19 November

FA Vase – 2nd Round
Alton Town 2 – 2 Wantage Town (AET)
Keen brace earns replay in tough Cup encounter

In a pulsating cup tie, Wantage through sheer endeavour and hard work, earned a replay after extra-time against a strong Alton Town side from the Wessex Premier League. Wantage thought that they had done enough to secure the tie at the end of 90 minutes. Danny Keen’s well taken penalty in the 48th minute, after David Bostock had been floored in the box, appeared to be sufficient to win the tie, but in the 5th minute of time added on, the home-side equalised, Wantage Captain Tom Rowe being deemed to have handled the ball, as he attempted to clear, Alton Captain Ian Humble converting the spot kick to take the tie into extra-time.

The game was played at a frantic pace, the home-side moving the ball forward at every opportunity, hoping to capitalise upon the pace of centre forward Simba Mlambo. The game, played on a well prepared surface to the continual background chanting of Wantage Town’s green and white Army, started with a series of corners to the home-side, Wantage keeper Gareth Tucker facing bright sunlight as the November ‘summer’ continued. The Wantage backline of Stuart Cattell, Tom Rowe and Chris Kennedy had to work hard to resist the pacey home attack, all of the early action occurring in the Wantage half. Ian Dyer drove the ball just over the Wantage bar in the 6th minute, and five minutes later James Hammond headed well wide from a well delivered Dyer free kick. In the 15th minute, Carl Saunders flashed a free kick across the face of the Wantage goal but neither defenders nor attackers could make contact. The homeside should have taken the lead in the 20th minute when Mlambo was given space and time to head a Dyer corner just over the bar. Wantage won their first corner in the 25th minute, Alton keeper Craig Atkinson doing well to save surrounded by Wantage players. But the play swung back to the other end, Mark Clothier shooting high over the Wantage bar when well placed at the edge of the Wantage box. Wantage Captain Tom Rowe did well to clear the next Alton corner, and as the last 15 minutes of the first half began, Wantage rallied and moved the game into their opponent’s half. David Bostock and the hardworking Richard Claydon combined well, Claydon’s drive just skimming over the Alton bar. In the 38th minute, Gavin Jones broke on the right and set up David Bostock, Bostock just lifting the ball over the bar from close-in. Jack Daley won a free kick on the edge of the Alton penalty area, Claydon’s kick flicking off of the Alton defensive wall for a corner.

The second half began explosively as Mark Threlfall’s long pass found David Bostock on the left, and as Bostock cut into the box he was tripped. Substitute Danny Keen, who had replaced the injured Jack Daley at half-time, stepped up and confidently drove the spot kick past Atkinson in the Alton goal. The half settled into a midfield battle, the homeside attempting to push forward but unable to get through the defensive line established in front of the Wantage penalty area. Wanatge were reduced to rare breaks as they fought to retain their lead. Danny Keen, looking lively, almost set up David Bostock in front of goal in the 64th minute to seal the tie, but Bostock could not connect. In the 70th minute, Wantage conceded a free kick on the edge of their box, Carl Saunders driving the ball into Gareth Tucker’s arms. Three minutes later at the other end, Keen and Claydon combined well but couldn’t force the ball home. On 80 minutes, David Bostock drew a great save from Atkinson in the Alton goal, after more good work from the resurgent Keen. Five minutes later, Claydon couldn’t quite get a touch to a well delivered Threlfall cross. But Alton pressurised the Wantage defence in the final minutes, bombarding the Wantage box with a series of high balls. Substitute Tom Butler heading off of his line in the 89th minute, and then Mlambo firing over as Wantage legs tired. Alton keeper Craig Atkinson joined the attack for an Alton corner in the first minute of added time, and as the Wantage supporters were calling time, in the 5th minute of added time Alton got their penalty to move the tie into extra time.

The first period of extra-time followed the pattern of the first 90 minutes. Wantage reduced to breakaways, but most of the action happening in the Wantage half. On 100 minutes the lively Mlambo headed against the Wantage bar. Four minutes into the second period of extra-time, Alton took the lead, Mark Clothier driving the ball through a crowd of players to put the homeside 2 – 1 ahead. The their enormous credit, having been set back twice at crucial points in the game, Wantage rallied again, but not before Gareth Tucker had saved well as Alton sought to secure the tie. Wantage, now effectively reduced to 10 men as Threlfall carried an injury, moved the ball forward for a final attack, the ball breaking to Danny Keen who steered it past Atkinson to put the visitors back on level terms.
The tie now moves on to Wantage, the replay being on Tuesday evening (22nd Nov) at Alfredian Park (7.45pm kick-off) 

Bishop Sutton 2 - 4 Shortwood United
Wood Turn it Around!
A magnificent second half performance at Bishop Sutton on Saturday saw Shortwood gain ample revenge for their FA Cup defeat at the same ground earlier this season and progress to the 3rd round of the FA Vase.
This time they showed the Toolstation outfit just what a good side they are and their team spirit was exemplary. John Evans was understandably delighted: “This was a superb team performance and we were a different class in the second half. It is very difficult to choose a man of the match today but if pushed I would have to go for Chris Mortlock, who led the line superbly – and Joe Tustain, who scored two vital goals.”
Bishop Sutton are a good side and playing down the hill in the first half they pushed the ball about well and soon had Shortwood under pressure. They should have taken the lead after only 4 minutes but Hawkins blazed over the bar from only 6 yards. Shortwood replied as Mortlock had a shot clawed away for a corner and Coates faded a header wide of the far post. Although these exchanges were even it was Sutton who took the lead after 24 minutes Robbins had a header cleared off the line but the ball fell to Hawkins on the edge of the area and his shot took a heavy deflection past King. Sutton then enjoyed the better possession and when Wood broke they were caught repeatedly offside. Shortwood lost Cant on 36 minutes when he pulled up with a damaged hamstring. Bennett dropped back to full back and Haddock slotted into midfield. Bishop Sutton continued to exert pressure but Wood found themselves level on the stroke of half time. Shallcross was booked for a reckless tackle on Mike Green and Bennett sent the ball into the area and Haddock flicked it on. Axton laid the ball back to Tustain and he fired the ball low into the corner to send the sides in level.
If Bishop Sutton shaded the first half the second period was a completely different story. Shortwood came to terms with the pitch and the slope and swept forward with wave after wave of attacks. Within seconds of the restart Bennett found Haddock down the left flank who held the ball up well in the corner before passing to Parrott. Parrott sent over a low cross and Tustain arrived to crash the ball in off the underside of the bar. Wood were unlucky not to make three after 51 minutes when Matthews did well to parry Mortlock’s shot and Parrott slammed the ball against the post from the narrowest of angles. Then a cross from Haddock deceived everyone. Sutton equalised in fortuitous circumstances after 61 minutes. A header hit the post and Mike Green hacked the ball clear but only against the back of Tom King and the ball rolled into the net. Bishop Sutton’s joy was short-lived, however, as straight from the kick off Finnigan played the perfect ball to Mortlock who ran through and finished clinically and was immediately mobbed by his team mates. Bishops were rattled and had no answer to the flair and passion of the Shortwood side. It was no surprise when they added to their tally with 15 minutes to go. Baldwin split the defence again with a ball to Mortlock who took the ball on before squaring to Haddock. Haddock cut inside a defender and fired low past Matthews to seal the win. Shortwood finished the game on top and at the final whistle they and the Shortwood faithful rightly celebrated a tremendous win.

Old Woodstock Town 4 - 3 Witney Town
Friday night come back by Old Woodstock Town
This all Hellenic cup tie was played with both teams getting on with playing the game.
The game started at a fast pace from both sides. Old Woodstock had the best of the early chances but could not hit the target, or when they did Adam Lonsdale was in the way. Witney Town started to get their passing game going in the middle of the park. On one of their first chances. Andy Younie was not closed down by the defenders and his shot was low and hard across the Old Woodstock Keeper Darren Booker. He was making his first appearance for Old Woodstock Town and the ball went right into the corner for Witney Town to take the lead 0-1. Both sides kept on making chances but both keepers were not to be passed or the players did not hit the target. Old Woodstock’s Murray Nichols lost the ball in the middle of the park the ball was put through the Old Woodstock Town deference for Andy Younie to again put the ball into net 0-2. Old Woodstock kept on going forward and in the 39th minute was awarded a free kick Murray Nichols took the free kick and Gavin Kidd turned the ball into the net 1-2.
Half Time:            1 - 2
The game looked all over for Old Woodstock when in the 1st minute of the 2nd half Old Woodstock lost the ball and once again Witney Town Andy Younie made it three. 1-3
Witney Town still looked dangerous and the Old Woodstock keeper Darren Booker made a great save from Andy Younie again just putting the ball over the bar. Manager Eddie Nix in the 60th minute made the chances and brought on forwards Marley Joseph and Dan Green, this move caused Witney problems straight away and in the 68th minute Marley Joseph just put the ball past the post. Then in the 75th minute the Old Woodstock Town fight back started with a goal mouth scramble and Old Woodstock Town Leading goal score Dan Bone putting the ball in the net 2-3.Old Woodstock could see a third goal coming and in the 86th minute were awarded a free kick just out side the box. Capt Murray Nichols took the free kick a put the ball straight into the back of the net to make it 3-3, the crowd and teams were looking at extra time but Old Woodstock were still going forward. In the time added on by referee John Balcombe the ball was put across for the unlucky Witney Town defender to put the ball into his own net 4-3. For Old Woodstock Town it was then all down to the referee to blow the final whistle for the celebration to start on the field and then into the dressing room.

Reading Town 2 Erith 1
Town have been rewarded for their win over Erith with another home tie in the third round of the FA Vase.
They face Wessex League Division 1 mid-table side Cowes Sports at Scours Lane on Saturday December 3.
"We're very satisfied with this draw," said manager Mark Bartley.
"We're happy to take on anyone at home and we don't fear anybody."
For a time on Saturday, however, Town looked to be heading for defeat as they trailed to a 52nd-minute goal.
But assistant manager Marcus Richardson came off the subs bench and helped change the game.
He set up the equaliser for Graham Lewis before seeing Richard Witt fire home the winner. Both goals were brilliantly taken.
"Marcus certainly made a difference," said Bartley.
"He was able to make the ball stick, which wasn't happening before.
"Physically, he was a problem for them (Erith) and created space for others."
Town, who were missing leading scorer Ray Spence due to suspension, had to battle hard to ovecome an Erith side managed by former Reading junior player Tony Russell.
Both sides played some good football in the first half, but without managing to impose their authority or create clear-cut scoring opportunities.
Alex Tisse looked dangerous for Erith, but he came up against an equally fast right-back in Matty David, who probably gave his best performance for the club.
Town made a lively start to the second half with Lewis, and Phillip John both going close, but was Erith who broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when Chris Walker hammered the ball home from a tight angle.
The goal gave the Kent side a lift and they were beginning to get the better of Town.
But in the 62nd minute the Reading bench made a substitution that changed the game.
The experienced Richardson replaced Dave Stevens and joined the attack, while John switched to a deeper role.
Richardson immediately started to exert extra pressure on the Erith defence, while John got more out of his midfield colleagues.
And it was Richardson, from wide out on the right, who set up the 69th-minute equaliser for Lewis, who blasted a powerful shot past keeper Kevin Fewell.
Soon afterwards, Richardson had a shot deflected for a corner and Lewis saw his effort well saved by Fewell.
Town were now looking the more threatening side and another effort from Witt flashed just wide of the post.
But Witt made no mistake on 80 minutes. Pedro De Barros found his midfield partner who powered forward and crashed the ball into the net.
Reading Town: Garnes, David, Rolland, Salmon, Lingwood, De Barros, Witt, Stevens, John, Michael Bartley, Lewis. Subs: Richardson (for Stevens 62mins), Matt Spence, Piercy, Aulsberry.

Ringmer 2 - 2 Binfield (AET)
In an eventful match, the Moles twice led and came within moments of what seemed an unlikely win, when they started extra time a man down. But Ringmer twice came from behind to bring the tie back to Hill Farm Lane on Monday night (21st Nov, kick off 7.45pm)and it will be interesting to see how these sides match up on a better playing surface.
The Moles started with a strong side as Carl Davies came back into the starting line up after his one match suspension. Adam Jeffrey made way and Callum Whitty moved out to the right. But Davies could well have ended up the villain, when he saw a second yellow card in the 85th minute, after a very harsh first card in the first half. Davies will know that he must try to curb his comments in the heat of battle - his frustration was understandable in both incidents, but the cards were inevitable from a fussy official who seemed to give the Moles very little throughout the match. Binfield had the better of the early exchanges and both Ian and Carl Davies got behind Ringmer on a few occasions, without finding anyone in the middle to apply a finishing touch. But Ringmer came into the match more in the middle of the half and created two good chances of their own when a Clive Snell header came back off the bar and a Danny Davis driving run and shot landed on the roof of the net. Before half time, both James Suarez and Danny Wing had seen shots from the edge of the box fly just over, but an evenly contested match remained scoreless at half time.
The Moles started the second period at a greater pace and pressed their opponents back with the passing football they are capable of. With the half 7 minutes old, Ian Davies provided a brilliant lobbed finish over Tom Rand after great work from Paul Shone on the right and Binfield had the lead they deserved. Seconds later, Davies thought he had a second with another lob, but he was ruled offside. And the Moles continued to dominate and could have made it 2-0 when Danny Wing got free and hit a great volley, but this time Rand was equal to it and made a good save at his near post.
And that save gave his side the chance to draw level. Breaking on the left when their main threat throughout the match, winger Nick Wheeler got in a fierce cross that Dan Weait couldn't hold and Mark Price looped his header back over Weait's despairing dive.
Chances continued to be at a premium and the game was heading for extra time.
By the start of extra time, Jack Tallentire had replaced James Suarez for the Moles and within 2 minutes of the restart, Jake Butler and Ryan Millward had replaced Carl Withers, who had taken a knock on his ankle and Mike Hancock. But the Moles were playing well, with their ten-men defending resolutely and working their way forward effectively when possible. With the first period drawing to an end, the Moles worked the ball well through midfield, with Butler showing excellent control, winning the ball and playing a sensible pass inside to Jack Tallentire, who lobbed forward for Ian Davies to run onto. Davies broke into the area and hit a great shot that Rand did well to push over for a Binfield corner. And from that corner, the Moles took an unlikely lead. Rand came for a ball he thought he would claim, but saw it sail over him and onto the head of Garry Callaway who finished from 4 yards, for the defender's 3rd goal in as many matches. As the Moles celebrated, Jason Sowter was fortunate that the officials missed his elbow in the face of Moles striker Ian Davies, that would surely have seen him shown red. So with 17 minutes left of extra time, the pattern was set. A tiring Binfield ten men were dealing well with Ringmer's greater possession and keeping the ball when they could. But a chance was always likely to come. And with referee Yates already checking his watch several times, Ringmer got the goal they craved. A long throw into the box was won well by Paul Mortimer, but flew straight to the unmarked Sowter, who hit a great low volley into the bottom corner to force the replay.

Premier Division
Abingdon Town 3 – 2 Bracknell Town
ROBINS UNDONE BY OFFSIDE DECISIONS
Bracknell Town were on the wrong end of some poor officiating as two wrongly awarded goals saw them fall to Abingdon Town by the odd goal in five.
The first half belonged to the hosts who opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Romaine Lewis fouled Adam Lovegrove and Paul Alder stepped up to curl in a twenty yard free-kick.
A second goal followed on 33 minutes. Adam Lovegrove received the ball in an offside position and squared to Anaclet Odihiambo who slotted home to the disgust of the Robins.
The visitors were doubly aggrieved shortly before half-time. Rocky Whitty body checked Sam Barratt to win the ball and his ball over the top picked out the obviously offside Odhiambo who made no mistake for his second of the match.
Half Time:      Abingdon Town 3 – 0 Bracknell Town
Bracknell showed great heart after the interval to fight back and two goals inside three minutes gave them home of securing a draw. Tom Barratt’s long throw was met by younger brother Sam whose goal-bound header took a touch off a home defender on the goal-line but the goal is rightfully awarded to Sam. The brothers were involved in the second goal. Tom’s shot was charged down and Sam lashed in the rebound from 25 yards as the ball found the bottom left hand corner. Ben Knight missed two good chances for the Berkshire side in the second half as they ran out if time and were left to rue the poor decisions which cost them dearly.
League leaders Ardley United visit Larges Lane on Tuesday before the Robins travel to division one side Clanfield I cup action this coming weekend.

 

Ardley United 5 - 1 Henley Town
With home advantage, and on a pitch more suited to football, Ardley posted a more convincing win than last weeks encounter at Henley's triangle ground.
Ardley’s first came courtesy of brotherly love when Stuart Bridges played a through ball to Scott Bridges. Scott steadied himself before placing the ball wide of the keeper to open the account on 14 minutes. The home side were well in control, denying Henley the ball. Ben Thomas skilfully played in an unmarked Adam Beckett who took his chance well. After 39 minutes it was Ryan Brooks who turned the screw when he fired off a speculative shot from some 25 yards beating David Lyons in the visitors goal.
Three down at half time Henley came out more determined to get back into the game, twenty minutes into the half Ahmed El-Amir pulled one back when Ardley lost possession, not for the first time since the break. El-Amir picked up the gifted pass and made no mistake from close range. Despite Ardley’s sloppy play Stuart Bridges made it four when Ryan Brooks fed him the ball inside the area. With fifteen minutes left on the clock all three subs were deployed, this appeared to liven up the home side. A quick throw to Brooks saw him take the ball to the bye line, play it across the face of the goal for Tom Green to latch onto and score his first of the season. Ardley had put in better performances this season and the score line flattered them somewhat, but it put them in the top spot heading for Christmas.

Holyport 0 v 2 Oxford City Nomads
This game was always going to be a tough game and made even harder with only one fully fit sub.
It was Holyport who started the better of the two sides and from kick off Lee Jerrum found space on the edge of the box but drove over. Jerrum then found space out wide again on 2 minutes and whipped in a cross which was cleared by Oxford.
Oxford began to grow into the game and showed their football ability by playing some neat football and using their pace out wide to get into some good positions, on one such occasion Rolfe had to clear a dangerous cross into the Holyport six yard area. During these early stages the defences of both sides were on top and the first real chance of the game came on 24 minutes when Oxford drove the ball across the face of Ports goal and somehow it evaded everyone to stay at 0-0. Holyport responded well and Handscomb headed over on 27 minutes. On 32 minutes Oxford were awarded a free kick and they nearly took the lead through this as it hit the bar. Three minutes later and Oxford had the lead as a goal bound effort deflected off of a Port player and fall into the on rushing forwards bath and he made no mistake from 6 yards out. The killer blow came on the 44th minute as Oxford got their second of the game, a cross from the right found its way to the left midfielder who in the build up shouted ‘leave it’. The Oxford player then crossed into the Port box and somehow the Oxford forward squeezed the ball home it give them a 2-0 lead at half time.
The second half Oxford never let Holyport back into the game and their well drilled side kept Holyport at bay. Oxford had a few half chances to increase their lead as a header flew over and a free kick just went wide. Holyport best chances fell to Jamie Wright in the 85th minute but the keeper saved from close range. Oxford were the best side who have visited Summerleaze this season and the best side won on the day.

Shrivenham 2 - Ascot Utd 2
After a first half that saw the Yellamen one down and with Shrivenham having the better of the possession and chances, few thought there was any chance of them getting anything from the game. But Lamb’s men are beginning to show they have the resilience to get themselves out of trouble with two goals in the last 15 minutes earning them a vital point and stretching their unbeaten run to 7 games. Shrivenham took the lead in a first half they clearly dominated with a number of attempts on goal going just wide of the target and they fully deserved their goal in the 32nd minute when a flick header from a cross from the right saw the ball go in off the far post. The Yellamen were clearly out of sorts with few chances being created, the passing going astray and the half time whistle welcome, allowing Lamb and McGrotty to sort things out during the break.
The second half saw Lamb coming on for the injured Hancock, who is struggling with a rib injury, taking up a position in central defence with Curtis being moving out to right back and this did appear to make a difference as the team looked sharper with Mills seeing a good turn and shot go just wide of the post. However, Shrivenham were still playing well themselves and it needed a fine save by Collis in the 60th minute, when he managed to get a finger onto the ball and tip it onto the crossbar and away to safety. But, just 2 minutes later a good shot that appeared to take a slight deflection, caught Collis unaware and the Yellamen were two down. Time then for resilience to show through, with chances being created, with the ball being played quicker out to the wing, and the Shrivenham defence now having to work hard. Sapsed was now on for Boon and there was a sense of urgency that led to a free kick just outside the box in the 75th minute that Cousins bent round the wall and past the keeper to make it 2 – 1. Further good play in the 82nd minute saw a great effort from Farrelly tipped over. Shortly after that, Bennett on 89 mins received the ball in the Shrivenham box and, turning too quickly for the defender, he was brought down to earn a clear penalty. There was only going to be one person taking the penalty, Bennett, who was captain again for the day, taking charge and coolly placing the ball just wide to the goalkeeper’s right to make it 2 – 2 and with little time left in the game, that was the final result.
Jeff Lamb was certainly the happier manager at the end of the game, Shrivenham will feel they lost the game but Lamb will be delighted to see his team not giving up and maybe getting that little bit of luck that was missing earlier in the season.

Thame United 3 – 2 Slimbridge (Home View)
In one of the most entertaining games seen at the ASM Stadium this season Thame defeated Slimbridge 3-2 last Saturday. This was United’s 4th Successive win and a good victory for Thame as, at the start of the game, the visitors were six league places above their hosts, having had not lost an away game all season. Unusually, Thame did not make any substitutions and ended the game with the same eleven players that had lined up at the start.
The first half hour was fairly even with both teams playing attractive attacking football. The visitors took the lead on 35 minutes when a long ball from defence resulted in a mix up between home defender Meredith Mitchell and out coming keeper Nick Bennion, allowing Slimbridge striker Alex Higgs to dribble the ball pass Bennion and hit it into an empty net from 20-yards. United equalised just before the break when Stewart rose to head an Aaron Rogers cross, but a defender intervened and fortunately the ball fell to Stewart, who reacted quickly to hit an acutely angled shot home from close range.
The resumption of play saw United attacking and, as a corner was taken, there was the usual amount of jostling near goal, however the referee saw an infringement and awarded a penalty. Stewart took the spot kick well giving the visiting keeper no chance. After a period of Thame pressure the visitors recovered and put the Thame goal under pressure. The on-form Bennion was kept busy and made a brilliant save from point-blank range. The pressure was rewarded in the 77th minute when substitute Dan Holliday hit a strong 20-yard free kick pass Bennion. So it was 2-2 with 13 minutes remaining. Three minutes later, Thame were awarded a free kick on the left and Rogers went one better by hitting a superb, well-placed, shot from 25-yards. Thame were under pressure for the rest of the game and could have conceded seconds before the final whistle when Sam Cowan almost headed into his own goal, but the ball hit the post and Bennion collected.

Thame United 3 – 2 Slimbridge (Visitor’s View)
A goal 11 minutes from full time swung an entertaining game Thame United's way this afternoon as they defeated the Swans 3-2. After taking the lead, Slimbridge fell behind and fought back, before being denied a point with a late score for the hosts.
Slimbridge had the best of the earlier exchanges, but were unable to turn their advantage into goals - it took 20 minutes before they got their first shot on target, but Jamie Martin's shot following a cross from Alex Higgs proved no problem for the Thame Keeper. Higgs had an even better chance himself two miutes later, when Marvin Roberts' header saw him through on goal, but again his shot was weak and came to nothing. On 28 minutes, the visiting fans felt that Rob Hine was elbowed in the face by Alex Stewart, but the referee missed the collision. Hine was booked for a subsequent tackle as the incident went unpunished. The Swans took the lead on 34 minutes, when Higgs chased a ball and profited from a mix up between goalkeeper and defender, which saw the Slimbridge striker able to stroke the ball into an empty net. The lead was only to last 10 minutes however - Shane Anson failed to deal with a cross coming in from the right flank, and Stewart was left in space to fire the ball home to level the scores.
Four minutes into the second half, the hosts took the lead in controversial circumstances, when Ben Wood was deemed to have used his arms as players tussled for possession in the Swans' box, and Stewart drilled home the penalty for his second goal of the game. Slimbridge Keeper Dave Evans was booked for halting a dangerous Thame move on 51 minutes, with a foul that was committed outside the box, but the referee deemed the offence only worthy of a yellow card. Thame had an opportunity to increase their lead on the hour, but Luke Rickett's goal-bound header was cleared off the line. Slimbridge continued to press and nearly nicked an equaliser when Roberts' header saw Freddy Ward produce a superb volley which was well saved. On 77 minutes, the scores were level - Brad Martin was fouled on the edge of the Thame Box, and debutant Daniel Holloway scored from the free kick to make the score 2-2. Having seemed to retrieve the game, the Swans then let it slip again - two minutes later, Aaron Rogers fired the home side back in front from a free kick, after Ward was penalised for a foul on the edge of the Slimbridge box. There was still time for Holloway to heave a header cleared off the line via the post in the dying seconds, but Thame hung on to record the victory.
The Swans travel to Witney United on Tuesday night for a League encounter, before making the short trip over the River to Lydney next Saturday for a Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup Third Round tie.              

One West
Cricklade Town 0 - 5 Purton (Home View)
The 14th meeting in the Hellenic league went the way of the visitors, in a tight game that changed on the hour with a soft penalty.
The game started like a proper derby with both sides trying to assert their authority with some hard tackles flying in on the wet surface, the visitors created the first chance on 10 minutes with a cross from the far right into the far post that Ben Mitchell could only get a glove on, and from the by-line Gooch pass the ball along the goal-line for Kyle Moulden to clear the danger, the player was then booked on 18 minutes for encroaching on the referees space, after Adam Smith conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box. As both teams enjoyed parts of possession, its was Purton that looked more dangerous from set pieces after a string of corners Paul Day was left unmarked with a free header just outside the 6-yard box but could only direct the header wide of the far post on 20 minutes. Purton then received two bookings as Richard Crocker was then booked for taking out Tom Price with after the ball had gone and Lee McMullen for the same offence. Cricklade then broke on 38 minutes with Sam Reason finding the ball on the halfway line and ran at the defence, with players left and right, Reason played in Hogg down the left just outside the box, with his cross finding its way to Tom Price inside the Purton box with one touch to much he shot was blocked as the best chance on the half went. Minutes later its was Tom Price and Anthony Hogg that combined again, as Hogg won the ball back outside the box, and side the ball to Price on the edge, with a clever flick over McCrae he volleyed into the bottom left corner for Cowley to save well at full stretch. In the dying minutes of the half Paul Day was left unmarked from a free-kick, 30 yards out, as the ball was crossed just inside the box Day headed wide. An even first half that saw both teams compete well.
Half Time:            0 - 0
The second half started as the first with both sides competing well for the ball, and Paul Day booked for a high challenge on Ed Jose in-front of the technical areas, the first change for Cricklade as Alex Povey was replaced by Ahmed Sultan due to injury on 50 minutes. The game then looked to change as Purton found some joy down the right after the Cricklade change, on 55 minutes a cross from the right was headed down as Gooch volley was only denied by a great save by Mitchell, then minutes later Purton clipped the ball into Paul Day inside the box, who was judged to have been pushed by Gareth Davies inside the box, and a penalty was awarded and converted by Marcus Hall sending the Mitchell the wrong way, a big decision that looked soft from the touchline as Day went down very easily. On 64 minutes it was 2-0 as Gooch went down the right and went past Sultan to easily to find Day with a cross, with Day being unmarked he guided his header past the helpless Mitchell, with the same again only minutes later as Brown provided the cross for Gooch to attempt an overhead kick the went just over the bar.
Cricklade looked unable to create as the ball failed to hold upfront, as Murdoch and Smith were booked for tackles, followed by Davies for Dissent. With Cricklade changing the shape they looked to create more upfront but looked weakened at the back, as Price slide the ball through for Jose to chase, as he cut in from the left edge of the box, his sliding shot was matched by Cowley to save well. With the game coming to a close Cricklade pushed to get back into the game as Ashley Gooch put Cricklade to the sword with a 3 minutes hat-rick that started with a mistake at the back, as Moulden passed across the box to Davies, as Davies let the ball run Brown ran in to steel the ball and slide in Gooch to finish well from the edge of the box, then the second came after Purton got in down the right again to cross, as Miller stepped over Gooch was left with a simple tap-in, the on 87 minutes the final piece came after a cross again from the right was only pushed out by Mitchell as Gooch volley the ball back past him.
This was a 2nd half performance that Cricklade will want to forget as they face Purton again next week in the Supplementary Cup.

Cricklade Town 0 - 5 Purton (Visitor’s View)
After two previous disappointing results Purton bounced back with a 5-0 win against near neighbours Cricklade Town last Saturday.
The first half of the game ended goal-less but Purton's Paul Day with two headers,
Nick McCrae with another and two good efforts by Ashley Gooch well saved with the home side hitting the Purton woodwork with a long range effort and another effort being cleared off their goal-line the main highlights.
Half Time:            0 - 0
The second half saw the game come to light when both sides had a near miss early on. Purton took the lead after Paul Day was pushed in the box and Marcus Hall slotted in the spot kick on 57 minutes. Purton went 2-0 up after 64 minutes when Paul Day headed in a Scott Campbell cross. A minute later a great struck volley by Ashley Gooch almost made it three. Cricklade hit back and Purton keeper Johnny Cowley had to make full length save to prevent a goal. On 76 minutes only a great save by the home keeper kept out a Ryan Child effort. The last 10 minutes then produced three more goals for Purton. On 80 minutes when a Ryan Child shot was blocked but Scott Campbell hammered in the rebound. On 87 minutes it was Scott Campbell again who volleyed in a James
Richards cross and Campbell completed his hat-trick on 89 minutes with yet another cracking effort to complete the scoring.

Malmesbury Victoria 0 - 1 Tytherington Rocks
Tytherington Rock has got the ‘X ‘Factor in spades.
With only nine men for 54 minutes after they had Toby Colbourne and Tony Perry were both sent off at the Flying Monk Ground. The Rocks put in an absorbing defensive display to win with a first-half goal to give them their sixth consecutive victory and Gary Powell’s side is now nine points ahead in Hellenic Div One West.
After six minutes Colbourne was sent off after a straight red card, following a tussle with Vic’s defender, Clint Walker. Then Perry was booked but somehow the Rocks went ahead in the 13th minute. Central defender , Andy Criddle was up to meet a long throw–in from Justin Bishop and his header went across the Malmesbury goal, was deflected by Vics midfielder, Rhys Owen , and the ball bounced in to the net “That was my goal!” exclaimed Criddle later, but one of his team mates retorted “it was an own-goal” but, who ever claimed the goal it was enough to win this controversial game, which became from another League ‘double ‘for the League headers. Nine minutes before the interval Perry was booked again and was the second Rocks’ player to have an early bath and it gave Malmesbury the way to come back. They passed the ball around but Tytherington defended well and although the Vics had lots of possession they never hurt the Rocks’ goal and Tom Sheppard did not have to save any goal chances. Yes the opposition were poor, desperately poor. And the nine-men Rocks profited with their team ethic which makes the promotion dream work as Tytherington’ formation with four at the back, three in  midfield and just one up front was enough to stifle the home side. There was a real tenacity about the Rocks, who had to mop a lot of pressure with dogged defence and in lone striker, Bishop, not 100% fit, ran everywhere over the dreadful pitch.
With 15 minutes left he was substituted by Alex Chapman and the tall striker, at every attempt, took the ball into the corner in the final moments to thwart the Vics, who finished themselves with ten men when Walker was dismissed after a bad tackle on Criddle, in injury time.
At the end, Powell said: - “I am proud of my team, who were excellent and should get all credit for what they did. In the second half they were fantastic and a clean sheet is another bonus. Even with nine men we could have scored more as ’Bish, Marc Hughes and Jack Smyth had chances which was saved by their goalkeeper.” There was no ‘man of the match’ award for the Tytherington players as all their nine men and substitutes were all ‘stars’.
Next Saturday, Nov 26th, the Rocks are at home against Carterton in the Supplementary Cup with a 1.45pm kick off.

TROWBRIDGE TOWN 1 - 1 BRIMSCOMBE & THRUPP
Football can be a funny game, bottom of the league Trowbridge who had not won a match all season nearly brought off the result of the season as 6th placed Brimscombe struggled for the first 45 minutes and looked right out of place in their first ever visit to Woodmarsh.
James Dark charged through a back pedalling defence to fire Town in to a 15th minute lead and Brimscombe looked decidedly shaky as they continued to give the ball away and the home side missed several more chances to increase their lead it was a nightmare for manager Baker as he followed his troops into the dressing room at half -time. But to give them and the Manager credit it was a different side that appeared 10 mins later and it meant a harrowing time for their opponents as young Ben Jones came on as substitute and Adam Sheppard the home keeper dived across his box to deny Ben several times but had no chance when a lovely move instigated by Davis allowed John Dalton a clear run at goal and his cross was turned in expertly by captain Gary Probert in the 80 th minute. Trowbridge hung on desperately in the later stages for the one point whereas Brimscombe saved their blushes with that late equaliser.
Next visitors at the Meadow will be Cricklade Town Res on Saturday k.o.2-15p.m.

                    

One East
Woodley Town 2 – 1 Rayners Lane
Woodley secured three points thanks to Brett Rann whose acrobatic volley and majestic header were enough to defeat Rayners Lane.
After an even opening half hour with both sides cancelling each other out and creating little, it was Woodley who took the lead when Danny Isaiew crossed for Rann, who had plenty to do, but the midfielder adjusted well and acrobatically volleyed the ball into the back of the net on the side volley in the thirtieth minute. Town should have doubled their lead a minute later when Karl Sims chipped the ball to the back post and Jordan Sawyer saw the ball bounce off his knees with the goal at his mercy and the ball was cleared.   Rayners Lane were having plenty of possession, but created little to trouble Dan Smith in the home side's goal. The away side were on the front foot from the start of the second half and got the benefit of a soft penalty decision on fifty three minutes allowing Shane O’Neil to level the scores. The game was opening up as both sides attacked with Rayners Lane looking to the long ball to their three forward while Town endeavoured to play passing football which brought the better chances were falling as Sims kept probing with dangerous crosses, Sawyer had a shot wide and Rann miss-hit a left footed effort.
Rann got the winner however, from the most unlikely scenario when Sawyer's free-kick to the back post was headed in by the smallest player on the pitch. There was still 15 minutes to play and Rayners Lane made changes but Smith cut out crosses and was not further troubled as Woodley got a deserved three points.
Town take a break form league action this weekend as they visit Reading Football League Senior Division basement team Sandhurst Devels, in the Reading Challenge Senior Cup.

                       
Oxfordshire Senior Cup
Headington Amateurs 3 – 2 Woodcote Stoke Row (AET)
Headington had to come back from a two goal half time deficit before scraping home against their Reading Senior League opponents, substitutes Craig Dean & Yannick Nkwanuo claiming a goal apiece.
If Headington had any doubts about the quality of the opposition they were soon dispelled as Woodcote took a 6th minute lead, speedy left winger Toby Nowell racing clear from the halfway line before finishing low past Harry Jenkins. Headington’s best chance in the early stages came after Aaron Williams intercepted a clearance from Woodcote ‘keeper Nick Bovington but could not keep his shot on target. Woodcote should have doubled their lead after 25 minutes, Ross Weatherstone missing the target from close range after more good work from the dangerous Nowell. Just before the half hour mark Shaun Jacob & Luke Cuff both had efforts on target that were comfortably saved by Bovington. Headington were struggling to get to grips with a lively & hard working Woodcote side & conceded a second goal on the stroke of half time, Jenkins unable to hold onto Weatherstone’s fiercely struck free kick from just outside the penalty area.
Half Time:            0 – 2
Headington tried desperately to force the pace in the 2nd half but had created few clear cut chances until the 78th minute when substitute Craig Dean forced home from inside the goal area after Liam Morbey headed Ollie Zaja’s free kick back across goal. Within a minute Cuff had snatched the equaliser, lobbing Bovington from fifteen yards from Zaja’s headed pass. Both sides had chances to win the match, Jenkins & Bovington both making good saves to keep the scores level. It took extra time to separate the teams with another Headington substitute, Yannick Nkwanuo, taking Cuff’s pass & shooting firmly past Bovington in the 101st minute. Aftab Hafiz twice had to clear off the goal line as Headington saw out the second period of extra time for a win that was hard earned to say the least against an admirable Woodcote Stoke Row.

Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup
Barton Rovers 1 – 2 Letcombe
Letcombe always looked the more likely winners, but had to wait until the last five minutes before ensuring their passage to the last 16 of the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup on a ground that provided inadequate facilities.
Letcombe had the perfect start, Mark Denny providing the pass for Lyle Gifford to drive the ball into the far corner after only four minutes. Barton Rovers were level five minutes later as a free kick deflected off the head of defender Luke Stone. Keeper Danny Joyce, standing on the edge of his six yard box, got one hand to the ball but could not prevent it from entering the net. Sean Webb hit the bar with a header and Pete Horswell had a close range header saved by the home keeper. Barton looked dangerous from long throws on a narrow pitch, but created few other chances with Sean Webb outstanding in defence for Letcombe.
Half Time:            1 – 1
Letcombe dominated possession in the second half but created few clear chances.   Barton Rovers could have won the game when Danny Joyce failed to hold a long ball on the edge of the penalty area, but Luke Stone got back to block the shot on the line with the goal empty. Letcombe scored the winner with five minutes remaining when a Pete Horswell shot took a deflection off a defenders boot and looped over the stranded keeper. Lyle Gifford had a shot blocked on the line in the last minute, but Letcombe were left to reflect that they had made hard work of a game they should have won easily.

Bletchley Town 3 - 1 Chalfont Wasps
Wasps relinquished their hold on the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup with a below par performance at Bletchley Town. The visitors were forced to bring in three reserve team players when a mid morning car accident prevented a trio of first teamers travelling for this early kick off.
Even so the Wasps should have been strong enough to progress in this competition that they have won 4 times out of the last 6. Poor passing and poor first touches made for a disappointing first half for the small group of away supporters and it was the home side that took advantage of this lacklustre display, on 14 minutes a long throw was headed on past the Keeper for an easy tap in for Bletchley.
The second half saw a small improvement from the Wasps, Marc Holt and Tom Bayle linking up well and causing problems down the left flank. It was Bayle who put the finishing touch to the Wasps best move of the match, Fred Tripp broke free on the right wing and crossed low and hard for a crisp finish from the midfielder, this ensured that the game went into extra time in which the visitors dominated possession but never really threatened the home goal. Then a bizarre decision gifted Bletchley a penalty, two defenders and a striker contested a loose ball which hit the attackers arm, cries of handball went up but the referee unbelievably gave the decision against the defence, the spot kick was put away so the Wasps had to push hard for a second equaliser, this was to no avail and a breakaway from a corner became a one on one with the visiting keeper who was rounded well for Bletchley to seal the win.

Lambourn 2-1 Childrey AET
With only a few miles separating the two clubs and a place in the last 16 up for grabs this was a real local derby. With former Lambourn player Crawford returning to his old stomping ground to add a little bit more spice.
The game started with both sides biting into tackles but it was Lambourn who had the first chance, a defensive mistake from the Childrey centre halves allowed the ball to run through to Pedder. The pint sized striker raced through on goal but instead of slotting the ball home he tried tried to square the ball to Guy but under hit his pass and it was easily cleared for a corner. Pedder guiltily of trying to return the goal that Guy put on a plate for him last week. Lambourn were not to be denied and from the corner McCready picked out Bone who headed home from 6 yards. The skipper making his mark after missing the last 2 months with a knee injury. The referee was to be one of the busiest men on the pitch as the tackles started to fly in, First into the notepad was Childrey's Woodhouse who was quickly followed by Vaux. Langford was starting to boss the midfield, The former winger has now been turned into a real central midfield enforcer. On 37 minutes Childrey put together a fine passing that resulted in a fine cross from Whitworth that was met on the volley by Eltham, His strike smashing the post and dropping straight into Eggleton's arms. The referee was to be busy again as Griffin went into a 50/50 challenge with real aggression, Some Childrey players took exception to the type of challenge and piled in. They were quickly followed by a few Lambourn players & with plenty of pushing and shoving going on it was difficult for the referee to judge exactly what had taken place but he decided on 3 cautions. One for the original tackle from Griffin, One for Bone & one for Whitworth. With tempers still running high Keller was next in the book for a late tackle on Wilkins. Childrey would get back on level terms just before the break a quick passing move released Eltham on goal & as Eggleton narrowed the angle Bone and Pleass crashed into a tackle that flattened Eltham and left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot. Eltham dusted himself down and stroked the ball past Eggleton and into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Pedder managed to talk himself into the referee's notepad just before the break. The gifted striker's indiscipline is now a real worry for manager Robert Clark as the striker gets close to another ban.
Half time 1-1
Lambourn started the second brightly with Pedder going close and Matthews had a goal ruled out for a foul on the keeper. McCready was next to go close as he beat 3 players and his strike from 30 yards fizzed past the post. Crawford almost made a dream return to Bockhampton Road on the hour mark when his close chest control allowed him to turn and strike on his right foot narrowly missing the left hand post. Both managers decided it was time to freshen things up as Eltham & Wilkins were replaced by Haines & Cannings & Lambourn replaced Collins with 16 year old striker Dundas. The over worked referee was back into his notepad again as he booked 3 more Lambourn players in the space of ten minutes first McCready for a succession of fouls, Pleass followed for a late challenge and then Matthews for saying a little to much to the official. Lambourn started to really push for the winner in the last 15 minutes, Pedder and Dundas combined and Pedder's cross to the back post was just to heavy for Matthews as the midfielder stretched out a leg. Next it was Guy and Dundas to miss chances after a McCready cross caused a goal mouth scramble the ball finally hacked away by Wheeler. The final chance of the 90 minutes fell to Pedder, A great pass from Guy was brilliantly taken down on the edge of the box from Pedder but he dragged his effort wide and the game went into extra time.
90 mins 1-1.
Both sides created only one chance of note in the first half of extra time, First up was Pedder who missed from only 3 yards when he seemed certain to score. Childrey's chance fell to Cannings who headed over when unmarked only six yards from goal.
HT ET 1-1
The second half of extra time produced two more bookings and the winner for Lambourn. First up Crawford was booked for a late tackle then came Lambourn's winner. Guy, Pedder and Dundas combined to release the 16 year old into the box, He was tripped as he raced clear and the referee pointed to the spot. With Penalty taker Griffin off the pitch it fell to McCready to take the kick and the winger made no mistake as he smashed the ball straight down the middle. With the game drawing to a close Keller went up for a header and landed awkwardly injuring his shoulder and was replaced by Mcnally. It didn't take Mcnally long to talk his way into the referee's notepad. Lambourn ended with a total of 8 players booked in an ill tempered derby.

Manager Robbie Clark said he was pleased to get the win after our worst performance of recent weeks. He said we have a real tough test next week as we welcome Highworth Town FC in the Bluefin Insurance Cup and the performance will need to be much improved but we know were capable of better and hope to prove that next week.
He added Rackham & K Willmoth will be back in the squad for next Saturday's fixture. Next Fixture: Sat 26 NOV Lambourn V Highworth Town FC 1.45pm KO

 

 

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