SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 12th April 2008

HENLEY TOWN RES 4
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 0

Fielding eleven players and no subs and not playing recently Wantage started the game brightly and could have taken the lead in the first couple of minutes, a long range effort from Stuart Morrison just going past the post.On a very bumpy pitch, Wantage more than matched there opponents. But a mad five minutes thirty minutes into the game saw Henley score twice and have a penalty saved by Craig Payne in goal. The 1st came after the homes side right wing was allowed to cross a low ball into the penalty area and Henley were first to the ball for a simple tap in. The second came immediately from the kick off, Wantage losing the ball and one of their players easily beating four or five of our players to walk the ball into the net. Two or three minutes later an innocent looking tackle by Andrew Goodchild was deemed to be a foul and a penalty was given. Craig justly making a smart save to keep Wantage in the game.
Pete Broad and Alex Lynch calmed the nerves and Wantage again matched the home side in possession, but fussy refereeing spoilt the flow of the game with unnecessary fouls and bookings given for little or no reason.

Andrew Goodchild and Patrick Howe switched wings in the second half, allowing Andrew to be more effective and again Wantage matched Henley for possession, but were not getting the ball into the area. After failing to clear the ball mid way into the 2nd half Henley again punished Wantage to make it 3-0. Heads then dropped and despite desperate defending from Tom Doig and James Keller and with an injury to Ben Eltham the ball kept arriving in the penalty area. Henley claimed 2 more goals. Billy Warner and Liam McCullough tried in vein to penetrate the home defence, but with little success. The score line flattered Henley. Full time 5-0.

Team: C.Payne, P.Broad, A.Lynch, T.Doig, J.Keller, A. Goodchild, S.Morrison, B.Eltham, P. Howe, W.Warner, L.Mcullough.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 23rd February 2008

WANTAGE TOWN RES 5
v
FAIRFORD TOWN RES 0

Wantage looked to continue their climb up the league, but made hard work of overcoming a resolute Fairford team, who were under pressure right from the kick off. W. Warner and R. Joyce proving a handful all the game. The pressure seemed to ease for Fairford after one of their defenders sustained a nasty cut over his eye, after colliding with the post in a desperate attempt to clear the ball from one of many goal attempts by Wantage. The change in personnel gave the away side more bite and they began to play football more in the Wantage half. It was no surprise however when Wantage took a deserved lead after 30 minutes, when W. Warner continued his goal scoring run after good work by J. Keller, L. McCullough, and C. Hogan in midfield allowing R. Joyce to release Warner for his shot on goal. H.T. 1-0

Wantage began the 2nd half at a much higher tempo. A. Goodchild and J. Keller, much more involved, putting Fairford constantly on the back foot. Fifteen minutes into the half and J. Keller scored his 1st goal for the club, rifling in a shot from the right wing after more industrious work from Joyce. The back four of B.Eltham, A. Lynch, P. Broad and A. Hogan were having the freedom of the park and at times ventured upfield to add to the attack. It was no surprise when W. Warner added to his tally, a few minutes later to make it 3-0. Good work by Joyce again creating the opening.

Game won, enter super sub James (Ronaldo) Hicks who scored with a spectacular overhead kick, soon after entering the fray. Just like watching Brazil sang the crowd. To please his adoring fans even more he was in the box again towards the end to take the opportunity to score number 5 and complete a much-improved 2nd half. Subs T Doig and S Barnes came on to add to a good overall performance. C Payne in goal had a holiday for a change. Onwards and upwards.

Team: C Payne, B Eltham, A Lynch, P Broad, A Hogan, J Keller, C Hogan (Capt), L Mcullough, A Goodchild, R Joyce, W Warner.
Subs: J. Hicks, T. Doig, S. Barnes.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 19th February 2008

WANTAGE TOWN RES 0
v
MILTON UTD RES 0

On a freezing cold night a much-changed team from Saturday looked to improve on their previous performance. Both sides fielding a number of first team players, early exchanges were fairly even, but as the half wore on Wantage gradually got on top. Good interplay in midfield by R.Bourne and C. Hogan had the Milton defence at full stretch. From one goal mouth melee W. Warner hit the post. Wantage continued to apply extreme pressure to the Milton defence. H.T. 0-0

The second half continued in a similar vain to the first with Wantage keeping Milton at full stretch but the weather conditions had deteriorated and control of the ball became very difficult. The referee abandoned the game 10 minutes into the second half.

Result 0-0 (Match abandoned after 55minutes)

Team: C. Payne, A. Leyroyd, G. Swann, A. Lynch, A. Hogan, N. Hay, C. Hogan, R. Bourne, L. McCullough, W. Warner, R. Joyce.
Subs: A. Goodchild, B. Eltham, P. Howe.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 16th February 2008

BADSHOT LEA RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 3

Wantage returned to winning ways with an emphatic display over Badshot Lea. However Wantage made hard work of defeating a resilient opposition who completely against the run of play, took the lead in the 33rd minute. Wantage failing to deal with a loose ball despatched past Payne in the Wantage goal. A first half best forgotten. H.T. 1-0

2nd half, a pep talk from manager Pete Hogan, and Wantage looked a different team. The midfield of C. Hogan, P.Howe, M. Podbury, A. Goodchild and now J.Keller, who had switched with B.Eltham in defence, were passing much quicker and crisper and it was no surprise that 13 minutes into the 2nd period Wantage equalized through P.Howe. Continual pressure and good play from R Joyce and J.Keller helped M. Podbury to score a deserved goal and a switch of positions made by the manager had immediate results, A. Goodchild moving from left to right wing and he was there to meet pinpoint centre from M. Podbury and headed the third goal. Game over. The remainder of the game was easily dealt with by P. Broad. A Lynch, A. Hogan and B.Eltham in defence, Badshot offering very little in attack. Subs J. Hicks and T. Doig playing their part in a totally dominating performance.

F.T. Badshot Lea 1 Wantage 3

Team: C. Payne, J.Keller, A. Lynch, P. Broad, A. Hogan, P.Howe, C. Hogan (Capt), M. Podbury, A. Goodchild, B.Eltham, R. Joyce.
Subs: J. Hicks, T. Doig.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 12th February 2008

WANTAGE TOWN RES 1
v
DIDCOT TOWN RES 2

Wantage continued where they left off on Saturday against Abingdon United, by taking the game to Didcot who were flying high in the league. Early pressure from Wantage by Joyce and Warner, had Didcot on the back foot. Wantage through their midfield of Goodchild, Eltham, C. Hogan and Howe controlled the game with good passing and off the ball movement. The pressure produced another goal after 15 minutes for Warner, his second goal in four days. This early goal enabled Wantage to keep Didcot at bay for the first half. Pressure was applied by the away side and Payne, in goal, produced a number of spectacular saves, but the half finished with Wantage in control. H.T. 1-0

The 2nd half became much more open as both sides continued to play attractive football. As the game became more stretched, Didcot began to apply some pressure. As a result of this a free kick into the area produced the Didcot equalizer after sixty minutes. A free header from 5 yards went un-challenged and the ball was in the back of the net. Didcot then began to apply more pressure and fifteen minutes later produced what turned out to be the winner with a similar goal, a free header.

Wantage switched to three at the back in an attempt to find another goal, but despite a late effort from substitute Keller they were unable to get the equalizer Wantage deserved. The back line of A. Hogan,Broad,Lynch and Doig had another fine game stifling the opposition for long periods. Further substitutions of Belcher and Hicks were unable to prize open the Didcot defence.

A draw would have been a fair result.

F.T. Wantage 1 Didcot Town 2

Team: C.Payne,A.Hogan,P. Broad, A.Lynch, T.Doig, A. Goodchild, B.Eltham, C. Hogan(Capt.),P. Howe, R. Joyce, W. Warner.
Subs J. Hicks, S. Belcher, J. Keller.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 9th February 2008

WANTAGE TOWN RES 1
v
ABINGDON UTD RES 0

Highflying Abingdon came to Alfredian Park and came up against a resolute Wantage side that showed tremendous commitment for 90 minutes of a game of industry more than pretty football. Early exchanges were fairly even, but the Wantage defence gave very little away, Broad and Doig very soon keeping a close reign on the quick Abingdon forwards. Early probing by Goodchild and C Hogan created problems in the away defence, and Joyce and Warners pace had them at full stretch the whole game. Wantage took an early lead when Warner latched onto a through ball and toe ended it into the net This lifted Wantage and although Abingdon rarely troubled the home defence the midfield continued to scrap for every ball and Eltham and Howe, and the rest of the midfield saw out the remainder of the 1st half quite comfortably.

H.T. 1-0

The 2nd half continued in a similar vein to the 1st half. Abingdon changing their formation and pushing more men forward. Payne in the Wantage goal making a number of outstanding interceptions to prevent the opposition from scoring, but Wantage continued to fight and break up the Abingdon danger. Wantage had a ball cleared of the line, and the loose ball fell to Goodchild, his shot well saved by the keeper. Joyce continued to trouble the Abingdon defence, and with A Hogan maintaining good form and well supported by Lynch in defence, Wantage matched Abingdon to complete a hard earned victory.

F.T. Wantage 1 Abingdon Utd 0

Team: C. Payne, A.Hogan, P. Broard, A. Lynch, T. Doig, A. Goodchild, B.Eltham, C. Hogan, P.Howe, R.Joyce, W. Warner.
Subs J.Hicks, P.Hogan.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 26th January 2008

CHELTENHAM SARACENS RES 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 0

Late arrival due to sat nav problems combined with a much changed side from last week seemed to effect the team and resulted in a performance that promised much, but realised very little in the end product. All the early pressure came from Wantage, good midfield passing and and good running down the right constantly opened up the Cheltenham defence, but the ball never seemed arrive at the right time or place to give any clear cut chances, and although, Podbury, Morrison and C Hogan, were totally controlling midfield it was against the run of play that a poor clearance out of defence went straight to a Cheltenham player who returned the ball over goalkeeper Payne into the top right hand corner of the net. Despite this setback Wantage continued to dominate. H.T. 1-0

2nd half started in a similar vein to the 1st half, all Wantage but 10 minutes in another poor clearance and this time a lob over the keeper, 2-0 to Cheltenham. Wantage pushed Eltham and Keller up, going three at the back, Keller hitting the bar from long range. But it was not to be Wantage’s day. The game now stretched Cheltenham hit the bar and from another breakaway made it 3-0.

The result did not reflect the overall game. A Hogan putting in a sound performance in defence. Broad also putting in a solid performance, whilst Howe, Warner and Middlebrook ran and ran with little reward. Pete Hogan nearly made his debut, but before he finished taking his tracksuit off the whistle went. F.T. Cheltenham Saracens 3 Wantage 0

Team: C Payne, A Hogan, P Broad, B Eltham, J Keller, M Podbury, C. Hogan (Capt), S.Morrison, P. Howe, B.Warner, T Middlebrook
Sub: P. Hogan.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 5th January 2008

FINCHAMPSTEAD RES 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

On a good day for football and an excellent pitch Wantage kicked off with ten men and no subs. But they very quickly established a solid back line with Broad, Lynch, Doig and Keller all quick to the tackle and keeping any danger away from Payne in goal. Once up to strength all the football was played by Wantage, although they often played too many long balls or tried one pass to many. Fussy refereeing and too much backchat by Finchampstead resulting in four bookings for them, broke up the flow of the game. H.T. 0-0

Straight from the kick off Wantage applied loads of pressure. Better midfield passing from Poddbury and Hogan, gave Daley and Goodchild more space on the wings and the home defence was constantly under pressure. The speed of Joyce and Weekes up front was often too much for them and eventually early in the second period a shot from Weekes took a wicked deflection and the home keeper who had done well to keep the ball out of the net was beaten Wantage continued to dominate and the game was secure when a deep curling corner found Broad and he met the ball majestically to beat the keeper again. Game over. Payne in the Wantage goal, comfortably dealt with any response that came. The best side won. F.T Finchampstead 0 Wantage 2

Team: C Payne, P Broad, A Lynch, T Doig, J Daley, M Podbury, C Hogan, A Goodchild, R Joyce, T Weeks.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 29th December 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 1
v
HEADINGTON AMATEURS RES 2

With a strong wind blowing down the slope at Alfredian Park, it was always going to be a case of which team adapted best to the conditions, Headington won that battle with ease although the actual match result was in the balance right up until the final whistle.
The tone for the first half was set in the very first moments of the game when Wantage lost possession in midfield and Headington broke immediately, played a long ball over the Wantage defence, and Craig Payne was left one on one with the advancing Amateurs striker. Payne managed to force his opponent wide and Wantage defenders were able to scurry back and divert the eventual shot wide for a corner. With Wantage opting to play a high line in defence, the above scenario was repeated countless times throughout the first half.

Whilst Wantage probably enjoyed the majority of possession, it was Headington who looked the more dangerous. Payne must have wondered whether he was playing sweeper or keeper as time and time again he found himself as the last man with an Amateurs player bearing down on him. Whilst Wantage had their chances, most notably with good opportunities for both Warner and Joyce, it was Amateurs who must have left the field reflecting on the sheer number of chances that they had managed to create but fail to convert.
Half time 0-0

Tom Weekes replaced Matty Pedder as the teams retook the field. If the Wantage fans expected to see a mirror image of the first half, they were to be sorely disappointed. Headington opted to stay much deeper defensively, thereby cutting out the opportunity for Wantage to play the ball beyond the defence, and in truth, for much of the second half Amateurs retained possession better than Wantage had managed in the first.Headington duly took the lead after 10 mins, when a smart passing move was well finished and although the lineman’s flag went up the goal was allowed to stand.

Five minutes later, and Wantage threatened to double the damage when Payne mistimed his clearance of a backpass. A Headington striker recovered possession and attempted to take the ball around Payne, who seemed to make contact with the player. The Amateurs striker did well to maintain his balance however his shot was blocked on the line by Mark Podbury. The referee played on, awarding Amateurs a throw in, much to the anger of many of their players. However, moments later justice was seen to be done when a sharp finish gave Amateurs a 2-0 lead.

Amateurs were looking comfortable at this point with Wantage struggling to make any real impression on the game. After 25 minutes, Wantage manager Peter Hogan made his final two substitutions bringing on Peter Broad and Ben Eltham. However, this quickly appeared to backfire as James Keller soon after picked up a knock which was to limit his involvement throughout the rest of the match.
Ironically it was Keller’s injury which gave Wantage the opportunity to get back into the game. Keller, barely able to run, was relieved of his defensive duties and pushed into a midfield role, as Wantage broke quickly Keller found himself in possession, with Joyce, unmarked, calling for the ball on the opposite side of the area. Somehow Keller managed to deliver the perfect cross which Joyce fired home to give the home side the lifeline they never looked like getting.

The final 5 minutes were a desperate affair, the game now totally stretched, chances occurred at both ends but in the end the match remained 2-1 to the visitors.

Team: Payne, Doig, Lynch, Podbury, Keller, Hogan, Pedder, Morrison, Goodchild, Warner, Joyce.
Subs: Broad, Weekes, Eltham.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 3rd November 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 2
v
HENLEY TOWN RES 1

From the off Wantage looked threatening, playing some nice football all over the park. With a lot of pressure it was only a matter of time before Wantage scored. Matty Pedder went close with some shots outside the area. Before James Keller knocked a long ball over the top of Henley's defence to put Tom Weeks one on one and nicely finished.

With Wantage playing the ball wide, and some quality crosses from Pedder and Poddbury. Liam had a good headed chance but unfortunately couldn't keep it down. With Henley having one of few chances a lack of concentration caused Henley to score a lucky goal. With half time drawing near, and the front two of Weeks and Joyce linking up well. If we took our chances it could have been 3-1 at half time.

As the second half kicked off Henley started the stronger and had an early chance, but with Craig Payne on top form he kept it at 1-1. Before long Wantage were playing some nice football again. It was kept tight at the back and in the middle, also the front two closing down well off the ball. Henley then had a one on one, but Payne managed to save again.

With the game still at 1-1 Rob Joyce worked hard to get the ball off the left back, and after taking two players on managed to put the ball in back of the net. With the game coming to an end. The ball was whipped in from the left and Matty Pedder vollying on to the bar.

The only disappointing thing was the games being so close no subs were able to come on.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, T Doig, A Lynch, B Eltham, M Poddbury, L Mccoullgh, C Hogan, M Pedder, R Joyce, T Weeks.
Subs: T Eatwell, S Hicks, M Cramp.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 13th October 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 3
v
BADSHOT LEA RES 1

Wantage Town Reserves were strengthened by the return of forwards Ali McFarlane and Rob Joyce, plus there was the inclusion of experienced Nathan Hall who had missed the last match at Aldermaston.

From the first whistle Town pushed the visitors back and in the opened 5 minute spell they should have opened up a comfortable lead. The visitors somehow managed to ride their luck and after a couple of goal line clearances they managed to claw their way back into the game. Tom Doig suffered a recurring leg injury and young Tom Eatwell replaced him with Maynard moving to the left back position. Even at this level missed chances often come back to haunt you and minutes before half time the visitors took the lead when the opportunity to clear the ball was wasted and the ball was scrambled into the net from inside the six yard box. (HT 0-1).

Wantage were playing some good football, keeping a better shape and moving the ball with more pace. On 55 minutes the pressure paid off when Badshot failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to Nathan Hall who turned and fired the ball into the net. As the visitors tried to settle back into their stride they were knocked back, Keller delivered an early ball from the half way line and top scorer Rob Joyce nipped in and smashed the ball high into the roof of the net. Words were exchanged between visiting players and the referee Mr Norris resulting in a couple of yellow cards being shown. Wantage continued to press with McFarlane going close on a couple of occasions before he was replaced by Matt Cramp. It then took some brave goalkeeper by Craig Payne to keep Wantage in the lead. He was left exposed by a long ball over the defence which he made a double save to keep out and then he managed to tip a dipping cross over the cross bar at his near post. With Cramp and Joyce full of tricks it was no surprise when Rob Joyce cut in from the left wing and drove a low shot past the visiting keeper to put the match result safe. On the final whistle more words were directed at the match official and as a result a red card was shown to one of the visiting players. (FT 3-1)

This was a much better team performance. The urgency was back and the pace of the game improved as players took responsibility for their own actions. Although chances were squandered in the opening 45 minutes the heads didn’t drop and the two goals in a minute in the early stages of the second half lifted the confidence.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, T Doig, A Lynch, J Maynard, B Eltham, A Wise, N Hall, R Joyce, A McFarlane, S Hicks.
Subs: M Cramp, T Eatwell, N Wilkins.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 29th September 2007

DIDCOT TOWN RES 4
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

Wantage Town Reserves were on their travels for the third consecutive match with a short trip to local rivals Didcot Town. With Didcot flying high Wantage needed to put in a good show. With Craig Payne unavailable, first team Keeper Luke Alford took over between the posts. Ben Eltham and new signing Nathan Hall were both included in the starting eleven.

From the off, Wantage looked confident and caused Didcot problems with McFarlane and Joyce testing the home defence with some timely runs into the area. With Podbury and Hall controlling the centre Wantage looked dangerous; Joyce volleyed narrowly wide on 7 minutes and then was denied by Thomas as he looked to round the keeper. It wasn’t until the 20th minute that Didcot threatened when Bruce shot narrowly wide. With their next attack they took the lead, a ball over the top released Bruce who lobbed the ball over the advancing Alford into the empty net. Again Wantage raised their game and before the interval the scores were level. Rob Joyce latched onto a mistake by the home keeper and the young forward calmly beat the last defender before rolling the ball into the net. With minutes remaining of the half Wantage lost influential captain, Pete Broad with a muscle injury, he was replaced by James Keller. (HT 1-1)

Wantage were playing some good football, keeping a tidy shape which enabled the midfield to move the ball around well and this restricted Didcot to few chances. The visitors looked dangerous with set piece plays, Lynch headed against the outside of a post from a corner kick and then he was left unmarked in the area to head firmly past Thomas to give Wantage the lead. From then on it appeared to go own hill. The defence lost concentration and stopped playing as a unit and Didcot exploited the holes left behind them. The home side levelled the score with 25 minutes remaining with a ball down their right wing which was chased down and dispensed into the net.
Seven minutes later they took the lead when midfielder, Wango ran through unchallenged and he squared the ball for an easy finish and then with minutes remaining the lively Bruce was pulled back by Alford and a penalty was awarded and converted. (FT 4-2)

For the second week running Wantage were on the wrong end of a 4-2 score line. This was a much better team performance. Whilst the team kept their shape and concentration they were relatively untroubled by a good young Didcot side. There were chances created and the football was of a high standard. The new midfield did well and the forwards looked dangerous, the defence looked tight and the line was good with the keeper sweeping any loose balls to safety. But when the concentration was lost, so was the match. Lapses in concentration and shape cost the side 3 goals and any chance of a point.

Team: L Alford, J Maynard, P Broad, A Lynch, B Eltham, M Podbury, A Wise, N Hall, A McFarlane, R Joyce, S Hicks.
Subs: J Keller, T Eatwell, M Cramp.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 22nd September 2007

WOOTTON BASSETT TOWN RES 4
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Wootton Bassett with yet another squad of players. Included in the starting line up was new signing Mark Podbury, but with a shortage of defenders it meant starting with 5 across the middle of the pitch.

Wantage started well and kept the home side pinned in their own half for the opening 20 minutes then a long ball from keeper Eggleton beat Broad and Stoddart ran on to lob the ball over Payne to make it 1-0 to the home side. The confidence evaporated from the Wantage side and on 38 minutes it was 2-0 when they failed to deal with a near post corner and the ball went into the net off Lynch. On the stroke of half time Town pulled a goal back when Davies’s corner was flicked towards the goal by McFarlane. A defender on the line scrambled the ball out but referee Mr Hillier-Smith was perfectly positioned to award a goal. (HT 2-1)

After a showdown in the changing room Wantage came out for the second half hoping to improve on the poor first half. Rob Joyce managed to grab an equaliser after Wise’s shot found the striker loose in the box. At 2-2 Wantage were expected to go forward but on 73 minutes they again showed how not to defend a corner kick. Firstly it was needlessly conceded and then it was a free header 8 yards out which went in off Davies who was attempting to head away. The passing was awful and Bassett capitalised by collecting all the loose balls and when Payne was sent falling in a fair challenge it was a Bassett player who collected the loose ball and smashed it past Keller on the line to make it 4-2. It could have been worse but for a brave save by Payne when he dived at Dodd’s feet to snatch the ball when he was facing three forwards. (FT 4-2)

This was as bad a performance as I have seen in years by Wantage. There was no commitment, the players were making all the wrong decisions in vital areas of the pitch. The passing out of defence was poor and the confidence was at rock bottom.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, M Podbury, J Maynard, A Wise, M Cramp, R Joyce, A McFarlane, N Davies
Subs: N Wilkins, T Eatwell, S Hicks.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 18th September 2007

FAIRFORD TOWN RES 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 0

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to bottom of the table Fairford Town knowing that the home side would use first team players to assist their clubs poor start in the Reserve Division.

Wantage started well and when Jack Daley burst through in the opening minutes it took an outstanding save by the home keeper to keep his shot out. Wantage looked in control of the game until they failed to deal with a corner kick and Keller’s clearance was returned interest into the back of the Wantage net. Eltham was then caught when a Fairford player left his foot in and this seemed to upset the Wantage side and both sides battled out the game until half time with the only testing shot from McFarlane crashing back off of the cross bar. (HT 1-0)

After the break Wantage battled to get something from the match but were undone from a corner kick when Eltham claimed to be held back allowing the home side a free header on target. Wantage made changes and Cramp and Joyce both went close with efforts which beat the keeper and the post. The game finished with Payne making several saves as Fairford squandered chances as Wantage pushed for a goal. (FT 2-0)

This was a very poor game of football. Neither side looked capable of stringing together any passes. Apart from a good long range shot and a questionable foul in the build up to the second goal there was nothing between the sides.
It is always frustrating when you travel to games midweek when the opposition feel fit to play first teamers to get results rather than keep things on a level playing field.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, B Eltham, J Maynard, A Wise, T Eatwell, J Daley, A McFarlane, N Davies.
Subs: N Wilkins, M Cramp, R Joyce.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 15th September 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 2
v
KIDLINGTON RES 6

Wantage Town Reserves had to make changes from the team that fought back for a share of the points at Abingdon Town. Alex Lynch, Ben Eltham and Mark Nelson were all missing and this meant the inclusion of Nick Wilkins and Tom Eatwell whilst new signing John Edmonds was included on the bench

The home side started quite well against a young, swift moving Kidlington side. It didn’t take long for things to go wrong though, and in a desperate 20 minute spell the visitors took a 4 – 0 lead with striker Litten bagging 3 of them with some lightning pace and cool finishing. With still 10 minutes remaining before half time Litten was at it again out pacing a static defence before rounding Payne to make it 5-0. Town didn’t know what had hit them but managed to pull a goal back before the break when Ali McFarlane managed to clip the ball over a crowded penalty area intothe top corner of the Kidlington net (HT1-5)

After the break Keller was given the job of man marking Litten, this was a matter of the fastest Town player doing his job against the opposition’s quickest player. It took only 4 minutes for Town to reduce the deficit further when McFarlane and Joyce combined well and the deep cross found Neil Davies and the wide man crashed home his first goal of the season. The visitors still managed another goal from Litten but this time it was not his pace which caused the problem but a flowing move and cross which he managed to reach and divert mast the helpless Payne. (FT 2-6)

This was a lesson in how to play football. The visitors chased, hustled and moved far quicker than Town and the pace of their striker was unchallenged until half time when the message finally got through how to deal with the problem. Kidlington are a good side but the Town players must take responsibility for their duties in the team.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, N Wilkins, T Doig, J Maynard, M Cramp, T Eatwell, A McFarlane, R Joyce, N Davies.
Subs: J Edmonds, S Hicks, A Wise.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Monday 10th September 2007

ABINGDON TOWN RES 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 3

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to newly promoted Abingdon Town for the rearranged fixture held over from Saturday. With a full squad including Ali McFarlane and Ben Eltham a couple of the regular players were rested and Jack Daley was still involved with the First team.

Wantage started well and looked to pass the ball into wide areas attacking down the wings. After a couple of poor clearances by the Wantage defence the ball broke loose and Mott was unmarked to give the home side the lead on 10 minutes. Although Wantage had plenty of the ball they could not break down the home defence and the Abingdon looked dangerous on the break. It was the home side who scored the second goal of the night when a right wing corner was headed into the net from the edge of the area by number 3, Messenger. Wantage were in disarray with the defence and central midfielders looking well off the pace of the game. After surviving another goalmouth scramble, where Keller managed to clear the ball off the line the ball was again in the net before the half hour mark. Wantage failed to make a decent tackle around their own penalty area and Hutt was allowed to smash the ball past the helpless Payne in the Wantage goal. With the game almost won Abingdon took their heads of the match and this allowed Wantage to rally. Wise had a goal bound effort blocked and Joyce began to test the home defenders with some tricky footwork. On 38 minutes Wantage worked the ball down the left with Davies feeding Joyce who slipped the ball through to Ali McFarlane who ran on and clipped the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1. Wantage were now beginning to show some fight and when Joyce robbed an Abingdon player of the ball in the centre circle his clever through ball allowed Ali McFarlane to beat the offside trap and he calmly passed the ball past the keeper into the net to make the score line closer at the break (HT 3-1).

The half time team talk appeared to work for Wantage as they attacked from the start of the second half. It took 10 minutes for them to level the match, the ball finally being deflected of a defender when Rob Joyce hit a low shot through a crowded area. Wantage introduced Nelson and Cramp for Eltham and Wise as they looked to grab all three points and both players were denied by the home keeper Brewerton. Davies, Joyce and Maynard were all close with shots and Nelson managed to lift the ball over the bar from a good position after good work by Maynard and McFarlane. It wasn’t all one way traffic, Craig Payne was alert to long balls into the box and he made an important save, smothering the ball in his 6 yard box. So the game finished even with the supporters having enjoyed a good action packed match, well handled by Mr Timbrell the referee. (FT 3-3).

This was a manager’s nightmare, after conceding 3 early goals you would think scoring 3 goals would have been a great achievement but when you weigh up the chances missed in the final 30 minutes we should have taken all three points.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, T Doig, J Maynard, A Wise, B Eltham, A McFarlane, R Joyce, N Davies
Subs: M Nelson, T Eatwell, M Cramp.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 4th September 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 5
v
CARTERTON RES 2

Wantage Town Reserves had something to prove after the opening day defeat at Headington and with Alex Lynch, Simon Hicks and Matt Cramp available things looked good, especially when Pete Broad declared himself fit after his injury on Saturday. The only player missing was Mark Nelson who had work commitments.

The home side started strongly and moved the ball quicker and more accurately than Saturday and from the first whistle Carterton were forced to defend deep. On 10 minutes the visiting keeper was forced to save from a looping header from Jack Daley. Town kept up the pressure and from a Neil Davies corner Adam Wise dummied the ball and Alex Lynch was unmarked in the six yard box to hammer the ball into the roof of the net. The visitors then changed tactics and pushed another player up front to prevent Town building from the back. This moved gave them more possession and Wantage struggled to regain their rhythm. On the stroke of half time Wantage opened up a two goal lead against the run of play. A free kick from James Keller fell at the feet of Rob Joyce on the edge of the box and the youngster fired the ball into the top corner of the net before the keeper could move. (HT2-0)

Town were confident as they started the second half but were stunned by a superb goal in the opening minutes. A shot from way out on the left wing flew past Craig Payne and hit the stanchion in the top corner of the goal. This lifted Town and within minutes a neat move involving Tom Doig, Neil Davies and Rob Joyce saw the forward run from the half way line and hit a low shot past the keeper to restore the two goal lead. Matt Cramp replaced Adam Wise on the right as Wantage continued to dominate the game and with 20minutes remaining Jack Daley shrugged of his marker and broke clear to fire home Wantage’s fourth goal on the night. Simon Hicks replaced Joyce and Marc Merritt replaced injured Keller as chances were created around the visitor’s goal Town went further ahead in the 89th minute when Jack Daley used his strength to leave two defenders on the floor as he bore down on the keeper and hammered home his second on the night. Then before the final whistle was blown Carterton scored yet another stunning goal with a well struck shot leaving Payne beaten again. (FT 5-2)

This was just what the team needed. A good solid performance all round. Payne was sharp and encouraging between the sticks, the back four did their defensive duties well. The wide men got at their defenders and also tracked back well. Tom Eatwell and Jason Maynard battled hard and used the ball effectively. The forwards worked well together and both scored a brace. It will be impossible to replace Jack Daley when he leaves for University but we hope to get the best out of him before he goes. The subs came on and played their part in an excellent team showing.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, T Doig, J Maynard, A Wise, T Eatwell, J Daley, R Joyce, N Davies
Subs: M Merritt, S Hicks, M Cramp.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 1st September 2007

HEADINGTON AMATEURS RES 4
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

Wantage Town Reserves opened the new season with a trip to newly promoted Headington Amateurs on a warm sunny afternoon. With a couple of the regular players still away on holiday there were opportunities for some of the Youth Team players to get some Hellenic League experience.

The home side started strongly and proved to be quick on the break, using the pace of the two forwards to pressure the Town defence. The opening goal came after a spate of pressure and when the ball was carelessly given away Headington broke down the right and when the ball was pulled back Craig Payne was given no chance of stopping the ball hitting the net. The set back appeared to ignite the Wantage team’s performance and they took a grip of the game with Jack Daley and Rob Joyce making some dangerous runs at the home defence. On 26 minutes the scores were levelled when Tom Eatwell fed Joyce down the right wing, the youngster drove a low cross into the near post area where Jack Daley fired low past the keeper. Town went close again through Daley but after a corner kick a ball out of the home defence was nicked away from James Keller and Headington again broke away and scored from a close range effort after the ball was crossed into the penalty area. (HT 2-1)

The Wantage side were hoping to keep things tight at the start of the second half but thing turned against them when influential captain Pete Broad turned his ankle on the pitch and was left struggling to contain the home forwards. In a 2 minute spell on the hour the home side added two more goals as the ball was given away in critical areas of the pitch. Broad was replaced by Marc Merritt and Town managed to settle down to play again. Wide players, Adam Wise and Neil Davies were replaced by youngsters Kurtis Hart and Tom Middlebrook who did well against the confident home side. In the final minute Rob Joyce was rewarded for his persistence when he wriggled away from a clumsy challenge and chipped the ball over the keeper into the net to make it 4-2. (FT 4-2).

This was difficult game to open the new season and with a couple of experienced players unavailable it proved to be a game we cold not contain the opposition. At times Wantage played some very attractive football but the experienced Headington players did the business. There were a few plus signs, Tom Eatwell had a good first game and the forwards both managed to open their accounts for the season.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, J Maynard, T Doig, T Eatwell, A Wise, M Nelson, J Daley, R Joyce, N Davies
Subs: M Merritt, K Hart, T Middlebrook.