Saturday 13th February

‘Bluefin’ Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup – 1st Round
Eton Wick 3 - 1 Headington Amateurs
Headington's poor run of form in 2010 continued as they were knocked out of the Challenge Cup by One East's Eton Wick.
Eton took an early lead when Bridger volleyed home in the 9th minute from a right wing cross. Headington should have levelled ten minutes later, Luke Cuff hitting a post from close range, & eventually did so on the half hour through a fine strike from Shaun Jacobs following persistent work from Neil Lockhart. Eton snatched the lead on the brink of half time Jenkins could not deal with another right wing cross and Sydes netted from close in.
Half time 2 - 1
Headington emerged in determined mood after the break but despite having the lions share of territory & possession could not break through. Adam Simmonds & Cuff both had shots blocked by home 'keeper Pantry & Jacobs saw his free kick from outside the penalty area saved at full stretch. Ollie Zaja hit the cross bar with a header with nine minutes left, & with Headington committed to attack Eton broke away in the last minute to clinch the tie through Moran.

PREMIER Division
Fairford Town 1 Binfield 2
Fairford were without the injured Ian Probert and a suspended Jac Tertois for their Premier Division fixture against Binfield and despite a brilliant goalkeeping display by Jamie Morse; fell to another odd goal defeat.
Binfield opened the brighter of the two sides and took the lead on 10 minutes when with two Binfield players looking well offside, Scott Williams was able to avoid the attention of Fairford defender Steve Bennett and beat Morse with a low shot into the corner of the net. Binfield continued to have the better of the play with Fairford creating few opportunities for either Oxford United loanee Niall Hodgkins or a returning Adam Snook. It was the goalkeeping skills of Jamie Morse that kept the deficit to 1 - 0 at half-time.
Half time 0 - 1
Fairford proved to be a changed side in the second half and gained a deserved equaliser on 55 minutes when a cross from Bailey was hammered high into the net by James Skinner on the far post. John Paget’s side continued to push forward but playing three at the back, left them open to Binfield’s long-ball approach and only two class saves by Jamie Morse on 60 and 74 minutes, kept the game all square. An opportunity for Fairford to take the lead was then lost following an excellent run by John Hollis whose fine cross was met by Lee Clark, but unfortunately the ball staying under his boot when a side-foot into an open net would have put Fairford deservedly ahead. Unfortunately, two minutes later on 86 minutes, Brady Lilley ran through again beating the offside trap and the advancing Morse with a rising shot into the roof of the net. Fairford being left to rue missed chances and really should have taken a point from the game.

Fairford Town 1-2 Binfield (Away View)
“What a difference a Davies makes”.
If Binfield had got to grips with the goal scoring positions debutant Ian Davies got into during this match then this might have been a cricket score by half time. As it was Davies neatly set up Scott Williams on 11 minutes and that was the score at half time thanks to numerous brilliant efforts from the home keeper. The Moles got out the deckchairs in the second half and Fairford inevitably equalised. Tim Walsh crashed in the winner with five minutes remaining but it should have been done and dusted by then. Scotty Williams was back in the starting line-up and on the other side of the pitch Tim Walsh got a start on the right. Garry Callaway was given the honour of the captain’s armband. The Moles started brightly and the home side were finding it difficult to get out of their own half. Carl Withers and James Suarez in the middle were creating opportunities with a number of accurate passes. Davies and Whitty were clearly a handful for the Fairford defence and very early on Davies showed his experience winning several free kicks in dangerous positions. When Davies received the ball just inside the penalty area on 11 minutes he slipped it perfectly into the path of Scot Williams who lashed it home from 12 yards. 0-1. The home side must have feared an avalanche because Davies flicked on a header which went narrowly wide. He found space around the penalty spot as Williams shot over when a square pass would have increased the score. Callum Whitty forced a good save from the keeper on 20 minutes and minutes later Scot Williams bulleted the ball goal-wards only to see the keeper make a miraculous save. With half an hour gone the home side were very happy to have kept the score to 0-1. Going into half time the Moles had two more chances to increase their lead but the keeper was in imperious form.
Half Time 0 - 1
The start of the second half was memorable for the change in approach. Binfield sat back and invited Fairford on to them and the hosts duly accepted. Balls were being knocked from one side of the penalty area to the other but Adams was equal to everything that came his way. He’d had a dull first half but it was getting more exciting now. There was nothing he could do when the ball was crossed from the right leaving a man unmarked on the back post to convert for 1-1. Binfield had turned down the volume and nobody could be surprised that Fairford had equalized, deservedly. The Moles then suffered a worrying 10 minutes of Fairford pressure and Adams was called into action twice to keep the scores level. But finally Binfield started to show again, getting the ball to Davies and Tim Walsk was coming into it more. Midway through the half Callum Whitty beat the Fairford offside trap and tracked towards the Fairford goal. He chose to shoot from distance rather than get nearer to the keeper and the ball flashed over. With 12 minutes to go Tim Walsh, who had had a couple of chances before this, latched onto a clearance and drove his shot wide of the keeper from 18 yards and just inside the post for what proved to be the winner.
In the end it was a hard fought win for the Moles but it might have been different if the other players had picked out the prolific Davies. Fairford will feel disappointed because at one point they looked good for a big come back.

Kidlington 4 - 1 Carterton
Kidlington were nowhere near there best today, but were still far too good for a struggling Carterton side who look to be low in confidence at the moment. For ‘The Greens’ there was still no Jimmy Deabill or Luke Holden so Manager Gordon Geary shuffled his pack again. This time partnering the ever impressive Mark Baker up front was Adam Lovegrove.
Kidlington made all of the early running and Mark Baker really should have put them in front in the 6th minute. Baker burst through the middle of the Carterton defence and bore down on goal. Carterton keeper James Domm was a little slow coming out and when Baker reached the edge of the box he opted to shoot. Baker’s shot went straight at the keeper and he had little difficulty in saving it. Kidlington took the lead in the 9th minute and it was who Baker instrumental in setting this one up. He tore down the wing winning a ball he had no right to then pulled it back across the area for Adam Lovegrove. Lovegrove was in the perfect position and slotted it home well for a good and well deserved opening goal. In the 17th minute Domm saved a decent effort from Jack Quainton, diving to his left to turn Quainton’s shot round the post. Baker provided another great chance for Lovegrove in the 18th minute. His run down the left flank left his defender stranded; he cut back with the ball and laid it to Quainton. In turn Quainton laid it off 1st time to Lovegrove who had a good site of goal but couldn’t find it with his shot. The only surprising thing was it took until the half hour for Kidlington to finally secure their second goal. On this occasion it was a powerful run down the right flank by Lovegrove that proved the catalyst. Lovegrove sprinted away and then picked out Mark Baker marauding down the centre of the park. When Baker received the ball he controlled it well before cheekily chipping the ball over the advancing Domm and into the net. Not long after this it was 3 – 0. Jack Johnson saw an opportunity and lifted a great ball over the top for Mark Baker to run onto. Baker sprinted away down the middle and as Domm came out went round him and slotted the ball home for another well crafted goal. The half finished with another save from Domm, this time it came after a decent attempt from Lovegrove, but the keeper clung on well.
Half Time: 3 – 0
I can only imagine what sort of roasting the Carterton Manager gave his lack lustre side during the half time interval, but it obviously worked as they came out looking a different side for the second half. Kidlington for there part seemed to think the job was done and had a slow start to this half. Ben Willoughby had replaced Mark Flanagan who had taken a knock and the pattern of the play certainly wasn’t the same, not that this was anything much to do with Flanagan’s substitution. As early as the 46th minute Kidlington did create one decent chance. Jordan Parker knocked in a pass for Kieran Sanders. Sanders turned and shot, but his attempt went wide of the mark from about 10 yards out. After this Kidlington seemed to take their foot off the gas and Carterton created a couple of chances of their own. On both these occasions they were unlucky not to score as both attempts hit a post. The first of these was a drive from about 20 yards out from Kevin Lewis. He caught the ball sweetly and as Tom McNamara dived a cross his goal it looked as if the keeper may well have got a fingertip to the ball and it struck the outside of the post and rebounded away to safety. The second of these chances was pot shot again from distance from Mike Duerden. This time the shot looked to have beaten McNamara, but once again the ball rebounded away of the outside of the post. This seemed to spur Kidlington into action once again. In the 59th minute after some decent pressure exerted on the visitors defence Kidlington reaped their reward. Jordan Parker turned the ball into the net after it was fed into him from the right after a number of Kidlington players had been involved in the build up to it.

The game as a competition had been over long before this, but Kidlington had the opportunity to go on and force more chances against a fragile looking Carterton defence. In the end though they opted to play a bit of keep ball and took there foot right off the gas. Carterton scored their consolation in the 67th minute. Kidlington didn’t clear their lines particularly well after a corner. Mike Duerdan seized his opportunity to get his name on the score sheet rifling home a shot through a crowd of players from about 12 yards out. There was little of note in the last 20 minutes or so of the match. Kidlington had it well won and Carterton although not giving up were generally second best all over the park. As we neared time Baker had one last run at goal. He was playing deeper in this second period after a reshuffle and rarely had an opportunity for a shot at goal. Still he broke through and exchanged passes with Quainton on the edge of the box before firing in a shot which went just wide of the left hand post. As stated by there own admission Kidlington weren’t at their best, but to win 4 – 1 when you aren’t certainly can’t be a bad thing. Mark Baker was excellent all afternoon and Chris Weedon and Danny Leggett also had good matches. After a match played in such cold weather conditions this one was the victory that certainly warned everyone’s spirits, especially in the bar afterwards.

PEGASUS JUNIORS 6 HOOK NORTON 1
Pegasus Junior’s were seeking to produce a better performance than in the reverse game in December when they salvaged a point from an injury time goal.  The host side scored very early into the game and from then on were rarely troubled by the Oxfordshire opponents who are languishing at the foot of the table.
The Peggy Boys were boosted by the return of Mark Smith and Cory Hyde plus Chris Mortlock who through work commitments had been unable to meet the travelling constraints placed upon him by Zamaretto League side Stourport Swifts. It only took Mortlock five minutes to find his scoring boots when he latched on to a pass over the visiting defence from Lee Ferneyhough; he waited for Joe White visiting goalkeeper to advance and he calmly lobbed the ball over his head from the most acute of angles.  This was his 100th 1st team goal for the club a memorable landmark. In the twenty first minute, Mortlock forever the chaser of lost causes chased a half cleared corner kick he passed to Ben Price who crossed the ball to the far post where the ball was headed home by Mark Smith whilst Ferneyhough claimed it was he who had the last touch as the ball crossed the goal line. A fine diagonal pass from Jamie Cuss picked out Ben Price on the right his cross was met by Hyde who shot straight at White.  Cuss and Hyde exchanged a few minutes later with Hyde hitting the goal post from close range.
Half Time: 2 – 0
After the break, the home side continued their dominance and increased the lead in the sixty seventh minute when Hyde outpaced the Hooky defence to reach another probing pass from Cuss before he fired the ball home. Four minutes later Pegasus scored a fourth goal when Hyde was the beneficiary of good work by Mortlock who received another probing pass from man of the match Cuss and crossed the ball into the penalty area. Pegasus scored their fifth goal of the afternoon when substitute and debutant Lee Marlow received the ball wide on the left and with his first touch sent over a pinpoint cross to find Ben Price who out jumped his marker at the far post and headed the ball past the helpless White. Hook Norton gained a consolation goal when Danny Poole wriggled his way through three players and rolled the ball past Stuart Turpin. With two minutes of normal time remaining Cuss sent Mortlock clear of the visiting defence, the ace striker rounded White inside the penalty area before he was sent crashing to the ground by Ashley Prentice.  Mark Smith calmly sent the goal minder the wrong way before placing the ball to his left. Hook Norton should have doubled their tally when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time but, James Robbins crashed the ball against the crossbar.
This was the first Pegasus Juniors win since the enforced mid winter break and another three points towards safety but more importantly the two debutants Marlow and Shane Cuss impressed the management team.

PEGASUS JUNIORS 6 HOOK NORTON 1
A light weight Hooky team looked second best to their Herefordshire opponents from the first whistle and that is how play remained for virtually all of the match with Pegasus Juniors passing the ball much better and always looking likely to provide incisive defence- splitting passes for the dangerous Chris Mortlock and Cory Hyde attacking combination to run onto.
After the long tiring journey from North Oxfordshire, the visitors started in lethargic style and paid the penalty after only 6 minutes when a high ball down the home right wing found Mortlock in space, allowing the Juniors’ centre forward to lob the advancing Joe White, with the ball entering the Hooky net at the far post. The second goal for the hosts came after 20 minutes and was the subject of dispute by Hooky after a Pegasus corner on the right was scrambled over the line at the far post. The Hooky ‘keeper and other visiting defenders were adamant that a stooping Mark Smith used his hand for the vital contact but neither referee Kieren Bushnell nor his assistant saw anything amiss so the goal was allowed to stand.
Half Time: 2 – 0
Play in the second half continued very much on the lines of that in the first half, with Junior’s calling most of the shots. Despite that situation, the home team failed to add to their score until the 68th minute when a clever ball played down the right flank was successfully chased by Hyde who chipped White, with the ball hitting the back of the net at the far post. Just after this goal, Conor Devereux, returning from injury, replaced Matty Carberry but his presence did nothing to prevent further home goals, the next one coming on 70 minutes when Hyde had a simple tap- in from a right wing cross when Hooky failed to clear a bobbling ball and the one after, on 73 minutes, when Ben Price headed home at the far post from a left wing cross. From this point onwards, Hooky began to show greater adventure and they were rewarded on 85 minutes when Danny Poole netted from close range when Junior’s failed to clear a Hooky ball played in from the right. But even at this late stage, the action was not complete as Smith scored the home teams sixth goal from the penalty spot after Ashley Prentice was red carded for denying Mortlock a clear scoring chance on 89 minutes and then, with just seconds of the match remaining, Devereux was fouled in the home penalty area. Unfortunately for Hooky, James Robbins’ spot kick struck the cross bar and was cleared after which the final whistle was blown.

Reading Town 0 Ardley United 1
Town suffered their first home Hellenic League defeat of the season to 10-man Ardley on Saturday. And, with second-placed Almondsbury beating Oxford City Nomads 2-1, Colin Millard’s men saw their lead cut to seven points, having played three more games than their main title rivals. The two sides don’t meet each other until April. Millard said: “That’s two years running they (Ardley) have come here and snatched a win after we had had the better of the game. They’re becoming something of a bogey side for us.”

If Town are to stay on top of the Premier Division, then they will need to rediscover their goalscoring form. It looks as if they will be without Graham Lewis for at least a month with a knee injury and they badly miss his experience up front. Young Dwayne Hamilton has yet to find the net since taking over from Lewis and Millard has signed striker Ian Harvey, who played for Bracknell Town last season. He made his debut as a substitute on Saturday. Throughout the game Town’s attack struggled to make much of an impact against a well-organised Ardley defence. They were not without chances, with Aaron Parfitt, Mike Hancock, who also had a goal ruled out for pushing, Mark Hughes and Danny Williamson all going close before Parfitt struck the post. Town’s chances of forcing a win appeared to get a boost in the 55th minute when midfielder Danny Bone was sent off for two bookable offences. But this made Ardley even more determined and they would probably been happy to settle for a draw. However, they caught Town's defence out of a position with a swift counter-attack to notch a 77th minute winner through Neil Lazarus, with a shot that went in off the inside of the post. It was Ardley’s only decent attempt on target all afternoon.
Town, with subs Harvey, Ian Brooks and Dave Mills all on, threw everything at United in the closing stages and Clark appeared to be tripped as he raced down on goal, but the referee waved play on. Millard added: “It’s disappointing to lose our unbeaten home record, but I suppose it had to happen some time. We weren’t at our best; we didn’t get it together in the final third.”

Reading Town 0 - 1 Ardley United
In a tough battle at Scours Lane Ardley Utd managed to inflict Reading’s first home defeat since March 2009 with a goal from debutant Neil Lazarus late in the game.
The first half saw a determined fight from both sides but with precious few shots on target, the best of these falling to the home side who failed to convert two good opportunities. Ardley were not helped by an injury to Alex Feaver whose nose was broken by a kick to the face while lying on the ground, an offence which went unspotted by either the referee or his assistant. The player was able to continue after treatment.
Half Time: 0 – 0
The deadlock continued into the second half, but the visitors were reduced to ten men when Danny Bone was dismissed for a second bookable offence. Although Reading continued to press forward the Ardley defenders were resolute in their task and threatened on the counter attack, and it was just such a break that led to the goal when Troy Bryan broke free and cleverly played the ball to Lazarus on the left side of the penalty area and he shot past the keeper to score off the far post. The home side continued to enjoy most of the possession but they were unable to seriously mount any real threats to the visitor’s goal and despite the referee finding nearly seven minutes of injury time Ardley retained their lead until the final whistle.

Division ONE WEST
Cheltenham Saracens 2 Clanfield 1
Clanfield put up a spirited performance at promotion chasing Cheltenham Saracens but after playing most of the game with ten men went down by the odd goal in three in a well contested encounter.
Clanfield went ahead in the fourth minute when a pinpoint free kick from Steve Olphert was glanced in by Eddie Everett and the visitors continued to press for a second. Their task was made much harder in the fourteenth minute when Alan Rodgers was sent off .The midfielder kicked out following a foul on him and the Red Card brandished by Referee Andy Davies was inevitable. There was a touch of fortune about the Saracens equaliser from a corner awarded when the final touch clearly came off a home player. Sam Slender powered home a header from a well taken kick to see the score level at the interval.
Half Time: 1 – 1
With numerical advantage the home side pressed strongly but Clanfield defended well with Kevin Brooks and Ollie Oswin making last ditch clearances. There was a touch of good fortune in the Cheltenham winner when the Referee tried to play an advantage for a foul on Everett but the ball broke to Jamie Hammond who won a race with Oswin to lob the ball over the advancing Chris Brain. Still Clanfield did not give up and Ben Acock went close with a fierce free kick but the home side clung on for a fortunate but valuable three points in their quest for a promotion place.

CIRENCESTER UNITED 0 – 11 PURTON
This victory extended Purton's run to 17 games without a defeat and put them top of the league on goal difference over Slimbridge with a game.
Purton keeper Sean Farrell hardly had a save to make and after taking a 5-0 lead by
Half-time rattled in six more after the break to run out easy winners. It might have been more but some good saves by the home keeper and the woodwork and some easy chances missed prevented a much heavier defeat for the hosts.
Ashley Gooch gave Purton a 6th minute lead and Warren Fuller headed in a 2nd from an Allan Webb cross on 19 minutes. Gooch netted a 3rd on 23 minutes and it was 4-0 when Paul Day netted from a Fuller cross on 33 minutes. Five minutes before the break Fuller drove in a 5th.
Half Time: 5 – 0
Early in the second half Day ran through to make it 6-0 and 2 minutes later Fuller put Day in but he was upended in the box and from the resultant penalty kick Fuller completed a hat-trick. Skipper Johnny Coole then made it 8-0 and Gooch completed a hat-trick when he netted a 9th after 67 minutes. From an Allan Webb free kick Pete Temple got in a good header that Tom Cadden on the goal line touched in for Purton's 10th and Coole lobbed the home keeper right on time to complete the scoring.
Purton visit Cheltenham Saracens away on Saturday the 20th of February in their next league game and with both sides scoring freely this could be a classic.

Letcombe 4 – 1 Tytherington Rocks
Letcombe produced their best first half performance for many weeks, and had the game won by half time. They took the lead after 20 minutes, Paul Roberts being the quickest to react to the loose ball following a free kick to score from six yards. They increased their lead on the half hour when the Tytherington keeper, Rob Dent, failed to hold a corner, allowing Adam Pendell to score. Letcombe made the game safe just before half time with the best move of the match. Mark Denny provided the final pass for Paul Roberts to beat the advancing Rob Dent.
With Paul Sellers and Sean Webb commanding in defence, and Adam Pendell and David Richardson dominating midfield, Letcombe continued to create chances. A defensive slip allowed Lyle Gifford to race clear on the right and his precise pass allowed Adam Pendell to increase the lead. With the game won, Letcombe failed to press home their advantage, and Marcus Taylor pulled a goal back for Tytherington with 12 minutes remaining. Letcombe’s long injury list became worse when Paul Sellers damaged an ankle ligament in the closing stages, and with both other substitutes already on the field, manager Alan Gifford was forced to use himself as the final substitute. Indeed, he had a chance to score in the final seconds following good work by son Lyle, but his shot was blocked.

Letcombe 4 – 1 Tytherington Rocks
Tytherington Rocks’ nightmare continued at Bassett Road, as their shambolic first-half performance gave three points to Letcombe.
After losing at home against North Leigh Reserves seven days earlier, Rocks were swamped when Letcombe seized the initiative as the Rocks’ tale of woes caries on.
Paul Roberts scored after a corner, which he won, after twenty–two minutes. Then a mishap by Rocks’ goalkeeper Rob Dent, ten minutes before the interval, saw Letcombe captain Adam Pendell net. With six minutes left in the opening half, Roberts heaped more misery on the visitors with his second goal, as the Rocks’ rearguard sloppy defending left the centre forward there to put the ball into the Tytherington net.
Half Time: 3 – 0
At half-time the Rocks’ supporters were dismayed by their teams turgid approach and it got worse after seven minutes in the second –period, when Lyle Gifford put Pendell, ten yards out, to put the ball into the corner of Dent’s goal! Both teams made replacements and it was the Rocks who surprisingly took over the game with Nathan Irwin and Danny Thorpe helping in midfield, although that was not to change the result. A Thorpe free –kick went inches over the bar and a header from Dave Legg was cleared off the Letcombe’s goal-line and Nathan Irwin on–goal effort was desperately cleared. With twelve minutes left Irwin robbed the ball from Letcombe midfielder Mark Denny and he pushed a delightful pass in front of Marcus Taylor feet and the striker did well to fire the ball inside the Letcombe goal, from 12 yards!
It was a scant consolation for the Rocks who had played some desperate football for 53 minutes and at the end, manager Barry Grainger said, “That was unbelievable. Most of our players forgot what we said before the start. I will sit down with them again before we play next Saturday against Easington Sports. It will be a hard game and, if we play against them as we did in the first –half against Letcombe, we could be in trouble”.
Tytherington Rocks are tenth in the Hellenic League Div ONE West table and they need to get some positive results as they are in a run of successive away games.

Slimbridge 2 - 0 Cricklade Town
Cricklade first trip to Slimbridge ended in defeat, but the 2-0 score line only tells half the story, as on another day it could have been 3 points or the more deserved outcome of a point.
With Crick missing a few players in key areas and without playing a game for 9 weeks it was always going to be a tough task for the Wiltshire outfit. On an afternoon where top of the table took on lowly Cricklade it was a competitive and keenly contested match and for much of the game it looked as if it would end as a scoreless draw until two late Slimbridge goals ensured that they took all three points. The pitch after a week of heavy rain looked in good surprisingly good condition and Cricklade hade to make three changes from the expected line-up, Alisdair Ross replaced Ben Goody in goal, and Kyle Murdock replaced Peter McGunigall, Max Leslie was included in midfield to replace Bill Charman who was suffering from Chicken Pox.
With this being the first encounter between the two sides it was going to be interesting to see how the sides matched up. Crick had the first real opportunity of the game after a good move in the 25th minute but unfortunately for Crick, Blankley’s 30 yard shot went just over the bar. Two minutes later Evans in the Slimbridge goal had to make a good block to foil the lively Leslie who had good looked in the early stages. In the 12th minute Thompson escaped the attentions of the Cricklade defence but his left footed shot went across goal without threatening the Cricklade goal. Neither side was able to gain mastery of the midfield as both were guilty of getting into promising positions but failing with the final ball. Slimbridge always looked dangerous from set pieces in the first half, their delivery from the dead ball was excellent, and was match on several occasions by the good defending by the Cricklade defence. On balance the first half was a very even affair, with Slimbridge just edging the possession, but neither team created any great chances, with only one real save being made by Evans in the Slimbridge goal.
Half Time: 0 – 0
Slimbridge started the 2nd half with purpose, and put the Cricklade defence under pressure from the first minute, but a good rear guard reduced any significant chances on goal. Slimbridge had the first chance of the second half when Ward put pressure on a Cricklade defence with a great ball in from the right, that landed at the impressive Tustain who drove his shot only inches wide of the Cricklade Post. As with the first half Slimbridge maintained the advantage with the possession without being able to create, Davies and Moulden at the centre of the Cricklade defence match their opponents Tustain and Roberts. Cricklade looked to try and counter attack their opponents and create some good positions, but as in the first half the final ball was lacking. After 70 minutes Cricklade made changes with Ratcliffe coming for the tired Leslie and Singh coming on for Fisher, as the game went on Slimbridge look to have more of the ball, and looked a fitter outfit than Cricklade, and the 9 weeks off was taking its toll. In the 75th minute Roberts broke down Cricklade’s right and was cut off by the ever present Moulden who was judged to have fouled Roberts, looking at the contact most people would have seen the incident as a shoulder barge and no more than a throw in. with good delivery and hesitation from Ross in the Cricklade Goal the ball ended up in the net after Davies battled with Tustain only for the ball to fall onto Roberts head. With a lot left in the tank Cricklade looked to get back into the game, but it was Slimbridge that extended their lead in the 89th minute after a long ball over the Cricklade backline Roberts taped into an empty net after a mix up between Moulded and the Cricklade Keeper Ross. Cricklade worked hard as a team and deserved a point out of the game where the keepers were not often called into action, mainly because both defences both looked solid throughout the game, and on another day it could have been a different story.

TROWBRIDGE TOWN 2 - 2 LAUNTON SPORTS
“Trowbridge drop vital points to Rock bottom Launton Sports”
WASTEFUL Trowbridge Town self-destructed in the final 15 minutes to hand Hellenic Division One West whipping boys Launton Sports their first point of the season.
The Oxfordshire visitors were rock-bottom of the table having suffered 18 successive defeats and appointed a new management team in midweek. And defeat number 19 looked a certainty when two Tarick Yachou strikes put Town in control. However, the sloppy home side were caught on the break twice and had Paul Gittins sent off for dissent in a disappointing finale.
Town should have had the points wrapped up by half time as they missed a succession of chances. Yachou found the side-netting in the first few seconds but the hosts continually threatened, with left-back Dave Appleyard's crosses causing problems for the Launton defence. Tom Bonser should have done better on two occasions, blasting wastefully over six yards out after li Jaffari's perceptive pass, then heading over from even closer in. Steve Hulbert also nodded over the bar from another Appleyard delivery and Gittins was denied by Sports keeper Nick Lacey when clean through. Trowbridge keeper George Dempsey was largely a spectator, although he did make one brilliant tip-over save from Lewis McGowan.
Half Time: 0 – 0
The second half continued in much the same vein and Town finally took the lead when Yachou latched on to Mark Hunt's long ball and his left foot shot took a slight deflection on its way past Lacey. Yachou then miss kicked in front of goal and Appleyard found the side-netting as Town laid siege to the Sports goal. The second goal inevitably arrived when Jaffari's corner came back out to him and Yachou stooped to head in his second, low, cross. That should have been game over but Town eased off and Sports pulled one back as a ball over the top of the defence was lofted over Dempsey by McGowan. And as the home side totally lost their discipline, visiting sub Liam Richards escaped down the right and lofted over a perfect cross for Matt Green to nod the equaliser in the 90th minute. Town's frustration boiled over and Gittins was shown a straight red card for backchat to the referee as time ran out. A furious Chris Carr said after the game “This has to be the worst day in football for me. Launton had not gained one point all season and we are the mugs that gave them their first. We were cruising at 2-0 then we all turned off and look what happened it’s a joke. All the lads in the changing room know exactly what I thought of this performance and we will be putting it right in training on Thursday. I hope they are not expecting to see a ball that’s all I can say”

Division ONE EAST
Chalfont Wasps 1 - 4 Woodley Town
A fifth successive win, that also sees the team unbeaten away from home in the League since August, saw Woodley move into third place in the League.
This victory owed much to the patience of the team who survived early Chalfont pressure, as expected from a team unbeaten in five games, to come from behind in a match that saw Dan Jewell give his best performance of the season and Luke Williams looking dangerous with his set pieces.
Although Town created the first opportunity when a Jewell free kick was headed onwards by Tom Williams for Luke Williams to shoot wide, the home side showed greater promise and looked threatening going forward as Woodley struggled to get possession. Wasps ‘ Fred Tripp shot wide following Andrew Nunn conceding a free kick and another Nunn foul allowed Steve Hodges to shoot direct at Oneal Garnes from the edge of the penalty area with Town struggling to clear the free kick.
Although Town saw Jim Nightingale head over from another Luke Williams free kick and Tom Williams and Jewell shoot wide, Chalfont’s better movement, with Ryan Swales and Daniel Moakes running the midfield, always made them the more likely to open the scoring. Oneal Garnes pulled off a stunning save at full stretch as Moakes was wheeling away in celebration but the inform Woodley keeper tipped his effort onto the cross bar. Stuart Johnson had a shot go just wide of Garnes' far post and others went straight at the Woodley stopper. It was Chalfont who deservedly took the lead though with the move of the half. A pin point cross found Tripp who neatly headed in, at the near post, on twenty three minutes.  Woodley re-organised and started to get into the game. Luke Williams and then Carl Davies used their pace to outstrip the last man and when one-on-one the keeper blocked Williams' shot well and tipped Davies' shot around the post. Woodley equalised with a good move of there own. Garnes found Nick Edwards on the edge of Town’s penalty area he in turn passed to Davies who linked with Luke Williams and his centre was met by Chris Hatton to side foot into the net. It was an even reminder to the half although Town had a goal disallowed on the half time whistle for a foul on Chalfont’s keeper Gary White.
Half Time: 1 – 1
The second half saw Chalfont start on the front foot but created little.  Woodley gradually took control and got a critical goal at a good time in the game. Davies converted a headed chance, on sixty nine minutes, from close range following slack marking at a Luke Williams corner kick. With the match becoming feisty with a string of heavy tackles. Eden Peters came on to add more pace to stretch a tiring Chalfont defence and Davies got his second as Luke Williams claimed a third assist of the match.  His eighty sixth minute free-kick was headed clinically into the net by the Woodley front man and Woodley had complete control of the game. Another substitute Richard Thomas, who was returning from injury, assisted for Davies to complete his hat trick. Thomas drilled in a cross and Davies directed the ball back across goal into the far corner as the match entered seven minutes of stoppage time.
It is now a hot streak for Davies with eight goals in four matches and takes his tally to thirteen for the season.  Woodley comfortably saw out the remaining minutes and next week welcome bottom of the table Penn and Tylers Green to East Park Farm.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 1 - 2 MILTON UNITED
On a cold, crisp afternoon at Finchampstead Park, both teams readily set about the task of entertaining the crowd with some excellent flowing football, with the visitors moving deep into the Finch half from the start.
This venture forward by the visitors was short lived though as Finch counter-attacked with twice with venom, Bobby Hogg having his opening shot deflected for a corner, and minutes later Scott Bursill seeing a long shot from thirty-five yards out saved by diving Milton goalkeeper Kieran Drake. Danny Isaiew, returning to Finchampstead Park for the first time since he transferred from Finchampstead to Milton, then took the ball for a sprint down his right wing, getting to grips with defender Russell Carter but coming off second best. Once again playing his heart out for Finch, Junior Arquimbau hammered in an on target shot, but was denied the goal it deserved when Kieran Drake pulled off a fine save, one of several made during the game. Milton was more of a threat rather than completing the job in hand and this was the pattern of their play for much of the ninety minutes. They passed fairly accurately but some fine defending gave Finch’s the chances of linking up in some good countering moves. Play moved from end to end. Scott Bursill had another crack from the deep but Milton went forward once more into the fray.  Ian Concannon was denied a goal when his shot was deflected over the Finch bar.  Then Anthony Alleyne headed wide before Finch’s broke free and Junior Arquimbau sent a cross direct to Pat Selby, but his shot caught the outside of the goal post. A Milton free-kick was headed out by Tom Hopper and in a fine display of head tennis, the ball reached the halfway line but it was quickly returned to the Finch penalty area, finding Ian Concannon who put the ball past keeper Perry Howard to give Milton a twenty-ninth minute 1-0 lead. Two minutes later, Finch’s leading goal scorer Pat Selby restored the balance with a fine header that rocketed past Kieran Drake. Much midfield play for the rest of the half saw Perry Howard save a shot from Kirk Willmoth and shots at the other end by Tom Hopper and Junior Arquimbau failed to add to the interval score.
Half Time: 1 – 1
Milton tested Perry Howard immediately after the break and Finch had to counter, under the maxim that attack is the best means of defence.  Injury struck the hosts when Scott Bursill tangled with a Milton player and was substituted. As play resumed, Junior Arquimbau put the Milton keeper under pressure with an accurate shot which was dealt with. Milton were on course to return to Oxfordshire with a point until the seventy-sixth minute when Danny Isaiew launched a cross from the halfway line and Anthony Alleyne swivelled and smashed the ball into the back of the net without Perry Howard having a look in.  It was as the result of loss of possession by Finch who had to rue that. The home team was not yet done and surged forward again forcing the Milton defenders to clear the ball off their goal-line.  Ian Concannon tried a prod goalwards as the game approached time but Perry Howard was there to prevent any addition to the score line.
Finch manager Neil White said it had been a good, fair game that should have ended in a draw, and probably would have had it not been for an oversight by the referee in missing a Milton foul off the ball just before their match winning goal was scored.

Finchampstead 1 – 2 Milton United
MILTON GET BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Milton got back to winning on Saturday with a fine 2-1 win at Finchampstead.
Getting a result against the “Finch” is never easy when they are playing at home, but an excellent team display by Milton after two recent defeats with goals coming from Ian Concannon and Anthony Alleyne gave the points to the visitors.
Both sides started well and the home side created a few half chances but it was Milton who took the lead in the 30th minute when a cross from Ryan Williams went over the heads of the defenders and found IAN CONCANNON unmarked in the box who brought the ball under control before sliding it past the keeper. The lead did not last long however, because Finchampstead drew level within a minute when PAT SELBY found some space in a packed area to score with a header.
Half Time: 1 – 1
Milton started the second half the stronger and created several good chances with Danny Issaiw playing well against his former club and the midfield of Willmoth and Williams again controlling the game but they could not quite finish the moves off.
Finchampstead then got back into the game had a good spell of their own, but the deciding goal went to Milton. Their second goal in the 76th minute was almost the same as their first except this time the cross came from Kirk Willmoth and ANTHONY ALLEYNE found himself some space in the area to put the ball in the net. The final 15 minutes saw the home side go for all for an equaliser and they should have scored when Pat Selby broke through with only the keeper to beat but Kieran Drake brought off a superb save to deny him and then produced another good save seconds later to ensure the visitors went away with the points.

Holyport 3 v 1 Rayners Lane
Holyport started this game full of intent and dominated the early exchanges as early as the 5th minute good interplay between Wright and Handscomb was followed by a poor cross and this seemed to set the tone for the remaining 85 minutes.  Two minutes later and Wright held the ball up and laid it back into Handscomb’s path, Handscomb released a pile driver that the athletic Rayners keeper tipped over the bar. It was Handscomb again who headed wide two minutes later after good work from man of the match Ackerman. Rayners Lane were playing 4-5-1 and the long ball up to the lone striker wasn’t sticking so the Port midfield was constantly turning the Rayners back line.  This time it was Rapley who went clean through after a great cross field ball from Lennon only for the keeper to deny Port again. It seemed that if Port could get one goal they could get two, that goal finally came after Rapley was again through one on one but yet again the keeper stood tall and saved his effort, this time Jerrum was on hand to finish off the rebounds. Port then created chance after chance but a lack of composure was the missing ingredient.  Rapley, Handscomb and Lennon all went close but to no avail. Collis in Ports goal was a mere spectator apart from tipping a header over the bar on 35 minutes, but then as Rayners started to believe they could get something  as Port couldn’t finish them off a goal came from nowhere.  A hopeful ball found the right midfielder whose shot was saved by Collis only for the forward to tap home. 
Half Time: 1 – 1
The second halve was poor as Rayners were content on taking a point as they played for time and Ports final pass or cross was under-hit or over-hit.  The introduction of Hawkins and Driver in the 70th minute sparked some life in to the game. Driver’s first touch was to head over from a Rapley cross. Then a great ball from Ovens found Lennon who broke clear from the Rayners defence, as he was pushed wide he cut back to the by line and set up Handscomb who smashed home  2-1 and the game was won as Rayners never looked like they would get another goal. Then after missing so many chances all game another goal came, a cross from wide was headed home by Driver. 3-1 and three more points as Port are up to 4th one point behind 3rd and with three games in hand.
Holyport are back at Sumerleaze next Sat 20th Feb at 3pm to Didcot Reserves, the Reserves are away to Thame.

Thame United 2, Didcot Reserves 2
Thame United’s quest for promotion suffered a setback on Saturday, at Wallingford, when they drew 2-2 with Didcot Town Reserves; a team they really should have beaten.
Although United had the majority of ball possession, they were largely ineffective on front of the visitor’s goal and had to come back from behind twice to force a draw. With expectation raised after two excellent performances, this game will be viewed as two points lost rather than one point gained.
United controlled the opening exchanges but scoring chances were few. Perhaps the best chance of the half fell to Luke Rickets, after 20 minutes, but his 15-yard shot was wide.  Thame keeper, Lee Orkney hardly touched the ball and it was 33 minutes before he made his first save. The visitors however grew in confidence and three minutes later, he was beaten by visiting striker Luke White from 12-yards. The home side came back in the final few minutes of the half, but seemed unable to play with the pace, creativity and width seen in recent performances. Pundits in the home crowd put this down to the fact that Thame’s goal scorer and maker, Aaron Rogers was playing in midfield, rather than up-front.
Half Time: 0 – 1
Thame came out fired up for the second half and besieged the visitor’s goal with the ball rarely crossing into United’s half. Their pressure was rewarded with an equaliser in the 60th minute. Ricketts took a free kick on the right which was met by Nick Rhodes at the far post with a strong header which the keeper got a hand to but could not prevent from crossing the line. Thame’s pressure continued with both Stuart Barr and Adam Rhodes going close, it seemed only a matter of time before their winner came. Against the run of play, however Didcot hit Thame with their second goal in the 72nd minute. They broke quickly on the right and the ball was crossed to the unmarked Harry Halls who finished well from 15-yards, giving Orkney no chance. Parity was restored with 8 minutes remaining when the ball was played from the left to Stuart Braun who finished clinically from close range. The final few minutes saw United continuing their onslaught against a packed defence, but the scores were even when the final whistle blew.

Reserve Section

FINCHAMPSTEAD RES 2 - 0 LAUNTON SPORTS RES
Dominant Finch leaves it late for League Cup victory
Finch went into this game on a high with three splendid league victories in seven days firing them up to fifth in the league table, but as football often does it can bring you down to earth with a bump and give you a reality check.
That’s what happened to Finch today. Losing Adam Merritt and Richard Kell to first team duty made things a little harder but that would only be a poor excuse for a less than satisfying performance. Finch, spending long periods of the match in the visitor’s territory and having the lion’s share of possession, found themselves in the frustrating position of not being able to score the goals needed to make it a comfortable afternoon for themselves and the home support. Finch looked rock solid in defence, with Sam Green and Marc Brown looking very secure. An early injury to Ben Willis, who left the field with a groin problem, allowed the introduction of Andre Kelly at right back, and he too had an excellent match. There was very little goal threat from the visitors, with Jack Skinner the Finch keeper a virtual spectator. The early indications were that Finch would win in a canter, Adam Bowyer’s near post header from Ben Winhip's corner being cleared off the line, and Lewis Frostick spurning a couple of early chances. However Finch's game began to unravel, with possession being given away on a frighteningly regular basis through sloppy, and on most occasions, over ambitious passing. To be fair, it was unlike the boys, whose normal passing game involves less long ball and more short concise passing, which has been standing them in good stead. Two of Finch's better passing moves led to Lewis Frostick's twenty yard strike thumping the far post with the keeper beaten, and then Ben Winship's pull back across goal almost being forced in by Adam Bowyer, who at full stretch hit the outside of the post. A frustrating goalless half came to an end with Finch having plenty to think about at the break and fully aware that they had under performed against one of the weakest teams they had played against all season.
Half Time 0 - 0
To be honest the second half was similar to the first but more infuriating as coach Terry Brazier's half time team talk appeared to have been ignored as time after time the easy ball was declined for the more complex and ultimately wasted pass. The introduction of Chris Hollis for the departing Ben Winship, the latter incidentally making his debut on the silver screen in the latest Harry Potter movie, did give Finch a little more punch upfront. As Launton began to tire it was inconceivable that Finch would fail to score. Finally in the seventy-second minute a deep left wing cross from Chris Hollis found Lewis Frostick at the far post who volleyed goal wards, the keeper’s brave block arriving at the feet of the oncoming Freddie Baron, who calmly side footed the ball into the goal from six yards. With two already forced substitutions and the failure of Carl Barrie to make the match, Finch had no further substitutes to bring on, so when Lewis Frostick's reoccurring leg injury left him unable to move properly, it was felt that it was probably best to bring him off and finish the game with 10 men. As this decision was being mulled over, the leading scorer made the decision for us by latching onto a Chris Hollis pass and blasting home Finch's second and decisive goal in the eightieth minute. With the two goal margin, Lewis Frostick was removed from the action a Finch had to see out the remainder of the match with ten men. A frozen Jack Skinner presented Launton with a rare goal scoring chance with a poor goal kick as a speculative shot hit the Finch crossbar but that was about it as Finch cruised into the league cup quarter finals with plenty of food for thought about how they could improve on this performance.

Thatcham Town 2 - 3 Hungerford Town
Crusaders knock neighbours out
Three Penalties in the opening 10 minutes and 5 goals made for an entertaining game.
The Crusaders had to make some late changes, due to further injuries the dangerous Shaun Dyke was struggling with a niggling knee injury and Ricky Cox was drafted in to the right hand side of midfield for his first start. Town were in control from the start winning possession straight from kick off and within 5 minutes Darren Jones tricked the full back with some good footwork and was tripped for a penalty. Thorpe stood up and banged the ball home to make it one nil. Thatcham were not going to let this get them down and battled on and from the re-start attacked down the right hand side the winger whipped in a dangerous ball and both the attacker and Glen Head went down, only for the referee to square things up with another penalty. Despite The Crusaders arguments the penalty was to stand, the attacker stepped up and sent the ball to the keepers right and Davis pulled off a terrific save tipping the ball onto the post, however the referee awarded the penalty again as he saw a Hungerford player enter the box before the kick. This time the attacker stepped up and struck the ball, this time off the bar and in. 3 minutes later there was to be another penalty to the shock of everyone, this time Ponsford was penalised for pulling down the striker. Justice was done though and the striker smashed the ball over the bar. There were few chances to talk about after this in the first half, however Thatcham looked the better side and Hungerford were lucky to go in at 1 each after never getting a grip of the game.
Half Time: 1 – 1
At half time, Trumper & Cook changed things round, introducing new signing Mark James in at centre half, pushing Gareth Brown to left midfield, Darren Jones to right midfield and pushing Thorpe back up top with Benham. This paid off there was no longer a threat from the right midfield, although Thatcham did threat on occasions but the only thing that was going to beat Mark James was pace. Town looked much better at the back with a bit more control through James and the whole team was playing better. It was a free kick from Darren Jones from 35 yards the scored the 2nd goal, a simple flighted ball into the box managed to miss everyone and flew into the corner of the goal, the linesman tried his best to flag for offside, but the referee ruled against it judging that the ball had missed everyone. Thatcham were soon back in the game when Darren Jones tried too much in the centre of the park, he got caught out and a long ball over the top saw Peacock playing the attacker onside, he was through one on one and although Davis got a hand to the strike he could only push it further into the corner of the net. You felt that although Thatcham were always in the game, Hungerford had something there and could go onto win it. It was to be the Crusaders day and Darren Jones re-storing some of his earlier embarrassment, this time crossed first time and Benham on the Volley swept home the ball, a great controlled finish.
Credit to a young Thatcham side who battled all game, but experience ruled this fixture.

GFA Trophy 4tht Round
Oldlands Abbotonians 0 - 5 Shortwood United
Wood Romp to Semis!
An excellent all round team performance saw Wood romp to a 5-0 win and go through to the semi finals of the GFA Trophy. Given Oldland’s League form and home record this could have been an extremely tricky tie.
Such was the measure of Wood’s assured and clinical performance they were allowed the luxury of introducing goalkeeper Rich Thomas as an on field substitute for the last 18 minutes.  The result will be tempered by injuries to Rich Evans (hamstring) and Ross Casey (ankle). Man of the match was Matt Bennett but in all honesty it was very difficult to single any player out from the side.
Wood attacked through out and restricted Oldlands to breakaways but Rich Barrett made two excellent saves to ensure his side kept another clean sheet. Wood suffered an early blow when Rich Evans pulled up with a pulled hamstring after only 2 minutes but Ryan Preddy came on and showed that he has lost none of his speed as he gave the home defence a real chasing. With him and Matt Collins flying down the flanks Wood served up an afternoon of real entertainment and made light of the sticky conditions.  A succession of dangerous crosses kept Oldlands under pressure and Collins was subjected to a dreadful tackle but he continued unflustered. Preddy was very unlucky with one shot that spun the wrong side of the post as Wood created several opportunities to open their account. It was 23 minutes before Oldlands mounted a serious attack – Barrett excellently turning aside a scissor kick from Bryant. The only surprise was that it took 37 minutes for Wood to score – but when it did come it was worth the wait. Bennett’s cross was headed out to Mish Green who struck a fierce volley home from the edge of the area. A second followed less than a minute later. Mish Green sent in a cross, Mike Green cleverly laid the ball back into the path of Bennett who drove the ball home. Ross Casey was replaced by Jake Parrott and he joined in the fun with a succession of dangerous runs and excellent distribution. Wood created several more chances before the break but somehow the score remained at 2-0 until the break.
Half Time: 0 – 2
The second half continued in the same vein. Mish Green sent a free header over and Benneyworth had another header well saved by keeper Lewis. Wood scored the 3rd goal their play richly deserved after 56 minutes. Mike Green put Matt Collins in with a good cross field ball and Collins ran through and finished clinically. A mazy dribble from Parrott took him past several defenders before he was unceremoniously brought down in the box and Alex Allard made no mistake from the spot. Ryan Preddy was the provider for the 5th with 13 minutes to go. His excellent control, turn and pass gave Matt Bennett the chance to drill home from 8 yards.  In the dying seconds Oldand’s Bryant had another effort saved by Barrett to ensure Wood left with their record intact.
John Evans said: “This was a cracking performance and I am delighted with the result and our play. Although Matt Bennett was man of the match this was the complete team performance. My only disappointment is the two injuries we picked up!”

Reading Senior Cup
AFC Corinthians 1 Marlow United 5
Marlow cruise into last eight
Marlow cruised into the quarter finals of the Reading Senior Cup with a 5-1 defeat of AFC Corinthians in a game in which they dominated possession without playing particularly well.
Fielding a much changed team Marlow opened the scoring on eight minutes following the first decent move of the game, Ben Filmore firing home from 12 yards as the ball was played across the area. Playing into a strong wind the away team continued to dominate proceedings, Corinthians relying on long ball played into the United half as they attempted to stem the flow. Marlow spurned numerous opportunities, James Flint being the worst culprit, missing numerous gilt edge chances throughout the game. Corinthians sniffed an opportunity on forty minutes when Huggins found himself with a shooting opportunity only to fire the ball at keeper Murray in what was their first chance of the game. Marlow added their second on forty three minutes as James Flint’s cross from the left was deflected toward the goal line where man of the match Dan Flint ran in and prodded the ball over the line. A minute later and the same player collected James Flint’s pass and lobbed keeper Scott for the third goal to put the game out of reach of the home team.
Half Time: 0 – 3
Marlow wasted little time in adding the fourth goal as a poor clearance from Scott deflected of Marlow’s Harman to Chris Rowley who thumped the ball into the net after just two minutes of the second half. Corinthians defiantly hit back two minutes later as they caught out the United defence winning the ball in a 50/50 challenge which allowed Chris Long the opportunity of  firing the ball past Murray from the edge of the area. Back came Marlow with the best goal of the game, Dan Flint finishing a strong run down the right with a cross to the on rushing Jamie West who fired the ball across Scott and into the far corner of the goal. After that the game degenerated into a scrappy affair with Marlow spurning numerous opportunities to increase their lead, Dan Flint being denied his hat trick as his goal bound header from a corner was blocked on the line by none other than his cousin and team mate James. That just about summed up the afternoon as the game petered out and with the temperature dropping all were glad to hear the final whistle.
Manager Kevin Carvell was pleased with the result adding “This win keeps our season alive as we are in with a chance of meeting Flackwell in the final although we will have to improve considerably in the next round”