Saturday 27h March

Premier Division

ASCOT UNITED 6 - 0 HOOK NORTON
At the risk of repeating a well rehearsed cliché that has probably been used on numerous previous occasions when teams have not performed well at this particular venue, Hooky were “just not at the races” in this encounter with their hosts, Ascot United.
Indeed, after a bright start when they had marginally more of the play in the first 10 minutes of the match, Hooky committed errors in defence and after nearly 20 minutes they then shipped goals at regular intervals and in the end were comprehensively beaten by The Yellamen who did not have to work hard for their 3 points.
Hooky Manager Mark Boyland selected Romanian, Emilian Fortuna in his starting line-up and the newcomer had a satisfactory debut, putting over some telling crosses from the right wing in the early part of the game. But things may have been so different for Hooky had Jason Smith netted after only 10 minutes when the match was scoreless. At that time, the visiting midfielder let fly from 30 yards but his shot struck the left upright and this was the closest that Hooky came to scoring in the whole of the match. Instead, United, having rode their early luck, went into a 3 goals’ lead by the interval, with goals coming from John Bennett after 19 minutes, Tim Standing after 26 minutes and Sam McIntyre after 34 minutes.
Half Time: 3 – 0
Whilst in between goals in the first half, Hooky had strung some nice moves together without ever looking dangerous in the last third of the pitch but the same could not be said of the visitors’ second half performance which was disappointing in the extreme. As the match wore on, the team appeared to lose heart and further mistakes were made at the back, as a result of which the hosts helped themselves to further goals after 65 minutes by Andy Lunn, after 71 minutes by Bennett, and after 81 minutes by Bennett again, to complete his hat trick.

Binfield 1-4 Ardley Utd – Home view
“Ardley burst the bubble”
The run had to end sometime and Ardley United were worthy of the win with a fantastic four goal haul for Troy Bryan. He was the first forward the Binfield defence have had a real problem with in quite sometime. It might have been different had the Moles managed to convert the two good chances they had prior to Bryan’s opener on 18 minutes.
Carl Withers and James Partridge were missing with Steve Nebbett and Scott Hunter coming in to replace them. Despite the two early chances, Binfield looked out of sorts with no player in a red shirt really arriving at the races. The visitors were brighter and quicker to the loose balls and Bryan looked a handful all afternoon. The visitor’s half time lead was no more than they deserved and Moles fans were hoping for a better performance in the second period.
Binfield looked much better after Steve McClurg’s half time team talk but were rocked again when Bryan scored again on 60 minutes. The Moles defence allowed him too much time and space and they should have learned from his earlier effort that would prove fatal.
Ryan Millward and Ian Davies both had chances to reduce the deficit but the Ardly United defence managed to scramble both efforts away.
With just 14 minutes to go, Tim Walsh pulled the score back to 1-2. Stealing in at the far post he slammed the ball in with relish. It looked like a comeback was on the cards but only for two minutes. The visitors restored the two goal advantage almost immediately with Bryan sliding in from close range.
Where the referee found the additional five minutes from nobody knows particularly when no physio had been on the pitch in the second half. When the match announcer credited Bryan with his fourth goal at 90 minutes +5 the referee remembered to look at his watch and immediately blew for time. A nice mistake for Bryan but harsh on Binfield.

Binfield 1 - 4 Ardley United
Binfield’s 10 match unbeaten run in the league came to a shuddering halt at Stubbs Lane courtesy of a fine team effort from Ardley United which was capped by a virtuoso performance from Troy Bryan who scored all four of the visitors goals.
Binfield began the game in determined mood, and after only three minutes a ball over the top of the Ardley defence was put wide of the post by Ian Davies. Ten minutes later the Moles had another scoring chance when a cross from the left ran across the goal with no-one able to get a final touch. It was Ardley who opened the scoring on twenty minutes when Danny Bone played a through ball to Bryan who lobbed the advancing keeper. Both sides had further chances to score, the closest coming when Bone hit the post following a long throw from Adam Beckett, but the visitors took a one goal advantage into the break.
Half Time: 0 - 1
The second half began in similar fashion to the first, as Binfield spurned an early chance to open their account when Callum Whitty’s shot went just wide of the far post. However, just before the hour Jordan Ayris passed the ball in to Bryan who, with just one man to beat, turned him one way then the other before firing home with his left foot. Both sides were contributing to a good game, and the hosts pulled a goal back in the 76th minute when Tim Walsh fired home after Ardley failed to clear a corner kick. Ardley restored their two goal advantage barely three minutes later as a Murray Nicholls free kick was headed into the area by Adam Garner and swept into the net by Bryan. The game continued to produce chances at both ends, but it was not until time added that Ardley got their fourth with Bryan almost repeating the second goal by teasing the defender before firing into the net, this time right-footed, to score both his and Ardley’s fourth.

Carterton 2 – 0 Shortwood United
Painful!
Shortwood’s week came to a sorry end on Saturday as they unexpectedly lost 0-2 at Carterton. Wood dominated the possession but all too often their passing was below standard and the final ball was woeful.
Carterton were determined in the tackle and won more than their fair share of 50 / 50 balls and their keeper Domm made vital saves. For all that Wood created more than enough chances to win the game but their finishing was lamentable.
As early as the 5th minute Wood created a real good scoring opportunity. Pugh sent in an in-swinging corner and it only needed a touch at the far post but Ash Thomas and Luke Bennyworth seemed to get in each others way and the ball drifted by. Axton then directed a header straight to Domm, Allard fired over, and Pugh headed another chance over.  Wood’s best chance of the first half came after 25 minutes. Evans did well to beat his marker and sent over a superb cross for the unmarked Cole barely 6 yards out. A header either side of Domm would have opened the scoring but Cole headed the ball straight into the grateful arms of the keeper. The zest disappeared from Wood’s play for the rest of the half and Carterton started to come into the game and Wood found themselves a goal down after 28 minutes. Axton conceded a free kick, centrally 25 yards out and Lewis buried the ball low past the diving Barrett. Worse was to come after 32 minutes. Shariff sent in a low free kick from wide on the right and Ash Thomas sliced the ball straight past Barrett for an own goal. Carterton had another chance before the break when Lewis burst through but sent a chip over the bar.
Half Time: 2 – 0
John Evans replaced Allard and Cole at half time with Mish Green and Collins as Wood tried to get back into the game but their finishing remained below par. Benneyworth headed a good chance wide and Domm did well to save an effort from Collins with his feet and then block the rebound. Barrett saved from Fletcher before Wood contrived to miss the most simple of chances with 21 minutes to go. Collins made a fine run and low cross which beat everyone but  fell to Mish Green, unmarked at the far post for a tap in. He sliced the ball back across goal straight to Domm. After that the game largely petered out but Wood still had one more chance to reduce the arrears as Preddy burst through but shot far too close to Domm.
It was that sort of day!

FAIRFORD TOWN 2 - ABINGDON TOWN 3
Three goals in the final seven minutes condemned Fairford Town to defeat on Saturday afternoon.
Fairford turned up prepared and ready for the challenge of getting three points and welcomed back Will King and there was a call-up for Roman Roncinsky in goal due to a late illness of Lee Clatworthy. 
The first half saw both teams create chances but neither was able to take advantage and the half was seen out to remain 0-0.
Half Time: 0 – 0
After a tactical switch at half-time, the home side started brightly and were rewarded on the hour when Ashley Rockley found himself in space on the left and crossed for John Hollis to slot home past the approaching keeper to give Fairford a deserved lead. Abingdon seemed slightly downhearted but were still creating chances mainly from a long throw in.  However after John Magani went one on one with the keeper the ball eventually broke after a goal mouth scramble between the two and Magani squeezed the ball through to Hollis who netted for his brace to make it 2-0. Fairford were looking comfortable and three points were on the cards and moving further away from relegation seemed to be very likely. Within five minutes Jacques Tertois used an elbow to gain advantage and the Abingdon player reacted by using his hands and both were red carded. Abingdon pushed forward and were rewarded with an 83rd minute goal. Fairford then pushed forward for a third but were caught out as the visitors struck twice in the closing stages with Edney (87) and Simms (90) on target to claim all three points.
Assistant manager Andy Wilson commented after the game: “Ultimately it was a disappointing and frustrating afternoon for all involved at Fairford Town. The team that did not stay committed and focused for the whole 90 minutes and seemed to lose the desire to win. We will put what went wrong right and move onto our next game against Highworth Town Tuesday Night with determination not to come away from the game empty handed.”
For Tuesday’s visit to The Rec, striker Jack Nicholls and goalkeeper Lee Clatworthy could both return to the squad.

Malmesbury Victoria 1 - 3 Witney United
Witney made it three wins on the trot with a hard fought win at Malmesbury Victoria in the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier Division.
With the wind at their backs and on a difficult playing surface United started well and a cross by Gary Wickens was met by Ani Odihambo but his effort was saved well by the feet of Luke Alford. Alford came to the Vics rescue moments later when Paul Tassell launched a long kick which was brought down by Wickens before his low shot was saved by the keeper. Wickens was to be denied again by Alford when he tried his luck from distance but his swerving effort was palmed away. Tom Butler went close with a free-kick which whistled over the bar before United had large appeals for a penalty waved away after Stu Hemsley blocked John McMahon's clever flick with his hand. Wickens headed wide from a Dean Smith corner and Odihambo saw his low shot from Dan Szczuckiewicz's clever pass turned round at the foot of the post as United dominated proceedings but without finding a breakthrough.
Half-Time: 0 – 0
If United had dominated before the break it was the Vics who were sharper after the break and Chris Oke fired just over from the edge of the area after a Butler tackle had broken kindly to him. Tassell then came to United's rescue when former United man Kevin Coles released John Edmonds but the United stopper was out well and blocked the effort with his feet. The home side then had their best chance when Oke somehow dug out a cross which picked out the head of James McCarthy but he headed over. As the hour passed though it was United who broke the deadlock with a very sweet strike from the skipper. Impressive new signing Tom Aldworth crossed and although partially cleared it broke to McMahon who thundered an excellent half volley past Alford and into the net. United then doubled the advantage just eleven minutes later when substitute Andrew Younie played a sublime pass to release Odihambo who clipped the ball round his marker before sliding into the net despite the best efforts of Alford who got a hand to it. Alford then had his best moment of the match with a brilliant one handed save to deny Odihambo a certain goal after he had latched on to McMahon's pass. The Vics though grabbed a lifeline with a minute of normal time remaining when Oke played a pass through the defence and Chris Cox thumped a shot past Tassell giving him no chance. The celebrations had just died down when the home side were reduced to ten men as Odihambo was sent clear by Wickens and as he approached the area he was pulled down by Hemsley who was the last man and was red carded. There was still time deep into injury time for United to round off the scoring when Wickens slid a pass into Younie who kept calm and picked out Odihambo who fired in his second of the afternoon via the post to ensure United had collected another three points.

Marlow Utd 0 – 3 Wantage Town  
         Wantage Return to Winning Ways
Despite the Marlow team receiving six yellow cards to Wantage’s none the game was far from dirty. In fact the game was played in good spirits with no malice. Supporters from both sides were surprised by the amount of cards given for apparent fouls by Marlow players. Wantage returned to winning ways in front of a surprisingly low crowd, officially put at 31.
Wantage were given time on the ball from the off & this allowed them to dominate and play football as they like. The first goal came from a nice move by Copp & Austin who got the ball to Sean McKeon, who from a tight angle nicely chipped the Marlow keeper on the 18th min.
Half Time: 0 - 1
The 2nd half continued as the first had finished with Wantage having the greater percentage of the ball, and in the 65th min Tom Austin received the perfect pass from Matt Biddle. Tom struck the ball sweetly from 17 yards to give the Marlow keeper no chance. On form Tom Austin was rewarded again in the 85th min when Wantage newcomer & substitute Adam Bruce, signed from Didcot Town on Friday, slotted the ball through to Austin who calmly placed the ball in the back of the Marlow net from10 yards out, completing his brace for the match and keeping Wantage town in touch with the top of the table. 

Pegasus Junior’s 1 – 2 Kidlington
Pegasus Juniors entertained Kidlington seeking to stem a run of three draws with a victory over their Oxfordshire opponents, however, after taking the lead four minutes before the break the visitors scored twice in the second period to inflict another defeat on the Hereford based team.
The visitors served notice of their intentions inside the first ten minutes when Chris Weedon skipped past Mark Davies before shooting across the face of goal. Minutes later, the home side had a great opportunity when a cross from Simon Gwynne was met by the head of Ben Price only to rebound off the defender on the goal line. Pegasus maintained the pressure and had reasonable scoring opportunities for Gwynne, Price and Chris Mortlock. Jamie Cuss made a terrific break through the visiting defence before finding Ryan Dawe who shot straight at the keeper Tom McNamara. Kidlington replied with a shot on the turn by substitute Andy White. Pegasus broke the deadlock with four minutes of the half remaining, a cross under the crossbar from Price caused the visiting goal minder a problem, he tried to push the ball over the bar but only succeeded in pushing it on the bar. Simon Gwynne was first to react and guided the ball past McNamara.
Half Time: 1 – 0
On the hour mark, the Pegasus defence was caught out of position and Cuss attempting to cover was adjudged to have fouled White inside the penalty area. Danny Leggett converted the spot kick. Understandably, this gave the visitors much needed confidence and only a fine stop minutes later by Liam Brewer prevented a second goal. Pegasus replaced Dawe with Keith Jones who soon was in the thick of the action forcing a corner kick which a defender cleared off the goal line from a Price header. Mortlock had a shot blocked by the legs of the keeper after he controlled the ball with his chest before volleying the ball. With a quarter of an hour remaining, the home side thought they had scored when Jones met a cross from Price with his head and somehow McNamara got fingertips to the ball to deflect it onto the goal post. The ball rebounded into his arms with Gwynne closing in. The home side continued to dominate but were caught on the break. Davies missed a headed clearance and Weedon crossed the ball from the bye line. Brewer saved well from Mark Brewer but White was on hand to tap the ball into the net.

Division One West

Cricklade Town 5 North Leigh Reserves 0
Cricklade collected their 7th clean sheet of the season, but things could have been different but for Ben Goodey and some early chances missed by Smalldon from North Leigh.
Cricklade started the better of the two sides, and opened the scoring after only 3 minutes, Chris Green cross to the far post from a cleared corner, Moulden challenge with Spears who could only partially clear the ball to the edge of the box for O’Bree to volley in from 20 yards. The early goal should have eased the pressure on Cricklade, who were dominating possession, but rushing on the final third, and that opened up the game for North Leigh to counter attack through the impressive Smalldon, who could have equalised on a couple of occasion.  After 8 minutes Smalldon ran on to a long ball that deceived Moulden at the back and striking the Cricklade Cross bar from distance, then after 25 minutes moving in from the left only to bring a good save out of Goodey in the Cricklade Goal. With Cricklade dominating possession and North Leigh creating the chances a second was need by Cricklade, and that came after 30 minutes from Aaron Maximen, a fee kick by Adam smith was blocked and fell to Moulden to strike from the penalty spot, this was half blocked and fell to Maximen who headed into the empty net from close range. Smalldon then had another two chances to equalise, after turning Davies on the edge of the box and firing over after 40 minutes, and bringing a good save from Goodey at the near post on the stroke of half time.
Half Time: 2 – 0
Cricklade started the 2nd half as they did the first half, but this time turning possession into chances, on 49 minutes Cricklade should have had the goal that would have put the game to bed, but instead turned out to be the miss of the season, after good work down the left Maximen cut in from the by-line and squared the ball to Winchcombe who had an open net to make it 3-0, to his disbelief the ball end up about 6” over the bar. On 60 minutes Winchcombe redeemed himself with a composed finish, after a long ball from Moulden from the back, Maximen again provided the ball for Winchcombe to cut inside and calmly finish into the bottom corner. With the third goal Cricklade had the opportunity to give the guys on the bench a good run out, as Price replaced club captain Reason, Gulliver for Winchcombe and Watson on for Moulden.
The changes produced two more goals for Reece Gulliver, on 70 minutes a corner from the left deceived all except Gulliver coming in from the far post to half volley of the underside of the bar, then on 89 minutes a long ball over the top from Blankley left Reece with a bit of work to do, cutting in from the right, and placing a shot under the North Leigh Keeper. Over a well deserved win for Cricklade who dominated possession, and created numerous chances in the second half, but in a game that north Leigh will be wondering how the game would have gone if they had taken a few chances in the first half.

LAUNTON SPORTS 2 – 1 TYTHERINGTON ROCKS
In the early stages of the match it was Launton who were showing a very competitive edge to their play as they forced Rocks onto the back foot. Their endeavour was rewarded in the 14th minute when a spectacular 40 yard strike from Lewis McGowan beat the visiting keeper to give Sports a well deserved lead. Would this be the day when that first league victory arrived? Then slightly against the run of play Rocks equalised in the 28th minute through a Marcus Taylor goal ,which was a result of a defensive error. Undeterred Launton soon regained their composure and were more than equal to their opponent ants, as the score remained level at half time.
In a hard fought second half Launton showed a tenacity and character which has been missing all season. Then in the 70th minute the hard working Simon King rifled home a great goal to give Sports the lead, once again. As the clock ticked on Launton were at last looking as if a win was on the horizon and despite increased Tytherington pressure and a considerable amount of added time the score remained 2-1 at the final whistle.
At last, a victory after nearly 8 months which was fully deserved thanks to a first class team performance which signalled wild celebrations.

Launton Sports 2 – 1 Tytherington Rocks
An embarrassing afternoon for dismal Tytherington Rocks, as Launton Sports won their first game this season.
The Rocks were without goalkeeper Rob Dent, Pete Holbrook and James Hicks and picked only one substitute. Mark Stotter was in place of Dent who had a nightmare start in the early stages.
After thirteen minutes, which was lucky for bottom club Launton, Lewis McGowan hit a long shot which Stotter fumbled, the ball hit the bar and the rebound bounced over the goal line, by the helpless visiting goalkeeper, for an own goal. After Nathan Irwin and Danny Thorpe had missed two headers it was Marcus Taylor who equalised after 26 minutes. A cross to the near post from Ross Irwin was touched in by the on rushing Taylor.
Rocks’ manager Barry Grainger said: - “After 1 - 1, we had chance after chance but we could not finish. For a long time we have not had a proven goal scorer and this game shows us what we are missing.”  There were no qualms about the result.  Launton ,on this day, did not look a desperate team and their work rate were too much for a miserable Tytherington outfit who, before the game started  thought they could win quite easily. But that was not to be!
The Rocks’ midfield was terrible, and up front, they were woeful. They won the ball but gave it away to the opposition.  As the game went on the Rocks were consistently second best, whilst Launton started to believe that this was their day.
As Barry Grainger explained: “in the second half Launton had one opportunity and they scored and that was it for us” The match winner came from Simon King, who picked up the ball from the dithering Rocks defence and his shot went firmly into the net from the edge of the penalty area. Both teams had a couple of payers booked, as Launton were close to getting their first win of a unsuccessful season. Tytherington not wanting to be their first victims went forward to equalise. It was not coming, and at the final whistle, Launton thought they had won a Cup Final while in the Rocks’ camp it was a day to forget.
Next weekend the Rocks have two home games. On Saturday April 3rd they play Headington Amateurs and on Easter Monday Winterbourne  United. Both games kick off at 3pm.

Letcombe 1 – 0 Winterbourne United
This was a poor performance by Letcombe, but they still managed to secure the three points and stretch their unbeaten run to six games.
The only goal of the game came after 9 minutes. Lyle Gifford was tripped from behind by Winterbourne captain Ben Rhodes as he raced into the penalty area, for which Rhodes was cautioned. The referee initially gave the free kick on the edge of the area, but changed his mind after consulting his assistant, and Adam Pendell scored from the penalty spot. Winterbourne striker Jimmy Potts was always dangerous, but he was well marked by Joe Kent, and man of the match Mark Brind had an outstanding game as sweeper.
Half Time: 1 - 0
Letcombe almost increased their lead early in the second half when a Lyle Gifford shot was cleared off the line. A run and cross from Pete Horswell found Mark Denny, but he shot wide. Letcombe were guilty of poor passing and giving the ball away too easily, but perhaps it is the sign of a good side if you can play poorly and still win.

PURTON 1 – 2 WOOTTON BASSETT TOWN
Purton dropped down to 4th in the table after 2-1 home defeat by near neighbours Wootton Bassett Town.
Purton’s biggest crowd of the season saw the visitors 2-0 up at the break but after Purton pulled a goal back in the second half the visitors did well to hold off the home side Purton who saw several good efforts thwarted by the Bassett defence and keeper Thompson.
In the first half of this game Purton were 'never at the races' despite some good approach work they could not penetrate the Bassett defence and their keeper never had a shot to deal with in the first 45 minutes. Bassett were gifted their opening goal after a Purton defensive slip on 23 minutes when Turner netted and twelve minutes later Bassett netted again with a great drive by Banks.
Half Time: 0 – 2
Purton made changes in the second half and after what must have been a real managerial rollicking during the break improved considerably. Purton got their passing game together and after some good pressure got back into it after 65 minutes when skipper Coole showing great footwork in the box left two players in his wake before scoring with a cracking shot. A James Townsend effort and two efforts by Pete Temple would have brought goals against a lesser team and Marcus Hall also went close as Purton piled forward in the hope of pulling level in a second half that they won, but a goal did not come and Purton suffered their 4th defeat of the season and saw their visitors leap-frog them into 2nd place two points clear but Purton having a game in hand.
Stephen Avenell with a virus and Adrian Roper who was suspended might have made a difference on the day but on the day they will be disappointed to have conceded those first half goals which was the foundation for the Bassett victory.

Bicester 1 Reading Town 3
Town got back to winning ways at the expense of second-from-bottom Bicester at Oxford Road on Saturday.
Manager Colin Millard said: “This was more like the Town of old and we could easily have scored a lot more goals. I thought we played
really well.” It was their first win in five Hellenic League games and keeps the pressure on title favourites Almondsbury. The top two have now pulled well away from the rest of the pack and, though teams have games in hand on the Scours Lane side, it looks as though it will be a two-horse race for the title. Following their poor run of late and having to play three games a week, Millard made a number of changes with regular midfielder Gianluca Riccio and Graham Lewis among those on the bench.

Town made a bright start and Aaron Parfitt and James Clark both went close to scoring in the opening minutes. Although keeper Chris Grace did have to make one good side to prevent Bicester grabbing the first goal, Town continued to have the edge and they deservedly took the lead in the 29th minute. Dean Thomas had a shot blocked, but Parfitt was first to react and fired past keeper Jeff Simmonds. The game hardly flowed, however, and that was largely due to referee Weston repeatedly awarding free-kicks and showing yellow cards. Millard knew he had to keep 11 men on the field and in the 34th minute he took Mike Hancock off, two minutes after he had been booked. Michael Buck and Graeme Smith both went close to increasing Town’s lead shortly before half-time.

But Smith made no mistake two minutes into the second half with a long-range shot-cum-cross that sailed over Simmonds’ head into the far corner. Full-back Will Bratt and midfielder Scott Rees were often prominent in building up attacks and it was a good move that led to Town’s third goal in the 55th minute, with Thomas racing through and neatly placing the ball over the onrushing Simmonds. Ryan Brooks pulled one back for the home side with a low long-range shot into the far corner on 70 minutes, but five minutes later he was sent off after kicking Rees in the head. The bookings for both sides had moved into double figures when Thomas, having already been cautioned, was lectured by the ref and Millard took him off and sent on Lewis.

Slimbridge 4-1 Clanfield
Slimbridge maintained their push for promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Clanfield in a thoroughly entertaining afternoon at Wisloe Road.
The Swans remain in third position, having games in hand on all their rivals. Their opponents belied their mid table position with a very strong impressive performance, but eventually succumbed to Slimbridge's superior firepower. Adam Philp shone for the hosts, particularly in the first half, scoring the first and playing a major role in the Swans' second, which was credited to Lewis Wilton. Rob Hine and Ross Langworthy both struck in the second period to secure the points for the home side, while Craig Mays was on the score sheet for the visitors. Manager James Cole made three changes from the side that progressed to the Stroud Charity Cup Final in midweek, pairing Marvyn Roberts with Philp up front, with Joe Tustain dropping to the bench. Rob Hine replaced Tom Cole, Leon Sterling came in for Richard Workman, and Shane Anson replaced Leon Cornwall at the back.
The Swans started brightly, and barely a minute was on the clock when a long Carter throw into the box was headed just over by Lewis Wilton, but Slimbridge only had to wait until the fourth minute to go in front. A cross from Carter saw Philp in space, and he cleverly headed past Clanfield Keeper Chris Brain, who was left stranded by the penetrating cross. Clanfield rallied well though, and were playing some good football of their own early on - their best chance coming from a good passing move in the 10th minute which saw Adam Little's attempt  bring a superb stop from Swans' Keeper Dave Evans. Slimbridge retaliated with a Roberts cross which Carter struck sweetly on the volley, only to see his shot blocked on the line by a Clanfield defender. At the other end, as the action moved from goalmouth to goalmouth, Little lobbed Evans, but his shot drifted just too high, and Kevin Brooks then placed a shot just wide of the upright for the visitors. Philp was causing all sorts of problems for the Clanfield defence, giving centre half Ollie Oswin a very uncomfortable afternoon. He looked the most likely next goal scorer, although, for Clanfield, Craig Mays was making life very difficult for Jamie Inch and the Swans back four with some very well timed diagonal runs and sharp turns. It was a very evenly balanced match, with plenty of good football, and providing great entertainment for the Wisloe Road crowd.
With 25 minutes played, a sweet move involving Carter and Roberts produced a good chance for Philp to double his tally, but Brain proved up to the task and made good save down to his left. As the half progressed, Clanfield were rewarded for their efforts, and deservedly got back on level terms on 31 minutes, when a through ball split the Swans defence. Mays placed his shot nicely beyond the reach of Evans in the Slimbridge goal. It continued to be end-to-end action as Roberts' header from Carter's cross hit the side netting, and Mays again went close after good interplay with Little for Clanfield. However, the next advantage went to the home side in the 44th minute - A Philp shot from outside the box took a deflection off Lewis Wilton in the penalty area to leave Brain stranded and put the Swans in front at half time.
Half Time: 2 - 1
Clanfield started the second half brightly, with Little forcing another good save from Evans, but it was Slimbridge who forged further ahead in the 55th minute - Carter's free kick lofted into the Clanfield box was neatly headed home by Rob Hine, who found himself in acres of space, to put a little daylight between the two teams. With an hour played, Andy Varnham replaced Roberts, but he only lasted 5 minutes before sustaining a nasty looking injury in an accidental challenge in midfield and was replaced by Joe Tustain. Eventually, the Swans took control of the game as their opponents tired, and they ended up comfortably playing out the final 25 minutes. Tustain forced another good save from Brain in the 70th minute, before Philp was replaced by Ross Langworthy with 14 minutes remaining. The substitution paid dividends for the home side as Langworthy smartly anticipated a defensive back header intended for Brain with 4 minutes left, beating him to the ball and netting the Swans' fourth goal to secure the victory. 

Slimbridge 4 - 1 Clanfield
Clanfield who had lost their last two league games opted for a 4-5-1 formation away to Division 1 title contenders Slimbridge with Craig Mays the sole striker.  They fell behind in the 3rd minute, when Roberts put in a excellent cross from the left that was headed in at the far post by Philp.  However at the other end Mays set up Little, with the home goalkeeper doing well to turn his effort round the post for a corner. The Roberts/Philp combination almost produced an identical goal, while Mays for Clanfield came close with a spectacular lob. Brain in the Clanfield goal made good saves from Philp and Inch, but the visitors levelled in the 31sminute when superb play by Mays who made space for himself and  held off a couple of challenges before scoring with an excellently struck shot.   Roberts then hit the side netting for Slimbridge, and Little and Mays again combined well for Clanfield, with the latter coming close to giving his team the lead.  However at the end of the half Wilton deflected a Philp shot in to give his team a half time lead.
Half Time: 2 - 1
Early in the second half Little forced Evans to make a good save at the expense of a corner, but Slimbridge increased their lead when Hine got on the end of a free kick from Carter.  Tustain forced a further good save from Brain, but young substitute Ross Langworthy pounced on hesitancy in the Clanfield defence to make it 4-1 with five minutes to go. It is fair to say that Clanfield played some very good football at times, and did not deserve to be beaten 4-1, although Slimbridge appear to have a good team spirit, and are in a very good position to win the league.

Division One East

Holyport 4 v 0 Finchampstead
Holyport were looking to make it two wins on the bounce after defeating Newbury in mid week and after 15 seconds Handscomb nearly gave Port the dream start, chasing down a long ball he rounded the keeper but his angled shot went wide.  Skipper Reeves still looking for his first Port goal came close after 2 minutes with a volley from a Rapley free kick.  It was then Finchampstead who in their first attack of the game saw Selby shoot wide after being but through by a misplaced Jones pass.
Two minutes later Lishman was through but his effort past the advancing keeper went wide. Both teams were comfortable on the ball and Finchampstead were looking to slid balls through the centre back pairing of Rolfe and Reeves, but with Ramsey in Ports goal these constant balls came to nothing. Finchampstead nearly opened the scoring after 24 minutes, a cross was whipped in to the far post and it evaded the Finch player at the back post as he slid in.  As the first half wore on Rapley was beginning to get joy out wide and in the 34th minute he was one on one but he shot over.  Rapley then made amends in the 38th minute as he drifted inside his man and shot across the keeper to open the scoring.
Half Time 1 - 0
The second half started as the first had but this time Ackerman was through but failed to get a clean connection and dragged wide.  A minute later (47th) Ackerman was through again, this time his lay off to Rapley was fired home to make it two nil.  This early goal knocked the stuffing out of Finch and the remainder of the half they kept looking to play but the Port back four of Reeves, Rolfe, Ovens and Deverall dealt well with everything which came their way. Handscomb made it three nil in the 82nd minute, scoring from a corner he headed home to get his deserved goal.  It was then the turn of Ackerman to score in the 89th minute, he pounced on a mishit pass and his shot was palmed into the net by the Finch keeper. This was a positive performance by Port who looked compact and organised and kept their second clean sheet in five days.

HOLYPORT 4 - 0 FINCHAMPSTEAD
Finchampstead held out reasonably strongly in the first half against 5th placed Holyport, in fact had the better of the goal scoring chances in the opening thirty minutes, but when a torrential deluge descended on the ground towards half time, they appeared to be badly affected by the changing conditions.
While the going was good, Finch mounted some promising attacks and counter attacks which were nearly all competently blocked by their hosts on the edge of the danger zone. Dean Thomas attempted to give the game a boost, making a number of strong runs at the home defence and playing positively up front with Brian Murphy and Garry Sargeant. Giving away a needless free-kick on the edge of the penalty area, Finch was forced to defend the set piece taken by Holyport’s Arran Coleman. It was curled ankle high around the wall but Nick Rumsby read the situation well and saved any embarrassment. A free-kick to Finch amounted to nothing, but then Pat Selby turned and steered the ball across the face of goal with Garry Sargeant homing in to finish. Alas! He could not quite connect boot and ball with the goal at his mercy.
Holyport’s Dan Rapley was conspicuous when involved on the wing, getting the better several times over Finch defenders and taking useful free-kicks. However the Finch defence, marshalled by Scott Bursill and Tom Hopper, rarely looked troubled.
Brian Murphy was supplied a great opportunity again for Finch, but his effort was deflected of the line by a defender and another chance of the visitors taking the lead went begging. The deluge of rain descended five minutes from half-time, Dan Rapley found himself in the position to get Holyport off the mark, stabbing home a cross from close range. Somewhat shaken by the combination of very heavy rain and having conceded a goal, Finch went off at half-time despondent and drenched. To add to their troubles, Scott Bursill had to withdraw at half-time with numbness in his arm, having been solid in defence throughout the first half.
Half Time 1 - 0
The second half turned out to be a woeful session for the visitors, as apart from occasional forays forward, Finch spent practically all but the last ten minutes struggling on the soggy turf. More used to the muddy and bobbly playing surface, Dan Rapley added a second for the hosts in the forty-seventh minute when Nick Rumsby, having raced out but failed to clear the ball, was stranded outside his penalty area leaving the vacant goal wide open. Finch’s immediate attempted to get a goal back, Garry Sargeant forcing a fine save from Mark Ramsey. Holyport’s next meaningful probe forced Nick Rumsby to save an effort from Lewis Driver. Shortly afterwards, Nathan Lishman, on as substitute for Holyport, when in a strong position to score again, helped the Finch defence out by back-heeling the ball deftly back to a sky-blue shirt. Holyport made it 3-0 in the eighty-third minute when Jamie Handscomb was allowed a free run to drill past Nick Rumsby. Late in injury time, Alan Akerman put the final nail in the Finch coffin when his hopeful shot slipped through the keeper Nick Rumsby’s hands at the near post to make it 4-0, a somewhat harsh result on the day.

KINTBURY RANGERS 2 - 3 MILTON UNITED
As expected the game played at the Recreation Ground was a feisty affair with former manager Bobby Wilkinson and his Milton side coming away with the points despite playing for 80 minutes with 10 men.
Both sides took time to settle on a bumpy pitch, but the home side broke away in the 10th minute and the Milton captain brought down the player outside the box as the referee blew for a foul, Liam Thorne must have feared the worst as the official deemed he was the last player and sent him from the pitch. Kintbury did not take advantage of the resulting free kick and it was in fact the visitors who looked more likely to score. Wilkinson had surprised the supporters by playing 5 across the midfield and this certainly was paying off as Ben Taylor and Warren McCabe were able to push on and the pace upfront of Alleyne and Summers began to cause problems for the KIntbury defence. It was the partnership of Summers and Alleyne which opened the scoring in the 36th minute when a cross from the left by Summers was headed into the net by a stooping ALLEYNE, which brought loud cheers from the visiting supporters, even if there was a hint of offside. Although the home side pushed on for the equaliser they could not make the extra man count at this stage and the half ended with Milton retaining the lead.
HALF TIME 0 - 1
Not the first time this season Milton started the second half well and Bobby Wilkinson playing in midfield started spraying the ball around and it was no surprise when the visitors doubled their lead in the 55th minute. A Wilkinson pass out wide on the right found Taylor who pushed forward before crossing to WARREN McCABE who collected the ball and took it past Roberts in the Kintbury goal before putting the ball in the empty net. This second goal brought a wave of substitutes from the home side as they pushed on to get something from the match. This backfired when Wilkinson saw that McCabe was clear on the left and sent an inch perfect pass to the youngster who gladly scored slotted home his second and his side’s third goal of the afternoon.
This brought an immediate response from Kintbury and Drake in the visitor’s goal had to be alert to turn a very good effort round for a corner. Curtis Angell was lucky to remain on the pitch when he appeared to raise his fists, but the official decided to only book him. Unfortunately for Angell he had to be substituted a few minutes later when he injured his ankle again. Although tiring the visitors still pushed forward and limited the home side to a few shots but Kintbury did pull a goal back in the 80th minute when Milton did not clear their lines and Bob McLay made them pay by turning the ball into the net. This inspired Kintbury and they felt that maybe they could get a point as Milton’s 10 men finally began to tire. Dan Oatway was pushed up front and his height was causing problems for the Milton defence and Kintbury scored their second goal in time added on when Captain Luke Mason ended up on the ball about a yard from goal although several players looked in an offside position. Kintbury went all out to equalise in the time the referee added on but despite being very tired the spirited Milton team held on for a deserved victory.
This match has certainly set up an interesting game on Easter Monday when the sides meet again at The Heights.

Rayners Lane 1 - 1 Woodley
Woodley visited Rayners Lane and looked to maintain their excellent run of results heading into a busy Easter period.
The home side started well and forced Woodley to defend for long periods.  The returning Craig Beales, in goal, was called into action very early on to tip over a curling effort.  Beales was again needed to be at his very best to save at close range as the ball fell in the Woodley penalty area. Woodley did have some of their own chances. Carl Davies had a header go wide and when Nick Edwards had his shot well saved and palmed to Davies three yards out, the chance was taken away by desperate defending.
Half Time 0 - 0
Rayners Lane had the better of the first half chances but the second half was a different story. It started with an excellent Jamie Fairchild pass setting leading scoring Davies clear on goal.  He was cynically upended on the edge of the area and the defender was lucky to stay on the pitch because Davies had a ‘clear’ goal scoring opportunity. On the break Rayners punished a misjudgement by Warren Baxter, but with a lot to do the forward steered an unstoppable shot past Beales to give the home side the lead.  After the goal, Woodley came back strongly and pegged the home team back for long periods. Luke Williams was influential in delivering testing crosses but Rayners Lane defended well.  Dan Jewell and Lyle Smith were introduced and both made impacts. Jewell delivered some dangerous crosses and the keeper James Christian, dealt well with one in particular as it flashed across goal.
 Fairchild had the best chance of the game with twenty minutes to play. The ball dropped eight yards out with Christian on the ground, but his shot was tame and into the keepers grasp. Woodley kept pushing and applying pressure during monsoon conditions as the heavens opened and left a lot of standing water. Smith eventually provided the break through when he converted Davies’ header back across goal from close range.  With eight minutes to play the game became a battle in the tricky conditions and a draw seemed a fair result.

Thame United 1 – 0 Chinnor
Thame United faced local rivals Chinnor on Saturday and won by a single goal. The game was played on a wet slippery pitch, and for much of the time it was raining, making it difficult for both sides to play attractive flowing football. Nevertheless, it was an entertaining game as both sides were totally committed and played with a tenacity and work rate only seen in local derbies.
Thame had the majority of first half possession and created several half chances, with Steve Newell, Luke Rickets and Mark Jones all going close. Although visiting keeper, Matt Tipping was busy, he was not really stretched. Chinnor’s attacks were few although, on 20 minutes, Adam Brooks missed a half chance. The goal came with a minute if the first half remaining. Following a Thame attack which had broken down in the Chinnor penalty area, the ball was played out to Aaron Rogers on the right who hit a cross cum shot from 30-yards. The ball was not hard enough to be a serious shot and it seemed that Tipping would collect it comfortably. As he caught the greasy ball above his head, it slipped from his grasp and seemed to cross the goal line before the unfortunate goalkeeper recovered and cleared the ball. The linesman, who was in a good position, signalled goal.
Half Time 1 - 0
Possession in the second half was more even although Thame created more chances than the visitors. Perhaps the best chance of the game fell to Mark Jones about 5 minutes after the restart when he met a Ricketts free kick with a close range header which flew over the bar. It looked as if Thame had increased their lead in the 65th minute when Adam Rhodes scrambled the ball home but the move was ruled offside. Both managers brought on substitutes and during the final 20 minutes, Chinnor came back, but were largely restricted to long-range shots with both Ryan Davis and Gary Marshall firing wide.
Overall, Thame were the better side for most of the game and deserved their three points. The result means that they have not conceded a goal in six successive games and are unbeaten since early December.

Reserve Section
Chalfont Wasps 2-0 Thatcham Town
With the first team not having a fixture the focus was on this top verses bottom reserve team fixture with the Wasps looking to avenge the mauling Thatcham dished out in the reciprocal fixture earlier in the season.
Thatcham’s talented youngsters faced a good Wasps side bolstered with a sprinkling of first team players. This competitive encounter kicked off at a high tempo and with both sides being vocal a great match day atmosphere was created which continued for the majority of the match. Wasps created the better of the chances in the first half. The first chance fell to Wasps Freddy Tripp whose long range shot on the turn in the 10th minute was only a few inches wide. Wasps’ next pair of chances followed quickly when Tripp squared to Liam O’Neill forcing Thatcham’s keeper to make a good stop pushing the ball wide, and from the resulting head tennis from the corner, the ball then fell to Neil Jones on the edge of the area whose powerful drive whistled over the bar. In the 13th minute Wasps Matt Skinner tricky footwork put him in a good position but he elected to pass when maybe he should have shot on goal. At the other end Thatcham had a good opportunity on 15 minutes but the winger could only drill the ball over the bar from a tight angle whilst under pressure from the Wasps defence. Wasps’ competitive approach was good all round the pitch, particularly exemplified by Mark Heffernan who constantly hounded the Thatcham midfield, and when the ball broke to him after some good work from Miles Beavon in the 18th minute Heffernan was unlucky not to get enough power on the shot. Wasps continued to fashion chances with Thatcham always looking threatening but creating fewer clear cut opportunities. O’Neill’s went close next and Tripp’s well directed effort was deflected, taking the pace off the ball, which therefore arrived tamely at the keeper. Thatcham had a 5 minute spell of pressure 20 minutes into the match but faced a resolute Wasps rear guard and as a consequence failed to convert. Wasps then regained the initiative. Ryan Sweales, part of the hard working Wasps midfield, hit a rasping drive just wide, Tripp once again went close on 30 minutes and Sweales headed just over from a corner 3 minutes later. The Wasps relentless opportunities were converted to a deserved first goal in the 39th minute, and it was a terrific solo effort worth waiting for. Tripp received the ball on the edge of the box and turned his man sending an unstoppable strike on the half volley past the outstretched Thatcham keeper. Thatcham reacted well and in the 39th minute forced Wasps keeper Gary White into action with an excellent save to his right from a close range header. The final action of the half saw Matt Skinner’s clever dribble result in a pass to Tripp who shot just wide.
Half Time 1 - 0
The second half was equally as entertaining as the first but generally played at a slightly lower tempo. Danny Gray replaced Wasps experienced skipper Anthony Stotter in the 56th minute. Gray was immediately involved in the action and his exuberance got him booked, together with a Thatcham player, for his involvement in a multi-player ‘discussion’. The first meaningful effort of the half fell to Wasps Tripp in the 58th minute who blasted over from distance following the headed clearance of a free kick. Sadly the next incident saw a Thatcham player receive only a yellow card for what appeared to be an alleged attempted head butt, but fortunately the games over competitive nature settled down thereafter. Wasps continued to threaten on a regular basis. Heffernan’s excellent cross to the ever willing O’Neill looked like it would produce a second for the Wasps but a last second glancing defensive header took the ball just out of O’Neill’s reach. But O’Neill only had to wait until the 63rd minute to get a reward for his hard work when he slotted from a tight angle after a superb dribble into the box. At 2-0 the Wasps had a cushion but they still had a lot of work to do to secure the victory as Thatcham continued to work hard to get back into the match. Tom Seddon joined the action for the Wasps on the 69th minute mark. Danny Gray went close three minutes later after a strong run and shot from the right flank caused Thatcham’s keeper some concern but the ball went just wide if the upright. The match sadly stopped for 10 minutes on 75 minutes when long serving Wasps central defender Sam Woodward sustained what looked like a serious blow to his knee. All credit to Thatcham’s players and supporters who sportingly clapped Woodward as he was stretchered off. Fortunately after some medical magic from Wasps physio Kate Simmons, Woodward was able to walk to the dressing rooms despite the substantial gashes in his knee. Wasps played the remainder of the match with 10 men with Sweales dropping back into central defence. Thatcham made good use of the extra man advantage and created a number of opportunities from open play and corners. However, the final chance of the match fell to Wasps Miles Beavon whose positive run and shot forced a good save from the Thatcham keeper.
The final score of 2-0 was deserved based on the greater chances the Wasps created but Thatcham played their part in a very entertaining afternoon at The Nest.

Hungerford Town 3 - 1 Henley Town
Benham Hat Trick brings the title closer
Henley visited Bulpit Lane for the first time this season but it was the fourth time the clubs had met this campaign.
A different side was again fielded by Henley's Manager Stevenson presumably looking for revenge after failing to beat The Crusaders on three previous occasions.
Both sides started off a bit scrappy but it was Henley who fired in the first shot of the game with Lemmin getting a good block to stop the shot going in, from then on Hungerford dominated proceedings. In truth the score line at half time could have been 10-1 but some snap shots and poor finishing kept the score down. Mark James coming in to Midfield as Andover had a week off played extremely well getting in tackle after tackle and getting forward into dangerous positions. It was James who should have made sure from 12 yards when running onto a neat lay off by Benham, but couldn't keep the ball down. Dyke again delivered some tantalising balls into the area but the Henley back four were dealing with them. On 20 minutes Benham eventually got the better of the Henley defence a cross in from Dyke was chested down to the edge of the area by James and juggling the ball onto his right foot Benham fired home from the edge of the area.
Half Time 1 - 0
The second half started of brightly for The Crusaders and Benham got his second of the afternoon 10 minutes after the break. A free kick from inside Hungerford’s half was taken by Head at the back who flighted the ball into the corner of the pitch, Dyke did very well to get by the defender and keep the ball in, Dyke looked up and laid the ball off to Benham approaching the 18 yard box and he calmly slotted the ball home.
Henley got back into the game momentarily when the left winger had beat the offside trap when Brizzell had pulled up and Mandry in the centre of the field had played him onside, the winger cut in onto his right and slotted the ball past Lemmin who had not had to do anything else all afternoon. The fight back was short-lived and Benham completed his hat trick with another good strike from just inside the area and the game finished up 3-1 to Hungerford. The game in terms of football wasn't the greatest to watch but Hungerford dug in and grinded out another victory leaving Stevenson feeling sick.
Stevenson was heard later after the game commenting on the lack of football Hungerford played and that they just rely on the two lads upfront but I didn't see much football coming from the Henley side? Highworth's game was postponed at Abingdon Town so The Crusaders are now sitting pretty 11 point clear at the top of the table, if Town win their next two games the league title will be theirs.
Highworth come to Bulpit Lane next Saturday in what is a must win game for Highworth so expect nothing less than a great game.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2 - 1 WOOTTON BASSETT TOWN
Finch clear 3rd with Carl Barrie's winner
Finch recorded another hard fought victory against lowly Wootton Bassett Town but it was enough to maintain their impressive winning streak that has given them an outside chance of the Reserve Division One runners-up spot.
None of Finch's match are ever easy and playing the side bottom of the league proved to be no exception. The away side deserved a lot of credit for their gutsy display and with a lot of teenagers in their team, the Bassett management must have been really proud of them. Bassett started the stronger, being quicker to the ball and in the tackle, but once James Brazier and Richard Kell got to grips with their midfield duties, and Finch began to take charge. The side played some decent football at times, with the right flank duo of Freddie Baron and fullback Andre Kelly combining well. The Finch forward line was a little too static at times and better movement would have aided the sides attacking options. However even when they appeared to have got the better of the Bassett defence on several occasions, the away teams exuberant linesman quickly had his flag up for the mandatory offside decision. The only way to beat this problem was to receive the ball in your own half run at pace with the ball, dribble past three defenders, draw out the keeper and coolly slot it into the goal, and that’s exactly what goal king Lewis Frostick did and it was 1-0 to Finch with twenty minutes played. Finch were now on top and should have made it 2-0 with some decent right wing crosses that opened up the away defence, but all our chances were squandered and battling Bassett were still in it when half time arrived.
Half Time 1 - 0
With their noses 1-0 in front, it was a confident dressing room at half time, maybe too confident, and although it was a competent second half, Finch seemed to lack the killer instinct to put the game beyond Bassett. On the hour Steve Selby replaced James Brazier who had had a decent match, but it was felt that maybe fresh legs would give Finch the impetus to get the vital second goal. However Finch paid the price for their complacency in the sixty-fifth minute when Ben Winship and Adam Merritt failed to cut out a right wing cross that was despatched with glee by Bassett's young centre forward to make it 1-1. Finch were stunned. Bassett for all their effort had not really troubled the Finch goal, Sam Green and Luke Axton Hall had seen to that, so the equaliser had come out of the blue. The question was, could they wake from their malaise and get their noses back in front. A double substitution was made straight after the goal, with Chris Hollis and Dan Willis on for Lewis Frostick and Adam Merritt. Five minutes later, the answer to the question was thankfully yes. Great support play from the impressive Ben Winship feeding off of a Richard Kell through ball fired in a cross come shot that ended up at the far post. Carl Barrie arrived in the nick of time and from an acute angle smashed the ball high into the goal giving the keeper no chance to make it 2-1. This goal seemed to give Finch added confidence and once again the lads’ idea of defending a 2-1 lead was to attack in droves for a third goal. To be fair some great goal chances were fashioned, but both Dan Willis and Chris Hollis with the goal at their mercy just failed to score the goals that would have given Finch the breathing space that they needed against a tenacious Wootton Bassett Town team.
Finch had won the match with a somewhat below par performance, but the general feeling was that there was a lot more left in the locker had it had been required on the day.