SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 14th April 2007

BISLEY SPORTS RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 1

On a very hot April afternoon Town travelled to fourth placed Bisley Sports Reserves on the back of Thursday’s victory at Carterton. It was fortunate that regular squad players Matt Malton, Simon Hicks and Paul Broadis available as three of Thursday’s players were missing.

The game was only 3 minutes old when a sickening clash of heads left Jason Maynard with a nasty gash high on the side of his head. After treatment in the dressing room from physio, Paul Wilkins, he returned sporting a gleaming white head bandage, to rejoin the action. Both sides looked to play football on a firm but well kept pitch, the home side looking dangerous with the No6 controlling the game. On the half hour the home side took the lead, after stretching the defence a long ball from the right left No11 to beat Broadis to the ball and knock the ball beyond Payne with a low drive. Both sides continued to play attractive football without any real clear cut chances, Maynard and Payne combined well to snuff out a scramble in the area and then Lynch hit a quick free kick over the home defence which Nelson controlled well and hit a stinging right foot shot straight at the keeper. (HT 1-0).

From the whistle at the start of the second period Bisley threatened the Town defence with aerial bombardments from both flanks but the defenders stood firm against their taller rivals. After withstanding 10 minutes of pressure Wantage managed to level the scores. Jake Rowe and Nelson managed to steal the ball on the edge of the area and Mark Nelson rounded two defenders before clipping the ball past the advancing keeper. The rest of the half saw chances for both sides, Joyce lobbed the keeper but the ball bounced wide and then No6 broke clear but shot wide of the mark. With 10 minutes remaining Nick Wilkins replaced the heroic Maynard who was suffering in the heat. The last action of the match involved Payne who was quick off his line to force a breaking forward to screw his shot wide of the target.

The team showed great team spirit to share the points against 4th placed Bisley and maintain their own 5th position in the table. For the second time in a week, against the odds, a battling performance has lifted the changing room spirit and confidence of the players and managers.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, J Maynard, M Malton, P Broadis, M Nelson, R Joyce, J Rowe, S Hicks.
Subs: N Wilkins.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Thursday 12th April 2007

CARTERTON TOWN RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

After a break of twelve days Wantage returned to action at Carterton on a Thursday evening with many players unavailable through injury, work commitments and First team duties. Town mustered up a squad of 12 players, including Ali McFarlane who travelled over from Bristol arriving some 20 minutes before kick off. Carterton, who had beaten Town 5-3 at Alfredian Park last month, included Wantage ‘old boys’ Matt Allen and Paul Douglas.

The home side started well and squandered a couple of headed chances before opening the scoring on 20 minutes when a through ball saw Kew break clear to beat Payne with a low shot. Wantage kept trying to play football on a poor surface, McFarlane and Joyce were making good movement along the line and Wise and Neccmi-Ghiri worked up and down the flanks. On 35 minutes Wantage were awarded a penalty when Neccmi-Ghiri chased down a short back pass and was pushed over inside the area. Alex Lynch stepped up and hammered the ball straight down the middle past Lazurus in the home goal. Maynard, Nelson and Jake Rowe were unsettling the Carterton flow in the centre of the pitch and Wantage went in at the break level. (HT 1-1).

Kicking down the slope towards the clubhouse Wantage sensed an upset and early on Joyce and McFarlane tested the keeper. The turning point in the match was after a short spell of Carterton pressure Craig Payne made a great save with his feet, Carterton had a header go over the crossbar and Maynard made a timely tackle on No7 Holder, who overdid his appeal for a penalty resulting in the only caution of the match. Then Nick Wilkins, on for Neccmi-Ghiri, made another last ditch tackle to prevent Douglas shooting at goal. Carterton replaced the volatile Holder and Wantage gained a psychological advantage with Nelson taking control of the midfield. Joyce went close seeing his low shot beat Lazarus but not a defender on the line then Wise set up Nelson on the edge of the area but he completely mistimed his shot. Payne continued to organise his defence of Broad, Lynch, Keller and Maynard who were all outstanding. With 4 minutes remaining Rob Joyce collected the ball on the left with defenders in front of him; he shifted the ball onto his right foot and curled the ball around a defender and the keeper into the top corner of the net to give Town a 2-1 lead. Carterton could not respond and the make shift Wantage side held on to gain an unexpected but deserved victory. (FT 1-2).

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, J Maynard, J Rowe, A Wise, M Nelson, R Joyce, A McFarlane, A Neccmi-Ghiri.
Subs: N Wilkins.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 31st March 2007

DIDCOT TOWN RES 3
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

Wantage were in a position to field a 4 – 4 – 2 formation and included Garry Hartley paired with Jack Daley up front and were off to a flying start, Paul Broadis broke down the right and crossed for Garry Hartley to score at the near post in the 3rd minute. Neccmi – Ghiri then broke down the left wing and his cross was headed over the bar by a defender with Daley closing in. On 10 minutes it was 2-0, Didcot failed to clear a corner kick and Aiden Neccmi-Ghiri hammered the ball into the net at his second attempt. Didcot then upped their game and Keller was on hand to head away a dangerous cross at the far post. Wantage’s game plan was then disrupted with an injury to Tom Doig who had to be replaced by Simon Hicks. On 30 minutes Didcot pulled a goal back, a long free kick deep into the Wantage area was not dealt with and the ball fell to Kounde who found the net from close range. 10 minutes later it was 2-2, another high ball caused Payne trouble and the loose ball dropped to Wickens who rolled the ball into an empty net. Moments before half time Jack Daley almost restored Wantage’s lead when he turned well in the box but his firm shot was straight at Bruce in the home goal. (HT 2-2).

The second half was a much tightened game with Daley going close for Wantage and Dorrian firing narrowly over but with the final kick of the game Dorrian hit a screamer which found the top corner of the net and Didcot took all three points and left Wantage deflated. (FT 3-2).

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, T Doig, A Goodchild, P Broadis, M Nelson, J Daley, G Hartley, A Neccmi-Ghiri.
Subs: R Joyce, S Hicks, N Wilkins.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 27th March 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 2
v
CARTERTON RES 5

Wantage Town reserves faced a strong Carterton side with another couple of players missing through first team call up. With Liam McCullough out injured they were fortunate to include Danny Keen who was unavailable for First team selection, being cup-tied for their match at Slimbridge.

The opening exchanges saw Jack Daley head towards goal, from a Pete Broad free kick, but couldn’t beat the visiting keeper, then Craig Payne saved well from Carterton’s Kew. Carterton took the lead in the 15th minute when a smart throw in allowed space for a left wing cross to be turned into the net past Payne. The lead was short lived as Wantage bounced back, a pass to Keen was flicked forward and jack Daley shook of his markers and drove the ball into the net. Both sides were playing good football, Carterton playing out from the back but they almost paid the penalty for over playing when Daley forced an error by a defender and Keen chipped the ball over the keeper but the ball clipped the back of the bar and over. On 30 minutes Carterton restored their lead with a move down the right, when the ball was crossed into the near post the ball was turned into the net giving Payne no chance. Carterton were finishing the half strongly and only good positioning by Broadis, on the post from a corner prevented another goal, when he headed off the line. (HT 1-2)

The second half was only 6 minutes old when another long ball over the Town defence allowed Kew to round the keeper and make it 3–1. Wantage responded with Broad going close with a low shot which was tipped around the post for a corner kick. Broadis had an effort deflected out for a corner and Daley shot over the bar with a long range effort. Wise replaced Neccmi-Ghiri and was involved in a clear cut penalty appeal when he swapped passes with Keen and moved into the penalty area before being upended but referee Mr Sharkey waved away the appeals to the surprise of everyone at the ground. Wantage heads dropped briefly and Carterton took advantage scoring their 4th goal with 15 minutes remaining. Rob Joyce replaced Simon Hicks and was involved in Wantage’ reply, he took on three players before the ball broke to Danny Keen who hammered the ball into the net off the underside of the bar. Young Nick Wilkins replaced Andy Goodchild with 6 minutes remaining and Carterton still managed to create another chance and Payne was left exposed at the back as Carterton completed the scoring with a fifth goal. (FT 2-5)

The score line looks as if Wantage were completely out played but for periods of the game both sides played good attractive football creating chances. Carterton finished well and could have added to their score but Wantage created a host of chances and could have found the net on a number of opportunities. The visiting forward pace exposed the Town defence and the quality of their passing gave the defence problems. Town will learn from this match and I am sure the re-match at Kilkenny lane next Wednesday will be another entertaining encounter if Town can get the players available considering the first team have games on Tuesday and Thursday.

Team: C Payne, T Doig, P Broad, A Lynch, A Goodchild, A Neccmi-Ghiri , P Broadis, M Nelson, J Daley, D Keen, S Hicks.
Subs: R Joyce, N Wilkins, A Wise.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 20th March 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 2
v
ABINGDON UTD RES 1

Wantage Town Reserves faced Abingdon Utd for the third time this season on Tuesday evening. Abingdon included Wantage old boy Darren Quegan in their starting eleven. With Mark Nelson out with a hamstring injury, Aidan Neccmi-Ghiri took his place in the side and ex- Abingdon player Ben Steptoe was included on the bench.

Wantage needed to be on their game from the kick off and after only 5 minutes the ball fell to Neccmi-Ghiri whose shot beat Shepherd, the visiting keeper, but was blocked in front of goal and the keeper recovered to drop on the loose ball. Then a free kick by Matt Malton was well saved by the keeper, tipping the ball around a post as it headed for the top corner. From the resulting corner Paul Broadis crossed at the second attempt and the ball fell to an unmarked Liam McCullough but he could only steer the ball wide of the post with the keeper stranded. On 17 minutes Town took the lead, another cross by Broadis from the right, found Jack Daley who turned well and fired a low drive into the net. Abingdon raised their game and began to threaten the Wantage goal but Craig Payne was never troubled and the pace of McCullough was always a danger on the counter attack. (HT 1-0)

At the start of the second half Wantage were caught out by a long clearance, Lynch and Keller both misjudged the flight of the ball and Oram ran into the box then went down under a clumsy challenge from Keller leaving referee Mr Fry no option but to point to the spot. Swafford stepped up and gave Payne no chance with a low shot inside the post. McCullough was replaced by Rob Joyce as he felt a strain in his thigh and not so long after Neccmi-Ghiri pulled up with cramp and was replaced by Tom Doig. Wantage readjusted the team, Doig went in at the back with Keller moving wide right and Broadis moving into the centre with Malton and Goodchild. In the 70th minute Keller crossed from the right, Daley chested the ball down into the path of Paul Broadis whose shot was deflected off a defender over the keeper into the net to give Town a 2-1 lead. Abingdon could not get back into the game, Wantage replaced Simon Hicks with Steptoe, Andy Goodchild moved to the left to cut out the threat of Quegan but Wantage still finished the stronger side. (FT 2-1).

This was another good result and an improved performance on Saturday from start to finish. The defence had two lapses in concentration, conceding the penalty but Pete Broad lead by example and Payne controlled the back line well and Doig made a brave block minutes after coming on. The midfield worked well together restricting Abingdon’s possession in the middle of the park. Up front Jack Daley lead the line well and was supported by willing runners in both McCullough and Joyce.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, A Goodchild, M Malton, P Broadis, A Neccmi-Ghiri, J Daley, L McCullough, S Hicks.
Subs: T Doig, B Steptoe, R Joyce.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 17th March 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 4
v
HENLEY TOWN RES 0

With the return of Alex Lynch and Matt Malton to the Reserve Team squad from the first teams trip to Sandhurst, and Pete Broad declaring himself fit the side was at full strength, it was only a matter of who would start the match. Things worked out well for Town, after selecting a more experienced starting eleven they won the toss and elected to kick into the wind away from the clubhouse end.

Henley began well and looked sharp up front, their midfielders more comfortable on the ball and Wantage couldn’t get any quality possession of the ball. On the half hour Liam McCullough broke clear but his chipped shot went narrowly over the bar. This appeared to unrest the visitors and Jack Daley took advantage of a mix up between keeper Michalik and a defender, he closed the clearance down and the ball rebounded of the striker into the empty net. The Wantage defence then held out against the wind with Payne, Broad, Lynch and Keller all keeping the visitors at bay. (HT 1-0).

With the wind at their backs Wantage looked to take control of the match and after just 2 minutes of the restart Simon Hicks came in from the left wing to score a well taken goal. From then on it was one way traffic as Matt Malton and Liam McCullough took control of the Henley side. Nelson pulled up with a hamstring strain and was replaced by Neccmi-Ghiri who was soon involved in the action. On the hour Daley robbed a defender of the ball and played the perfect ball across the penalty area for Liam McCullough to add goal number 3 with a simple tap into the empty net. Rob Joyce came on to give McCullough a well earned rest with 15 minutes remaining and the youngster could have opened his account with three good chances. He had a lob rest on the roof of the net and two efforts cleared off the line after he had cleverly lifted the ball over the keeper. It was Andy Goodchild who added goal number four with a cross from the left which sailed over the keeper into the top corner of the net. Tom Doig came on for captain Pete Broad for the final 10 minutes as Town ran out comfortable victors. (FT 4-0).

After battling against the conditions as much as the opposition in the first half the Wantage players sorted out their roles on the pitch during the interval and they dominated the second half. The goals were spread amongst the players, Jack Daley reaching 10 for the season, but it was the performances of the youngsters that shone through in the second period.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, A Goodchild, M Malton, P Broadis, M Nelson, J Daley, L McCullough, S Hicks.
Subs: T Doig, A Neccmi-Ghiri, R Joyce.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 13th March 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 0
v
KIDLINGTON RES 1

Second placed Kidlington came to Wantage and showed why they are riding high with a battling display, hustling, chasing and passing the ball throughout the opening 45 minutes totally outplaying the home side. The only goal of the first half came in the 34th minute from a corner kick when No5 Crossman was left unmarked to head goal wards, the ball was blocked by Hogan but the Kidlington man followed up to scramble the ball over the line. (HT 0-1).

The second half was more evenly contested with Wantage asking more questions. Hogan showed good touches and opened the game up with good passes, Broadis probed down the right wing and Daley went close with two snap shots which were well saved by Brain the Kidlington keeper. Rob Joyce, Aidan Neccmi-Ghiri and Adam Wise replaced Hicks, Nelson and Broad as both sides battled until the final whistle but the score remained 1-0 to the visitors. (FT 0-1).

After being outclassed in the first half, Wantage’s youngsters showed great spirit in the second half and almost earned a share of the spoils. With few clear cut chances the game was decided by a single strike. It was good to see Tom Doig back in action after his recent absence and the substitutes all got involved in the action.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, T Doig, A Goodchild, C Hogan, P Broadis, M Nelson, J Daley, L McCullough, S Hicks.
Subs: R Joyce, A Neccmi-Ghiri, A Wise.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 20th February 2007

WOOTTON BASSETT TOWN RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 1

Wantage travelled to Wootton Bassett with yet another changed side due to an injury to Liam McCullough but fortunately Mark Nelson was back in the team after a weeks absence. It was a straight swap in personal with Jack Daley and Rob Joyce leading the attack.

Town started slowly and did the simple things, clearing their lines and getting used to the conditions and opposition. It was Wantage who then began to control the game with some neat passing and good movement from by the young strikers. On 25 minutes Wantage almost opened the scoring when good work by Daley on the right enabled him to find Matt Malton with his back to gaol on the edge of the penalty area, he turned and hit a neat shot which Domm, the Bassett keeper tipped over the cross bar at full stretch. Joyce then wriggled into the area but was denied by a last ditch tackle when about to shoot at goal. It was not all one way traffic and Ovens almost opened the scoring for the home side but his shot was narrowly wide of the post as Payne made the chance difficult by forcing the striker to hurry his shot. (HT 0-0).

With Pete Broad struggling with a knock suffered on Saturday Wantage were force to make a change at half time with Andy Goodchild dropping into the back three and Jake Rowe taking up a role in the centre of midfield. With the second half only 5 minutes old Wantage were denied what looked to be a good opening goal by a questionable offside decision. Town were awarded an indirect free kick on the edge of the Bassett area, the ball was floated over the wall and Daley dived forward to head the ball beyond Domm into the roof of the net but the linesman raised his flag and the goal was ruled out. This appeared to unsettle the Town side and a number of silly free kicks were conceded and from one such kick the ball was headed past Payne and the home side took an undeserved lead. Wantage settled back into their stride with Joyce and Daley working the defenders and Nelson, Hicks, Neccmi-Ghiri and Malton were biting into the tackle. On 65 minutes Town levelled, a ball over the top saw Jack Daley brush past his marker and break clear on goal, he then calmly rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into the empty net. Bassett introduced their substitutes and Town were forced to replace Neccmi-Ghiri who suffered a hamstring strain with Terry Culbert. With five minutes remaining Wantage had James Keller dismissed for a second yellow card and Bassett applied pressure upon the visitor’s goal but Alex Lynch and Craig Payne marshalled the side well and Wantage held out for a share of the points. (FT 1-1).

For the second time in four days Wantage managed to gain a share of the points in tough matches against good Reserve Division One sides. With players already missing, Pete Broad overcame the pain for 45 minutes to set up a valiant display by Wantage. With his loss at half time the team steeled themselves for the second period and showed great character to share the points and even faced the final minutes with 10 men. This was a great team performance and will surely give pride to the youngsters who played their part in the game.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, M Malton, A Goodchild, M Nelson, A Neccmi-Ghiri, J Daley , R Joyce, S Hicks.
Subs: J Rowe, T Culbert, L McCullough.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 17th February 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 1
v
DIDCOT TOWN RES 1

With several players still unavailable due to illness, injury and holidays Wantage were forced to introduce youngsters Rob Joyce, Aiden Neccmi-Ghiri and Jake Rowe to the squad, even then two of the three substitutes were still unfit to play in the match unless necessary.

Wantage started the game well with Rob Joyce and Jack Daley leading the line. Pete Broad, Alex Lynch and James Keller looked steady at the back with Simon Hicks and Aiden Neccmi-Ghiri providing good cover down the flanks. In the 23rd minute Wantage almost opened the scoring when a cross from Keller was picked up by a defender who dwelt on the ball and Joyce challenged for the ball and played it square to Daley who shot and his effort beat McGloughlin, the visiting keeper, but came back off the bar. Both sides looked to take control of the game but at half time the score remained blank. (HT 0-0)

Both sides battled to take control but Andy Goodchild, Liam McCullough and Matt Malton were equal to the more experienced Didcot players and it was Wantage who eventually broke the deadlock. A free kick by McCullough was blocked and Malton followed up with a scuffed effort which found Pete Broad unmarked in the area and the veteran defender whipped the ball beyond McGloughlin into the net. Wantage were now in control and only a fine save by the visiting keeper denied Daley from adding to his seasons tally. Didcot made changes and began to apply more pressure on the home defence. Neccmi-Ghiri took a knock and was replaced by Jake Rowe as Wantage defended, Didcot did have the ball in the net but Craig Payne was kicked during the scramble and referee Mr Ludlow cancelled out the goal. The game moved into injury time before Didcot finally levelled through Allum a late substitute. (FT 1-1 )

Although it is always disappointing to concede a goal so late in the game, Didcot did battle hard for the point. The youngsters did very well and Pete Broad marshalled the team throughout the match. Craig Payne did well in goal and a draw was a fair reflection of the match.
Liam McCullough was a constant threat and the young forwards were always alert to any chance which slipped their way.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, M Malton, A Goodchild, A Neccmi-Ghiri, L McCullough, J Daley , R Joyce, S Hicks.
Subs: J Rowe, B Steptoe, P Broadis.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 10th February 2007

BADSHOT LEA RES 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 0

Wantage Town Reserves faced a long trip to Badshot Lea with several key players missing since the 5-1 victory over the same opposition two weeks earlier. Tom Rowe now on loan at Milton Utd, Edd Welch, Mark Nelson both unavailable, Tom Doig recovering from surgery and Liam McCullough injured.

Badshot were really up for the game and dominated the opening 20 minutes and took the lead through Kazzeroni after a fine save from Craig Payne ran loose to the striker. Badshot’s No8, Payne was running the game so Town changed their game plan to a 3-5-2 formation with Paul Broadis employed to man mark him. Wantage then began to show some football of their own, they started passing the ball around with Matt Malton and Andy Goodchild showing some good touches and Paris Lewis and Simon Hicks saw more of the ball but never showed any real threat on the home goal. In fact it was Badshot who looked the more likely to increase their lead but for some brave goalkeeping and resolute defending by Wantage’s defence they surely would. (HT 1-0)

At the start of the second half Towns midfield allowed Payne space again and Badshot almost doubled their lead but Craig Payne tipped over a long range effort. Midway through the half it was 2-0 when a long ball over the Town defence was drilled low past Payne by Smith. The closest Wantage came to scoring was when Rob Joyce managed to loop a header wide of a post. Wantage replaced Pete Broad, Hicks and Goodchild, for the final 15 minutes, introducing Steptoe, Culbert and new boy Aiden Neccmi-Ghiri to the game. Badshot bombarded the goal but the Wantage defence held out and the score remained the same. (FT 2-0)

Badshot showed more commitment than the side beaten at Wantage earlier in the month. They dominated the game from the first whistle and could have won by a wider margin but for some valiant defending. It makes you wonder why this was only their 4th win of the season!

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, M Malton, A Goodchild, P Lewis, P Broadis, J Daley, R Joyce, S Hicks.
Subs: B Steptoe, T Culbert, A Neccmi-Ghiri.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 6th February 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 2
v
NORTH LEIGH RES 0

With Wantage First team playing at Witney Utd the Reserves included Paris Lewis and Jake Rowe in the squad to face North Leigh. With nothing between the teams in the league, prior to kick off the game was evenly matched .

Wantage started the game well with Liam McCullough lively even though he was a doubt up to kick off due to sickness. It was McCullough who played a ball into the visitors area and Simon Hicks anticipated the bounce of the ball and headed the ball beyond the advancing keeper. With an early goal Town were expecting to take the game to the visitors but again they sat back and allowed North Leigh to fight back. An injury to the visiting keeper meant a change with an out field player donning the gloves and the keeper taking up a position up front. Neither side were able to create another clear chance during the first period. (HT 1-0)

The second half proved to be more exciting than the first with Wantage showing more attacking options. Lewis and Paul Broadis began to show more flair and both managed to get shots away and in the 70th minute Lewis chipped a delightful ball into the path of in form striker Jack Daley who drilled the ball into the net. It was not all one way traffic as the visitors broke swiftly in their attacks and Craig Payne made several smart saves to keep his goal in tact. Hicks should have done better when Broadis broke down the right and pulled the ball back, only for the final shot ballooning over the cross bar. Lewis had a shot blocked off the line and Payne again came to Town’s rescue with another fine save on the frosty surface. Jake Rowe replaced Goodchild and he managed an important block on the edge of the area. Then Rob Joyce and Ben Steptoe replaced forwards McCullough and Daley as the clock ran down, both did well and Joyce almost added a third when he pressured a defender and the keeper sliced his clearance out of play for a corner kick. (FT 2-0).

Town were still not playing at their best but managed to take all three points. If some of the players had a little more belief in their own ability it would help the team and improve the confidence of the side. This was Town’s first double of the season having won 2-1 at North Leigh earlier in the season.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, A Lynch, T Doig, A Goodchild, P Lewis, P Broadis, J Daley , L McCullough, S Hicks.
Subs: J Rowe, B Steptoe, R Joyce.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 3rd February 2007

MILTON UTD RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 1

After a tremendous result in mid week against Badshot Lea Town wee hoping for a similar performance against local rivals Milton united.

Town started well and opened the scoring in the third minute when Paul Broadis volleyed home from the edge of the box Wantage took the game to the hosts, creating a number of chances but the in form forwards could not find a way past Couthard the Milton keeper, the closest they came was when a header came back of the post. (HT 0-1).

After riding their luck in the first half Milton came out for the second period looking better organised but luck was still on their side when Tom Rowe somehow managed to allow Couthard to save his shot from 6 yards out, turning the ball over the cross bar. More chances went begging and then on 70 minutes Newport hit a shot from 25 yards which left Payne helpless and the scores were level. This changed the game completely with Wantage still unable to unlock the home defence and Milton looked dangerous on the break. Payne made two good saves and Tom Doig cleared off the line to keep it level. Wantage introduced James Keller and Ben Steptoe in place of Hicks and Daley but the final chance fell to Rowe who headed onto the bar and over when unchallenged from a corner kick. (FT 1-1)

This was a poor performance against an under strength Milton side Wantage dominated the first 45 minutes and should have buried the home side especially after the early goal. To their credit Milton battled back and could have taken more from the game than they deserved judging by the chances created. Things will have to improve for the visit of North Lea on Tuesday evening.

Team: C Payne, T Doig, P Broad, A Lynch, A Goodchild, M Nelson, L McCullough, P Broadis, J Daley, T Rowe , S Hicks.
Subs: J Keller, B Steptoe.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 30th January 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 5
v
BADSHOT LEA RES 1

With a strengthened side including Tom Rowe and Gavin Jones, Town were fired up for the visit of Badshot Lea, after the battling second half showing at Finchampstead the previous week end.

Wantage started the game well but could not believe referee, Mr Bird awarding a penalty kick in the 3rd minute when Mark Nelson leant into the ball when clearing a loose ball. Craig Payne was left helpless as the ball was hammered into the net. Town thought they had levelled when an effort came off the cross bar onto the line behind a defender before he cleared the ball to safety but again Mr Bird was perfectly placed to give a clear decision. Moments later he appeared to award the visitors another penalty kick when the ball struck defender Edd Welch but he changed his decision when he noticed the muddied face of the player and he awarded a corner kick. On 24 minutes Town were level thanks to the strength and guile of Tom Rowe, he chased the ball and challenged the visiting keeper and when the ball ran loose he laid it back to Mark Nelson who placed the ball over the defenders into the net of the underside of the cross bar. Badshot were still causing problems by attacking down the flanks and Payne was alert to a couple of half chances and Pete Broad made a couple of timely challenges to keep the forwards at bay. Wantage were now beginning to take control of the game and when Tom Rowe unleashed a 25 yards shot which found the net of off both posts they took the lead. Before the break it was 3-1, Andy Goodchild won the ball out wide on the right and whipped in a low cross which found Liam McCullough unmarked in the area and he made no mistake 8 yards from goal. (HT 3-1)

Town wanted to make a quick start to the second half and were straight out of the blocks with Gavin Jones crossing from the left, Paul Broadis won a challenge on the far post and Jack Daley crashed home goal number 4. The pressure was on the visitor’s goal and Rowe headed goal wards but the keeper somehow managed to stretch across the goal and tip the ball over the bar. Lea lost their third player of the match, through injury, in the 60th minute which meant they had only 10 men available to defend their goal. Tom Doig replaced Lynch who was on a yellow card as Town continued to attack and Liam McCullough made it 5-1 when he skipped through two challenges before beating the keeper from close range. It would have been far worse for the visitors if it wasn’t for the keeper who made a string of saves to keep the score down to five. Simon Hicks and James Keller replaced Daley and Broadis and both players almost added to the tally but they were also denied by the keeper. Even then Craig Payne made an excellent save diving at a forwards feet to claim the ball.
(FT 5-1).

Once Town settled down they were very impressive. Tom Rowe and Jack Daley worked well together, Liam McCullough and Mark Nelson had plenty of the ball, Andy Goodchild had another influential game. The wide players Gavin Jones and Paul Broadis worked well and as the game went on the defenders looked more composed, although Alex Lynch showed a lack of match fitness. With a selection of capable substitutes it was a satisfying result and performance.

Team: C Payne, A Lynch, P Broad, E Welch, A Goodchild, M Nelson, L McCullough, P Broadis, J Daley , T Rowe, G Jones.
Subs: S Hicks, J Keller, T Doig.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 27th January 2007

FINCHAMPSTEAD RES 4
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 3

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Finchampstead with three key players missing from the starting line up. Craig Payne, Mark Nelson and Simon Hicks were all missing and this meant changes throughout the side.

The game started well with both sides playing neat passing football, Wantage’s football was more controlled, with the home side playing a more direct game using their strength in midfield and pace up front. The home side took the lead in the 14th minute when a deep cross from the right beat Alex Lynch and was bundled over from beneath the cross bar. Wantage continued to pass the ball well but could not break down the home defence but on 39 minutes it was 2–0. A cross from almost the half way line sailed over the stand in keeper and dipped below the cross bar much to the surprise of the scorer. With the half time whistle due Wantage lost the ball in the centre of the park and a neat through ball saw Evans run through and make it 3-0. (HT 3-0)

With the slope in their favour Wantage planned to push the home side back in the second half and hoped for an early goal to get back into the match. Things didn’t go as planned though, another long ball cleared Pete Broad and dropped short of the penalty area allowing White to nip in and lob the ball over the stranded keeper into an empty net. Town could have given up at 4-0 but to their credit the team dug in and on 63 minutes Liam McCullough pulled a goal back when he smashed the ball past Scott, the Finches keeper from a wide angle. It was now the home side who were shell shocked as Town took the game to them and from a Paul Broadis corner Jack Daly rose at the near post and directed a firm header into the net, 4-2. Wantage were now on top and the home side were being out played by the swifter players but the long ball game was still dangerous and James Keller, Broad and Tom Doig had to be alert to any forward runs. With 20 minutes remaining McCullough was taken down on the edge of the area and Matt Malton curled a perfect free kick around the wall into the top corner of the net, 4-3 game on. Wantage continued to press and Daley was unlucky when he flashed a shot against a post and then controlled the ball on the run only to see his shot bounce back off the keeper. The home side had a couple of players cautioned as they held on to the points. (FT 4-3).

After conceding 3 goals in the first half it was always going to be an uphill battle but Town almost managed to pull it off. It was a spirited performance with three key players missing but at least everyone left the ground in an upbeat mood.

Team: A Lynch, J Keller, P Broad, E Welch, T Doig, M Malton, A Goodchild, P Broadis, J Daley, L McCullough, T Culbert.
Subs: C Rankine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 23rd January 2007

WANTAGE TOWN RES 5
v
CIRENCESTER UTD RES 1

Wantage Town Reserves and their visitors Cirencester United Reserves played their first game of 2007 on a cold frosted night on the 23rd January. The grass was crispy but the ground was deemed soft enough for the game to be played by referee Mark Evans.

Wantage Town started well and took the lead in the 12th minute when a long ball from Matt Malton was chased through by Liam McCullough and when visiting keeper, Clatworthy failed to deal with the ball the Town striker was clear to roll the ball into an empty net from 20 yards out. Cirencester then to get more possession and Town failed to do the simple things allowing the visitors to draw level in the 17th minute. Wantage failed to clear the ball and when it broke to McSherry he ran into the area and saw his shot saved by Craig Payne the Town keeper who then took a knock on the head and was left motionless on the floor when Bailey fired the ball into the unguarded net. The visitors continued to dominate as town failed to do the simple things and surrendered possession too easily but score remained the same at half time. (HT 1 - 1)

After the half time interval it was Wantage who took control of the match passing the ball quicker, not running with the ball and playing it into the visitor’s defensive areas. Wantage forced the visiting defenders into mistakes and from a corner on the right which was cleared back to Paul Broadis, he whipped the ball back into the area and Jack Daley beat the keeper to the ball heading into the empty net. It was now the visitors struggling to clear their lines and McCullough was unlucky to see a snap shot rebound back of a post to safety. On 65 minutes a Broadis corner was headed out to Mark Nelson on the edge of the area, he had two shots charged down but when the ball ran out to Simon Hicks he smashed the ball past Clatworthy to make it 3-1. Pete Broad, Tom Doig and James Keller were working well at the back and Payne became a virtual spectator. The game was put out of the visitors reach by two goals in a minute from Jack Daley. On 70 minutes McCullough slid the ball through the defence and Daley held of a defender before scoring and then a minute later he collected the ball out on the right hand side of the area and drove the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner of the net to make it five for Town and three for him. With the game safe Broadis and Broad were withdrawn to be replaced by Jake Rowe and Terry Culbert. Andy Goodchild dropped in at the back in place of the captain and Rowe sat in the centre of midfield. (FT 5-1)

After a long layoff it took 45 minutes to get the side ticking and playing as a team. James Keller settled into the right back position and worked well with Pete Broad and Tom Doig. Andy Goodchild battled well and worked hard with Matt Malton and Mark Nelson in the centre of midfield whilst Simon Hicks and Paul Broadis backed up the defenders and supported the attackers. Liam McCullough and Jack Daley were excellent in the second period; Liam was always alert, looking for the ball whilst Jack was deadly in front of goal. The subs Jake Rowe and Terry Culbert both settled in quickly and looked comfortable in a winning side.

Team: C Payne, J Keller, P Broad, T Doig, M Malton, A Goodchild, P Broadis, M Nelson, J Daley, L McCullough, S Hicks.
Subs: Terry Culbert, J Rowe.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 30th December 2006

ABINGDON UTD RES 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 3

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Abingdon United for the last game of the year. Half an hour before kick off the rain began to fall and referee Mr Robert Walters decided the pitch was still fit for the game to start and both sides took to the field.

With the pitch holding up well in the rain the game was played in good spirit, the sliding tackles were still well timed and although no clear cut chances were created the game flowed from end to end. The water was beginning to form puddles outside the penalty areas just before half time but the rain eased off and the referee decided the game could continue. (HT 0 - 0)

Wantage tried to more the ball faster in the second half and after escaping a scare early on Abingdon broke the deadlock when from a free kick the ball was headed back across goal and Swafford bundled the ball over the line and the linesman flagged for a goal. Town replaced the forwards, Tom Rowe and Jack Daley with Ali McFarlane and Paris Lewis to try to pressure the home defence. Before the team had settled Abingdon scored a well worked second goal, substitute Cole played a neat one-two and crashed the ball beyond Craig Payne. So with 15 minutes remaining Town had to dig in and battle back into the match. Tom Malton reduced the arrears with a 25 yard effort, when set up by Lewis. Abingdon looked vulnerable at the back and McFarlane looked certain to level the score when he rounded Lonsdale, the home keeper, but his shot across goal missed the far post and was turned around the post to safety. The resulting corner was knocked down in the box and Andy Goodchild steered the ball into the net to even things up at 2 – 2. Wantage were well on top by now and playing a higher tempo game than their hosts. Paul Broadis saw a cross from the right wing hit the crossbar and bounce to safety before Town grabbed a winner. James Keller replaced the injured Goodchild and injected some extra pace into the team and with only minutes remaining McFarlane made amends for the earlier miss by taking the ball into the area and drilling the ball low into the net past a stranded Abingdon keeper. (FT 2-3)

This was a good result, coming from two goals down with only 15 minutes remaining. There were many tired legs at the end of the match played in almost continuous heavy rain. Everyone stuck to their job and with just three defenders on the pitch Wantage defended in numbers and with the return of the Malton brothers we had some quality players who could help out in crucial areas of the pitch. Both sides played well in the wet conditions and referee Mr Walters carried out his duties using commonsense when others may have over reacted to challenges in the wet conditions.

Team: C Payne, D Quegan, P Broad, T Doig, M Malton, A Goodchild, T Malton, P Broadis, J Daley, T Rowe, S Hicks.
Subs: J Keller, Paris Lewis, A McFarlane.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 16th December 2006

CHELTENHAM SARACENS RES 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 5

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Cheltenham Saracens with thirteen fit players, Edd Welch, Liam McCullough and James Keller were all available after missing the mid-week defeat by Milton Utd.

On a heavy pitch both sides battled for supremacy during the first 15 minutes before town opened the scoring. Paul Broadis crossed from the right, Jack Daley flicked the ball on and Alex Lynch arrived at the far post to bundle the ball over the line. From that moment on Town took control of the game and when McCullough released Jack Daley through the middle, he shook off a challenge and buried the ball past Pittenay into the net. Wantage’s passing was better with Welch and Goodchild biting in the centre of the pitch and Broadis and Simon Hicks working up and down the wings. Goodchild made it 3 – 0 with an individual effort, he attempted a square ball but the ball rebounded to him and he turned well and knocked the ball into the net beating the keeper on his near post. Darren Quegan was in superb form and Craig Payne was a virtual spectator. On 37 minutes Quegan and Goodchild worked the ball to McCullough who swapped passes with Daley before curling the ball beyond Pittenay into the top corner of the net. Town piled on the pressure and when Pete Broad missed a header from a Broadis corner kick it looked like the scoring opportunity had gone but Goodchild retrieved the ball and drove it back across goal where Broad slid through the mud to turn the ball into the net. (HT 0-5).

The second half was somewhat of an anti-climax for Wantage as the home side mounted a spirited come back. After only 2 minutes of the restart No 10 frost scored on the break, Wantage then squandered a number of chances before Saracens scored a second with minutes remaining. It could have been worse but for Payne making a superb double save in the final minute. Both substitutes James Keller and Cameron Rankine were given valuable time on the pitch as both players prove their value to the squad. (FT 2-5)

This was a comfortable victory after a tremendous first half of attacking football. It took 15 minutes to settle but once the passing was sorted out the goals flowed. Cheltenham battled well in the second half and made the score line closer than the match really was.

Team: C Payne, D Quegan, P Broad, A Lynch, T Doig, A Goodchild, P Broadis, E Welch, J Daley, L McCullough, S Hicks,
Subs: J Keller, C Rankine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 2nd December 2006

HUNGERFORD TOWN RES 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 0

Wantage town Reserves travelled to Hungerford with a player crisis as more regular players were unavailable for selection. Mark Nelson and Will Wright kept their places in the first team squad, Jack Daley was away and John James dropped out on match day morning. Fortunately Darren Quegan, Craig Payne and Liam McCullough were all back in the starting line up.

Wantage played up the slope in the first half and looked comfortable on the ball with Paul Broadis and Andy Goodchild doing well in the centre of the pitch supported by James Keller. McCullough and Simon Hicks worked well up front whilst the back four, Quegan, Alex Lynch, Tom Doig and Pete Broad kept the home side away from Payne’s goal. (HT 0 - 0)

Wantage started the second half strongly and should have taken the lead. Two corners, taken by Broadis, caused home defence problems but the ball never found the back of the net and another chance went begging before Hungerford began to look dangerous. Craig Payne made a great save pushing a close range shot up onto the bar and over then Broadis headed the ball over his own bar with Payne struggling to reach it. Both sides introduced fresh legs and kept plugging away but neither looked like breaking the deadlock and the game ended goalless. (FT 0 - 0)

Before the game Wantage would have taken a point but the side performed so well as a team and created so many half chances three points were there for the taking. On reflection a draw was a fair result on the day.

Team: C Payne, D Quegan, P Broad, A Lynch, T Doig, A Goodchild, J Rewcastle, P Broadis, S Hicks, L McCullough, J Keller.
Subs: R Joyce, C Rankine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 18th November 2006

WANTAGE TOWN RES 4
v
BINFIELD RES 0

After the mid week win over Hungerford, Town looked to build on the result but with the club suffering a player crisis the team was changed yet again. Fortunately Paul Belcher was available to play in goal, allowing Alex Lynch to make up a back three with Tom Doig and Pete Broad. Andy Goodchild was included in the centre of midfield with Mark nelson and Paul Broadis, this allowed john James and Simon Hicks to provide the width and service to the front two of Jack Daley and Will Wright. The bench included young, injured keeper Craig Payne as an outfield player with Francis Ellis and Cameron Rankine.

The early pattern of play was scrappy with neither side passing the ball very well and it was 25 minutes before Goodchild had the first telling shot on target. Then Wantage began to show a little form with James getting more involved and when Wright sprayed the ball out wide to James his low cross was met by Daley who guided the ball past Chambers into the net. With their noses in front, Town looked comfortable but the passing was still wayward. (HT 1-0)

The second half continued as the first had finished with Town on top but the choice of pass was wrong and the quality of pass was missing to open up the visitors defence. On 65 minutes a ball was played over the Binfield defence and Wright broke clear on the left, as he cut in he spotted the keeper, Chambers coming of his line and the forward lifted the ball over his head into the net, to give Wantage a 2 – 0 lead. The confidence was back and the passing improved. Ellis replaced James and Wantage pressed on for more goals and when Daley set Wright free on the right his fierce drive beat Chambers and rattled the stanchion in the top of the net. The two forwards were linking up well together and when Nelson sent over a low cross Daley layed the ball into the path of Wright who grabbed his third and Wantage’s fourth goal of the game. With a comfortable lead Rankine and Payne replaced Daley and Broadis as Wantage won their second game in a week after the poor run of results previous. (FT 4-0)

If Town players could only pick out the right passes at the right time they would be higher up the league. At last things are improving and the forwards are looking dangerous.

Team: P Belcher, T Doig, P Broad, A Lynch, A Goodchild, P Broadis, J James, M Nelson, J Daley, W Wright, S Hicks.
Subs: C Payne, F Ellis, C Rankine.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 14th November 2006

WANTAGE TOWN RES 1
v
HUNGERFORD TOWN RES 0

Wantage Town Reserves were able to call upon Richie Bourne and Darren Quegan to fill the gaps in midfield and defence for the visit of Hungerford Town reserves as they tried to break a run of five successive defeats.

With a 4-4-2 formation Wantage looked comfortable and took the game to the visitors with Simon Hicks being denied by the keeper in the opening minutes. Jack Daley then went close with a header before Simon Hicks opened the scoring with a deflected shot. The movement of both Will Wright and Daley was good and with Hicks and Paul Broadis giving width the side looked comfortable and the passing was crisp and tidy. (HT 1-0).

The second half was a more even contest as Wantage’s passing game began to falter. Hungerford grew in confidence but with Quegan giving cover along the last line of defence Alex Lynch was rarely bothered. Liam McCullough, John James and Andy Goodchild replaced Broadis, Daley and Wright and all did well on their introduction. (FT 1 – 0)

It was important to get out of the rut of defeats. Town have not been playing too bad but they have not made themselves any luck, tonight they did with the deflected goal. The choice of pass was better, the movement of the forwards better and the defence looked more comfortable with four players across the back. Any win is a good win on the back of five defeats and the confidence was creeping back

Team: A Lynch, D Quegan, P Broad, E Welch, T Doig, R Bourne, P Broadis, M Nelson, J Daley, W Wright, S Hicks.
Subs: L McCullough, A Goodchild, J James.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 11th November 2006

CIRENCESTER RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 0

Wantage Town Reserves found no rhythm to their play against lowly Cirencester United Reserves and ended up losing the game 1 – 0. The home side were by far the weakest side we have faced this season but they scored a goal and that is what wins matches. Town, with only two regular defenders available, Pete Broad and Edd Welch were joined by Paul Broadis to make a back three. The chances were there to be taken but the final pass was always poor and apart from Will Wright’s effort striking the foot of the post in the second half, the home sides keeper was not tested.

This was three points thrown away and Town must improve on this performance.

Team: A Lynch, P Broadis, P Broad, E Welch, A Goodchild, J Keller, J James, M Nelson, W Wright, J Daley, S Hicks.
Subs: J Rewcastle, C Rankine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Wednesday 8th November 2006

FAIRFORD TOWN RES 5
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 1

With the First team playing the night before at Bicester Town, Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Fairford for a midweek fixture with a thin squad of players. After holding out, to the only undefeated side in the division, until half time Wantage’s luck was to turn against them in the second half. Within minutes of the restart Craig Payne’s clearance ricocheted off a forward and Pete Broad before falling to a forward who lobbed the ball into the empty net to make it 1 – 0. The second goal was scored during a goalmouth scramble where Payne suffered a serious arm injury and had to be replaced in goal by Alex Lynch. Although Mark Nelson scored a tremendous free kick from 25 yards out to make it 2 – 1 the home side managed to score three more goals to run out comfortable winners although their gamesmanship did not win themselves any fans from the Wantage players or officials.

Team: C Payne, A Lynch, P Broad, E Welch, A Goodchild, J Keller, J James, M Nelson, W Wright, J Daley, S Hicks.
Subs: J Rewcastle, C Rankine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 28th October 2006

HENLEY TOWN RES 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 0

Wantage Town Reserves again suffered with the loss of a key player, when Stu Morrison was called up by the first team squad, this along with the unavailability Francis Ellis, Andy Goodchild and James Keller meant the squad was below strength.

The game started well for Town with Paul Broadis getting in a shot which deflected of a defender but Collett, the home keeper, managed to turn around the post. Then Liam McCullough managed to thread the ball through to Will Wright but his shot came back of the keepers legs and from the loose ball he could only nod the ball wide of the post. Henley were dangerous and quick on the break and Perkins broke free but Craig Payne forced the forward wide and his final ball could only find the side netting. It was end to end stuff, Mark Nelson had a shot turned around the post and another shot which beat the keeper and the post. Wantage were fortunate to survive a wicked free kick from Brown which from 30 yards hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced out to safety and then Perkins fired over the crossbar when he should have done better. On the stroke of half time, John James managed to cut in from the right wing and his cross shot went narrowly wide. (HT 0 - 0)

Henley were kicking up the slope in the second half and began very strongly, Perkins forced Payne to make an excellent save in the 47th minute and moments later the young keeper was forced to save from Smith as the home side looked dangerous. As the game moved into the final 30 minutes Henley took the lead, a goal kick was played over the Wantage defence and Buchanan challenged Payne to the bouncing ball and the loose ball fell to Smith who rolled the ball into the empty net. It was Henley who looked dangerous on the break and they used the pace of their forwards to pin Wantage back. With 15 minutes remaining Henley tied up the game when Perkins broke down the right and hit a low shot which Payne managed to tip onto the far post but despite a diving block by Tom Doig the ball was smashed into the back of the net. Town battled on and almost got a consolation goal through James after good work by Jack Daley and Wright but the home keeper stood up well and blocked the effort, turning the ball around the post. (FT 2 – 0)

This was a frustrating game for Wantage. If the early pressure had resulted in goals Henley would have struggled to turn the game around, but it wasn’t to be and Wantage paid the price. The defence struggled against the pace to the Henley forwards and the luck was with the home side on the day.

Team: C Payne, T Doig, P Broad, A Lynch, E Welch, P Broadis, J James, M Nelson, W Wright, L McCullough, S Hicks.
Subs: J Daley, C Rankine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 24th October 2006

WANTAGE TOWN RES 1
v
BISLEY SPORTS RES 2

Wantage Town Reserves included Adam Giles, Tom Rowe and Richie Bourne in the team for the match against newly promoted Bisley Sports.

The game started well for Town with Giles going close with an effort from a Pete Broad cross and then Bourne worked some space on the edge of the box before chipping the ball over the keeper, only to see the ball rebound to safety off of the inside of the post. The visitors then settled down and began to use their pace and from a quick break they took the lead with a well taken shot from the right winger who gave Craig Payne no chance. It could have been worse but No10 could only lift his shot over the bar when set clear on goal within a minute of taking the lead. Wantage weathered the storm and on the half hour Mark Nelson levelled the score with a speculative shot from 25 yards which left the visiting keeper watching helplessly as the ball sailed into the top corner. (HT 1-1)

The second half was a tough tussle with the visiting defenders keeping Rowe and Giles well marshalled. The Town defence were under pressure but looked like holding out. Will Wright, Andy Goodchild and John James replaced Rowe, Giles and Bourne with 25 minutes remaining and all three looked impressive in the final third of the pitch. With only three minutes remaining Town failed to cut out a cross field pass, Tom Doig did well to block the initial shot but the loose ball was fired high into the net off the inside of a post. (FT 1-2)

This was a good game played by two good sides. The visitors were well organised and defended well, both in the air and on the ground. With pace throughout the side they played well. Wantage didn’t quite click on the night, with a little luck early on they might have been a different outcome but overall it was a much improved performance compared with last Saturday.

Team: C Payne, T Doig, P Broad, A Lynch, E Welch, R Bourne, P Broadis, M Nelson, T Rowe, A Giles, S Hicks.
Subs: W Wright, A Goodchild, J James.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

BERKS & BUCKS INTERMEDIATE CUP

Saturday 21st October 2006

LETCOMBE 4
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 0

This was a big game for Wantage Town Reserves in the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup against local rivals Letcombe. With a heavy shower before kick off, the pitch was wet and the top surface slippery, making the conditions good for football but difficult for the goalkeepers.

Wantage had the worst possible start, from the first attack Paul Broadis mistimed his tackle and handled the ball and then kicked the ball off the pitch resulting in a booking and a free kick to the home side some 25 yards out. Goddard hit a good ball into the area, the ball was lost in the sunshine and it skipped past Craig Payne and the home side were in front with less than 5 minutes gone. Town tried to play football but the passing was not good enough and free kicks were conceded and Payne did well to keep the score down with two excellent saves. Wantage’s only chance fell to john James but his effort was turned around the post. (HT 1-0).

Wantage started the second half well but were rocked by a bizarre own goal after 55 minutes. James cut out a ball in his own 6 yard box and then attempted to clear the ball but it hit Broadis on the back and ricocheted into the net. Letcombe were now in command and on the hour they made the game safe with a well taken goal from Bicknell. Wantage had their first serious attack of the half with 20 minutes remaining when Stu Morrison had a show well saved buy Game in the Letcombe goal. Letcombe rounded off the scoring through Pendell when he rounded Payne before slotting the ball home. Francis Ellis, James Keller and Cameron Rankine all had a run out and did well under difficult conditions. (FT 4-0).

With Quegan and Welch missing from last weeks back four we looked vulnerable all afternoon. Letcombe were stronger in all departments and the result was not in doubt after the second goal was conceded.

Team: C Payne, P Broadis, P Broad, A Lynch, T Doig, S Morrison, J James, M Nelson, J Daley, A Goodchild, S Hicks.
Subs: F Ellis, J James, J Rewcastle, C Rankine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Saturday 14th October 2006

KIDLINGTON RES 0
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to unbeaten second placed Kidlington for only their third league game of the season. Due to the home side playing in green Wantage wore their blue and white striped shirts.

Wantage set about the match in a positive manor and as early as the 5th minute Edd Welch had a header cleared off the line from a Paul Broadis corner. Andy Goodchild worked himself a good chance but lacked a finish with Will Wright well positioned in the box. It was not one way traffic with Welch, Alex lynch, Darren Quegan and Pete Broad all working well to keep the home side out. Bolton should have done better when he failed to test Craig Payne, shooting wide. On the half hour Hardwick, the home keeper saved well from Wright and then Jones cleared Stu Morrison’s follow up header off the line. As the half neared its end Broadis and Quegan broke down the right but queans cross eluded the Town forwards, then Mark Nelson cut in and saw his shot beat Hardwick and slide narrowly wide of the post. Then Kidlington applied pressure of their own, Litten shot wide and then Deabill produced a fine save from Craig Payne, but the final action of the half was in the Kidlington area when Broad headed down a cross and Wright struck a fierce shot which was deflected over the bar for a corner. (HT 0 - 0)

Wantage started the second half as they finished the first and took the lead inside the first minute. Lynch won the ball on the half way line, he flicked the ball on to Stu Morrison who in turn crossed for Andy Goodchild who controlled and volleyed the ball in an instant and Town were 1 – 0 up. Kidlington almost struck back immediately but Payne was quick off his line and saved with his legs at the forwards feet. The game began to liven up, Wright was brought down close to goal and the players squared up but referee Mr Dillon calmed things down, then Nelson received a yellow card for a late challenge. Kidlington were pushing up but Town looked dangerous on the break with Simon Hicks and Broadis working well on the wings. The defence were looking secure with Payne organising his defence and making fine saves from both Litten and Deabill. With 15 minutes remaining Town struck again, Nelson played a long ball out of defence which Goodchild chased and pressurised a defender into playing a back pass straight to Will Wright who calmly slotted the ball into the net. Broadis and Goodchild were feeling the pace of the game and were replaced by youngsters Tom Doig and Jack Daley as Town ran down the clock. (FT 0 - 2)

This was a great result at unbeaten Kidlington, well handled by referee Paul Dillon. Wantage looked worthy winners, Craig Payne made some important saves the defenders defended well, the midfield battled hard throughout and the forwards worked well together. The team spirit was superb and everyone played for each other. Now we must keep it together for Letcombe next week.

Team: C Payne, D Quegan, P Broad, A Lynch, E Welch, S Morrison, P Broadis, M Nelson, W Wright, A Goodchild, S Hicks.
Subs: T Doig, J Daley.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

BERKS & BUCKS INTERMEDIATE CUP

Saturday 30th September 2006

WANTAGE TOWN RES 3
v
ABINGDON UTD RES 3

(Wantage Town Reserves Win 2-0 on penalties)

This was the first match in the Berks and Bucks Intermediate Cup for both sides this season. With a morning of heavy showers the pitch was wet and the top surface slippery, making the conditions good for football but difficult for the goalkeepers.

Both sides started well and settled down to play some good football. Abingdon were quick into the tackle shutting down well giving the home side no time to get into any sort of rhythm. The Town forwards Jack Daley and Andy Goodchild were isolated and found it hard to hold the ball up and bring others into the game. On 10 minutes a speculative shot by Druce squirmed through Craig Payne’s arms and slowly rolled over the line before he could grab the loose ball. Wantage were on the back foot as Abingdon kept the pressure on and it was soon 2 – 0 when Stoute got on the end of a deep cross beyond the far post and guided the ball past Payne. Abingdon then appeared to sit back and Wantage took advantage pushing up and Mark Nelson scored a good goal with a 25 yard effort which beat Lonsdale. Before the interval Darren Quegan had an effort come back of a post with another long range effort. (HT 1-2)

Wantage started the second half on top, Nelson headed over from close in and then Goodchild hit a post with a shot on the turn. Abingdon then showed they were still dangerous when Payne was forced to make a superb save to keep Town in the match. Town introduced Francis Ellis as a straight swap for Daley as they searched for an equaliser and within minutes they were level. Tom Doig and Pete Broad worked well down the left and the cross was controlled by Simon Hicks, who shot low into the bottom corner of the net. As extra time loomed Wantage almost won the tie but Abingdon keeper, Lonsdale made a terrific treble save. Firstly he saved well from Hicks, then he dived to block Ellis’s follow up drive, the ball rebounded out of the area to Nelson who saw the keeper recover to turn the ball away from goal. John James was then introduced ready for extra time in place of Doig. (FT 2-2).

Extra time saw Abingdon kicking down hill first and they came out fighting forcing Town to change their formation with Broadis dropping into the back line to contain the renewed attacking threat but just before the break Abingdon restored their lead when a Druce header was adjudged to have crossed the line although Payne managed to grasp the ball as it hit the line.

It was then down to Abingdon to hold out for the final period but within the 2nd minute Town were level, James whipped in a cross, Nelson headed down and Ellis smashed the ball into the net from close range. Wantage pressed for a winner but chances were missed and the game was to be decided on penalty kicks. (Full Time aet 3-3).

Abingdon went first and Payne pushed the ball onto the crossbar. Lynch scored to make it 1-0.
Abingdon’s 2nd kick was saved by Payne’s leg, James shot saved 1-0.
Abingdon’s 3rd kick was saved by Payne diving to his left. Morrison scored 2-0
Abingdon’s 4th kick was again pushed onto the bar by Payne to win the match.

Team: C Payne, D Quegan, P Broad, A Lynch, M Nelson, S Morrison, P Broadis, J Daley, A Goodchild, S Hicks.
Subs: F Ellis, J James, C Rankine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 12th September 2006

NORTH LEIGH RES 1
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 2

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to North Leigh for their second game of the league season. With no travelling problems all players were ready to start the match in the right frame of mind.

Wantage won the toss and captain Pete Broad decided to kick up the slope in the first half. Town opened the match well showing no ill effects from Saturday’s extra time victory at Shrivenham. Mark Nelson went close in the opening minute, his header being turned around the post by Herbert, the North Leigh keeper. From the resulting corner Town kept the ball alive in the home penalty area until it was finally scrambled away to safety. The game was played at a fast pace and the passing from both sides was neat and accurate. The home side missed a rare opportunity when Middleton headed over under a challenge from Jon Stott. Town were playing well and looked dangerous in the final third, Tom Rowe ran onto a ball from Ed Welch but shot narrowly over the bar and then he saw Herbert make a fine save from a header from a Darren Quegan cross. Then against the run of play, on the stroke of half time, North Leigh took the lead from a corner kick, the ball finding its way over the line at the foot of the unguarded post. (HT 1-0)

The Wantage halt time team talk was obviously ‘Keep playing the football and things will happen’. In the opening minute Tom Rowe burst through and saw his low short well saved by Herbert but a minute later after a sustained period of pressure Rowe held the ball up before laying the ball into the path of Stuart Morrison who hit an unstoppable shot into the net. Kicking down the hill, Wantage had the home side under pressure and Pete Broad hit a free kick over the wall but Herbert managed to touch the ball onto the cross bar and the ball was scrambled away to safety. On the hour Town took the lead with a well constructed move, they kept possession down the left with Tom McGrath, the ball was then moved back across the field to Paul Broadis, then back to Darren Quegan who crossed into the area and Mark Nelson stole in to head the ball past Herbert. Morrison had the ball in the net again soon after but was adjudged to be offside. North Leigh introduced their substitutes in a bid to get back into the game but Wantage kept their shape and defended as a unit with Craig Payne organising his defenders well. With 15 minutes remaining Simon Hicks hit the bar with a looping header before being replaced by Jack Daley. Both sides battled to the end, playing fast attractive football. (FT 1-2)

This was a great result, a victory at North Leigh is always hard fought and Wantage deserved the result with this performance. The link up play down both of the wings, the movement up front and the discipline at the centre of both midfield and defence was superb. Keeper Craig Payne is also gaining in confidence in every game he plays. This was 90 minutes of very good football on an energy sapping sloping pitch.

Team: C Payne, D Quegan, P Broad, E Welch, J Stott, S Morrison, P Broadis, M Nelson, T Rowe, S Hicks, T McGrath.
Subs: T Doig, A Goodchild, J Daley.
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THE CHAIRMAN'S RESERVE CHALLENGE CUP

Saturday 9th September 2006

SHRIVENHAM RES 2
v
WANTAGE TOWN RES 5

(2-2 after 90 mins, 2-5 AET)

Wantage Town Reserves travelled to Division Two side Shrivenham for the Chairman’s Reserve Cup match knowing the home side would be out to cause an upset. With Tom Rowe, first team call up and Liam McCullough, injury, it was Simon Hicks and Andy Goodchild who were selected to lead the line.

Wantage started well and inside the opening five minutes created openings with Alford, the Shrivenham keeper making some fine saves. The pitch appeared bumpy and Wantage struggled to get their passing game together whilst Shrivenham captain, Bridges was marshalling his team well. On 22 minutes Wantage were unable to clear their lines and Hanson struck a low shot through a crowded area past Craig Payne to make it 1-0. (HT 1-0).

Wantage started the second half needing an early goal to settle them down but Ed Welch was caught out and conceded a penalty kick. Collins stepped up and gave Payne no chance. The home side kept going but Wantage were beginning to get back into the game forcing them to defend deeper and deeper as Town found space down the wings. With 25 minutes remaining Jack Daly replaced Goodchild and this added an aerial threat to the home goal. Wantage needed to exploit the wide areas more so Jake Rowe replaced Doig allowing Tom McGrath to move out to the left with 10 minutes remaining. In the 81st minute Mark Nelson met a Paul Broadis corner and headed in to make it 2-1. Within 2 minutes Nelson broke into the area and was brought down and referee Mr Humphrey pointed to the spot. Ed Welch stepped up and scored to level the tie at 2-2. Mr Humphrey had been keen to point out he would not allow time wasting and added 12 minutes of additional time at the end of the 90. In this period Pete Broad hit the bar with a dipping free kick and Nelson also saw a shot rebound off of the bar and over the incoming head of Simon Hicks. (FT 2-2)

Extra time saw Town take control of the match. Firstly Jake Rowe cracked home his first goal for Wantage with a fierce drive and then in the final period Simon Hicks hit a brace. His first was a 25 yard shot into the roof of the net the second goal was calmly slotted home after being set clear by Jon Stott. (FT aet 2-5)

Wantage left it late to win through this round. They kept playing the passing game even though the game seemed to be slipping away. The introduction of Jack Daley and Jake Rowe had the desired effect firing some life and luck into the side. This was a true battling performance in warm conditions.

Team: C Payne, A Woodhouse, P Broad, E Welch, J Stott, M Nelson, P Broadis, T McGrath, A Goodchild, S Hicks, T Doig.
Subs: J Daley, J Rowe.
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SPORT ITALIA HELLENIC LEAGUE - RESERVE DIVISION 1

Tuesday 5th September 2006

WANTAGE TOWN RES 0
v
FINCHAMPSTEAD RES 0

Wantage Town Reserves started their season with a visit from Finchampstead, who finished third last season and had a good 4 – 2 victory at Abingdon United at the week end.

The game started well with both sides playing neat passing football. The Town side looked strong and well organised and matched the visitors in all areas although the first chance fell to Finches Monaghan who shot wide when through on goal. Town responded well and after a good spell of possession football Stu Morrison shot narrowly over from long range. It was end to end stuff, Craig Payne dealt well under pressure and when he was beaten Ed Welch was covering the goal line and cleared the ball to safety. In the final five minutes of the half everything seamed to happen. Firstly referee Mr Smith allowed advantage after Liam McCullough was fouled and Mark Nelson ran through and was brought down on the edge of the box. Mr Smith pointed to the penalty spot and after a short delay Andy woodhouse stepped up and saw his kick beaten out by Scott the visiting keeper. Finch broke away and then Town keeper Payne did very well to palm away the deep cross which had an attacker ready to head goal ward, from the following cross Finchampstead could only scramble the ball wide to the Wantage goal. (HT 0-0).

The second half was just as action packed, with both sides showing skill, passion and commitment. New signing Darren Quegan replaced Woodhouse and settled in quickly. Monaghan missed another opportunity to give the visitors a lead but Wantage kept probing with McCullough and Andy Goodchild working hard up front. Tom McGrath replaced the tiring McCullough as Town’s midfield controlled the game but the visitors looked dangerous on the break with Pete Broad and Tom Doig working well to keep them at bay. Mr Smith handled a couple of heated moments with common sense, the players shook hands and the game continued to be played in a sporting manor. Jack Daley replaced Paul Broadis and looked lively up front and both sides looked for a winner until the final whistle. (FT 0-0)

This was an exciting 0 – 0 draw. It had everything but goals, good attacking and defensive football, a penalty kick, committed challenges, heated moments and overall it was a good advertisement for Reserve team football. Mr Smith handled the game with a firm but sensible view, he tried to let the game flow but was prepared to pull the game back it no advantage was gained and he explained his decisions as the game continued.

Team: C Payne, A Woodhouse, P Broad, E Welch, T Doig, M Nelson, P Broadis, S Morrison, A Goodchild, L McCullough, S Hicks.
Subs: D Quegan, T McGrath, J Daley.