7th August

Clanfield 0 - 0 Shrivenham

(Shrivenham win 3-1 on Penalties)

A good crowd was present for the final on the Jim Newman Memorial Trophy on Saturday evening. Clanfield failed in their quest to win their own Pre-Season Competition when after a goal-less 90 minutes they converted only one of four penalties to lose the shoot out to Shrivenham Town by 3-1.

The Robins had the better of the first half play against their Uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division opponents who fielded a changed side from the previous two rounds.In truth whilst both sides strove hard to gain the upper hand neither goalkeeper was really troubled in a goal-less first half. The second half was much the same but as the players tired in the oppressive heat in the last fifeen minutes Shrivenham might well have scored.Clanfield keeper Chris Brain was happy to see a late snap shot whistle past the post whilst for the Robins Ollie Oswin powered a header just wide.

So to the penalty shoot out. Here the Robins were found lacking and with Shrivenham missing only one, the trophy presented by the late Jim Newmans Great Grand-daughter, was theirs. Managers Verdict; Disappointing to lose on Penalties We now have to prepare for the visit of Lydney Town on Wednesday

Witney United 3 Cirencester Town XI 1

United ended their pre-season campaign with a 3-1 win against a young Cirencester Town side at Marriotts Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was the perfect start for United with just six minutes on the clock when Rich Conway slung in a cross from the left which evaded Adam Corcoran and landed at the feet of Conor Allmond who calmly slotted into the net.
With twenty minutes on the clock the lead was doubled when strike partners Sean McKeon and Chris Zoldan linking up well before the latter span and fired home.

After the break United made numerous changes and this allowed Cirencester back into the game and they pulled a goal back nine minutes from the end when Jon Steedman upended Ollie Pitt in the area. Pitt picked himself up and gave Paul Tassell no chance from the spot. Within a couple of minutes though the two goal lead was restored when Steedman fired in a vicious low free-kick which was met sweetly by Sam Wright giving Mike Hedges no chance.

3rd August

Shortwood United 4- 4 Yate Town
Wood draw thriller with Yate
Wood had their best work out yet in a richly entertaining pre season game. Both sides were thoroughly committed and both sides will be disappointed not to have won. Wood were dominant for the first 25 minutes or so and should have been well ahead but instead they allowed Yate to come back into the game. For their part Yate established a two goal second half lead but allowed Wood to come back and snatch a draw.
Wood raced into the attack from the start and created several good chances while Yate struggled to put anything meaningful together and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 22 minutes with a fine goal. Bennett intercepted a pass, set Collins free and his cross to the far post was headed back and Axton swept the ball home. Yate finally woke up and levelled after 30 minutes – Cousins scoring with an excellent chip. Five minutes later Yate took the lead with a fortunate goal. Portlock parried a shot but the ball bounced straight onto Matt Bennett and in. The game swung from end to end before Wood brought matters level after 43 minutes. Casey headed back a deep corner, Martin helped the ball on to Ash Thomas who skill fully controlled the ball on his chest, dummied a defender, and fired home from 8 yards.

There was no let up in the furious play in the second half but Wood sloppy play let to goals for Adams and Church after 57 and 61 minutes, whose finishes were clinical. Wood refused to lie town and were given a lifeline when Coates was upended in the box. Allard hit the perfect penalty to reduce the arrears. With 87 minutes gone Bennyworth hurled in a long throw and although the ball drifted to the far side it was returned low into the box and Parrott forced the ball home after a scramble. In the last minute Wood had chances to win it but a defeat for either side would have been harsh after such a stirring encounter.

Clanfield 1 - 0 Faringdon Town
The Robins eased to the Final of their own Pre- Season Competition The Jim Newman Memorial Trophy with a narrow victory over near neighbours Faringdon Town. The two Clubs had met in a Pre-Season Friendly just seven days before but in the Quarter Final the North Berks League side had held UHLSPORT Hellenic Premier Division Carterton to one all at 90 minutes and then won the Penalty Shoot Out and were in no mood to allow the Robins an easy passage.

Clanfield began well and forays down both flanks By Chris Blakely and Dan Bishop could not find an end product. Then a fine break by Dean Mays saw on rushing brother Craig place the ball wide. Faringdon were forced to defend which they did strongly. At the other end Keeper Chris Brain intervened smartly to keep the half time score goalless. The Robins pressed strongly in the second half. Alan Rodgers cut inside and his left footed thunderbolt from fully 35 yards cannoned down off the bar and back in to play. With no goal line technology or Russian linesman at Radcot Road but they were not needed. Everyone accepted that it did not cross the line and got on with the game. Skipper Danny Dixon then hit the post with a pile driver from 25 yards whilst Faringdon might have done better with a chance on the far post which rippled the side netting. Slight knocks to Dan Bishop and Dean Mays saw them replaced by Eddie Everett and Ben Acock but Clanfield continued to look for the winner. Bradley Bryant replaced Steve Olphert as the tackling became a little fiesty resulting in a Yellow Card for a Faringdon Midfielder. The only goal came in the 88th minute when Craig Mays got on the end of a Bradley Bryant low free kick to divert the ball past the Faringdon keeper and in to the far corner of the net. The Robins played out six minutes of added on time to secure their place in the Final on Saturday Aug 7th(5 00 pm)

Managers Verdict; "We played well against well coached and well managed opponents who made things very difficult for us. We knew we were in for a hard game and so it proved. We are delighted to be in the Final."

Chinnor 1 Bierton 0
Chinnor came away from their third pre-season game of the season with a hard fought 1-0 victory against a strong Bierton side. The first half was a close encounter with both the clear cut chances falling to Chinnor’s right wing back Michael Byrne. On both occasions Byrne was clean through & was denied by the feet of the Bierton keeper.
The second half started much like the first & it was after 60 minutes that Chinnor took the lead when after being put through over the top new signing Craig Johnston calmly lifted the ball over the Bierton keeper & into the net. Chinnor were made to defend for the majority of the rest of the game but as usual their defence held firm & victory was secured. All in all a useful run out & the team now have three further games before the serious stuff starts away at South Kilburn on the 14th August

Holmer Green 4 Henley Town 0
All the good work of a strong first half performance by Henley to hold their hosts, last year's Molten Spartan South Midlands Football League Division One winners to a 0-0 draw was undone in the final 25 minutes of the match as fitness told and confidence wained.
Alex Allen missed a golden opportunity early on when put through on the left but failed to beat the 'keeper with his shot to the far post and with Holmer Green looking very strong at the back, they were unlucky themselves following a quickly taken free kick just over the halfway line to miss the upright by a slender margin. Both sides made breaks from the back with Kayvon Dizaei and Martin Bradshaw working their way down the right wing neatly aided by Johnathon Moss.
At half time, David Tuttle changed five of his team and the Lilywhites best chance of the game came after twenty minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Tranell Richardson stepped up but his effort was parried by the 'keeper and from that point, Henley seemed to lose heart. Within three minutes Holmer Green were a goal up and shortly after, the Henley's 'keeper, Jack Faulkner was chipped to double the lead. A third goal followed as the home team began to exploit gaps at the back with their superior fitness levels and despite a fine effort from Seve Mayberry just missing with a thirty yard shot a fourth goal for Holmer Green arrived just before the final whistle.
It was a harsh lesson for Tuttle's boys, but with a fair smattering of talent in the new squad they just need to work hard to improve their fitness levels and blend themselves into a team. The next friendly is on Saturday against AFC Wallingford at the Hithercroft Ground, kick-off 2.00pm

Saturday 31st July

Wells City 2 - 0 Kidlington
Because of distance. injuries and work commitments Kidlington travelled down for this double headed fixture at Wells with a depleted squad. It was however a decent work out again for the players, though some of the lads had to take part in both matches.

It was a fairly even contest although Kidlington posed little goal threat after Big Jimmy Deabill had to go off with an ankle injury. Kiddy's other main striker Luke Holden didn't travel as he sustained a nasty injury against North Leigh on Wednesday evening. Wells scored their two goals after some rusty defending, so Kidlington will have to work on this against Abingdon United this Tuesday. Let's hope the injury's to Jimmy and Luke heal before the start of the season.

Clanfield 4 - 0 Witney and District FA

Clanfield eased in to the Semi-Final of their own Pre-Season Jim Newman Memorial Trophy beating a spirited Representative side depleted by non availabilities and late withdrawals. The Robins had to weather early flurries from their opponents but gradually their midfield gained the ascendancy and after a good left wing run and cross by Dan Bishop the ever alert Craig Mays swept the ball home in the 10th minute.Chances came and went for the Robins particularly for Mays but it was he who doubled their advantage in the 20th minute from close in. Clanfield continued to dominate the exchanges and only good goalkeeping kept the interval scoreline at 2-0.

The domination continued in the second half and good work by the midfield trio of Dan Dixon,Dean Mays and Steve Olphert put in Craig Mays for his third on the hour and wide man Chris Blakely wrapped up the scoring two minutes later. Witney battled to the end and created two good chances at the death but failed to convert them to leave the Robins as comfortable winners.

Shortwood United 1 - 0 North Leigh
Martin Strike Gives Wood Win!
Shortwood won their pre season match against North Leigh on Saturday courtesy of a second half spectacular strike from Jamie Martin. Once again the defence contributed to a hard earned victory with Macklin and Thomas outstanding as the heart of the back four but Joe Macklin just shaded the man of the match with two tremendous clearances when North Leigh looked like equalizing. Martin Pearce was well protected but again showed that he is very much on form when called into action. Wood gave second half appearances to Matt Casey and Martin McDermot from Kings Stanley and both showed that they would not be out of place in the step up. Indeed it was Matt Casey who laid the foundations for Martin’s goal with an astute pass. For North Leigh Rich Barrett made a return to Meadowbank when he came on in the second half.
Pearce was forced to tip over an effort and Parrott fired a shot wide in the opening skirmishes but Parrott came close to opening the scoring with a rising shot that scraped the bar. The opening half was even but both sides failed to create many clear cut openings. Maximen fired a free kick narrowly wide and Martin appeared to be baulked by keeperLonsdale as he ran on to a through ball.

The second half was more open and it only took 2 minutes for Wood to open the scoring. Allard won the ball in midfield and his pass to Matt Casey was instantly diverted to Martin. The young forward curled a delightful shot in at the far post and just under the bar for his third goal in the warm up matches. Macklin made a superb sliding clearance from a low cross with Pearce beaten as North Leigh threatened to come back and immediately cleared again when under pressure. With 74 minutes gone a cross field run from Martin was followed by a fine pass to Jake Davis. His first time cross to the far post beat Barrett all ends up and Allard came in a thundered a header against the post. A lucky escape for North Leigh. Wood were comfortable in the closing stages apart from a low cross shot which Pearce dived and saved confidently.

28th July

Kidlington 2 North Leigh 0
This was another good workout for Gordon Geary's young team. A goal in each half did the trick.
The first of these goals was a good headed goal from Lance Williams in the 27th minute. Kidlington looked the better team all evening and eventually scored a second goal in the 74th minute, Chris Weedon headed home a cross form Sam Fincher.

Letcombe 2 - 1 Kintbury
After a slow start, Letcombe took the lead after 20 minutes, Adam Pendell providing the cross for Paul Jezzard to score. Kintbury equalised ten minutes later, but Tom Peace scored the winner just before half time with a well struck shot from 20 yards.


PURTON....1......SHRIVENHAM......2

Purton found visitors Shrivenham from the Premier league hard to handle in the first half of this game but despite the dominance by the visitors Purton were caught twice down their right flank and the two goals they conceded in the half
should and could have been prevented.

Purton picked up their game in the second half as play switched from end to end but only managed to pull a single goal back when 5 minutes from time Scott Campbell and Steve Avenell exchanged passes and Campbell slotted the ball home from 12 yards with a low drive

27th July

Faringdon Town 1 Clanfield 2
Just a short trip up the road to near neighbours for our second Pre-Season Match and again it proved to be a very worthwhile exercise against a side who chased and harried and closed us down well.

Our hosts had a very successful 2009-2010 season reaching three Cup Finals and with our squad containing a few residents of Faringdon a keen encounter ensued.

The Robins were ahead on 18 minutes when Craig Mays was fouled in the penalty area and got up to convert the resultant spot kick.Both sides went close before the equaliser came in the 37th minute. Adam Sly took advantage of some slack defending to work the ball home off the post.

Both teams made changes for and during the second half and there was a real scare when the home side had a free header on goal but missed badly.They were made to pay in the 75th minute when Callum Miller steered the ball home for the winner.

Managers Verdict? Another excellent work out against much different opposition to Pewsey Vale and local pride retained!

Shortwood United 2 – 0 Bishops Cleeve
Shortwood continued their pre season warm up with a satisfying 2-0 win over Bishops Cleeve. Cleeve included John Cant who played for Wood in their game against Forest Green but who has decided to remain with the Bishops. They also included Julian Allsop from Cheltenham Town.
Cleeve enjoyed their fair share of possession but were generally restricted to long range efforts as the Wood defense looked very solid and Joe Macklin and Alton Axton looked especially good dealing with the aerial threat posed by the Cleeve front men. Once again Wood employed both keepers for a half each and both Pearce and Portlock showed that manager Evans will have a tough decision to make. Wood can also take positives from the performances of the new additions to an already strong squad from Jamie Martin and Ollie Clarke. The man of the match was Ross Casey, however, who was strong in the tackle and gave a near faultless display of distribution.
The football was thoughtful as both sides probed for an opening and both sides were restricted to efforts from distance and the only real danger came from a short back pass that Pearce had to be brave to deal with and picked up a knock in the process. Wood’s first goal came out of the blue after 18 minutes. Jake Parrott swung in a high free kick which was deflected beyond the far post but only to Allard who rammed the ball back across goal and in off the far post. Wood deserved their 1-0 half time lead.
The second half was more open and both sides took advantage of the added space and the match subsequently became more entertaining. Again Cleeve pushed but found the Wood defence strong. Mish Green was wide with a close range header and it was no surprise when Collins made it 2-0 after 80 minutes. Ollie Clarke’s excellent diagonal ball into the area was perfect as Collins won the race with the advancing King and knocked the ball home. Mish Green had a header ruled out for off side before the end but it did not matter in an excellent performance from the Wood

Milton 0-7 Didcot
On the evening that Didcot eased to an impressive seven goal win at near-neighbours Milton United, manager Stuart Peace has agreed terms with defender Andy Gunn. Alongside the signing of James Mortimer-Jones, Michael Bartley and Elliott Osbourne-Ricketts in the last few days the squad is now taking shape for the forthcoming campaign.
As for the game, an own goal and a good strike from Jamie Heapy gave Didcot a 2 goal first half lead. The second half saw a number of changes and a further 5 goals from Josh Huggins, Bartley, Michael Hopkins (his first senior goal), Osbourne-Ricketts and Josh Dutton-Black.

Holyport 3 Windsor & Eton 1
Following last nights 3-1 win over a young Windsor and Eton side Assistant Manager Kevin Carvell secured the signatures of ex Marlow United players James Flint and keeper John Buller. Flint looked sharp on this debut and Buller has been particularly impressive in all pre-season matches to date, and in fact pulled of two fine saves which proved to be the turning point in last nights encounter. Holyport scorers were; Lee Jerrum, Jamie Handscomb and Sam Jones.

24th July

Flackwell Heath 2 - 2 Hampton & Richmond

Flackwell Heath put in a respectable performanced against Conference South outfit Hampton & Richmond at Wilks Park on Saturday, eventually going down by two second half goals.

There were some encouraging perfrmances, notably from newcomers Nathan Poulton, see image, (ex-Bracknell Town) and Danny Jordan(Slough Town). It was also good to see Adam Morris and Jonny Mason return to the club after stints at Oxford City Nomads and Marlow United respectively. The team were never outclassed and were superbly marshalled by Paul Shone and Mark Weedon.

The lads will be looking to build on this performance on Tuesday evening when Slough Town are the visitors (7.30pm kick off)

Hungerford Town 4 v 1 Shrivenham

A great performance with James Lewis outstanding as left wing back and Ben McCready scoring two goals was also looking good. Mark James, Matty Day and Simon Herbert were excellent at the back with Kieron Drake in goal commanding his back line.

It was a good start for Hungerford from kick off McCready found himself with a shooting opportunity but passed the ball into the keepers hands with a week shot. It was to be a sign of things to come though, Romeo also lively up top, had a chance but the ball broke lose and chasing in from the left was James Lewis to poke the ball home. Lewis then became provider for the second goal, teeing up McCready to place the ball home. Richie Burn had to come off midway through the first half with a tight Hamstring which will worry Wilkinson, but with Fila replacing him, he looked more than capable of filling the void with Crockford in the middle of the park. Crockford looked assured and controlled the midfield looking like he has cemented his place in the line up.

In the second half Hungerford continued to dominate, Leacock getting forward on the right with pace was causing trouble to Shrivvy's defence. It was neat through ball from Crockford who found Romeo to chase and as he was just about to pull the trigger he was fouled from behind, the linesman flagged for a penalty, however McCready continued running through to tuck the ball home and the goal was allowed to stand. After a few changes Concannon managed to get himself on the scoresheet afte finding space in the box from a Ryan Williams delivery. Town did conceed though after a quick break allowed their forward to finish over Drake's head with a neat shot. Overall another encouraging display and the fitness levels are showing.

Hungerford Town 8 - 0 Shrivenham

A strong Hungerford reserves side destroyed Shrivenham in their second pre-season game to date. The reserve squad saw some first team faces make appearances to gain fitness but generally the squad are looking very strong for the first division one east campaign.
Hungerford were three goals up in the opening ten minutes with two goals from Shaun Thorp and one from Sam Whiting. Hungerford finshed off their opponents mid way through the first half with two more goals one from Lyle Gifford, headering in a rebound from the bar after a Whiting direct free kick needed the keepers finger tips. The fifth and Thorp's hatrick came just before half time when a good move down the right involving Tommy Langfry allowed Thorp to strike it home.

The second half started brightly and it was only five minutes in and Whiting got his second of the game, a neat touch from a Thorp through ball gave him space and then he tucked the ball into the near post. Adam Drake then provided a quality cross from the left with Thorp scoring his fourth with his head at the far post. Drake earlier came close with his first touch of the game when coming on and taking a direct freekick but hitting it just wide. Alex Toley made it 8 - 0 after running into the box with the ball at his feet and striking the ball into the bottom left corner. Ricky Allaway was magnificient at the back, talking all the time and shaping his back four. Also Adam Little looked sharp up top but will be dissapointed to not get on the scoresheet after months out with a shoulder inury. Both Gifford and Whiting looked threatening on the flanks and provided some good ball to the frontline. Although the competition was fairly easy, Hungerford will be happy with their ball distribution, ability to play football and most definately their fitness.

Hungerford Town A 3 - 1 Sutton Courtney

The new 'A' Team got underway under the management of Martin Crane and player coach, Ben Ashby. Encouraging was the fitness but most of all it was signs of the promising youngsters on show. An early mistake between Woody and Thorne in goal allowed the forward to pass into an empty net. It wasn't long though before Jason Brizzel thumped in a header from a corner. It was then Stuart Brown who scored the second chipping over the keeper leaving it 2-1 in the first half.

George Stirland was introduced in the second half down the left and looked very sharp as did Charlie Lachacz in the middle. Blair and Brown up top chased every ball never giving the defence any time on the ball and Matty Howe in defence looked sharp winning header after header. Stirland got on the scoresheet after meeting the ball in the box and finishing well to cap an excellent first display.

PURTON....5....LEDBURY TOWN......2
Purton sarted off at a blistering pace in this game and were 4-0 inside half an hour and it could have been double that as they ran their visitors ragged.

A great run and cross by Dave Gee saw Marcus Hall open the scoring after 6 minutes and another cross by Justin Miller after 12 minutes was volleyed in by Tom Cadden. Dave Gee with a brillant overhead kick made it 3-0 after 20 minutes and Tom Cadden assisted by a great pass by Miller made it 4-0.

Some sloppy play however gave the vistors hope as they beat the pulled two
back on 38 and 44 minutes.

In the second half Ledbury picked up their game a little but it was Purton who looked most likely to adding to the scoreline but managed just the one more when Steven May scored with superb ground shot from 18 yards.

Shortwood United 1Forest Green Rovers 2 – 23rd July
That’s Entertainment

20th July 2010

CALNE TOWN 1 - 2 PURTON

In their 2nd friendly in readiness for the new season Purton gained a 2-1 win away at Calne Town. After a poor display in the first half where the home side spurned several good chances they can also thank keeper Luke Alford who pulled off a couple fine first half saves. The only chances Purton created in the first half saw a Steve Avenall 20 yard effort tipped over the bar and an Ashley Gooch effort blocked on the line.

Purton picked up in the second half though but still were grateful to Alford for another couple of good saves. Steve Avenall finally put Purton in front latching onto a fine through ball, outpacing two defenders and slotting in from 18 yards. Calne pulled level shortly afterwards converting a penalty kick given for handball. Purton notched the winning goal when a cross from the right by Scott Campbell was laid off by Avenall for Tom Cadden to send a great left foot volley past the Calne keeper from 12 yards.

Binfield 3 Finchampstead 0

Carl Davies notched his first goal for Binfield in the friendly against Finchampstead at Cantley on Tuesday evening. It followed an Ian Davies opener and a missed penalty by last season’s top scorer and made the half time score 2-0. Garry Sargeant scored the only goal of the second half to make the final score Binfield 3 Finchampstead 0. Manager Mark Tallentire introduced a few changes as the pre-season campaign continued in a positive fashion.

Brimscombe & Thrupp 4 Shortwood United 4

Shortwood enjoyed a thorough work out in this, their first pre season game. For Brimscombe it was their fourth and they certainly seemed to have gelled together and seem a good, strong, outfit as they prepare for their County League season. Both sides served up a thoroughly entertaining evening and a draw was just about the right result as the game ebbed and flowed from end to end.  For Wood debutante Jamie Martin (from Brimscombe) made a thoroughly promising start with two goals and an assist, while at the other end Brimscombe’s Dalton enjoyed himself – helping himself to a hat trick.

Wood fell behind after 18 minutes with ex Wood man Pete Smith scoring with a neat chip. Wood were soon level however when Martin cut in from the right and fired home from 8 yards. Both sides had chances as defences gave opposition forwards too much room before Axton put Wood into the lead after 38 minutes – heading home Martin’s free kick. Port lock (making his first start from Taverners) made an excellent tip over from Dalton but was powerless to prevent the same player from equalising on the stroke of half time with a fierce drive.

Dalton put the home side in the lead after 63 minutes. A swift interchange of passes saw him given too much room but his finish was excellent. Again their lead was short-lived as Marin headed Axton’s cross powerfully home.  With 70 minutes gone Collins had an effort tipped over but the resultant corner was headed home at the far post by Ash Thomas. Brimscombe got their deserved draw when Dalton completed his hat trick and might have nicked it at the death when a free kick was deflected to Tubbs but he spooned it wide from close range.

16th July 2010

MILTON UNITED 1 TROWBRIDGE TOWN 0

MILTON UNITED 3 TROWBRIDGE TOWN 1

Milton’s new manager Shaun Smith started his reign with two hard fought wins against two very good Trowbridge Town sides.

The first game was very even, with both sides finding it hard to gain control of the midfield and the chances that did come to both sides were dealt with comfortably by both keepers. Changes were made by both managers throughout the game but this did not reduce the standard of football as both teams tried players in different positions and formations. Milton won the game when a penalty was conceded and the ball was coolly put into the net.

The second game was also a hard fought match and you would have thought it was a cup final and not the first pre-season game with some of the tackles that were flying around.

The home side soon settled and started playing a good passing game and soon took an early lead but the visitors created several good chances themselves and got a deserved equaliser. As in the first game players were frequently changed and the heat and tiredness began to be felt but Milton continued playing the passing game and were rewarded with a further two well taken goals.

On this showing, both sides have the making of good teams for the coming season.

After the match Shaun Smith stated that it was nice to get two wins but at that moment he is more concerned about the player’s performance and he was very pleased with the attitude and commitment from all of them but realises this is only the beginning.

Malmesbury Victoria 1 v 2 Hungerford Town

Garry Cook brought a new look squad to Malmesbury Victoria on a bright Friday evening after rain in the day. The pitch surprisingly had a lot of grass on it and was wet through although there were a lot of rough patches.

Cook started with almost a completely new squad to kick off the first half and included; Steven Howe, Adam Drake & Matt Midwinter from Milton, Tom Brown - Reading FC, Liam Ilsley – Wantage, Lyle Gifford – Letcombe, Tommy Chapman – Kintbury, Alex Tolley – Burnham, as well as Gareth Brown, Chris Collins & Shaun Thorp

The Crusaders got off to a quick start under the watching eyes of Gilkes & Wilkinson and looked fitter than their opponents within minutes. Every player on the pitch wanted to impress and chased every ball on the park. A few chances went begging in the first half where Hungerford should of been four goals to the good, Tolley didn't connect and the Victoria keeper kept out a couple of Thorp efforts with Thorp also blasting a penalty over the bar right before the half time whistle. Tolley did score mid way through the half after a Drake corner was met by Brown at the near post and Tolley connected to the flick and the ball hit the roof of the net.

Half time saw five changes and the introduction of Matt Persey at centre back, Greg Nutley, Matty Howe, Paul Davies and Andy Phillpott. Victoria were soon back in the game after a long ball caught Persey & Midwinter flat footed and the striker nipped through and lobbed the oncoming Howe in goal. A slightly different half in terms of quality for The Crusaders but a good chance for Cook to see some of his players in action. Victoria were allowed back in the game and created a few chances only for Howe to make three good one on one saves. It was to be Hungerford’s evening though and with 5 minutes left, Ben Ashby another new signing from Milton who had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes played an excellent first time ball into the area and the ever lively Nutley slid in and poked the ball into the bottom corner.
A few of the players will now face Wokingham & Embrook in two friendlies today at Swindon Town's training ground as they have impressed Wilkinson over the period of pre-season to date.

Highworth 4 Purton 2