoils. The difference between the two sides on the day was Wantage wing back Gavin Jones, who in the 25th minute, set off on an amazing run that took him past five Chipping Norton defenders, before striking a thunderbolt shot that Chris Brain in the Chipping Norton goal, could only parry. The ball rebounded into the path of Paul Douglass, who drove in unchallenged from the edge of the box. Both teams attempted to play passing games on a very heavy surface with the result that for long periods of the game, the match was bogged down in midfield. Wantage had started brightly, Jones being brought down just outside of the Chipping Norton penalty area in the 3rd minute, but Paul Day drove the ball well over the bar from the resulting free kick.

In the second half, it was Day that went the closest to increasing Wantage ‘s lead, when in the 55th minute, he narrowly headed over from Paul Douglass’s well judged cross, and later went close with several other attempts . For long spells in the second half Chipping Norton played good passing football and in the 63rd minute had the ball in the back of the Wantage net, only to be ruled offside. Wantage’s defence was well marshalled by Assistant Manager Stuart Lamont, deputising for the injured captain, Gary Swann. Wantage held out, and as the game came to an end, they had regained the initiative, but could not find a way past Brain in the Chippy goal, and the set of resolute defenders around him. The game was sensibly and sensitively handled by Didcot Referee Mark Walker.

After the game, Paul Day was presented with a bottle of champagne as Wantage Town’s November player of the month. The presentation was made by Wantage sponsor and Berks and Bucks F.A. official Billy McKnight. Tom Rowe received the Reserves November player of the month champagne.

Team: S Purcell, L Davies, M Shelton, S Lamont, B Ingram, D Allen, R Bourne, P Douglass, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: T Austin, T Rowe, A Hallett.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 29th November2005

WANTAGE TOWN 4
v
MILTON UTD 3

This was a remarkable game. Throughout his playing career, both as a professional and at this level, Wantage Town’s Player Manager Richie Bourne had never before played in a game in which a team turned around a half-time 3 – 0 deficit. This was truly a game of two very different halves. In the first half Milton were totally in control. Wantage were lacklustre, off the pace of the game and unable to resist the strong direct raids mounted by Milton. In the 9th minute, Bourne was adjudged to have handled in the box, and Adam Beckett slotted home the first of his first half hat-trick, from the spot. Beckett was on the mark again in the 25th minute, when he turned on the edge of the box, and, unchallenged, fired in a tremendous drive past Sean Purcell in the Wantage goal. Wantage woes were increased when Captain Gary Swann hobbled off with an ankle injury, Assistant Manager Stuart Lamont taking his place. After Beckett’s third in the 35th minute, when a stationary Wantage defence watched a cross and finely executed header fly past Purcell, Wantage looked dead and buried.

In the clubhouse, the half-time cup of tea was soured for the Wantage support by talk of an impending rout. But, in the dressing room, Richie Bourne was simply asking whether or not, in a local derby, all of his players could muster some pride. Bourne, seemingly with little to loose, switched the formation effectively pushing four forwards into attack.

The change was remarkable. From the outset of the second half, Wantage chased down every ball, and took the game to Milton. Gavin Jones came alive, his pace, as he broke through the Milton defence, inducing a late tackle, the resultant penalty being tucked away by Paul Day. With spirits raised, Wantage pushed on, time and time again, and were rewarded when Day grabbed his second with a smartly struck shot from the edge of the box. Wantage were now rampant, and Milton’s timid defence stared with rabbit’s eyes into the headlights of a Wantage attack that was relentless. Stuart Lamont was next on the sheet, stabbing home a loose ball after a corner as the now stationary Milton defence stood and watched.

Milton were sparked at 3 – 3 and the game’s balance was restored as they emerged from their period of shock. But to their credit, Wantage, now with reserve players Liam McCullough and Tom Rowe chasing everything up front, maintained the initiative, and it fell to Gavin Jones to rattle home the winner as the ball fell loose in the Milton box. The final twenty minutes were played out as Milton partially restored their pride mounting several attacks, but their push for an equaliser was resisted by a now resolute Wantage defence, with the Management team of Bourne and Lamont at its heart, and it was Wantage who could have increased their lead through several breakaway opportunities.

This was a great example of the never ending wonder of the beautiful game. But, underpinning the game, and ensuring that a truly hard fought game never got out of control, was a brilliant display of refereeing by Antony Coggins. Always close to the action, and continually talking to players, this young official will progress through this sport to higher levels. But even he will remember that night at Wantage, when a 3 - 0 half-time deficit was wiped out and overcome by sheer energy and motivation stimulated by a Player Manager, who thought that he had seen it all before.

Team: S Purcell, B Ingram, L Davies, M Shelton, G Swann, R Bourne, D Allen, P Douglass, P Day, L McCullough, G Jones.
Subs: S Lamont, T Rowe, T Austin.
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GLS HELLENIC LEAGUE CHALLENGE CUP - (1st Round)

Saturday 26th November2005

WANTAGE TOWN 5
v
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK 1

Wantage Town returned to winning ways after a run of three successive defeats, turning in a strong second half performance to overpower Wokingham and Embrook from Hellenic Division One East. Wantage started brightly in the first half, Player Manager Richie Bourne firing narrowly over in the first minute. Wantage maintained their pressure, Wokingham keeper Mark Walkington saving at the feet of Adam Giles after the Wantage striker had been put through by Danny Allen.

Wantage’s leading goal scorer Giles didn’t miss his next opportunity. A text book free kick from Matt Shelton found central defender Gary Swann on the edge of the Wokingham penalty area. Swann’s pinpoint header found Giles, who made no mistake from the edge of the box, firing low past Walkington. Wantage failed to press home their midfield possession advantage, Wokingham progressively, as the half developed, coming back into the game.

Wokingham’s progress was stopped in its tracks in the first minute of the second half when the referee awarded Wantage a penalty as Paul Day was tackled from behind by Wokingham defender Jamie Clarke, as Day broke into the box. Day stepped up to take the kick himself, and made no mistake fro the spot, drilling the ball low and hard past Walkington. Day grabbed his second goal and Wantage ‘s third in the 59th minute, when he turned on the edge of the penalty area and fired in an unstoppable shot. This feat was repeated in the 70th minute by Wantage winger Gavin Jones, who ended a 12 match barren period when he drove in after a succession of Wantage corners. In the 82nd minute Wantage substitute Tom Austin added his name to the score sheet. Austin, returning to action after a minor operation, capitalised upon a Wokingham defensive error when he collected a loose pass, and, cutting in from the right, gave Walkington no chance with a strong shot. In the final minute, Wokingham gained a little consolation, when Danny Oliphant scored with a well taken free kick from the edge of the Wantage penalty area, that gave Craig Griffiths no chance in the Wantage goal.

This was a timely win for Wantage as they approach crucial home league games against local rivals Milton, and Chipping Norton. Their second half performance particularly was encouraging as they chased down every loose ball in midfield, and finished with style in attack.

Team: C Griffiths, L Davies, M Shelton, G Swann, B Ingram, R Bourne, D Allen, P Douglass, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: A Hallett, T Austin, S Lamont.
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NORMAN MATTHEWS FLOODLIT CUP (2nd Round)

Tuesday 8th November2005

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
FINCHAMPSTEAD 1

Wantage centre forward Adam Giles enjoys the Floodlit Cup competition. In the first round against Malmesbury, he netted four times. In this second round game against Finchampstead he scored a hat-trick. Like the Malmesbury game, this match was played in torrential rain, Wantage kicking into the wind and immediately putting Finchampstead under pressure. But they could not capitalise upon their possession. Finchampstead showed that they could not only contain Wantage but also breakaway to provide problems for Wantage Town’s defence. However, in the 19th minute, it was Giles who swept in a left footed volley in off of the post, past the helpless Stuart Harris in the Finchampstead goal. Play moved from end to end, Finchampstead moves generally being initiated by Wantage losing possession in the midfield. In the 31st minute, Gavin Jones was able to get away from his marker and was able to get in a first-time cross, which the on-rushing Giles met with a diving header past Harris. Finchampstead’s effort was rewarded in the 35th minute, when Danny Humphreys flashed a header past Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal, following a corner.

At 2 - 1 at half-time there was the feeling that Finchampstead could get back into the game. As the second half progressed Wantage pressure could not be turned into goals, Paul Day and Gavin Jones both going close when presented with scoring chances. Finchampstead continued to look dangerous on the break until the 65th minute when Referee Kevin Norris’s attention was drawn to an incident between Day and Finchampstead defender Peter Macmullen, that Norris and the crowd had missed. Day received a yellow card and Macmullen was dismissed. Wantage were able to put more pressure on the 10 man Finchampstead, which eventually produced a further Adam Giles goal, when after juggling with the ball on the edge of the Finchampstead penalty box for what seemed like ages, Giles drove a powerful low hard shot into the left hand corner of the Finchampstead goal, well beyond the reach of Stuart Harris.

With both Lee Davies and Player Manager Richie Bourne collecting knocks and being substituted, this may not have been a totally productive evening’s football for Wantage Town.

Team: C Griffiths, L Davies, G Swann, S Lamont, M Shelton, D Allen, R Bourne, P Day, A Giles, P Douglass, G Jones.
Substitutes: S Morrison, B Ingram.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 5th November2005

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
SLIMBRIDGE 1

In blustery conditions Wantage Town turned in an exceptional performance against high flying Slimbridge, to claim six points from their two league encounters. With the wind behind them in the first half, Wantage took an early lead after applying pressure. A series of Lee Davies’ long throws into the Slimbridge penalty box produced dividend in the 6th minute when Slimbridge Captain Leon Sterling failed to clear and Adam Giles was given time and space to lash the ball past Adam Thomas in the Slimbridge goal. Wantage continued to take the game to Slimbridge for the rest of the first half and should have increased their lead on at least a couple of occasions. Gavin Jones in the sixteenth minute, shot straight at Thomas when presented with a clear opening, and Paul Day had a similar fate, heading into Thomas’ arms from a cross from Matthew Shelton.

Against the wind in the second half Wantage again started brightly, attacking Slimbridge through wingers Paul Douglass and Gavin Jones. But it was forward Paul Day who, in the 52nd minute, made the biggest impact, latching on to a through ball from Player Manager Richie Bourne, and driving the ball past the inert Thomas in the Slimbridge goal. To their credit Slimbridge began to show their metal as the second half progressed and the Wantage defence came under pressure. Captain Gary Swann, ably supported by Andy Hallett, Lee Davies and Matthew Shelton coped admirably until the 83rd minute, when new signing Wantage keeper Sean Purcell from Witney United, failed to claim a cross and Robbie Colwell tapped in at the far post. This precipitated an exciting conclusion to the game with Slimbridge pressing for an equaliser. But it was Wantage who cemented a fine performance when, in the 89th minute, Paul Day got his second goal of the match, firing past Thomas from the edge of the box.

Wantage deserved this win. From front to back they worked hard, their endeavour epitomised by defender Lee Davies, whose return after two weeks away on Army duty, was the catalysis for a battling team performance. The challenge for Wantage now is to add consistency to their attributes and produce the same battling performances in their three next games, all at home, firstly against Finchampstead in the Norman Matthews Floodlit Cup on Tuesday, 8th November, followed by league matches against Fairford Town and Almondsbury.

After the game Adam Giles was presented with a bottle of champagne by Willy Joyce of Wantage Town’s sponsors Crossman Engineering, in recognition of Adam’s nomination by fellow players as October Player of the Month.

Team: S Purcell, L Davies, M Shelton, G Swann, A Hallett, R Bourne, D Allen, P Douglass, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: L Bowen, B Ingram, S Morrison.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FA VASE - First Round

Saturday 29th October 2005

WANTAGE TOWN 1
v
THAMESMEAD TOWN 3

Wantage never managed to get into this F.A. Vase tie against a strong Kent Premier League side. Thamesmead controlled the game from the start and Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal made his first save in the second minute. The first twenty minutes hardly saw the ball out of the Wantage half, as the Wantage defence came under persistent pressure. Wantage, against the run of play could have taken the lead, when Giles failed to connect with a pinpoint Tom Austin cross, and in the 25th minute, when central defender Gary Swann headed against the Thamesmead bar from a corner. In the 30th minute Thamesmead took the lead, Kieron Collins threading the ball through a packed Wantage defence after Craig Griffiths had saved an initial Thamesmead effort with his feet. Thamesmead increased their lead in the 35th minute when Stuart Morrison was caught dwelling on the ball, Sam Thomas punishing the Wantage defender by rifling the ball low and hard past Griffiths.

The second half started brightly for Wantage, Paul Day heading wide from an accurate Matthew Shelton free kick. In the 54th minute, Wantage briefly came back into the game, when Day’s persistence enabled him to prod the ball past Alan Hughes in the Thamesmead goal, after Thamesmead failed to clear. In the 65th minute, Thamesmead increased their lead when their Captain Pedro Knight headed past Griffiths following a deep cross that bypassed the Wantage defence. Wantage pressed for the last twenty minutes, but lacked commitment, and it was left to Griffiths to have the last say, with a brilliant diving save in the final couple of minutes. Wantage were left to contemplate a poor overall performance, against a side who whilst strong, were certainly not unbeatable.

Team: C Griffiths, S Morrison, M Shelton, R Bourne, B Ingram, D Allen, G Swann, T Austin, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: A Hallett, L Bowen, S Lamont.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BERKS & BUCKS SENIOR TROPHY - Round 2

Tuesday 25th October 2005

DIDCOT TOWN 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

This was a cracking game, played in a great spirit, on a splendid surface. Fielding a strong side Didcot played fast open football. Wantage, not to be outplayed, rose to the challenge, defended well, threaded the ball through their midfield with skill, and in Adam Giles, had the forward who created most chances, grabbing a couple of well taken goals and carrying out a personal duel with Chris Webb in the Didcot goal. Wantage started brightly, and in the 6th minute left back Matthew Shelton’s free kick drew the first save of the evening from Webb.

As the half progressed, both sides entertained with neat, quick, passing football. Giles had a great effort just off target, after turning the Didcot defence. Five minutes later, Giles had his reward when volleying in a well placed Tom Austin free kick in the 33rd minute. Only the Referee will know why he played an additional six minutes for the first half, but in the 50th minute of the first half, the Wantage defence failed to clear their lines, the ball falling to Matty Jack who drove an unstoppable shot past Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal. A draw at half-time was however a fair outcome for a well balanced first half.

Ten minutes into the second half, Chris Webb brilliantly saved from Adam Giles, and then reacted superbly to keep out Gavin Jones, as the Wantage winger followed up. Six minutes later, Webb was again in action, keeping out a Giles header from another Tom Austin pinpoint cross. Didcot took the lead in the 72nd minute, when a deliberately overhit cross was turned back to Andy Parrott, who made no mistake from close in. Still Wantage battled, and in the eightieth minute it was Adam Giles, sent away by a precision pass from Gavin Jones, who this time beat Webb with a low hard drive into the corner of the Didcot goal. With only a few minutes remaining, Wantage Town’s offside trap was beaten for the first time, Ian Concannon rounding Griffiths to give Didcot a 3 – 2 lead.

This was an entertaining game, played at pace, in a great spirit, and was a credit to both Clubs.

Team: C Griffiths, B Ingram, G Swann, S Morrison, M Shelton, T Austin, R Bourne, D Allen, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: P Douglass, S Lamont, T Rowe.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL CHALLENGE CUP - PRELIMINARY ROUND

Saturday 22nd October 2005

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
BICESTER TOWN 1

Having been unrewarded for a strong display against Bishops Cleeve in midweek, Wantage set out to similarly impress against Division One East side Bicester Town. Bicester however had other ideas, and from the start looked more lively than Wantage. Bicester’s endeavour was rewarded in the 24th minute when the speedy Gary Wickens outpaced the sluggish Wantage defence to strike a strong low shot past Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal. Wantage were stirred by this and began to apply themselves more productively, Gavin Jones particularly causing the Bicester defence problems. On the point of half-time, when Bicester failed to clear a corner, Wantage full back Bryn Ingram was allowed time to control a high bouncing misclearance, and drive in a powerful unstoppable shot from 10 yards.

Following a stiff team talk at half-time from Player Manager Richie Bourne, Wantage began to take more control of the midfield and spend more time in possession. In the 58th minute, Gavin Jones again lost his marker on the left hand side and put in an inch perfect cross, which was well met by Adam Giles, his header crossing the line via the post. To their credit Bicester did not surrender and in the final twenty minutes put Wantage under pressure. This however only served to enable Wantage to create breakaway opportunities, the best of which fell to Lee Bowen who missed an unchallenged heading chance, with only the keeper to beat. This feat was repeated by Danny Allen who having cleverly worked himself into a one versus one situation with the Bicester keeper, only managed to neatly chip the ball into the advancing keeper’s hands.

This victory sets Wantage up for two further forthcoming Cup games. On Tuesday evening Wantage travel the short distance to meet local rivals Didcot Town in the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy, before entertaining Thamesmead next Saturday at Wantage in the F.A. Vase.

Team: C Griffiths, B Ingram, G Swann, A Hallett, S Morrison, T Austin, R Bourne, D Allen, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: P Douglass, S Lamont, L Bowen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Wednesday 19th October 2005

BISHOPS CLEEVE 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

After a poor performance on Saturday against Shortwood, Wantage were under pressure to return to their previous good form, against one of the strongest sides in the league. With regulars Lee Davies and Andy Hallett unavailable, Manager Richie Bourne brought back in Stuart Morrison and Bryn Ingram, Assistant Manager Stuart Lamont joining new signing Lee Bowen on the bench.

The first half started and finished at speed. In the first minute Wantage had the ball in the Cleeve net, but Paul Day was ruled offside. In the 5th minute Craig Griffiths spilt a Cleeve shot into the path of Kevin Slack who duly slotted home. Wantage reacted well to this cruel start and in the 15th minute Adam Giles header hit the post after a great run and cross from Gavin Jones. Two minutes later Cleeve dubiously beat the Wantage offside trap and took their lead to 2 – 0. To their credit Wantage did not allow their heads to drop and with Jones and Giles causing problems, Wantage put Bishops Cleeve under pressure with sharp, crisp football. Their endeavour was rewarded in the 40th minute when Gavin Jones cut in from the left and forced a great save from Jon Skeen in the Cleeve goal, the ball rebounding to Danny Allen who drove the ball into the net.

Two minutes later, Wantage failed to defend a corner, allowing James Vercesi unchallenged to head past Griffiths at the near post. Again Wantage fought back, and on the point of half-time, they won a corner which Cleeve could only half clear, the ball falling to Richie Bourne who fired an unstoppable shot past the rooted Skeen.

The second half saw a great performance from Wantage, who had to reorganise after Matthew Shelton withdrew injured and was replaced by Stuart Lamont. With Jones, Allen and Giles all causing Bishops Cleeve problems, Wantage pressed hard and deserved at least a point. Defensively, Wantage looked secure against the fast breaking Cleeve forwards with Gary Swann ably supported by Bryn Ingram and Stuart Morrison. Despite efforts from Tom Austin, Swann and Giles, who looked to have secured the draw with an effort in the last minute that went agonisingly close, Bishops Cleeve held on until the final whistle.

This match was a gamble by Cleeve, who had had the option to postpone the game ahead of their F.A. Cup tie with Eastbourne Borough next Saturday. Their Manager Paul Collicutt had wanted a competitive game. That was what he got.

Team: C Griffiths, S Morrison, G Swann, B Ingram, M Shelton, T Austin, R Bourne, D Allen, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: S Lamont, L Bowen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 15th October 2005

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
SHORTWOOD UTD 3

This was Wantage Town’s poorest display of the season. Despite a bright start, which saw Adam Giles going close with a sharp volley from a Matthew Shelton free-kick, Wantage failed to secure midfield and allowed a hardworking Shortwood to dominate. Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal produced a great save as Shortwood pushed forward exposing holes in the Wantage defence. As half-time approached, and as Shortwood continued to press, they were awarded a penalty, Gary Swann was adjudged to have handled the ball as, under pressure, he headed clear. Gareth Davies made no mistake from the spot.

Poor defending from Wantage enabled Shortwood to score twice in the second half, their goals separated by a well taken goal from Tom Austin, Austin rifling the ball home after Giles effort had been blocked. Wantage came to life in the last ten minutes, Paul Day pulling the score back to 2 – 3 when he had the last touch on a powerful throw-in from Lee Davies. This briefly raised Wantage supporter’s hopes for the final three minutes, but Referee Simon Hobbs final whistle signalled the end of a game best forgotten, when compared with Wantage Town’s previous battling performances that had lead to a nine game undefeated sequence, now deservedly brought to an end by a spirited display from Shortwood.

Team: C Griffiths, L Davies, G Swann, A Hallett, M Shelton, T Austin, R Bourne, D Allen, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: P Douglass, B Ingram, L Bowen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 8th October 2005

CHIPPING NORTON 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 1

Wantage pressed from the start and were rewarded for their endeavour after four minutes when Paul Day found space on the edge of the box, Day driving past Chris Brian in the Chipping Norton goal, into the top right hand corner. Chipping Norton hit back immediately and produced a flowing passing move through the Wantage defence, which was finished off neatly by Sean McKeon, who rounded the stranded Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal.

Chipping Norton then took the game to Wantage and were further rewarded with a penalty after twelve minutes, when a Wantage defender was harshly judged to have brought down a ‘Chippy’ forward. Griffiths saved the kick diving low to his right. The first half settled into a well balanced game with neither side taking command.

With renewed energy Wantage applied a lot of pressure in the second half which was absorbed by a well organised Chipping Norton defence. Whilst on a couple of occasions ‘Chippy’ threatened with breakaway moves, Wantage set up chance after chance but could not convert the openings they created. Gary Swann twice went close with headers from corners, his second rattling the bar. Paul Day, who had a fine game, Tom Austin, and Gavin Jones all went close, and Wantage should have settled the game in at least one of a couple of goal mouth scrambles.

Whilst there is no dishonour in sharing the points in game played on a very good surface, albeit in rain and wind, Wantage will view this result as two points lost, rather than one gained.

Team: C Griffiths, L Davies, B Ingram, G Swann, A Hallett, T Austin, R Bourne, D Allen, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: P Douglass, S Morrison, M Shelton.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FA VASE - 2nd QUALIFYING ROUND

Saturday 1st October 2005

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
RINGMER 2

Fresh from scoring four goals in midweek Adam Giles netted twice in this pulsating Cup-tie, Giles looping the ball over the head of Ringmer’s giant keeper Ross Standen in the 89th minute to give Wantage Town a deserved win against this very strong Sussex League side. Wantage had had to reorganise their defence, Captain Gary Swann being unavailable. New signing Matthew Shelton came in at left back, leaving Bryn Ingram and Andy Hallett to share the central defensive duties.

The reshaped Wantage defence was caught out in the fourth minute when Clint Moore burst through unchallenged and easily lobbed Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal, who was well off of his line. Wantage stuck to their task working hard in midfield to prevent Ringmer building further attacks. Wantage began to get further forward, Gavin Jones going close and Giles wasting a free header opportunity in front of goal.

But in the 29th minute it was Giles, given time and space on the edge of the Ringmer box, who drove in low and hard past Standen in the Ringmer goal. Spurred on by the equaliser, Wantage took the game to Ringmer and were further rewarded when Paul Day reacted quickest as his first shot was blocked, to bury the rebound past the rooted Ringmer keeper. Standen was the busier of the two keepers, and as the half came to a close he was quick to save well from Jones.

The second half started with controversy when Southampton Referee Mr.C. Miles refused Wantage Town’s claims for a penalty when Ringmer’s Captain Julian Curnow clearly handballed as Wantage pressed. Wantage had to work hard in midfield to stifle the cultured Sussex side’s build up play. Captain for the day, Lee Davies was instrumental in organising and inspiring Wantage’s defence. In the 75th minute, it was Davies who put through Gavin Jones only for Jones to fire narrowly over from the edge of the box. Five minutes later Paul Day also fired over after a well worked free kick from Tom Austin. But Ringmer were far from dead and buried. In the 82nd minute they struck a post from a free kick, and in their following attack, as the Wantage defence failed to clear, Dominic Shepherd was on hand to drive through a crowded penalty area past the unsighted Griffiths in the Wantage goal.

This set the scene for a frantic last ten minutes as both teams battled to score the winner, and in the 89th minute it was Adam Giles who, with a miss-hit shot from the edge of the box that looped over the stranded Standen, sealed the tie for Wantage Town. This was Wantage Town’s eighth successive win, a tribute to their persistent hard work, and their continuing ability to take chances. Wantage now face Thamesmead, currently unbeaten and second in the Kent Premier League, at Wantage on Saturday, 29th October.

After the game Gavin Jones was presented with a bottle of champagne by Mrs. Jackie McDowell owner of Wantage Town’s sponsors Aasvogel Limited, in recognition of Gavin’s nomination by fellow players as Player of the Month.

Team: C Griffiths, S Morrison, Mw Shelton, A Hallett, B Ingram, D Allen, L Davies, T Austin, A Giles, P Day, G Jones.
Subs: P Douglass, R Bourne, M Malton.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS HELLENIC LEAGUE - NORMAN MATTHEWS FLOODLIT CUP (1st Round)

Wednesday 28th September 2005

MALMESBURY VICTORIA 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 6

Adam Giles helped himself to a tally of four goals on a rain soaked pitch as Wantage Town secured their seventh successive win, overcoming Division One West Malmesbury Victoria 6 - 0.

Wantage took the lead after just three minutes when Giles lashed in a headed pass from Bryn Ingram. Wantage increased their lead in the 20th minute when Giles finished off a flowing passing move, the ball being worked from defence to attack via Stuart Morrison to Paul Day, whose through ball was driven home by the in-form Giles.

Eight minutes later Gavin Jones bagged his 8th goal of the season, Jones netting from the edge of the box. Wantage continued to press the young Malmesbury defence and in the 38th minute, Tom Austin broke through on the right only to see his low hard shot beat Malmesbury keeper Martin Woodhouse but strike the post, rebounding to Adam Giles who calmly slotted home for a first-half hat-trick.

To Malmesbury’s credit, they began the second half by putting Wantage under pressure and only two first class saves from Paul Belcher in the Wantage goal kept them out. Paul Douglass tested Woodhouse with a well struck freekick, which the Malmesbury keeper saved well. In the 54th minute Douglass provided an inch perfect cross for Captain Gary Swann to head powerfully home. Substitute Danny Allen immediately made an impact blasting over when clear through, immediately after he had forced a great save from Woodhouse when put through by the busy Douglass.

It was left to Adam Giles to claim his fourth goal of the evening when with ten minutes to go, he dispossessed Malmesbury defender Steven Hicks and slotted home accurately past the diving Woodhouse.

This was an impressive performance form the in-form Wantage. Player Manager Richie Bourne and Lee Davies, who each picked up minor knocks in Saturday’s win against Ardley, were each rested, Paul Douglass and Matty Malton each deputising with sound performances.

Team: Belcher, Ingram, Morrison, Swann, Hallett, Austin, Malton, Douglass, Giles, Day, Jones.
Subs: Davies, Allen, Bourne.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 24th September 2005

ARDLEY UTD 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

Wantage Town continued their run of form with an away victory at Ardley United. Ardley started well, using the width of the pitch to attack the visiting defence. Paul Day had a free kick on 10 minutes but it never troubled Paul Tassell in the Ardley goal. After pressure from a corner kick Wantage counter attacked and a superb ball from Richie Bourne found Gavin Jones but his cross never found Adam Giles. Leeyon Phelan was a constant threat to the Wantage defence from set pieces, whereas Gavin Jones was always lively and his direct running with the ball was troubling the home defence. On 20 minutes Town took the lead when Adam Giles won the ball and fed Gavin Jones who beat the offside trap, took the ball round Paul Tassel and knocked the ball into the net. Adam Giles went close again before Wantage were forced to soak up some pressure as the home side looked to lift their game. Wantage’s Tom Austin had a corner kick cleared off the line and then on the stroke of half time Lee Davies threw the ball to Danny Allen who sent in a good cross but Paul Day was unable to convert the chance.

The second half saw a more urgent Ardley United side pressing Wantage back for longer periods but Town still looked dangerous on the counter attack using the wide players to good effect. On the hour the pressure paid of for the home side. A throw in, into the Town penalty area, was not dealt with and Leeyon Phelan scored with a simple tap in. Wantage made a double substitution on 65 minutes with Paul Douglass and Stuart Morrison replacing Richie Bourne and Adam Giles but only 5 minutes later Lee Davies limped off to be replaced by Matt Malton. John Curtis had a snap shot fly narrowly wide as Ardley pushed for another goal and Bryn Ingram was forced to make some last ditch tackles to keep Wantage’s hopes alive. Then against the run of play a combination of Wantage passing saw a mix up in the home defence and Paul Day struck the ball against a defender and the ball finished up in the net with only 2 minutes remaining. Then in added on time Paul Day could have scored again but his shot went wide of the post.

Team: Griffiths, Davies, Ingram, Swann, Hallett, Austin, Bourne, Allen, Giles, Day, Jones.
Subs: Douglass, Morrison, Malton.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 20th September 2005

WANTAGE TOWN 2
v
KIDLINGTON 1

Wantage Town took their winning sequence to five straight wins with a hard fought win over lowly placed Kidlington. From the start Wantage knew that they had a difficult game in front of them as Kidlington, playing neat passing football from defence into attack, took the game to Wantage. On a good surface, Kidlington’s ex-pros Justin Lee and Gary Parker put on a master class of control and simple passing football. Wantage had their share of the action, Danny Allen featuring in several attacks, along with Gavin Jones. In the 16th minute it was Jones who fed the ball across the penalty box to Tom Rowe whose first attempt on goal was blocked, but Rowe reacted quickest to volley the bouncing ball past the Kidlington keeper.

Spirited Kidlington fought back and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Luke Holden converted a penalty, after a Wantage defender had handled in the box. The next 20 minutes until half-time saw the game flow from end to end. Kidlington conceded two free kicks in succession on the edge of their penalty box, each fiercely driven kick from Paul Day being charged down by the Kidlington defensive wall. After the second of these kicks, Kidlington broke away and should have taken the lead, Wantage keeper Craig Griffiths standing his ground in a one on one situation. On the point of half time, Wantage missed a chance to edge in front when Paul Day blasted over from five yards, from a Tom Austin cross.

Kidlington really pressed for the first part of the second half, the Wantage defence having to work hard to repel several waves of Kidlington attacks. Wantage defenders Gary Swann, Andy Hallett and Bryn Ingram all contributed last ditch tackles as Wantage held firm. Kidlington had the ball in the net in the 73rd minute, only to be ruled off-side. Four minutes later, Wantage broke forward through a tiring Kidlington defence, Paul Day being allowed time and space to make room for a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty box to fire Wantage back into the lead.

Kidlington did not let up, Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal producing the save of the night, reacting sharply to a hard driven Kidlington shot. Wantage kept the play in the last ten minutes in the Kidlington half, and after six minutes of added time, the Referee called time after a short sequence of Wantage attacks in which Tom Austin’s pin point crosses should have been turned in by the tiring Wantage attack.

It is difficult to see how Kidlington have not managed to gain any points so far this season. On this performance their first points cannot be far away.

Team: Griffiths, Davies, Ingram, Swann, Hallett, Austin, Bourne, Allen, Rowe, Day, Jones.
Subs: Pearce, Morrison, Malton.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FA VASE - 1st QUALIFYING ROUND

Saturday 17th September 2005

FARNHAM TOWN 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

Wantage Town were away to Farnham Town of the Premier Division of the Combined Counties League. Wantage started brightly with confidence following three straight wins, Adam Giles forcing a good save from Adam Watts in the Farnham goal. The start of the game was played at pace on a very good surface. Pressure from Paul Day won Wantage a corner in the 6th minute which Farnham defended with ease. In the 13th minute, Farnham allowed Gavin Jones time on the edge of the box, Jones low hard shot being turned around the post by Watts. Farnham came more into the game as the half went on, winning a succession of corners well defended by Wantage, for whom Gary Swann, ably supported by Andy Hallett and Bryn Ingram, were unyielding in defence.

As the half drew to a close, play was well balanced, but in the 42nd minute Farnham again allowed Gavin Jones too much time on the edge of the box, and this time Jones made no mistake with a well placed shot past the diving Watts. Wantage lost the services of player manager Richie Bourne at half time with Bourne being replaced by Stuart Morrison. Morrison went to right back, allowing Lee Davies to go forward into midfield. This made the difference in the second half, Davies turning in a great performance, gaining possession repeatedly in midfield and setting up Wantage chances.

But first a poorly defended corner enabled Farnham to equalise, Orlando Pike heading unchallenged past Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal in the 50th minute. Wantage came back strongly, Danny Allen’s 25 yards volley rebounding from the crossbar, before, on the hour Wantage retook the lead, Gavin Jones stealing in the left to slide home past Watts, after a brilliant through ball from the busy Davies.

Wantage continued to apply pressure, Paul Day striking a post, and seeing his free kick charged down on the line. Farnham threw caution to the wind, sending centre half Arnie Haskell up to lead the line in the last quarter, but his headed effort narrowly skimming the Wantage bar was the only response that put pressure on Wantage. Paul Day and substitute Tom Rowe each went close, each following productive midfield work from Lee Davies.

This was overall a sound and commendable performance from Wantage, taking them through to the next qualifying round on the 1st October against Ringmer of Division 1 of the Sussex County League, which is to be played at Wantage.

Team: Griffiths, Davies, Ingram, Swann, Hallett, Austin, Bourne, Allen, Giles, Day, Jones.
Subs: Rowe, Morrison, Malton, Belcher.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 13th September 2005

MILTON UTD 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 3

Wantage took to the field with the confidence that followed two prior wins against Henley and Slimbridge. With this confidence they took the game to Milton and dominated the first quarter. Several times, Wantage brought the best out of Milton keeper Gareth Walker. In particular, after a flowing move on the right, Walker tipped the ball over the bar from a volley from Paul Day, and then saved well from Gary Swann. With Tom Austin crossing dangerously from the right, Wantage looked the more likely of the two teams to score. This proved to be the case when after 28 minutes, Austin played in Adam Giles who rifled a hard and low left footed shot past Walker. Milton battled to get back into the game and were rewarded when Adam Greenaway struck a fine shot from 30 yards out in the 37th minute.

Honours were even at half-time, but within six minutes of the restart, Wantage again took the lead, Gavin Jones cooly striking the ball past Walker, after the Milton defence allowed another Tom Austin cross to travel across the face of the goal. Wantage battled for supremacy in midfield, with Lee Davies again turning in a strong performance. Wantage went further ahead after 70 minutes, when Adam Giles slid in a close in shot after Paul Day had created space and crossed from the right. To their credit Milton did not give up, and in the 88th minute they were rewarded when a mix up on the Wantage goal line between Wantage keeper Craig Griffiths and full back Bryn Ingram lead to the ball crossing the line. Wantage saw out the seven minutes of added time without really coming under attack, to claim their third victory in a row.

This was a disciplined performance from a team that is improving game by game, under Player Manager Richie Bourne’s guidance. Captain Gary Swann was at the heart of play throughout the game, inspiring sound performances, hard work and great team spirit from every Wantage player.

Considering the managerial nightmare start to the season with first Dave Crowdy, and then Kevin Lloyd walking out on the Club, the sheer hard work on and off the field that has been put in by players and management committee alike, has been inspirational.

Team: Griffiths, Davies, Ingram, Swann, Hallett, Austin, Bourne, Allen, Giles, Day, Jones.
Subs: Douglass, Morrison, Malton.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 10th September 2005

SLIMBRIDGE 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN 4

Neither defence covered itself with glory in the first 25 minutes. Within five minutes, Slimbridge twice broke through the sleeping Wantage defence only to squander straight forward chances. Slowly, Wantage began to get a share of the play in midfield and in the 10th minute Lee Davies won the ball on the half way line and played in Paul Day whose hard shot was parried by Adam Thomas in the Slimbridge goal into the path of Tom Austin who headed in from close range.

Davies went from saint to sinner when he conceded a penalty in the 12th minute, Craig Griffiths in the Wantage goal almost saving the spot kick. In the 15th minute it was Slimbridge’s turn to defend poorly. From Danny Allen’s corner, a weak clearance found Gavin Jones on the edge on the edge of the penalty area. Jones strong shot flew in to the Slimbridge goal. Five minutes later slack Wantage defending failed to clear a speculative ball into the Wantage box, allowing Slimbridge to equalise from close in.

In the 25th minute Wantage again took the lead when a Tom Austin cross was brilliantly met by Paul Day, whose glancing header flashed past the hapless Thomas in the Slimbridge goal. As half-time approached, both teams purposefully attempted to settle into possession football. Slimbridge began to look more comfortable on the ball and only tenacious tackling in midfield, particularly by Lee Davies, kept Wantage in the game.

The second half started like the first, this time with Tom Austin getting clear on the right side and crossing perfectly for Gavin Jones to stroke the ball home and put Wantage into a 4 - 2 lead. The pace of the game, played on a wet but very hard surface, did not let up, both teams now exercising more care around their own penalty areas, until in the 92nd minute, Wantage conceded a further penalty which was converted. A minute after the restart the game ended.

For Wantage this was a deserved 4 - 3 win, with plenty of hard work in evidence throughout the team.

Team: Griffiths, Davies, Ingram, Swann, Lamont, Austin, Bourne, Allen, Giles, Day, Jones.
Subs: Douglass, Hallett, Malton.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Tuesday 6th September 2005

WANTAGE TOWN 3
v
HENLEY TOWN 0

Wantage started brightly, Paul Day’s shot being blocked before Player Manager Richie Bourne drove over the bar. Wantage pressure continued, but chances created from good midfield play were not being taken. Day drew a fine save from the Henley keeper, which was followed by a sweeping move from defence to attack, Gary Swann sending Tom Austin clear on the right, and Austin’s cross being narrowly headed over by Tom Rowe. In the 20th minute, Austin supplied Gavin Jones, who, at pace, rounded two Henley defenders before tucking the ball past the Henley keeper. The score reflected the balance of play, although Henley occasionally threatened, and just before half-time, a nervous Wantage defence was put under pressure around the edge of its own penalty area. However, newcomer Bryn Ingram, at left back, was steady, and the defence all round was much more secure than in previous games. There was a serious intent not to be caught on the ball, first time clearances being the order of the day.

14 minutes into the second half Wantage increased their lead. Henley conceded a fee kick on the edge of their penalty area. Paul Day’s free kick was only parried by the Henley keeper, Danny Allen reacted quickly and, following up, drove the ball into the net. Henley, to their credit, fought back and for a ten minutes period, put Wantage under pressure. The Wantage defence stood firm, and Paul Belcher in goal brought off a tremendous reaction save when Henley appeared to have broken through. The last quarter belonged to Wantage, and in the 88th minute, Gavin Jones beat an off-side trap by carrying the ball through the line of Henley defenders pushing forward, only to be hacked down in the penalty box. Paul Day took the kick, placing the ball wide of the Henley keeper.

Overall this was a sound performance from a squad that has still yet to develop. In defence, midfield and attack there was more balance, there was more movement off of the ball, and more chances created. Player Manager Richie Bourne was able to take a lot of positive points from this game, and can hopefully build on this performance in the tougher games to come at Slimbridge and against Milton United.

Team: Belcher, Morrison, Swann, Lamont, Ingram, Allen, Bourne, Day, Austin, Rowe, Jones.
Subs: Lynch, Hedges, James.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Saturday 3rd September 2005

NORTH LEIGH 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

The game opened at a fast pace, the very good playing surface contributing to a quick passing game. The first twenty minutes produced a balanced game, both sides playing neat and open football. From a free kick taken by Gavin Jones, Paul Day brought a diving save from the North Leigh keeper. The ensuing corner was headed narrowly over the North Leigh bar by Gary Swann. North Leigh, a mixture of very experienced players and some bright youngsters, took more control of the game as the half moved on, and applied increasing pressure to the Wantage defence.

On 27 minutes Wantage’s failure to clear, let in Liam Hope, who fired in unchallenged past Paul Belcher from close in. Wantage did not allow their heads to drop, and pushed on ‘up the hill’. In the 34th minute a passing move involving five players threaded the ball through to Tom Austin who volleyed over from the edge of the box. At this point Wantage deserved something from the game, although time and time again, Adam Giles receiving the ball with his back to goal, was given no support for the lay-off pass. With half-time beckoning, Wantage committed the cardinal sin of failing to clear and were caught in possession on the edge of their penalty area, allowing North Leigh’s Mark Dennis to fire in past the helpless Belcher. It was noticeable that in similar positions when defending, North Leigh never stood on ceremony, and always cleared their lines immediately. Had Wantage adopted this simple habit, neither goal would have been conceded.

The second half was played in extremely hot conditions and fitness began to tell as several Wantage players were noticeably ‘blowing’ by the end of the game. However, a creditable second half performance was turned in by the Wantage squad, although North Leigh allowed several clear chances to go begging, and Paul Belcher’s shot-stopping ability was tested to the full. Referee Dennis Rigney had a good game demonstrating that a quiet word and intentionally keeping the game flowing, minimises the need for cautions and lead to there being no bookings in the game.

This game came at the end of a difficult week, in which again the reliability and trustworthyness of some of those who purport to manage at this level, had been brought into question. It was therefore to the great credit of Player Manager Richie Bourne and his players that this game, against one of the strongest teams in the league with ambitions of promotion as evidenced by the improvements at their ground, did not turn into a rout.

Team: Belcher, Lynch, Morrison, Swann, Lamont, Allen, Bourne, Day, Austin, Giles, Jones.
Subs: James.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - PREMIER DIVISION

Monday 29th August 2005

SHRIVENHAM 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN 2

In front of a large Bank Holiday crowd, and in sweltering conditions, Wantage dominated the first half, Richie Bourne and new signing Ellis Langford controlling midfield. The Shrivenham keeper was tested by Langford and Adam Giles, before, in the 14th minute, after a good build up, Giles finished off from close in to put Wantage ahead. Ten minutes later Wantage went further ahead when a slick four man move saw the ball flicked back to new signing Paul Douglas on the edge of the box and Douglas volleyed in, leaving the Shrivenham keeper well beaten. Shrivenham responded going close in successive attacks before Wantage keeper Paul Belcher saved brilliantly when Shrivenham were clear on goal. Moments before half-time, another new signing Lee Davies drew a great save from the Shrivenham keeper with a lob that was pushed onto the crossbar.

Wantage wilted in the second half and their lack of match preparation began to show as Shrivenham were given more space in which to operate. Indecision in the Wantage defence allowed Shrivenham to pull a goal back after 77 minutes, and then an unnecessarily conceded free kick lead to Shrivenham’s equaliser in the 84th minute.

Team: Belcher, Davies, Morrison, Swann, Lamont, Douglass, Bourne, Langford, Day, Giles, Jones.
Subs: Lynch, Austin, McCullough.
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EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND F.A. CUP

Saturday 20th August 2005

SALTDEAN UTD 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN 0

After a long trip to Saltdean near Brighton, a makeshift Wantage team worked hard against a talented and equally hardworking Saltdean United. Each side created chances, Adam Giles going close with a stinging shot that was well saved by the Saltdean keeper. Danny Allen and newly appointed Player Manager Richie Bourne both found space to control midfield, but Saltdean’s stubborn defence held firm.

Nine minutes into the second half, Allen, whose ball control on a bumpy pitch was excellent, received the ball on the edge of the Saltdean box, and struck a strong shot that appeared goalbound until the Saltdean keeper touched the ball around the post. Wantage forwards Paul Day and Giles began to cause more problems for the Saltdean defence, Day particularly going close when he forced a further good save from Saltdean’s keeper. At the other end, Wantage keeper Paul Belcher was brought into action when the otherwise disciplined Wantage defence allowed Saltdean to penetrate, Belcher saving at the feet of the onrushing Saltdean forward.

The Referee, who had a good game, brought the game to an end after a period of sustained, but unproductive Wantage pressure.

The replay will be at Alfredian Park, Wantage, at 7.45pm on Thursday, 25th August. The winners will be away to Lordswood in the next round on Saturday, 27th August.

Team: Paul Belcher, Swann, Lynch, Morrison, James, Austin, Allen, Bourne, McCullough, Day, Giles.
Subs: Hicks, Pettis, Rowe, Hedges.