31-May-2007 by admin.

At 16.00 on Friday 4th May the U11’s squad was assembling in the Budgin’s car park at Wash Common for the trip down to Weymouth. 18 under 11’s away on tour….what had we done?

The journey down on a bank holiday Friday was everything you could have expected it to have been. The normal hour and three quarters journey turned into almost 4 hours so the arrival at Littlesea at 19:45 was much too late for the managers meeting. Having settled into the Caravan’s it was off to the sea front for a fish and chip supper with Duncan, Jesse and Albie doing a little bit of bird spotting at the same time.

With a 9:50 kick off it was away from the camp site by 9:00 and a long drive around the back streets of Weymouth trying to find the ground….thanks Jon. The two mile journey took 20 minutes but we eventually found the ground and got parked up. It was then over to pitch 6 and prepare for the games where were 20 minutes each way.

The first opposition were BTC Kestels from Southampton who had just finished runners up in their League so this would be a good test. The side lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Olly at left back and Jesse playing on the left hand side of midfield. After 7 minutes a free kick for offside was taken by the Kestrels keeper but it was won in midfield by Jesse. He played the ball forwards to Charlie on the edge of the “D” who flicked it over the defender into Albie’s path. As the keeper came out he chipped it over him only to see the ball hit the post, but Callum was there following in to put the ball into an unguarded net. The boys struggled with this formation so at half time they went back to the usual 4-5-1. In the first minute Fraser, who had come on for Callum, knocked the ball into the middle but Jesse’s flick went over the bar. With 5 minutes gone, a goal kick from William game out to Jack Bolton on the right. He hit the ball forwards where Albie got a flick on for Karl to run onto. Using Charlie as a runner in front of him he switched the ball to the right where Jesse hit it first time into the top right hand corner. With 10 minutes gone a quick defensive throw in from Olly deap in his own half found Duncan as he advanced to the half way line Albie started a run through the middle. Duncan threaded a great ball into his path cutting out the midfield player as the ball went between the full back and centre back. Albie’s initial shot from the edge of the area was saved but he easily put the rebound away for 3-0. The final goal of the game came in the 17th minute as Fraser took a through in near the corner flag. Jesse, on the 18 yard box knocked the ball back to him then sprinted towards the goal. Fraser’s chip went straight to Jesse who this time flicked the ball over the keeper and into the net for a 4-0 victory.

There was then a long wait until 13:10 for the next game against Bessingby Park Rangers from London who had beaten croft 6-1 in their first game. London teams are always tough as Bessingby were no exception. In the second minute some lovely interplay between Charlie and Ablie seemed to have been wasted but Charlie continued his run chasing the ball down and eventually winning it just outside the box. He cut into the area and whilst running across the goal was brought down for a penalty. After a long delay Albie crashed the ball home. Wickham were now in control with James having little to do and in the 13th minute Wickham doubled their lead. Jack Bolton seemed to have sliced his clearance but the ball fell to Karl in the centre circle and he flicked the ball over the defence for Olly to run onto. Just as the ball bounced for the 3rd time Olly hit a cracking dipping volley over the keeper for 2-0. Bessingby now started to come back into the game but a bad foul on Karl was not penalised which Karl objected to having a heated discussion with the ref. Jon immediately pulled him off and this gave Bessingby even more incentive to go forwards but the score remained 2-0 at half time. Disaster then stuck within the first minute of the half as neither James of Jack Bolton claimed an innocuous cross into the box and the forwarded nipped in to score. With 5 minute gone Charlie race through and as the keeper came out he was clattered from behind as his chip went over the keeper and just wide but no penalty was awarded. Bessingby were pushing hard knowing that they needed at least a draw from the game. They were creating chances but James was equal to them. With 5 minutes left Albie was brought down in the box as he was about to shoot but again no penalty was awarded. With a minute left a ball over the midfield saw Jack Bolton in front of the forward chasing back. Just as he was about to clear it he was pulled back and then fell over in front of the forward….free kick to Bessingby. The free kick went wide of the post but with time rapidly running out the goal kick was a poor one. It came back to the edge of the area where first Bart and then William failed to clear it which allowed the forward to hit a side foot shot from the edge of the box over James into the top right hand corner. There was just time for Wickham to kick off before the final whistle went. Wickham ended the day in second place in their group with a goal difference of 1 less that Bessingly.

The afternoon and early evening was free time for the boys with some “playing football” on the camp site with others going into Weymouth and a third set spending almost 2 hours in the pool. By 20:00 everyone was in the arcades playing games and attempting to win the side a team mascot. No prizes for guessing where the coaching staff were. Since the Sunday fixtures were all in the afternoon the lads had a late night but immediately went to sleep as soon as they were in bed.

After a lazy morning, again with the group split doing a variety of things around the site it was away to the ground at 13.00. Croft were the first game today who the lads had twice beaten 16-1 in the league but you could see that the Croft boys were very much up for this game with strong tackles flying in all over the place. Wickham knew that the group winner was most likely to be decided on goal difference so they had to attack. In the first minute Charlie got clear of the defender but as the keeper came out his shot just went the wrong side of the post. In the 8th minute a sweeping move from the back saw Albie race clear but again as the keeper came out the chance went just wide. Croft the had a period of almost 2 minutes of pressure but the attacks were eventually broken up by Aiden and Jack Bolton. Jack laid the ball to Albie who hit the ball up the middle for Charlie who had timed his run perfectly. As the keeper came out of the box this time the chip was perfect and found the back of the net. In the 15th minute a throw in from Bert sent Albie racing away down the right. He got past the full back and hit a deep cross over Charlie to Olly at the back post who headed the ball back across the goal and into the net. In the final minute a lovely passing move saw Karl score but he had got in front of Jesse and was correctly given off side. In the 8th minute a throw in from Albie saw Charlie beautifully turn his man and race clear. As the covering defender came across he knocked the ball into the middle for Olly to score. Unfortunately they could not convert any more chances so had to settle for a 3-0 win. Bessingby had only won 1-0 so now Wickham were 1 goal in front on goal difference

Bessingby Park’s final game kicked off some 10 minutes before Wickham so the lads would know how many goals they needed to score to go through to the final but before Wickham started Bessingby were already 3-0 up against BTC Kestrels. Although the usually players were used Albie was pushed more upfront to partner Charlie in the hope of scorer the required goals. With 8 minute of the game gone Comet Rangers had not really created a chance but Wickham had waste theirs until William to a throw in to Duncan who then sent Albie away down the left. He got past his man and this time got the ball across to Charlie to control and tap in. In the mean time Bessingby and gone in at half time 4-0 up. With 15 minutes gone the ball was worked from the right across to Olly on the left hand side and he hit his shot first time across the keeper and into the net for 2-0. So into the second half with some believe that the lads could qualify for the final. With 6 minutes gone a through ball from Jack Bolton was help on by Bert to Charlie. His shot was well saved but Fraser was there to score. The Bessingby game had now finished with a score of 6-0 so Wickham needed two more goals with their players watching the game. With 5 minutes left Karl went through the midfield sent the ball through to Albie who smacked the ball into the net. The Bessingby players were now screaming at the Comet lads to hold out. Despite a number of chances including one when the ball seemed to have crossed the line the lads could not score again and thus ended up in the 3rd-4th match play off against Pacer of Southampton.

Pace had looked a good side during the group stages but during the first half they never created a chance at all in the first half. After 12 minutes Ablie won a drop ball and sent Charlie way. He created some space and then gave the ball back to Albie who drilled it under the keeper for a 1-0 half time lead. Within the first few minutes Bert crashed a header against the cross bar from an Albie corner but then a very nasty challenge on Jack Bolton left him rolling around in pain which saw the Pace manager immediately withdraw his player from the game. This put a damper on the rest of the game but it seemed to spur Pace on a little. With 5 minutes left a throw in for Pace was won by Karl who feed the ball to William. He hit a long ball into Charlie’s run who speed clear of the defenders to tuck the ball away for a final result of 2-0.

Sunday evening saw the lads collect their trophies from Warren Barton and then back to the games room where they successfully won the mascot for next year. By 23:00 it was back to Jon’s caravan for a chat about the weekend and the Wickham trophy awards. Olly received the award for goal of the Tournament for his header in the first game against BTC Kestels although his volley against Bessingby was a close second. Player of the Tournament went to Jack Bolton for his solid defensive display. There was also an award for the player which showed most commitment throughout all the games and this went to Charlie. The final award was the Tour Entertainer. Without a shadow of a doubt this went to Colin de Fraine for his interference with a bin which was caught on Video and can be seen on the club web site.

Report by Ian Herrington

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »

22-May-2007 by admin.

The Wickham tournament weekend arrived with the A & B sides playing on pitches next to each other…..now how did that happen?!

The first A team game saw them up against local rivals Lambourn B. The 1^st minute of the game was all in Lambourn’s half until finally Albie got a cross in that went all the way to the opposite side. Karl sent the ball back into the box and Albie was there to tuck the ball away. Wickham were encamped in Lambourn’s half but they could not convert anymore chances. With Wickham playing up the slope the game was more even but they still could not score again, thus gaining a 1-0 victory.

Next up was Kingsclere B who played down the slope and probably just shaded the first half despite Charlie and Albie having a half chance each. The second half was all Wickham and in the 2^nd minute a goal kick was headed back by Karl over the defender for Albie to run onto and put away. Right near the end James made a cracking save giving Wickham a 1-0 win.

Theale Tigers were next up with the lads almost scoring from the kick off; but almost was the story of this game. Although dominating through individual performances, no one could put the ball into the back of the net which meant the division would probably be decided on goal difference.

The final match was against Aldermaston A. Charlie won the ball from the centre and raced through only to hit the post. Within seconds Jesse had hit the same post, would Wickham finally score? With three minutes gone Charlie volleyed in Albie’s corner to take a deserved lead. Almost immediately it was 2-0 as Albie converted Jesse’s cross, but still chances were being missed. Despite playing up the hill in the second half Wickham continued to attack and in the 2^nd minute Jesse went down the left, got his cross into Charlie who rounded the keeper to score. A 3-0 win proved to be 1 goal too few as Theale topped the group, on goal difference, by one goal. [Where has that happened before?]

The first B game against Abingdon saw the B’s dominated but just before half time a corner was swung in which Jordan punched clear. The ball was lobbed back in and despite Jordan getting a hand to it, the ball hit the bottom of the bar and went in. Right at the end of the second half Adam and Olly broke but the chance fell to Olly on his right foot and the shot just went wide.

Next came Aldermaston B and a win was needed. Playing down the hill in the first half more than half a dozen good chances were created but none were put away. Finally with almost the last kick of the half, Bert swung in a corner which went straight in. This goal gave Wickham the confidence in the second half and the lead was doubled by a great strike from Callum into the top left corner of the goal. Finally, a nicely worked goal saw a defensive throw in by Jack Bolton to Jack Wild who, when reaching the halfway line fed Callum through to score his second and secure a 3-0 win.

The 3^rd match was against Kingsclere A which the lads seemed to be dominating but a breakaway saw the ball crashed into the roof of the net giving Jordan no chance. Right on half time Callum sent Adam away. His shot was well saved but Callum following in put the rebound away. At the same time as Charlie scored for the A team against Aldermaston, the ball was swung into the box for Callum to put a header away. Some good defending and some good saves by Jordan ensured the second win.

Wickham B would qualify for the quarter finals if they avoided defeat against Lambourn A. However, a great strike from distance saw Lambourn open the scoring at the start of the second half. Wickham threw everyone forwards to get the equaliser but then, right at the end, conceded a second so they just failed to progress.

The quarter final saw Wickham A play Maidenhead. The lads were still not playing their flowing football and at half time the game was still goalless. Down the slope Wickham dominated, with James not touching the ball but still no goals, so into extra time. With 30 seconds left in the first half William took a throw in which Karl flicked onto Albie who drilled the ball into the back of the net. There were no chances for either team in the second half, so for the third year running Wickham A had made it to the semi final of this tournament.

The talk before the game was if only they would pass the ball around and work for each other someone would get a hammering….and it came! Burnham did not know what had hit them. After a minute some good interplay between Jesse and Karl saw the ball go through to Charlie. He in turn sent Albie away and, as the keeper came out, neatly slotted the ball into the net. The next minute saw Karl break up an attack and send Albie away on the right. He knocked the ball across for a simple Charlie tap in. From the centre Wickham won a throw in which William sent to Karl. He gave it back to William who then sent it out to Albie. Again Albie got past his man and sent the cross in to Charlie to get in front of the keeper to score. Burnham never recovered from this and Wickham did not press for any more goals thus they were through to the final against Kennett Valley.

As you would probably expect in a final the first half was very cagy with James making a great save in the second minute. The second half saw Kennett Valley kick off but quickly concede a throw in. Jesse took this and the ball ended up with William just outside the Wickham area. He knocked the ball forward to Albie and as the defender came across gave the ball to Charlie for him to drill in. From the centre James had to make a save which William then cleared. A minute later Jesse took a quick throw in to Karl who turned and passed it to Albie. He took a touch to control the ball before hitting a shot across the keeper into the far left corner. Again, Kennett Valley attacked from the centre and won a free kick just outside the box but this flashed wide past the far post. In the final minute Jesse won the ball on the centre spot sending the ball out right. Albie drew the final defender before playing it back into Jesse’s path for him to complete the scoring. Wickham A had finally won their own tournament and without conceding a goal, which was a great achievement.

James Davies, William Herrington, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Albie Oakman, Duncan Lorrain, Charlie de Fraine, Max Nichols.

Report by Ian Herrington

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »

22-Apr-2007 by admin.

Congratulations to the Under 11’s who have been confirmed as Division champions. Second year running!

Well done to whole squad - now you can really enjoy your tour.

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 4 Comments »

06-Apr-2007 by admin.

This weekend (7th April) an unprecedented 12 boys form the U11’s squad will be flying out to Jersey to represent Newbury Primary Schools FA in the annual Jersey Football Festival - 6 boys in the A squad and 6 in the B squad. The management team for the U11’s would like to wish the boys every success as they play 6 games against other district teams from within the UK plus 1 team from France. Enjoy the experience and we look forward to having you all back safely for the last League match of the season in 2 weeks time.

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »

04-Apr-2007 by admin.

Wickham Wanderers 8 - 2 Lydiard

On a windy afternoon the lads were away at Supermarine playing Lydiard Youth. Although on paper this should not be a tough match, everyone could remember the Abbey Meads game and how that draw had made things difficult. A win today would guarantee a top two finish. Adam fell ill during the morning so Max was called up for his début.

Again, changing from the tactics used against Abbey Meads, Wickham kicked with the wind in the first half. Unsurprisingly Wickham dominated the initial proceedings. With Olly back out on the left wing the majority of the initial play came down this side, as Karl tucked in more on the right. The back four were spending most of their time on the half way line feeding the balls through to the midfield runners. A lovely cross from Olly just cleared Charlie and then a few minutes later a cross, this time from Callum, was hit just wide by Duncan. Wickham were creating the chances but could not quite finish. After 12 minutes Charlie went up with the keeper and headed the ball goal bound. With Callum following in he had it kicked off his head from no more that 3 yards out. Finally, with 14 minutes gone came the breakthrough. William intercepted a Lydiard clearance and sent Callum away down the left. Despite Charlie being available in the middle he cut into the area and as the keeper came out lobbed it into an empty net. Wickham still created chances mainly from crosses but could not convert. With 24 minutes gone Jesse won the ball just outside the box and laid it back to William. He hit a shot from fully 35 yards out which the keeper could only parry, Callum picked up the rebound and played it back to Olly for him to crash into the net with his right foot. After 27 minutes Duncan won the ball and threaded the ball through to Callum to run onto for him to tuck the ball inside the far post with the outside of his boot. Finally with a minute to go, Olly played the ball from the centre circle into Charlie’s path for him to run onto and slip it past the keeper for a 4-0 half time lead.

Jon emphasised that Lydiard would attempt to hit the ball over the top and use the wind and we should keep the ball down and pass it around. Jack W, Jordan and Max came on replacing Charlie, Aiden and Duncan respectively. Wickham, on occasions struggled to get the goal kicks clear against the wind as Lydiard over hit their through passes. However, after 5 minutes Jesse drove into the Lydiard half and as no one came to meet him he hit his shot from the edge of the area. The keeper seemed to have saved it but with Jack and Max following in the ball came out of his grasp for Max to score. The game was much more even now and after 13 minutes Lydiard won their first corner. However this was well dealt with by the defence. Wickham were now creating chance after chance which everyone seemed to be missing. Charlie came back on for Callum and immediately got onto the score sheet again but even he missed some guilt edge chances after that. With 5 minutes left, as the game seemed to be drawing to a close a long Lydiard ball seemed to be going through to James but Jack Bolton decided to clear it. The clearance fell straight to a midfield player who hit it first time into an unguarded net for 6-1. Wickham went back on the attack but the ball went safely though to the Lydiard keeper. His clearance was well headed forward by Duncan and then flick on by Charlie to Max. He battled for the ball then hit a shot over the keeper and into the back of the net. With two minutes left Charlie burst through the middle and was unceremoniously upended by the keeper which earned him a yellow card. William stepped forward to put the penalty away. Finally, with almost the last kick of the game a Wickham goal kick fell into the vacant midfield area when Lydiard gathered the ball. It was then sent through the middle for their forward to just beat James to the ball and tuck it inside the post for a final score of 8-2.

Well, one game to go and only Ferndale can stop the lads from being Champions - if they win all their remaining 8 games - …..…………..and who is Wickham’s last game against………………………..…
yes you’ve guessed, it Ferndale at home.

Player of the Day was a very close run thing, with four players getting 2 votes from the parents. However, after consulting with the parents who did not vote for any of these four, it went to Jesse.

James Davies
Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Albert Cherrill, Aiden Weeks
Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Olly Sopp
Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson.
Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Max Nichols, Jack Wild.

Report by Ian Herrington

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »

28-Mar-2007 by admin.

Wickham Wanderers 3-1 Wootton Bassett

Wootton Bassett came to the Triangle in what could have been billed as the “Championship Decider”. A win by Wickham would put them 4 points clear of Bassett with only 2 games to play; any other result would open the title race up. With the 4-5-1 formation having worked against the strong teams before, this was used again. In the team talk, Jon asked for a strong performance from everyone with plenty of support and commitment.

Almost straight away Wickham won a corner which was swung into the box to Bert, but the ball got stuck under his feet and the chance was lost. After only 2 minutes a clash of heads between Fraser Evans and Jesse saw blood gushing from Jesse’s mouth. He duly left the field to be patched up and Wickham played the next 4 minutes with only 10 players, during which time Bassett took the initiative.

Despite the injury Jesse did not shirk out of the next header or any tackle that followed. The first real chance fell to Basset in the 10^th minute. A free kick was played into the box where the Bassett forwards timed their runs perfectly but James was able to gather the ball in under pressure from 4 players. The next chance after 14 minutes also fell to Bassett. The Wickham defence was pulled all over the place with Olly ending up at right back covering. The ball was switched to the free space on the Bassett right and as the cross came in it was just too high for Josh Way at the back post. With 20 minutes gone Wickham had a free kick just inside their half. William hit the ball forwards and eventually it came out to Jesse on the right. He cut into the box and it looked like he was going to shoot but he laid it into Charlie’s path who duly flicked the ball over the keeper for 1-0. Three minutes later a cross from Callum was struck first time by Albie but the ball just drifted past the post. As the half was running down, Basset pressed forwards forcing James to tip a shot over the bar keeping Wickham in front at the break.

The half time talk was all about more of the same, keep working for each other and supporting each other. Keep it going for another 30 minutes! The game was turning into a midfield battle with neither side wishing to give way. With 8 minute gone Albie went down after a crunching tackle on the right wing but following treatment he carried on although limping slightly. With 11 minutes gone Jesse burst through two players and as he entered the area Fraser brought him down. Just like the away game Albie stepped up and put the penalty away to make it 2-0. With 10 minutes left Wickham cleared a Bassett corner to Charlie who sent Albie racing through on goal; however a great save from the keeper produced a Wickham corner. This was hit to the back post where Callum’s shot just cleared the bar. With 7 minutes left it was Charlie attacking the keeper, who he went round but the Bassett defenders got back to cover and put in a crunching tackle, from which he stayed down before he could get his shot away. As the minutes ticked by it was all Bassett pressure as they had pushed 4 players forward. William made a great tackle but went down under the challenge; however the game was not stopped. Eventually he was finally treated for four stud marks down his thigh. With 4 minutes remaining one of the Bassett forwards (Sam) broke down the right and cut into the box. James made a great initial save but the ball came back out and the rebound was smashed against the post and off for a goal kick. Two minutes into injury time Wickham attacked down the left with Callum sending the ball inside to Charlie. He took on a number of defenders before smashing the ball into the roof of the net for 3-0. Bassett still did not give up and 2 minutes later Josh Way was sent through, outpacing Jack, to hit his shot over James for 3-1. Remarkably almost 7 minutes of injury time was played which, following Bassett’s goal, was mostly in Wickham’s half but there were no more goals with Wickham probably getting the result their performance deserved.

Following a great display out at right back, never seeming to miss a challenge and for keeping Josh quiet for most of the game, The Player of the Day Award went to Jack Bolton.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Albert Cherrill, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks, Adam Fisher.

Report by Ian Herrington

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »

14-Mar-2007 by admin.

Wickham Wanderers 2-2 Abbey Meads

Bottom of the table Abbey Meads were the visitors to The Triangle this weekend as Wickham went in search of another win. The team lined up in an attacking 3-5-2 formation in the hope of killing the game off early.

For the second week running Wickham were playing against a very strong wind in the first half which gave Abbey Meads the advantage. However with only 3 minutes on the clock Karl laid the ball out to William who in turn sent Charlie away down the line. As he reached the edge of the box he crossed the ball into the middle where both Callum and Olly were waiting unmarked. Callum crashed the ball into the back of the net only for a late flag to be raised and the goal disallowed for offside. The resulting free kick was won by Charlie who laid it off to Callum but his shot just cleared the bar. Abbey Meads now pushed Wickham back into their own half and although not creating many clear cut chances they were stopping Wickham from going forwards. Their players always seemed to be first to the ball and when Wickham did attack the goal clearances were long and always seemed to be won by their players. With 10 minutes gone Abbey Meads were themselves caught offside near the edge of the centre circle. Bert hit the kick over the top to Olly on the left wing. He went down the line and got a great cross in where Charlie was on hand to ensure that the ball went into the back of the net. With 16 minutes gone a lovely through ball from Duncan found Charlie, he turned and sent Callum through for him to duly put the ball in the back of the net but again this was ruled offside against Charlie. Abbey Meads kept on pressing forwards and had a number of corners near the end of the half, one of which James pushed over the bar. Wickham therefore went in at half time 1 up.

The half time talk was not pretty! Jon tried to get the lads to understand that they needed to battle for the ball, to take time and to pass it around. Aiden was brought on for Olly, William switched to the left with Jack Wild coming onto the right wing for Callum, and thus the formation was now a 4-5-1. After only 2 minutes this change seemed to have paid off. A Wickham attack seemed to have been stopped as Charlie’s shot was blocked but the ball came out to William on the left and from 22 yards he hit a left footed shot just inside the far post for 2-0. Instead of demoralising Abbey Meads this just seemed to act as a tonic and pick them up. Despite them playing against the wind Wickham failed to attack any of the goal kicks and the ball was always won by an Abbey player. With the change in formation Charlie was left isolated up front as the midfield took too long to get up and support him. Then, with 10 minutes gone, disaster no.1. A through ball from the Abbey Mead defenders was somehow missed by Jack and the forward latched onto it. In a straight race for goal Jack was always second best. The forward lobbed the ball over James and there was just enough pace on it for it to reach the goal. This gave the visitors a great boost. Olly came on for Bert at the back but it was becoming difficult to spot which side was at the top of the table and which one at the bottom. The Wickham midfield had disappeared and were reduced to playing through balls to Charlie. With the wind on his back the keeper was always favourite to get there first. With 5 minutes left there was a big scramble in the Wickham box from which, somehow, Abbey Meads failed to score. However the clearance was picked up by the Abbey Meads midfield and lofted into the box. As the ball hung in the air their forward was bundled over and a penalty awarded. This was tucked nicely into the bottom left corner. Callum now came on and almost immediately created a chance for Karl which somehow did not go in. In the last minute Jack Wild had a chance but this was clear off the line. Wickham, like last year, only managed to get a draw at home to Abbey Meads which now throws the title race open again.

The parents were so disappointed with the result that no one voted for The Player of the Day Award, so therefore it went to William who was voted for by the opposition coach.

James Davies

Jack Bolton, Jordan Shaw, Albert Cherrill

William Herrington, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, Olly Sopp

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson.

Subs:- Jack Wild, Aiden Weeks, Adam Fisher.

Report by Ian Herrington

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »

08-Mar-2007 by admin.

Wickham Wanderers 4-3 Shaw

The big games are now coming up fast as today Wickham visited last year champions Shaw. Duncan and Albie both fell ill around mid day and did not make the trip but Wickham were only down to 13 players, thanks to Fraser being prepared to travel even if he was not needed. The pitch seemed very small and was probably only a ¾’s one with ¾’s sized goals and thus not really suited to Wickham’s normal play. The team switched back to its more familiar 4-4-2 formation.

Wickham were playing against a very strong wind with Shaw constantly pressing forwards. It now seems to have become the norm that when we are under pressure the midfield goes even deeper and we quite often have a back 5 or 6. This was again the case here which just encouraged Shaw to attack even more. As the defence tried to clear the ball it would fall into the vacant midfield area where the Shaw midfielders picked the ball up. Apart from an early break from the centre it was almost 15 minutes before Wickham mounted a worthwhile attack during which William had a shot deflected over and from the resulting corner Callum’s shot just cleared the bar. James was playing well in goal making himself big whenever necessary, making some great saves to deny the Shaw forwards. They were causing a lot of problems from corners which when clearing the front post generally created a chance. Twice Wickham were forced to clear off the line, a Bert header just cleared the bar and then James tipped over another chance which seemed to be going into the top corner. Eventually the midfield pushed out a little and started to compete for the ball. With 28 minute gone Jesse found Callum with a lovely through ball. He advanced towards the goal before slipping the ball to Charlie to hit past the keeper for 1-0. Shaw’s heads did not go down and immediately sent the ball up towards Bert who got nowhere near the ball allowing Chris Siddle to nip in behind him a strike the ball past James. However straight from the kick off Karl played the ball back down the middle to Charlie who went on a mazy run past 6 players before putting the ball in the back of the net giving Wickham, what must be considered as an unlikely 2-1 lead.

In the second half playing with the wind it was important to get the next goal, it was not long in coming. A Shaw attack was broken up with the ball sent down the ring wing. Callum never gave up chasing for it and won it back. He laid the ball back to William and sprinted into the middle. This freed Charlie up who William knocked the ball into. Charlie beat his man and sent the ball to the back post where fist Olly had his shot blocked followed by Callum’s shot being blocked but Charlie was on hand to force the ball over the line to complete his hat-trick on the day and 50 goals in the North Wilts League this season. In the 8^th minute Callum seemed to have won a corner, however a goal kick was awarded which was then headed back to Charlie by Karl. Charlie seemed to have put Callum through but the ball came back to him and as he fell to the ground he was able to send the ball goal wards. The ball might have gone him but Callum ensured it went in giving Wickham a 4-1 lead. Shaw through everything forward leaving gaps at the back but even the fresh legs of Fraser and Jack Wickham could not capitalise on the extra space. With 6 minutes left, with the linesman signalling for a goal kick the game continued and the ball fell to Callum Marshall who hit the ball into the roof of the net for 4-2. Shaw still pushed forwards and with 2 minute to go a free kick in the Shaw half was placed between Jack B and Jordan for Chris Siddle to get his second of the game. Fortunately for Wickham, the majority of the game was played out in the Shaw half as Wickham won 4 corners in quick succession and they were able to hold onto a slender 4-3 victory.

The Player of the Day Award, for making some great stops and ensuring that Wickham were not facing a big half time deficit, went to James.

James Davies

Aiden Weeks, Jack Bolton, Jordan Shaw, Albert Cherrill

William Herrington, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorrain, Olly Sopp

Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson.

Subs:- Jack Wild, Fraser Roberts.

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »

27-Feb-2007 by admin.

Wickham Wanderers 4 - 1 Wroughton

Wickham visited Wroughton for an important League match for both sides with Wickham hoping to avenge a 4-1 defeat at home against them earlier in the season. Jack B, Olly and Callum were all under the weather but all three of them insisted on playing. With the 4-5-1 formation working well away at Bassett this was again employed for this game, knowing that one of the Wroughton players, Nana, would have to be closely watched.

Wroughton kicked off and went on the attack. Within the first minute Bert had tried to take Nana’s shirt off and received a stern reprimand from the referee with the implication that next time it would be a card. This firm approach was taken throughout the first half which ensured that neither side took any liberties. During the first few minutes all the play was in the Wickham half but in the third minute Albie broke down the right and hit his cross into the middle, which was knocked off for a corner on the left. Albie hit this into the box and the ball somehow found its way though to Callum who had the easiest task of tapping the ball in. Play continued to be mostly in the Wickham half with it seeming at times that the lads were playing with 6 at the back, as both Karl and Jesse dropped deep. Nana was causing Bert some problems but Jesse was attempting to get over and help. However, in the 15^th minute Nana got past Bert and swung a low cross into the middle. The ball beat James at the near post, and also the Wroughton no.10 but unfortunately it hit Jack Bolton and went in for 1-1. Wickham were limited to quick counter attacks with Callum and Albie working hard up the lines. A ball over the top saw Nana run onto it but James was able to make a great save to keep the scores level. The last 5 minutes of the half saw Wickham start to take more of a grip on the midfield area and Jesse hit a drive from the edge of the box which cannoned off the left hand post. Moments later Charlie had a shot from the right which the keeper parried but, unlike last week, no one was on hand to put the rebound away. With 2 minutes left Albie was set free and having created the space knocked the ball to the right of the keeper which just went inside the post for a 2-1 half time lead.

The half time talk was all about keeping the work rate up plus a tactical switch of Bert, to marking centre back and Jack, with his extra pace, to the right to mark Nana. The next goal would be the vital one. Just like the cup match, Wickham looked the stronger in the second half but could not convert their chances. In the 9^th minute Charlie was involved in a race with their no.6. The defender knocked the ball out wide but Charlie battled for it and crossed the ball over the keeper to Callum who somehow hit the post with the goal at his mercy. Wickham continued to attack but could not find a way through, due to some great last minute defending. In the 17^th minute Charlie was set free and he drilled a shot straight at the keeper which hit him with such force that he stayed down for over a minute receiving treatment; it was a great brave save! Wickham still pressed forward but the keeper kept on making the saves. Finally, with 10 minutes to go, following Charlie and Callum having shots blocked, Karl hit one of his long range efforts (about 28 yard out!) but with his weaker left foot. The keeper managed to make the block but Charlie was there following in. He headed the ball over the keeper onto the underside of the bar but again he followed it in to make sure the ball crossed the line. Wroughton now switched to 3 up front and 3 at the back chasing the game. In the 23^rd minute a ball down the line from Jack Bolton found Albie racing clear. He went past his man and put a great cross in for Charlie to drill the ball in for 4-1. Much of the last 5 minutes were spent in the Wickham half but despite Wroughton’s superior possession James never really had a clear cut shot to save, although there were multiple corners to deal with. This result strengthens Wickham’s position at the top of the division with next week’s game against Shaw becoming important.

The Player of the Day went to Albie for his tireless work up the right wing and again for laying on a cracking goal for Charlie which is fast becoming a trademark of these two playing together. A special mention should also be given to Adam and Steven who despite not playing still came along to cheer the team on.

James Davies

Albert Cherrill, Jack Bolton, William Herrington, Olly Sopp

Albie Oakman, Jesse Bowers, Karl Admans, Duncan Lorrain, Callum Johnson.

Charlie de Fraine.

Subs:- Jordan Shaw, Aiden Weeks, Jack Wild.

Report by Ian Herrington

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »

18-Feb-2007 by admin.

Wickham Wanderers 16 - 1 Croft

With it being half term in the Swindon area the game against Croft was brought forward to Saturday 17^th Feb to ensure it was fitted into what is becoming a very packed fixture schedule for most other clubs. Wickham were without James again so Jack Wild stayed in goal and Jordan was still missing.

Wickham also started off with an experimental 3-5-2 formation.

The team were quickly into their stride. In the three minute the ball was switched form the left flank out to Albie on the right, he cut into the area and shot across the keeper into the far corner with Karl following up just in case. Wickham went straight back on the attack and from the resulting goal kick; Karl headed the ball back down the middle into Albie’s path who had no difficulty in scoring again. Another goal kick ion the 7^th minute this time went all the way through to Bert at the back. He threaded the ball through to Charlie who flicked the ball out right to Albie. He went to the by-line and his cross was tapped in by Callum. A minute latter after some pressure in the croft box saw the ball come out to Albie who’s cross was again put away by Callum. In the 11^th minute Wickham had switched the attck to the left wing. Some interplay between Karl and William eventually saw William hit the by-line and his cross was tucked away by Charlie. With a quarter of the match gone it was Callum and William’s turn to work the left flank. A lovely ball by Callum got William behind the defender but his shot across the keeper was partially saved by the keeper but Charlie was there to knock the rebound in. Some good saves by the Croft keeper kept Wickham out until, in the 20^th minute, Bert hit a ball over the top of the Croft defence for Charlie to latch onto just in their half. He raced clear but again the Croft keeper made the save but this time Callum was there to put the rebound away to complete his hat trick. Straight fro the centre Duncan won the ball and sent Albie away who hit his shot from the edge of the area to complete his hat-trick. Both Strikers were then replaced for Fraser and Adam with Aiden coming on at the back for Bert. This made little difference to Wickham as two minutes later Albie again hit a shot from the edge of the box across the keeper for 9-0. Wickham still had not completed their scoring in the first half as in the 26^th minute William gathered the ball on the left and switched it to the right via Jesse, and Duncan so it ended up with Albie. He went through and then picked out Adam in the middle who lofted the ball over the keeper to score.

Wickham switched to a 3-4-3 formation for the second half with Jack Bolton taking over in goal and Jack Wild moving to the right wing and William playing centre back; Albie, Charlie and Duncan were on the bench. Wickham struggled a little with this new formation with the front 3 often getting caught offside during the half as they got ahead of the ball carrier. In the 7^th minute the three forwards raced through but Callum’s shot was well saved. As the ball looped over everyone Adam was able to turn quickest and then slam the ball in the back of the net. Croft then had their best spell of the game but in the 14^th minute a clearance from William found Jack on the right. He race clear but again the keeper made a save but the rebound was put away by Fraser. In the 19^th minute a corner routine ended with William having his drive at the edge of the box blocked out to Jack on the right. He dinked a cross in which Callum knocked back for Charlie, who had just come on, to head home completing his hat-trick. A minute later Callum went on a run down the left again firing a shot across the keeper which was pushed out for Charlie to score. The Croft centre went to William in the middle of the defence who passed the ball to Bert. He knocked it through the middle where Callum then placed it inside for Fraser to run on and score. With 5 minutes left another through ball went straight to Fraser who coolly completed his second half hat-trick. Just like the first game Croft never gave up and again just like the first they got their reward with 2 minutes left. As Wickham push forwards a quick ball out of defence saw a one on one with William. The attacker was just able to get his shot away, which Jack parried. Unfortunately it hit the angle of post and crossbar and just crossed the line before he could gather it in. With Ferndale beating Wroughton, Wickham’s position was consolidated even further following the weekend results.

The Player of the Day Award went to Karl who seemed to be everywhere in midfield and actually getting his head to most of the high balls as well.

Jack Wild
Bert Cherrill, Jack Bolton, Olly Sopp
Albie Oakman, Karl Admans, Jesse Bowers, Duncan Lorrain, William Herrington
Charlie de Fraine, Callum Johnson.
Subs:- Fraser Roberts, Adam Fisher, Aiden Weeks.

Report by Ian Herrington

Posted in Under 11s (2006/2007) | 1 Comment »