FA CUP
Sunday 12th Aug
FA Cup Extra Prem Round
Highworth Town 3-1 Corsham Town
Corsham started off much the better of the two sides and applied early pressure on a rattled Worthian defence.  The Corsham forwards knocked the ball about well and probed from both the right and the left.  After only 13 minutes, the ball fell at the feet of Ross Lye, who walked through the defence and hammered the ball into the top corner from 20 yards to give Anthony Betterton no chance and the visitors the lead.  Within a few minutes, Corsham managed to hit the crossbar when Kane Kaupinnen headed goal-wards, and then Highworth started to probe and penetrate the visitors’ defence.  After 26 minutes, Lee Hayward collected the ball down the left and put in a great cross for Darren Smart to head home from short range to give the Worthians the equaliser. Corsham had now lost their early initiative and it wasn’t long before another cross from Joe Deyager found Aaron Maximen at the far post but his header went over the bar. Corsham then got their rhythm back again and went close with two attempts on goal which should really have been put away and the Worthians were glad of the half-time whistle.
The second period proved to be an entirely different affair with the opposition getting rattled and looking ragged after their first half performance but this was probably due to Fish’s inspired substitution which saw Talif Hamza replace Lee Hayward at the interval. Within three minutes of the re-start, Talif collected the ball just past the half-way line and knocked it in to Aaron Maximen who then headed it down to Brad Clarke.  With Kev Coles lurking unmarked on the edge of the penalty area, Brad moved the ball firmly into his path and the subsequent wonder shot hit the roof of the net from 18 yards to put the Worthians into the lead. Two minutes later, with Corsham really on the back foot, Joey Deyager knocked a great cross-field ball to Darren Smart, who jinked around a defender and knocked in a pin point cross for Talif to head home. Corsham were down and out at this early stage in the half but their main strength was their rapid counter-attacking and they began to put some decent moves together in the final ten minutes or so of the match which required a couple of good saves from Highworth keeper, Anthony Betterton. Highworth were still looking to add to the score themselves and after a neat interchange between Shane Davis and Talif Hamza, the resulting shot from that man Talif required a good save from Scott Windle. Corsham edged the first half with their strong opening twenty minutes and near efforts as the half came to a close, but their heads went down after the Worthians’ inspired early period of the second half and they just did not look like getting back into the game, despite some clever counter-attacking moves. 
A good result for the boys who were worthy winners on the day and they deserve their shot at the next opponents, Shortwood United!

Saturday 11

Ardley United 4  Holyport 2 (home view)

With the sun shining and a win under their belt from mid-week Ardley were in buoyant mood for this the first round of the FA Cup. It took just 6 minutes for it all to change when following a good passing spell   Lee Jerrum beat the Ardley defender and squared the ball for Jamie West to shoot home.
Ardley were spurred on and it took just a further 3 minutes for them to level the score line, when a corner was whipped in by Stuart Bridges and headed on by Ben Thomas leaving an unmarked John Gardener at the far post to prod home.
Like the score line the game was fairly even with both teams showing their prowess, but it was the home side that went ahead when John Gardener made a good run down the left flank, squared the ball just outside the area and Carl Standen let fly with a unstoppable effort .
Ten minutes before the half time break Gardener was again involved in the action, his cross flew across the Holyport goal and with both Troy Bryan and Patrick Starrett failing to get that vital touch the ball struck the far post and fell over the line to give Ardley a fortuitous 3-1 lead at the break. 
Holyport were desperate to get back in the game and pushed more bodies up front causing the home defence problems. A long ball put West through on goal and a powerful finish made it 3-2 and game on.  20 minutes left  on the clock Ardley restored their 2 goal cushion when a Stuart Bridges corner was played deep across the goal Troy Bryan headed back and Adam Garner slotted home.
Despite further efforts Holyport could not break down a resolute defence, and left themselves vulnerable to break away attacks. It was one such break that John Gardener cut inside the defender and was brought down in the box. Culp rate Lee Ovens was lucky to remain on the pitch, as he had been booked previous and also received a final warning minutes earlier. Gardener looking for his hat trick took the spot kick, which was well saved by Ashley Smith.
At the final whistle It was Ardley that progressed to the next round with an away fixture against Newport Pagnell Town on the 25th August.  

Ardley United 4 v 2 Holyport FC

After a confident boasting 8-3 victory in midweek Holyport started this game on the front foot, taking the game to Ardley. On 3 minutes West and Rapley linked up well but Rapley's cross evaded everyone in the box. On 5 minutes the returning Steve Deverall chased down a through ball which was hacked clear straight to Crawford whose effort was then blocked. The inform Jamie West then latched onto Lee Jerrum's through ball and slotted home to give Holyport a deserved lead. Ardley responded by winning a corner, the delivery was met by the Ardley player, headed back across goal and met on the six yard line by Jon Gardner to bring Ardley level. This was to set the tone for Holyport's defensive weaknesses for the day. Holyport were shaken by this goal and they struggled to maintain procession which saw Ardley have the majority of the ball in midfield. A throw in was then awarded to Ardley, this decision even shocked the Ardley players. From the throw in Ardley cut in from the right hand side and fired in a shot to give Ardley the lead on 13 minutes. On 18 minutes another Ardley set piece caused Holyport trouble as a corner flew across the six yard area and somehow evaded everyone. Holyport slowly came back into the game and Dan Rapley was causing problems down Ports right hand side. From a corner Adam Kirby had a header saved. Joe White in Ardley's goal took a quick goal kick and using the slope well he bounced it straight over the Port defence and sent the Ardley forward clear thankfully for Port the effort went wide. On 35 minutes White once again used the same trick and Port had not learnt, this time the Ardley player lobbed the on rushing Smith in Ports goal making it 3-1. On the stroke of half time another Ardley corner caused trouble as Smith had to tip a header onto the crossbar.
Holyport came out in the second half under clear instructions to have a real go at Ardley, especially with the slope aiding them. It was Ardley who had the first chance on 47 minutes as Smith tipped a long range effort wide. Just like Ardley in the first half Holyport used a long goal kick to get in behind Ardley and once again inform Jamie West latched onto the ball and smashed it home to get Holyport back into the game. On 61 minutes Ardley should have put the game to bed but a great double save from Smith kept Holyport in the game. Holyport continued to push forward and several crosses were sent in but over hit or cleared. On 70 minutes Ardley again scored after a cross was headed back in the Ardley players path who was unmarked. From six yards out he made no mistake to give Ardley a 4-2 lead.
The game then settled down as Ardley sat back and soaked up Holyport's pressure. As Holyport pushed forward a counter attack sent Ardley clear and Ovens brought him down to give Ardley a penalty on 85 minutes. Smith guessed the right way and pushed the penalty clear and then caught the rebounded effort. Holyport went up the other end and Britnell had an effort from 10 yards out well saved by White in Ardley's goal. This was the last chance as Ardley held on for the victory.
Smith, Ovens (c), Britnell, Kirby (Jones), Harding, Deverall (Sharpe), Rapley, Rolfe (Croxford), Crawford, Jerrum, West.
Subs not used: Scarvaci & Casey.

Flackwell Heath 0-1  Windsor
An inspired display of goalkeeping from Windsor’s Rob Bullivant kept The Heathens at bay and ensured that it would be Windsor that go forward to meet Aylesbury in the FA Cup Preliminary Round. Both teams seemed nervy in the early stages of the game, causing a scrappy first quarter.
The first clear chance on goal came for the home side on 6 minutes when John Isaac pressed Chris Ellis in the Windsor six yard box and his block ricocheted inches wide of the upright. Darren Rockell sent a ball over the top of the Windsor defence (13) and John Isaac pressured Andrew Fagan into seeing the ball back to goalkeeper Rob Bullivant in tight circumstances. The Windsor ‘keeper’s clearance fell to Lee Thompson who attempted to chip the ball into the goal from fully 35 yards. Bullivant was beaten by Thompson’s attempt but relieved to see the ball bounce off the crossbar and the Adam Harman’s weak attempt from the rebound was gathered safely. George Gould replaced the injured Ben Porter for Windsor on 16 minutes. A wall pass between Lee Thompson and Adam Harman opened up the Windsor defence (20) but Thompson screwed his shot wide with just Bullivant to beat. Two minutes later Darren Rockell released Isaac and he drew a fine left handed save from Bullivant. Gavin Lane headed the resultant corner over the bar. A long throw from Ellis found Ryan O’Toole inside the Flackwell area but his shot was blocked by Zac Gill. Flackwell were well on top at this stage and were more than unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty (32) when Thompson was upended by Ryan Parsons inside the corner 18 yard box but the assistant referee brushed aside the appeals from the home contingent to create a real injustice. Jeff Brown ran forward from the halfway line and unleashed a ferocious shot from 30 yards but  Bullivant was equal to it, flying across his goal to tip the ball against the bar and over for another Flackwell corner. The games only goal came on 37 minutes following good work down the Windsor left by Ben Harris who won a corner off Gavin Lane. Jake Parsons delivered the ball onto the head of Ellis and his effort was steered home from close range by the ever dangerous O’Toole. Flackwell bounced back and came close to an equaliser (44) when Jeff Brown whipped a free kick into the path of Thompson and his shot was tipped onto the bar by Bullivant to give Windsor a very flattering half time lead.
John Isaac shot wide (46) as The Heathens came out for the second half looking for an early equaliser and Andrew Fagan reciprocated for the Royalists two minutes later but his shot was blocked by Lewis Fogarty, who had an outstanding game anchoring the Flackwell midfield. Jake Parsons delivered another peach of a free kick (49) and Kyle Anthony connected with a firm header that went straight to Southerden in the Flackwell goal. Ben Harris brought a good save out of Southerden (50) as Windsor started to take a semblance of control over the game. A good move involving John Isaac, Fogarty and Dan Lake ended with the latter crossing to the far post where Adam Harman was handily placed to head back across to Isaac who missed narrowly with an overhead kick. Windsor introduced Yash Romeo for the last 15 minutes and they kept enough pressure on the Flackwell goal to prevent any late comeback. Gould, O’Toole and Tripp all saw shots go wide of the goal and the best that Flackwell could muster in the latter stages was a speculative shot from Stuart Maclellan that was easily gathered by man of the match Rob Bullivant. On chances Flackwell will feel hard done by but it is goals that win games and Ryan O’Toole showed a strikers killer instinct to win the game for his team.

Thame United 1, Newbury 0 (Home)
Theme United progressed to the next round of the FA Cup at the ASM Stadium on Saturday when they defeated Newbury FC 1-0. The game was played on a warm afternoon which led to low energy and a lackluster game. Thame were without several regulars due to non-availability and suspension.
The home team controlled the first half, having more ball possession and creating more chances. The goal came in the 18th minute when United were awarded a free kick on the left. Dan west took the kick which was blocked and the ball came back to him, allowing West to hit a well-placed high ball into the box. After two Thame efforts were cleared, the ball fell to Ellis Hercules on the right who struck a strong, low, angled shot pass the keeper from 10-yards. Newbury chances were few whilst, towards the end of the half both Meredith Mitchell and Adam Rhodes went close for United.
The visitors came out fired up for a second half in which United were forced to defend for lengthy periods. Thame’s best chance fell to West who hit a well-placed shot from the edge of the box forcing a first class save from the visiting goalkeeper. Lee Farrow made several good saves for Thame but, largely due to some great defending, he was never really troubled. Newbury’s closest chance came on 90 minutes when a quickly taken free kick hit the Thame crossbar.
United travel to North Leigh in the next round on Saturday 25th August.
Thame United: Farrow, Willett, Meredith, Hercules, N Rhodes, Hayes, Connelly (Johnson), West, Lagan, A Rhodes, Hall (Rantle)

THAME UNITED 1 NEWBURY 0 (Away)
Newbury went out of this seasons FA Cup at the first hurdle when they produced a lacklustre performance at Meadow View Park on Saturday in front of a sparse crowd. The team showed just one change from the opening day victory over Highworth, Jamie Green unavailable, so Coach Craig Adey shuffled his squad allowing a starting place to Chris Collins. Mark James passed a late fitness test and skipper Darren Jones was struggling with a virus. Thame enjoyed the early pattern of play with the speedy Cameron Lagan a constant threat down the middle,and after Ray Spence fired wide on 15 minutes, the home side took the lead. A free kick on the left was propelled into the box and the ball entered a ruck of players before the long legs of defender Ellis Hercules stabbed the ball past Andy Bayliss on 18 minutes. Spence saw his lob from distance clear the bar on 25 minutes before Newbury produced a fine move which should have brought the equaliser. Callum Willmoth split the home defence allowing Spence to race down the right and his head high cross to the far post saw the diving Jones just fail to connect with the ball on 37 minutes. 60 seconds later and a let off for Newbury as Adam Rhodes shot wide with just Bayliss to beat. As the half drew to a close, Jones cut in from the right and his drive from 18 yards grazed the upright.
After the break James had to leave the field struggling with his injury on 48 minutes, to be replaced by George Holland and Robbie Sadler moved into the back four from midfield. Two efforts from Jones on the hour before the first cautions of the game as Collins and his opposite number Matt Hall went into referee Stuart Paters notebook. On 66 minutes a great diving save by Bayliss from Dan West kept Newbury in the match, as Adey replaced Jones with Chris Lavisher and Collins with Rob Panting. In the closing minutes Newbury were desparate for the equaliser but the resolute home defenders held on to collcct the £1000 from the sponsors and an away tie at North Leigh in two weeks. Its back to league action for Newbury on Tuesday at home to Cheltenham Saracens 7.45 kick off.

Cove 2-0 Slimbridge
The Swans interest in this season's FA Cup ended at the first hurdle after a scrappy, physical encounter at Oak Farm. Slimbridge never found any sort of rhythm or pattern to their play, and were caught on the hop twice by the home side. With 20 minutes to go, Jake Baxter beat Dave Evans with the help of a deflection to score in a game which was looking increasingly like it would finish goalless. As the Swans swarmed forward in the final minute of the game, a swift break from the home side saw Calvin Thomas double the advantage and send Cove on to a home tie against Thatcham Town in the next round of the competition.
On a muggy day and with a bumpy pitch, the game never really settled, with a very disjointed start to the game from both sides, with passes going astray regularly as both sought to settle into the match. Chris Fower thought he may have had a shout for a penalty after 11 minutes, when his cross after being set free down the right was blocked by a defender, but Referee Sunny Gill said the hand contact was accidental and the chance was cleared. At the other end, Aaron Cole-Bolt had a decent change with 15 minutes on the clock, but his shot from outside the box was scuffed and saved easily by Dave Evans in the Visitor's goal.
After Jack Ball had skied another good chance for the home side on 21 minutes, Slimbridge began to play with a little more cohesion, and Fower was the victim of two borderline offside decisions as the visitors began to press.
Cole-Bolt was continuing to exert an influence on the game, and putting himself in some good positions, but his finishing was awry again as the game drifted uneventfully towards the half hour mark. Cove had the two best chances of the half shortly afterwards - firstly, Ball brought a fine save from Evans with a shot from the edge of the box on 33 minutes, and, as the home side presses, a neat move involving Thomas and Aaron Parfitt saw a cross which was headed wide by Baxter with the goal gaping in front of him. Slimbridge went close on 38 minutes, when Stuart Gates' shot brought a good save from Cove keeper Stuart Harris - the resulting corner from Ward saw Fower penalised for a push as he looked to get his header in. Slimbridge seemed to have possibly nicked equalised a minute later, when Inch met Ward's corner with a bullet header, but again, a free kick for pushing let the home team off the hook.  The second half very much continued on from the first, with little to entertain the crowd. Hardin's cross found Shaun O'Connor in space on 46 minutes, but the youngster's cross went harmlessly across the Cove box with no-one on hand to convert.
Thomas continued to look the most dangerous player on the pitch, but yet again failed to capitalise on two good opportunities on 53 and 55 minutes with wayward shots keeping the game goalless.
Eventually, Cove took the lead with 69 minutes on the clock. Parfitt's Free Kick from the right flank was guided home, with the help of a deflection, by Jake Baxter to break the deadlock.
Still, the game didn't open up any further, and chances were few and far between as the game reached 90 minute. With Slimbridge pressing forward and everyone except Evans in the Cove box, for a corner a quick clearance saw a three on one break against the Swans keeper. Thomas was the man who rounded Evans to double the advantage and make the game safe for the hosts.
The Swans now turn their attention back to the League, with two games this week at Wisloe Road - against Wantage Town on Tuesday Night (7.45pm), and ASrdley United on Friday night (7.45pm)
Team: Evans, harding, Anson, Inch, Wellon, Ward )Sterling 80), Turner (Paterson 66), Twyman, Fower, O'Connor (Nash 60), Gates
Supporters' Man Of The Match: Shane Anson

Bracknell Town 2-1 Binfield

Every player deserves plaudits for their performance as Bracknell Town knocked neighbours Binfield out of the FA Cup with Budweiser but it was the Barratt brothers – Sam and Tom – who stole the headlines.
Trailing to a first half goal, Sam equalised with a great strike from distance before his cross allowed older brother Tom to score to winner and send the majority of the bumper crowd of 374 at the new look Larges Lane home very happy.
Having been relegated to Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One East, this fixture was not on the agenda but the magic of the cup allowed the Robins to test themselves against a proven and successful Moles side and they came up trumps with a committed and strong second half showing. Credit must go to Binfield for their gracious manner in defeat.
The match was actually low on chances but the early efforts fell to the hosts with Reece Jacques twice firing straight at Dan Weait.
The always lively Ian Davies had a shot which Danny Oliphant could only clear onto the post and Dexter Burt gratefully clung onto the ball on the goal-line.
With Bracknell just about getting on top – after a strong fifteen minute spell from the Moles – disaster struck with a calamitous goal in the 31st minute. Burt took an extra touch under pressure from Davies and his attempted clearance cannoned off the striker and into the path of James Suarez who made no mistake from close range.
Callum Whitty should have doubled the advantage but sent his free header from a corner over the crossbar and the visitors led by a solitary goal at half time.
Half Time:            Bracknell Town 0 – 1 Binfield
Whatever words of wisdom Steve Nebbett and Oliphant imparted onto the players during the interval certainly had the desired effect as the second half belonged to the Robins. Oliphant was also leading on the pitch and beat Ryan Millward to Lewis Brown’s wicked delivery but he couldn’t find the target with his header. With 51 minutes on the clock, Sam Barratt drew his side level. Travelling at pace and forcing Binfield onto the back foot, he unleashed a low drive from almost 25 yards out which found the bottom left hand corner with Weait a fraction slow to react giving himself no chance of preventing the goal. Seconds later and the Larges Lane side had a loud penalty appeal waved away as Gary Callaway appeared to be holding Jacques shirt. The decisive goal was worthy of winning any match. Following a good team move, Liam Alleyne sent the ball out wide to the younger Barratt and his whipped cross was met by brother Tom who turned the ball into the near post on 75 minutes. Young Seb Bowerman was bought on for the visitors and although his trickery posed some problems, Burt was not really troubled in the remaining fifteen minutes or the six minutes of added stoppage time as Bracknell held on for a famous win. At the final whistle, the players celebrated with the magnificent crowd and even the bucket of water dunked over manager Nebbett’s head could not dampen any of the celebrations.
Kidlington and Shrivenham drew two all, so Bracknell will host the winners of the replay at Larges Lane on Saturday 25th August in the next round of the cup.
Attention now turns to next Saturday when Rayners Lane visit ‘the Lane’ in a match which sees two of Division One East’s fancied teams face off against each other.

Witney Town 1 Marlow 1
In a cagey affair Witney created the first chance with James Dobson back after suspension feeding Conor McDonagh but he shot wide. The next real opportunity fell again to McDonagh but McCulley was equal to his shot. Marlow's first effort at goal came on 27 minutes from which Witney almost scored on the counter attack with a great move involving Ferreira, McDonagh and Ryan Brooks which saw the latter fire just wide. Nick Thorne set up Brooks for another effort just after the half hour which the Marlow keeper did well to keep out again. Brooks continued to trouble the Marlow defence but it was his strike partner McDonagh who fired the Blanketmen ahead on 38 minutes. Ferreira's cross found Nick Thorne whose shot was parried as far as McDonagh who poked it over the line for his 3rd goal in 2 games. 

Marlow made the brighter start to the 2nd period with Foster being alert to thwart an early chance. Thorne and Ryan Brooks combined well just after with Brooks coming close again. A lovely Witney move on 55 minutes saw Dobson's cross elude everyone with the goal gaping. But Foster was becoming increasingly busy in the Witney goal getting down well on 2 separate occasions. On 69 minutes Jamie Brooks replaced the injured Nick Thorne who was struggling with a cut head. But with just 8 minutes left a free kick failed to be cleared and the Marlow captain Lingwood managed to bundle home a leveller. This seems to inspire a 2nd wind from Witney towards the end and Jamie Brooks was only denied a winner in added time by a fantastic save from McCulley once again. Witney Man of the Match James Dobson. Overall Witney will feel they should have won the game but in some ways a draw seemed the fairest result. So its down to Oak Tree Road on Tuesday night to try all over again."

Old Woodstock Town  1  v  4  Wantage Town (home view)
OWT took on Premier Division Wantage Tn  for the second season running and got of to a good start matching their opponents, in the 11th OWT Ben Willoughby put a through ball for Dan Green to round the Wantage keeper and then put the ball just past the post, OWT looked to be on top and a minute later OWT Murray Nicholls beat the defense and put the ball just over the bar, with OWT unable to score Wantage Town Brock and Piers McGlynn hit the bar. OWT were still taking the game to their premier opponents and in the 24th minute Ben Willoughby struck the ball from at least 25yards out with the keeper beaten hit the bar against look not to be OWT day but in the 38th minute they broke the dead lock with a through ball from Murray Nicholls forward Danny Bone ran into the ball and put it past the Keeper. 

Half Time 1-0

Kicking down the slop Wantage took the upper hand and forced OWT to clear of the line for a corner, OWT were still making chances but could not make them tell and in the 66th minute Wantage Tn were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and Sub Tom Austin placed the ball in the corner to make it 1-1. Wantage Tn fitness was beginning to tell and in the 75th minute a second free kick for Wantage resulted in the same result with Richard Claydon making it 1-2, some of the OWT players head dropped and Wantage then put the result beyond OWT with John McMahon taking advantage of a mistake from the OWT defence to make it 1-3 and two minutes later Richard Claydon completed the scoring from the penalty spot 1-4.

Division One West

Cricklade Town 3, North Leigh Res 3
Cricklade salvaged a point from a game that had got away with them. The first half was one of few chances as both sides look to play some good football but lost their composure with poor passing in the final third. On 25 minutes North Leigh came closest to breaking the deadlock with a shot from the edge of the box that was well tipped over by Brown, 9 minutes later he was beaten as Cormack hit a first time curler from a tight angle at the edge of the box, Brown look to lose the flight of the ball as it went in just under the bar. With Cricklade now looking shocked North Leigh almost doubled their lead as Fullerton shot into the side netting with a vicious shot from the edge of the box.
H/T 0-1
Early in the second half it was two nil as Fullerton stabbed the ball into the net from close range, this after some poor defending from Cricklade, as Davies dived in a missed the tackle, Brown Failed to hold the shot as it rebounded with only Fullerton who reacted to tap the ball in. 65 minutes it was three nil as again Cricklade will look at the defending, as Thomas lost the ball in a dangerous area, the Davies slide in to fouled the on-going attacked, as the ball went lose Weedon was on hand to tuck the ball past Brown. With the game looking lost Cricklade threw on Hedges, Johnson and Sanghera to chase the game, within minutes Cricklade had one back through debt player Hughes as he scrambled the ball home from close range, 7 minutes later Hughes helped reduce the deficit as he drove into the box he was pulled down, from the spot Thomas made it three two. With 10 minutes remaining Cricklade found the equaliser as Thomas chipped Maisey in the Leigh goal, with the keeper stranded he could only watch as the ball hit the far post and in. The last 10 minutes were frantic as Cricklade chased the winner, however they came up shot with not being clinical in the box, with good opportunities that slipped away. A fair result on reflection, and one that could have gone either way in the end.

Maidenhead Res 2,  Chinnor 1
The opening league game for both clubs on a hot sunny day in August proved to be fortunate for the home side as Chinnor wasted many good chances against a side that included 4 first team players. We take the inclusion of the first team players as a massive compliment and feel really disappointed not to get something out of the game. The first half started brightly for the home side who were quick to get in their stride.  Playing a 4-3-3 formation Maidenhead began to pass the ball around nicely and Ben Taunton in goal for Chinnor was called upon early to make a save from Jonathan Hippolyte. Then it was Chinnors turn to threaten and they should have scored. Back to back in-swinging corners should have been put away as the home keeper struggled with the aerial attack. It was only last ditch defending and poor finishing that kept the scores level. The first half took a steady pattern with the home side having a good share of possession without really hurting Chinnor. Defensively Chinnor kept Maidenhead at bay and the entire home side’s goal threats came from long distant shots that sailed miles over or Taunton collected as if on the training ground. The first goal for Maidenhead came just before half time. Martell Powell who was released from MK Dons in the closed season placed a well driven shot in the bottom corner giving Taunton no chance. Chinnor reacted positively and began to cope with the home sides all-out attack approach and began to expose them defensively. More possession for Chinnor resulted in chances coming thick and fast and the best came from Jamie Essex who was played clear of the home sides defence on a number of occasions but failed to find the net and another effort from Daniel Stone rattled the crossbar with the keeper stranded. The half-finished with the home side being a goal up.
Chinnor changed their formation at half time which resulted in more and better possession. Maidenheads approach still being the same of all-out attack which left their defence open and exposed every time Chinnor regained possession. Maidenhead again were shooting high and wide from distance. Essex for Chinnor was revelling in his new second half role as a striker. He was played clear on many occasions and on another day could have had a double hat trick if he’d taken all the good opportunities he had. Against the run of play Maidenhead gained a two goal advantage when it looked as if Chinnor were about to take command. Dale Wright pounced on a defensive error and hit a well-placed shot passed Taunton. A great response from Chinnor got them back in the game immediately. Jean-Pierre Jamil on his league debut scored the goal of the game from around 40 yards. He spotted the keeper off his line when taking a free kick and he hit a well struck shot over his head leaving him somewhat red faced. It gave Chinnor a well-deserved boost and the remainder of the game was very frustrating as chances came and went with Chinnor in total control. Corners were coming in thick and fast but nothing came of them for Chinnor then out of the blue Tom Folley hit a thunder bolt from the edge of the box that Michael Pearce somehow pulled off a world class save preventing Folley from equalising. The final whistle blew and the home side looked relieved and pleased with their home victory.
On chances alone the game was pretty even. Maidenheads chances were all from long range and not that threatening and the chances Chinnor had should have resulted in more goals and have left them feeling a little hard done by, when they should have possibly won the game if not got a point. Maidenhead Reserves have got a good young talented side and their fortunate to be able to include or call upon their first team players like they did today making them an even better side.

Carterton 2-2 Tytherington Rocks,
The Rocks’ started their ninth consecutive campaign in the first division of the Hellenic League with a battling point against arduous opponents at Kilkenny Lane. Joe White, scoring his first goals for the club, cancelled out the Carterton lead with a goal in each half to get The Rocks’ defence of the league title underway in the balmy Oxfordshire sunshine. Manager Gary Powell made just four changes from the title winning side that ended last season in winning fashion over Cirencester Development, with reserve keeper Jason Ryall taking control between the posts.  With both teams still finding their feet in the opening exchanges, Carterton’s Josh Harris swung a dangerous cross toward the back post, finding Rocks centre half Nick Jones, whose misguided clearance found its way into the top corner of the net just 48 seconds into the new season. Minutes later Rocks began to take shape in the game and Stuart Nelsons incisive through ball to Toby Colbourne was met by a ferocious shot, which could only be parried away for a corner.  On twelve minutes the leveller was found when assistant manager Jason Wood guided an inch-perfect through ball to Justin Bishop, who picked out an unmarked White at the back post. White didn’t disappoint and drove his shot confidently into the roof of the net for The Rocks’ opening goal of the season.  The latter part of the first half was a battle between the midfields, resulting in just a chance for either side. Bishop found space to turn and advance in the box, but flashed his shot just wide of the mark. Minutes before half time Mike Duerden had the host’s second big opportunity, which also fell wide of the post, and out for a goal kick.
On the hour mark Gary Powell handed James Keller his debut for the club, coming on as a substitute for striker Alex Chapman.  Stand-in keeper James Ryall came to the rescue just a minute later, as Duerden found space to advance through the Rocks defence and shoot at a flailing Ryall who parried away, only for the ball to fall to Duerden yet again, whose shot was fantastically smothered away yet again by Ryall.  Sixty Nine minutes into the game the Rocks change almost paid dividends, as Bishop played goalscorer White into space, who fired his shot directly at Carterton keeper Mike Hedges, who cleared immediately to safety. With just twelve minutes remaining in the game, the home side looked to have found the winning goal when Lee Watkins displayed a clever turn and bulleted the ball into the corner of the net, to leave Ryall helpless. Almost straight from the kick off White found himself in a dangerous position on the edge of the box and judged the bounce of the ball well to power a shot into the top corner for his second goal of the game, and a fantastic equaliser. Carterton were awarded a free kick twenty-five yards from goal into added time, which was to be the last chance for either side. Josh Harris fired his shot toward the right corner but the curling shot was instinctively parried away by Ryall showing the keeper is more than capable of stepping up to this level if needed again. Rocks manager Gary Powell declared himself “satisfied” with the opening day performance, but knows “Improvements are there to be made” in the coming weeks.
Tytherington Rocks from – Ryall, Nelson, Emery, Missiato, Jones, Perry, Bishop, Wood (Mooney 82), Colbourne (Pritchard 89), Chapman (Keller 59), White. Subs not Used – Warren.

Lydney Town 4-2 Lambourn Sports. 
Lambourn Sports made the long trip to Lydney Town to open the Div 1 West League campaign.  With lots of new faces in the squad this season only 4 new faces started the game. Goal keeper Simon Digweed was brought in on loan from Newbury at short notice due to Howe or Clough not being available & young keeper Ross Thorne deciding to leave for Kintbury. Striker Russ Benham, Defender Jake Rowe & Midfielder Andrew Tingle the other new faces.
 
After a preseason mixed with good performances and some not so good it was an anxious day as we waited to see what Lambourn side would turn up. Manager Clark was without last season's Skipper Bone & centre half Mandry not available due to work and Pedder out injured decided to go with a 4-4-1-1 formation. The plan was to be hard to break down, That plan was blown out of the water early when some neat football from the home side in the 7th minute allowed a midfield runner to burst into the box and a desperate lunge from Griffin brought down his man and the ref pointed to the spot. Up stepped Adam Price and his well taken pen low to Digweed's left put the home side one up.  Benham wasted Lambourn's first chance on 9 minutes after some gret work from Langford hunting the ball down, nicking it and pulling the ball back to benham who dragged his shot wide from 12 yards. On 13 minutes Griffin's day got worse as he picked up a booking for a crunching tackle as he tried to get his team mates fired up. 
Lambourn have suffered defensive problems in preseason whenever orgainer Mandry is not arvailable and those problems continued as a long ball went straight between Rowe & Rowbottom at centre half showing an awful lack of communication, Liddington was sharp latched onto the ball rounded Digweed and rolled the ball into an empty net. On the half hour mark the referee gave Lambourn a lifeline as a soft push on Pleass in the box gave him the chance toward Lambourn a penalty, Up stepped Benham and his smashed in low to the keepers right, Beckett got a hand to it but the power took it past him. This seemed to give Lambourn the spark and they looked the better side for the rest of the half but failed to turn that pressure into a goal scoring chance and they went on at half time 2-1 down.
 
Clark made a change as half time as he removed Rowbottom and replaced him with winger Drake, Moving Griffin into the back four and putting Langford back in the centre of the park. This seemed to be working as Lambourn started the second half on the front foot. On 52 minutes the defensive concentration was exposed again, A Lambourn corner broke for the home side and with 3 passes they were through on Lambourn's goal and Clarke made no mistake as he smashed the ball past Digweed to restore the two goal advantage.
Lambourn were again looking at the ref as a push on Drake in the box on 54 minutes sent the winger crashing to the ground. The referee gave the penalty and Benham stepped up again, This time he smashed the ball straight down the middle. Lambourn back in the game and pushing forward some good one touch football released Drake in the box but his spin and shot crashed into the side netting. Guy replaced Connor's as Lambourn looked to push on and the striker was soon into the action. A pinpoint ball from Mooney gave him a chance at the back post but he headed straight at the keeper from 8 yards.
On 70 minutes the game was over as Lambourn again gave away a soft goal , a free header from a corner for 6ft 3in centre forward Pete Macklin gave the home side a two goal advantage again.
Lambourn huffed and puffed in the last twenty minutes without really creating any great chances, Langford and Rowe both picked up bookings in the closing stages as a bad day came to an end for Lambourn.
FT 4-2
MOM Tingle.
 
Manger Clark said after the game he was very frustrated with this result he said all the pre season work looked like it's been wasted, The players must learn to concentrate even when we are attacking a we continue to gift teams goals. We have a tough fixture away at Wootton Bassett on Turesday night and I hope to see a drastic improvement.
 
BRIMSCOMBE THRUPP 6,  HOOK NORTON 1
BRIMSCOMBE OPEN WITH A SIX HIT

What a great start to the season for Brimscombe opening up against a side that did the double over them last season they gained retribution by knocking visitors  Hook Norton for six and striker Lee Pritchard weighed in with a hat-trick.  The home side enjoyed much of the possession  in a one sided first half again David Woodfield was enjoying a dominant role down the right flank and newly appointed captain Mishey Green linking with his brother Mike put the visitors defence on red alert whenever they touched the ball.The first goal appeared in the 10th minute after Green  had hit the woodwork twice, Pritchard took a long ball from Priktor  in his stride and beat Morrell from an acute angle.5mins later and the Lilywhites went further in front this time Pritchard beat two defenders and provided a great pass for Beckingham to volley past the busy Morrell. There was no let up for the Oxfordshire side on the half hour and new signing Ben Snook rifled in a great 25yarder that gave the keeper no chance and Brimscombe were 3-0up,,Adam Thomas a spectator at the other end did have his fingers warmed by Liam Fudge but just before half -time Green provided another opportunity for Pritchard and he fairly rammed in a great 15yard drive.15 minutes in to the resumption Ben Snook split the Hook Norton defence and Mishey Green tapped in a 5th on the goal-line.The visitors never lost hope and fought back and in the 70th minute Dan Watkin popped up in a goalmouth scramble to beat Thomas Brimscombe however scored a 6th just before the end when Lee Pritchard skipped past 3 defenders (Bolt like)  hit a thunderbolt past Morrell for a spectacular hat-trick

Division One East

AFC Hinksey 7-1 Thatcham Town Reserves.

AFC Hinksey started off their first Hellenic campaign brightly with a 7-1 trouncing of Thatcham Town Reserves.

Hinksey came out all guns blazing and Thatcham were on the back foot from the start. New boys Anaclet Odhiambo and Ryan Macer along with Jelroy Constant and Sean Flaherty were causing all sorts of problems for Thatchams' rear guard. Both Odhiambo and Macer came close with efforts but the opposition rode their luck. Hinksey mounted wave after wave of attacks on the visitors to no avail.

On one surge forward Constant broke down the left wing, cutting in on goal he smashed the ball goal wards only for the keeper Adam Carter, Towns' keeper, to save the bal. However he only managed to parry the ball out to Macer who, with his weaker left foot, volleyed the ball into the roof of the net scoring Hinkseys' first ever Hellenic goal on his competitive debut.

For the rest of the half Hinksey bombarded the Thatcham goal with the visitors hanging on. On a rare foray forward Thatcham did have an opportunity, but only managed to hit the woodwork.

The second half started with Hinksey 1-0 up. Despite enjoying the majority of possession Hinksey were struggling to add to their lead with Odhiambo being unfortunate on a number of occasions.

Then with 30 minutes to go substitute Alex Fasoranti doubled the Hinksey lead and the flood gates opened.

Odhiambo finished an excellent bit of team work with a sublime chip that lobbed the stranded Carter. Constant got himself a brace and Macer and Odhiambo both added another goal to their personal tallies.

Omari Holmes gave Thatcham a glimmer of hope when he capitalised on a defensive error from Hinksey, he rounded home keeper Karl Adams placing the ball into the back of the net. I

t was too little to late and Hinksey left Thatcham with a long trip home to contemplate what happened after a 7-1 thrashing from the Hellenic new boys.

Chalfont Wasps 6 - 1 Headington Amateurs
               

Headington's 2012-13 campaign got off to a dreadful start with this heavy defeat at Chalfont.
For twenty minutes Headington were in seemingly total command of this match. Passing their way through the home defence at will Luke Cuff hit a post after five minutes & Shaun Jacob gave them the lead after ten. After twenty one minutes Wasps equalised when Tom Kaill turned in a long raking cross at the far post & the dynamic of the game was turned on it's head. Chalfont grabbed a half time lead with a fine 'top corner' finish from Kaill & then the second half turned into a nightmare for Headington. Unable to cope with the pace of the home side's counter attacks they conceded goals at regular intervals, Tom Seddon & Karol Derewenko making it three & four before substitute Mark Stack completed the drubbing with a brace in the last ten minutes.

Penn & Tylers Green 1 Woodley Town 4

Ona day of firsts with captain Jordan Tallett opening the scoring with his first goal for the club and Darrell Fairbrother and Ben Lyden scoring on their debuts, Town deservedly took the match points with three goals in the final ten minutes of the game.
Although there were periods in the match where play was scrappy the match stats will show that Town created many chances and always looked the more likely to take the lead following the Penn’s manager decision to move five players into midfield in the second half, with the pace of Lyden, Fairbrother and another debutant Danny Garrard causing the home team’s three man defence problems. Penn’s Chris Hurst was denied the opening goal when his eight minute free kick rebounded off Dan Smith’s left upright which saw Town counter attack through Lyden whose low cross evaded the advancing Jamie Fairchild but found Matt Godwin, but the winger’s strike was blocked.  From the resulting corner Lyden’s rose highest and his header was in turn header home by Tallett on ten minutes for Town’s first goal in twenty nine appearances for the club. A timely tackle by Mitch Cooper in the penalty area prevented Hurst from shooting three minutes later before Lyden saw a low cross cleared to safety.  With Penn starting to close Town down and be quicker to the ball a period of uncertainty set in for the visitors who struggled to retain possession and threaten the home goal.  As such it came as not surprise that Penn were rewarded for their efforts on thirty three minutes with the lively Liam Ratcliffe equalising. With Town kicking down the slope with the wind and sun behind them, the opening ten minutes of the second half was and end to end affair.  Ratcliffe was a constant threat during this time on Penn’s right flank and saw an effort fly over Brown’s cross bar while Cooper again had to make a good tackle on the same player as he was preparing to shoot.  For Town, Fairchild had a shot blocked while Cooper struck and effort at the home keeper John Harding. The introduction of Garrard to Town’s right flank early in the half enabled Town to attack the defence and put a number of balls into the home penalty area and it appeared only a matter of time before this would lead to the deadlock being broken which happened on eighty four minites with Fairbrother turing home a Garrard low cross. Two minutes later Fairbrother could have extended the lead when one on one with Harding but the keeper was able to block the effort before it was scramble away while Lyden fired wide from a Garrard cross.  However, Lyden got this goal as the match entered stoppage time when he reacted first to Harding’s block of another Fairbrother effort while Fairchild completed the scoring three minutes into stoppage time when he drove home from the edge of the penalty area following another Garrard cross. A pleasing start to the season to be taken into Tuesday evening’s visit to Didcot Town Reserves who also scored four away goals in their opening fixture at Henley Town. 
Smith,  Sesay, Cooper, Fairbrother, Tallett, Thomas, Godwin (Garrard), Fairchild, Lyden, Donegan (Hiscock), Simms (Edwards), Subs not used:  Stubbs: Attendance:  47

Milton United 2, Finchampstead 1

Milton's first game of the 2012/13 season was home to Finchampstead in the Uhlsport Hellenic League Div 1 East match at The Heights with a 2-1 victory.
In the first half Milton played football that has not been scene at Milton for a few years. Although Milton where the better side in the first half, on the 35th minute, Finchampstead striker Harry Shabley scored for the visitors.
In the second half Milton continued their domination of the game. Great passing football saw their first goal of the season scored by Declan Hartigan from just inside the 18 yard box. Milton's second came from more great passing football. A shot from a Milton Declan Gartigan was parrie back out by the Finch keeper where it was met by Milton's Stevie Mundy who's scuffed strike from 20 yards out managed to bounce threw the keepers legs into the back of the net. Not all was good for Milton as striker Declan Hartigan was sent off for Violent Conduct as well as a Finchampstead player.

Next game at The Heights, Monday 13th August - 1st Team home v Penn & Tyler Green - 7.45pm kick off