GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Wednesday 26th April 2006

BADSHOT LEA RES 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 1

With a 6:30 kick off and a 60 mile trip from Wantage, Town were forced to field the only 13 players available to travel at 5:00, even then with all the rush hour traffic the kick off was delayed until 6:50.

With no warm up, Town could not take the game too serious. In the opening minutes Tom Rowe went close with a header which was well saved by the home keeper but then a long ball over the top of Lucas allowed No9, Wing to break free and fire a firm shot off Lynch into the net. Wantage then rode their luck as the home side dominated the game but squandered a number of chances. (HT 1 - 0).

The second half was very strange with Badshot Lea playing as if the title depended upon it, flying into rash tackles which the referee deemed less important than verbal comments. Wantage were matching the home side but on 15 minutes of the second period another long ball down the right saw Wing beat Lynch in a tackle out of the area and the forward cut in and shot past Doig covering on the line. Wantage then lost Tom Rowe to a dangerously high tackle which left the youngster with an 8 inch graze down his shin. Alex Lynch made a fine save in the fading light before Jack Daley scored Town’s goal when he turned in a long throw by Andy Goodchild. Town looked to get something out of the game with Chris Pettis and Simon Hicks pushing up but Wantage were undone by another long ball to Wing who clipped the ball past Lynch to complete his hat-trick. (Full Time 3 – 1 )

This was a tired and disorganised performance from Town, which was to be expected after a long journey straight from work and school and straight on to the pitch. Fortunately there was nothing riding upon the result but even so the team selection was restricted by the time of the kick off with regular players, Andy Woodhouse, Paul Broadis and Stuart Morrison all missing due to work finishing times.

Team: A Lynch, S Lucas, P Broad, T Doig, C Pettis, M Malton, T Austin, J Rowe, T Rowe, A Goodchild, S Hicks.
Subs: J Daley, J Rewcastle.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 22nd April 2006

BINFIELD RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 4

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Binfield on the back of a mid week victory at Henley Town. With Stuart Morrison available, he replaced Stuart Lucas in the squad but the starting eleven were the same as at Henley.

The home side started well but the Town side knew their jobs and kept their shape well. Alex Lynch was alert to any long balls over the top whilst Matt Malton and Paul Broadis worked hard together in the centre of midfield. It was Wantage who took the lead when they kept the ball in the home penalty area following a corner kick, the ball eventually fell to Tom Austin on the edge of the six yard box, he turned well and crossed low for Tom Rowe to tap in on the far post. The lead didn’t last long, Binfield looked dangerous from corner kicks and Chris Pettis did well to head a goal bound effort wide but from the resulting corner Callaway headed firmly between Alex Lynch and Simon Hicks into the net. With the confidence in the Wantage side running high, they pushed on with Tom Rowe and Andy Goodchild working hard to get the upper hand. On the half hour Goodchild launched a long throw into the penalty area, as the defenders hesitated and Simon Hicks nipped in to touch the ball over Butcher, the Binfield keeper, to give Town a lead at the break.
(HT 1 - 2 )

The second half was only 12 seconds old when Andy Goodchild seized upon a defensive error and he rifled a low shot beyond Butcher to give Town a comprehensive 3 - 1 lead. Although Binfield were neat in their build up play their finishing was not as clinical as Wantage’s and they squandered a good opening when Mills headed over when he should have done better. The miss proved costly as Wantage were awarded a free kick on the right after Goodchild was fouled. Tom Austin delivered another pin point cross and Chris Pettis converted with another low shot. Stuart Morrison replaced Matt Malton, who was suffering from a foot injury and the game flowed from end to end. Alex Lynch deflected a shot wide with his foot and then Pete Broad managed to block a goal bound effort. Jack Daley replaced the impressive Goodchild and the youngster almost headed another goal after good work from Tom Rowe and Hicks. In the closing minutes Tom Austin hit a post, Jake Rowe replaced his brother Tom and then Lynch got down well to turn a low shot around a post. (Full Time 1 – 4 )

This was sweet revenge for the defeat at home back in March. With the confidence in the side everyone appears to be enjoying each game and everyone wants the ball. The performances from Andy Woodhouse and Tom Doig has helped Pete Broad and Chris Pettis to defend our goal. The midfield players have built and understanding which now comes naturally and the forwards are always willing to battle for every ball. Once again the excellent delivery from Tom Austin has given the opposition problems which our own players have exploited. We done to everyone involved.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS OF THE GAME ON THE BINFIELD FC WEBSITE

Team: A Lynch, A Woodhouse, P Broad, T Doig, C Pettis, M Malton, T Austin, P Broadis, T Rowe, A Goodchild, S Hicks.
Subs: S Morrison, J Daley, J Rowe.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Thursday 20th April 2006

HENLEY TOWN RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 4

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to local Henley Town after a three week break, to play the hosts who had played a cup final the previous evening. With the late withdrawal of Stuart Morrison, Tom Austin was drafted into the team at short notice and he played a part in three of the four goals.

The home side started well but the uneven, hard pitch meant the ball was bouncing around causing both teams to give away possession cheaply. Wantage took the lead in the 4th minute when Tom Austin drove a free kick low into the area and Tom Rowe back healed the ball into the net from close range. Henley did not look like a side that had played 24 hours earlier and were busy across the pitch but Matt Malton and Paul Broadis worked hard together preventing the home side from building through the middle of the field. The home side were resorting to long balls aimed towards Hobbs but Pete Broad and Chris Pettis worked in tandem to deal with the aerial threat. On 35 minutes Austin ran onto a through ball from Goodchild and his clever lob was clawed out by Jenkins at full stretch to deny Wantage a second goal. When Henley did break clear Best was held up by Broad and Broadis, the loose ball was struck well by Herbert but Alex Lynch was equal to the shot turning the ball around the post. (HT 0 - 1 )

Wantage were straight at the home side after the break and Broadis was denied twice in the opening minutes, firstly his goal bound shot was headed off the line and then he hammered the ball goal wards and Jenkins made a superb save palming the ball out for a corner when he seemed beaten. Henley were pushing forward but the Wantage defence were well organised with Doig, Broad, Pettis and Woodhouse preventing any clear cut goal scoring opportunities. Wantage were dangerous on the break with Rowe and Goodchild though the middle and Austin and Hicks probing down the wings, it was Austin who almost scored again when Broadis played a well weighted ball over the defence and the wide man nipped in and lifted the ball over the keeper but narrowly wide of the far post. As Wantage enjoyed a spell of pressure Broadis wriggled through a couple of tackles before getting a shot away then Austin rode five tackles and brought another excellent save from Jenkins as he looked certain to score. Wantage did increase their lead in the 75th minute when an Austin shot was turned into the net by Matt Malton who controlled the ball and hit a shot just inside the post. The home side responded well and when Wantage failed to clear a corner kick, substitute Digby struck a low shot which crept past the unsighted Lynch to give the home side hope of a revival. The revival was short lived, within a minute Hicks hit a long ball out of defence which Tom Rowe hopefully chased towards the Henley goal. When the defender and keeper hesitated the forward nipped in and headed the ball into the unguarded net. Both sides introduced substitutes, Henley to try to get something out of the game, Wantage to tighten up an already sound defence. Stuart Lucas replaced Hicks and Jack Daley replace top scorer Tom Rowe then youngster Jake Rowe replaced the willing runner Andy Goodchild. Although the home side attacked they could not create a clear chance and when Austin broke down the right wing in added on time he was cut down by a tired defender. He then provided the perfect delivery from the free kick which allowed Chris Pettis to nod home goal number 4. (Full time 1 - 4).

This was a very good performance in front of a handful of travelling supporters. Yet again a well organised defence and hard working midfield prevented a good Henley side from getting any real goal scoring opportunities. On the break Wantage looked dangerous and Jenkins, the home keeper kept the score down, or this would have been an even more convincing victory.

Team: A Lynch, A Woodhouse, P Broad, T Doig, C Pettis, M Malton, T Austin, P Broadis, T Rowe, A Goodchild, S Hicks.
Subs: J Daley, J Rowe, S Lucas.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 1st April 2006

WANTAGE TOWN RES 1
v
DIDCOT TOWN RES 2

Yet again Wantage Town Reserves were weakened by the loss of players to the First team squad. A call for help was answered by Paul Belcher who offered to keep goal allowing Alex Lynch to play on pitch in the back four.

Didcot started strongly but to their credit Wantage defended well, kept their shape and defended as a well organised unit. The game was disrupted by the referee Mr smith who prevented the play from flowing. From a dubious free kick, awarded on the half way line by Alex Lynch, Didcot took the lead. The ball was flighted over Pete Broad and Warner nipped in to divert the ball into the bottom corner of the Wantage goal. Wantage were reduced to a couple of set pieces where Cox Rogers, the visiting keeper, handled the ball well. Just before the interval Simon Hicks was well positioned to head the ball off the line from under his own cross bar. (HT 0 - 1)

After the break Wantage grew in confidence and began to play some good football. This frustrated the visitors and they began to loose some composure and Dorrian was booked for a rash challenge on youngster Jake Rowe, who was unable to continue and was replaced by Stuart Lucas. Then Didcot were awarded a penalty kick when Bianchini appeared to loose control of the ball as Pete Broad made his challenge. The ball was already out of play when the players met but the referee pointed to the spot and the Didcot player got up and converted the kick to make it 0 – 2. Wantage introduced Jon James in place of Simon Hicks as they looked to get back into the game and with 12 minutes remaining he vollied the ball into the net in spectacular style after good work from Stuart Lucas. This set up an interesting final 10 minutes, Didcot were denied by Paul Belcher on a couple of occasions and when Cox Rogers dropped a cross under pressure Tom Doig struck his shot narrowly wide of the post. (FT 1 – 2).

Didcot took all three points but the young Wantage side were a credit to the Green and White shirts. The defence were strong, the midfield battled for 90 minutes and the two forwards tried to work the visitors defenders throughout. With several Didcot players having First Team and even FA Vase experience the youngsters gave a good account of themselves.

Team: P Belcher, A Woodhouse, P Broad, T Doig, A Lynch, C Pettis, J Rowe, P Broadis, J Daley, A Goodchild, S Hicks.
Subs: S Lucas, J Rewcastle, J James.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 25th March 2006

KIDLINGTON RES 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 1

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Kidlington with a full squad strengthened by the return of Stuart Morrison, Matt Malton and Tom Rowe from First team duties plus Chris Pettis was available after missing two weeks.

After almost gifting Kidlington a goal in the opening minute Town took control of the match. For 30 minutes Wantage knocked the ball around well, threatening the home goal without getting a clear goal scoring chance due to some resolute defending. Jake Rowe was working well on the right of midfield but was taking a lot of stick from the people in the home dug after a couple of clashes with Kidlington players. Then Paul Broadis was involved in an off the ball scuffle but the referee Mr Jameison missed the incident. The rough tactics upset Town’s flow and although Andy Woodhouse, Pete Broad, Chris Pettis and Tom Doig always looked in control at the back the midfield of Jake Rowe, Morrison, Malton and Broadis were in constant battles and Tom Rowe was getting battered upfront with little protection from the referee. (HT 0 - 0)

After a calming team talk Wantage came out ready for the second half and soon stamped their authority on the match. The four midfielders were winning their individual battles and Town looked dangerous. After several chances went amiss Town made changes, Andy Goodchild replaced Jake Rowe, Simon Hicks dropped back into midfield and Goodchild went up front to use his pace against the slower Kidlington defence. With 15 minutes remaining Town took the lead, a free kick from the left taken by Matt Malton was met by Tom Rowe who rifled the ball into the roof of the net. With Wantage in front Kidlington needed to push on but they never looked like levelling and Town replaced Hicks with Jack Daley to add another pair of fresh legs to attack on the right. Within minutes it almost paid off when Daley and Goodchild combined well and only a good save by Sanders, the Kidlington keeper, kept the score at 0 - 1. Alex Lynch was called upon to claim a couple of crosses and Town went on to win the match. (FT 0 – 1)

With everyone available Wantage showed they are a competitive side in all departments. Youngsters Andy Woodhouse, Tom Doig, Jake and Tom Rowe all show great potential when playing with more experienced players who can help them settle into the game. Tom Rowe kept up his terrific goal scoring record and both Andy Goodchild and Jack Daley added something extra when brought on during the second half.

Team: A Lynch, A Woodhouse, P Broad, C Pettis, T Doig, M Malton, J Rowe, P Broadis, T Rowe, S Morrison, S Hicks.
Subs: J Daley, A Goodchild, S Lucas.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 21st March 2006

WANTAGE TOWN RES 3
v
CHELTENHAM SARACENS RES 1

Wantage Town fielded a strong side for the fixture against Cheltenham Saracens, the team selection was forced upon the Managers due to the already arranged Fred Carroll Trophy match on the following night.

The opening 20 minutes saw Town retain possession well but without any real threat on the visitor’s goal. The first clear opportunity fell to Tom Austin but his goal bound chip was pushed over the bar by Prentice in the visitor’s goal. From the resulting corner Sam Belcher was first to the ball but his header was too high. Cheltenham were keeping the home side at bay, Bourne and Belcher both had shots from distance but neither troubled the keeper. (HT 0-0)

The second half opened with a goal scoring spree, lee Davies provided the perfect cross for Tom Rowe to guide a header past Prentice into the net. Within 2 minutes it was 1 - 1 as a well directed cross was headed into the net past Paul Belcher. Wantage responded with two goals in as many minutes. Tom Rowe set up Tom Austin with a chest pass which the midfielder struck into the net off the far post and then Gavin Jones found time and space to crash the ball into the net from the edge of the box. From then on it was one way traffic as Wantage dominated but squandered a number of chances. Andy woodhouse replaced Pete Broad, who had taken a knock in the first half and Matt Malton replaced Danny Allen who had worked hard all night. (FT 3 - 1)

Wantage upped their game in the second half and dominated the match. The back four of Lee Davies, Stu Lamont, Chris Pettis and Pete Broad looked solid, apart from conceding the goal, and controlled the game from the back, even when young Andy Woodhouse replaced Broad they looked comfortable. The midfield of Gavin Jones and Tom Austin were a constant threat on the wings. Tom Rowe and Sam Belcher worked well together and another day Belcher would have scored two or three goals. Paul Belcher was a virtual spectator and was only beaten by a well placed header.

Team: P Belcher, L Davies, P Broad, C Pettis, S Lamont, D Allen, T Austin, R Bourne, T Rowe, S Belcher, G Jones.
Subs: A Woodhouse, M Malton, L McCullough.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 18th March 2006

WANTAGE TOWN RES 0
v
MILTON UTD RES 0

Wantage Town Reserves faced local neighbours Milton United Reserves with another youthful looking side. With Milton on a good run since the turn of the year, it was going to be a tough game for the home side.

The match was played at a quick tempo on a firm dry pitch. The passing from both sides was somewhat wayward and the game failed to flow during the first half hour. With 10 minutes of the half remaining Pete Broad opened up the visitors defence with a through ball for Andy Goodchild to run onto but the forward beat the keeper and his shot went wide of the target. Then just before the interval a well worked free kick saw Paul Broadis feed Pete Broad, he layed the ball out wide to Simon Hicks who found Tom Rowe on the edge of the area, he in turn crossed the ball into the six yard box where Jack Daley met the ball but failed to keep his shot below the crossbar. (HT 0-0)

Early in the second half Tom Rowe flicked on a throw in by Goodchild and Daley burst onto the loose ball but was unable to direct the shot on target. Wantage looked the more likely to score and Broadis went on a tricky run across the pitch before cutting into the area on the left, he then crossed the ball to Goodchild who headed the ball down towards the bottom corner but Coulthard, in the Milton goal, managed to get down and parry the ball away for a defender to complete the clearance. Milton needed the points and threw on more attacking players and Alex Lynch was forced to make a save when he scooped the ball off the toes of an incoming forward. The midfield battle continued throughout the game and both Jake Rowe and Milton’s Brewerton picked up yellow cards but with a couple of minutes remaining Brewerton received his second yellow and Milton were left with 10 men for the final minutes. Josh Rewcastle and Nick Wilkins were introduced to give fresh legs and some useful experience at senior level. (FT 0-0)

With such a youthful side this was a good result, but on the balance of play Wantage should have taken all three points. The experienced players Lynch, Broad, Broadis and Hicks did exceptionally well in organising the young players and keeping the Milton side quiet. Youngsters Woodhouse, Doig and Lucas played well at the back and Daley and Jake Rowe helped the midfielders out whilst Tom Rowe and Goodchild proved to be a handful up front.

Team: A Lynch, A Woodhouse, P Broad, T Doig, S Lucas, J Rowe, J Daley, P Broadis, T Rowe, A Goodchild , S Hicks.
Subs: J Rewcastle, N Wilkins, P Wilkins.
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GLS FOOTBALL HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 11th March 2006

FINCHAMPSTEAD RES 5
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

With a weakened squad of players Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Finchampstead for a match knowing the opposition would be strengthened by First team players as they had no game scheduled this weekend. Town included 7 players under the age of 18 in the 12 man squad.

It couldn’t have been a worse start for the inexperienced side, Finchampstead scoring in the first minute with their first attack of the game and it was 2 – 0 after only 5 minutes. Wantage then settled down and Tom Rowe reduced the deficit before half time with a well taken headed goal, from a Matt Malton corner kick. (Half Time 2-1).

Having overcome the early onslaught, Wantage levelled the scores early in the second half when Malton lifted the ball over the defence and Simon Hicks beat the keeper to the ball and headed into the empty net. Finchamstead then introduced another forward and pushed Town on to the back foot with Alex Lynch, Andy Woodhouse, Tom Doig, Pete Broad and Paul Broadis defending desperately and when Woodhouse instinctively pushed a goal bound shot around the post with his hand referee, Mr Bushnell had no option but to award the penalty kick and show the young defender a red card. The home side scored from the resulting spot kick to retake the lead. It was then a matter to keeping the score down as the strong home side took advantage of their superior position. Josh Rewcastle replaced Jake Rowe, a defender for a midfielder and Jack Daley and Andy Goodchild were asked to drop deeper to help defend. To their credit Wantage battled to the end conceding two more goals one of which was in the final minutes. (Full time 5 - 2).

This was always going to be a difficult fixture even with a full strength squad. Town showed good character to level the scores after the early goals conceded but the home side were too strong for the youngsters. When reduced to 10 men it was a matter of defending in numbers and everyone gave 100% and it was accredit to the side to keep the score down to 5.

Team: A Lynch, A Woodhouse, P Broad, P Broadis, T Doig, M Malton, J Rowe, J Daley, T Rowe, A Goodchild, S Hicks.
Subs: J Rewcastle, P Wilkins, D Broadis.