4 August

Wantage Town 1-1 Didcot Town

Didcot's latest pre-season friendly finished in a hard-earned 1-1 draw at Alfredian Park on Saturday. The afternoon will probably best be remembered for the inclement weather which resulted in a 10 minute delay for the kick-off following a 'monsoonal' downpour at 3pm.

The game wasn't a classic and whilst Didcot could possibly be criticised for trying to overplay it at times, you have to give great credit to Wantage who look a very decent outfit at the moment and will surely challenge in the Hellenic this season. Didcot created a number of decent openings but often the final ball was lacking or the shot was blocked. At the other end Marcos Belloli made a couple of fine saves to keep Didcot at parity. The two goals came late-on. Brian Bowles latched onto a fine throughball to clip the ball home to put the visitors ahead. Gavin Jones fired home a fine equalizer for Wantage - and in the end it was probably the right result.

Shortwood United 4 Carterton 1
Getting Better!
Shortwood welcomed Hellenic Division 1 West outfit Carterton to Meadowbank on Saturday and wish to express their thanks for sending a side at fairly short notice after their previous opponents, Slimbridge, pulled out. Both sides were able to draw a lot of positives from the game. Carterton certainly didn’t look a bad outfit and John Evans was able to give his squad another good work out – and it should be remembered that they still have others to come back into the squad. Shortwood are pleased to announce that highly rated Luke Gullick signed for the Meadowbank outfit after the game.
Wood made a positive start to the game and had already had chances before they took the lead after 19 minutes. Gullick was fouled 20 yards out and Parrott curled a delightful free kick over the wall and into the top corner. Within 4 minutes Carterton were level. A near post corner was deflected home by Jake Parrott for an own goal. James Singh missed horribly when through and had several chances before regaining the lead after 33 minutes – Jamie Martin ramming home Gullick’s low cross. Carterton’s keeper, who had a good game throughout, saved spectacularly from a Bennett pile driver and Bennett also headed a Coates cross over. Before the break a slack ball presented Carterton with a good chance to level but the forward pulled his shot wide.

Wood had three excellent early second half chances. Kevin Slack put Bennett in but his shot was too close to the keeper, A Coates downward header bounced over the bar and Gavin Lang hit a shot towards the top corner which was well tipped over. Shortwood did make 3-1 after 55 minutes, however, Gavin Lang turned and fired a fine shot from 20 yards and Kassim Suleman scored an equally good goal when he side stepped a defender and shot home from the same distance 4 minutes later. The Carterton keeper defied Kevin Slack from point blank range after a pin point cross from Lang and Coates headed another good chance just over. Suleman made a good run but elected to shoot when a square pass to the unmarked Slack might well have produced a richer dividend. The final word went to the visiting keeper who raced out to block Slack as he ran on to a Coates flick on.

1 August

Slimbridge 0-2 Forest Green Rovers

Slimbridge Manager Leon Sterling said that he was very proud of his side after they put on a superb battling performance against what was effectively the majority of Forest Green Rovers Conference National 1st team at Wisloe Road on Tuesday evening.

Although Rovers left with a 2 goal victory, it was only sealed in the 85th minute when Magno Viera added to Jamie Turley's second half strike to clinch the game for the visitors. 'I was really pleased that we got the ball and tried to play' Leon said afterwards. 'Fitness showed itself in the last half hour, but I think the performance I've seen tonight bodes well for the new season. We worked hard and I was very proud of the lads tonight.'

The first half was dominated by Forest Green, but a combination of their failure to take changes and some superb defending and great workrate from the Swans saw the game goalless after 45 minutes. With eight minutes on the clock, Rovers had the first real chance of the game, and Swans' Keeper Dave Evans had to be alert to palm a snap shot over his bar. Forest Green had a gilt edged opportunity to take the lead on 14 minutes - Reece Styche's nifty turn fooled Jamie Inch, and the defenders mistimed tackle saw a penalty awarded by Referee Anthony Coggins, who had an impressive game throughout.

Jan Klukowski's shot was low to Evans' left, and the Slimbridge made a good stop to push the ball for a corner. The home side responded well, and Sam Russell did well to turn away a Freddy Ward free kick on 17 minutes, after Alex Higgs was brought down on a surging run towards the Forest Green box. A minute later, another chance went begging for the visitors - Styche and Klukowski combined superbly to see Klukowski through on goal, but again Evans flung himself to his left and made a superb stop as the big man sought to make amends for his penalty miss.

There then followed a period of play when it was very much 'backs to the wall' for the home side, with Hodgkiss and the very impressive Koroma combining down the Forest Green right flank to set up Magno Viera, but his shot was wide, and the Swans survived. Still the chances came for Forest Green, with Klukowski and Koroma both going close, but it was not all one way - Chris Fower's neat run was halted by a well timed tackle, and Speers' header from a Ward Free Kick brought a good save from Russell on 33 minutes. Again, the visitors pressed, with Speers and Inch particularly impressive in a Swans back four who all made magnificent contributions to the game. Viera had the best chance of the remaining minutes, but a superb block from Inch maintained equality. Two minutes before the interval, Styche turned home a Hodgkiss cross, but was ruled offside to leave the game scoreless at the break.

Forest Green finally made the breakthrough seven minutes into the second period, when Jamie Turley headed home a Viera corner to give the visitors the lead, following two more misses from Viera and Keiron Forbes. In a second half with far fewer chances, it took the visitors until the 85th minute to double the score - a pass from Ben Wright across the Swans goal found the net courtesy of Magno Viera and Will Wellon, with the official goalscorer being credited as Viera.

The final whistle saw some very complimentary comments from Dave Hockaday about the test his side had just been given, and gave the

Swans a good boost ahead of the rest of their pre-season, which continues at home to Mangotsfield United on Thursday 7.45pm). The Swans then entertain Purton on Saturday (2.30pm)

Attendance 292.

Tadley 2-1 Lambourn & Highworth Res 2-2 Lambourn

Manager Clark took the decision to again split his squad for the two fixtures on Wednesday night. Clark looked at travel arrangments and split the squad to avoid to much travel. Clark and Greenwood taking a team to Tadley Calleva and Brizzer and Hauston taking another side to play Highworth Res. The defensive mistakes continued at Tadley as two errors cost them the unbeaten record in a 2-1 defeat. Livings was on the score sheet for Lambourn.

The game at Highworth finished 2-2 and manager Clark said that is was good to get all the boys a workout. Rowe and Pedder were carrying knocks so they were given the night off and 3 out of the 4 keepers were not available due to work so this caused some problems.

Sports face Mortimer from the Reading League on Saturday and with the season only a week away Clark will be looking to take a squad of 16. Sam Mooney returned from holiday this week and has looked sharp in pre season so it will be good to have him back.

30 July

Purton 3 Winterbourne United 5

On Monday the 30th July Purton's management and players met Winterbourne United's officers, management team and players for a pre season friendly at the Red House to bid them a final farewell on their move from the Hellenic to the Western League.

When the teams met over many seasons in the Hellenic games with them were always well contested encounters. Winterbourne despite Purton goals by Stephen Avenell, Dave Gee and Ryan Child came our 5-3 winnnners in a good work-out for both outfits.

After the match both sides retired to the Red House Club for drinks and Purton players and officials wished the 'Bourne' all the best in their new league for 2012/3.

28 July

Abingdon Town 0-1 Lambourn Sports.

Swindon New College 1-0 Lambourn Sports.

After the late cancellation of the Abingdon Town FC double header some last minute plans allowed one side to play Abingdon Town FC and the other side would play at Swindon New College. With Manager Clark taking a slightly stronger side on paper for the trip to Hellenic League Premier side Abingdon and assistant Jason Brizell taking a side to Swindon New College.

Clark sid the last minute cancellation of the game wasn't ideal as we have a squad of about 30 players that are all capable of playing Hellenic league football. I'm trying to give all the lads a chance to impress me as they have all been working hard in pre season and look sharp. Clark said pre season has been flying with Brizzers links to Swindon we have been able to get a couple of coaches to take a few sessions and it has got the players fit and buzzing for the start of the new season. Clark was pleased to welcome back last season's Player player of the season Danny Langford after he had followed former first team assistant Michael Mcnally across to Hellenic Premier side Shrivenham FC for pre season.

The game at Abingdon showed up some areas that the side need to work on with the season getting close. Over playing and defensive mistakes could of cost Lambourn in this game but a combination of poor finishing from the home side and good goal keeping from Clough meant that a Richard Guy strike on 35 minutes after great work by Tingle and Pedder was the only goal of this fixture. Lambourn played some good stuff on the day and will go into Wednesdays fixtures with Mortimer and Highworth Res with confidence. Clark said after the game is was a really good work out for the lads but i'm not reading to much into this result as this was not the strongest of Abingdon Town sides. They were much better in last seasons pre season game.

The second game at Swindon New College finished with a 1-0 defeat the first defeat of pre season for Lambourn but Jason Brizell reported back many positives from the game he said we maybe just lacked someone a little clinical in front of goal.

Next Fixtures are:
Tadley Calleva V Lambourn 7.45ko
Highworth Res v Lambourn 7.30ko

Jim Newman Cup

Shrivenham 2 – 7 Headington Amateurs
Green 8,25,30
Nkwanyuo 14
Hedger 57(p) Cuff 70
Hill 90
Luke Cuff’s first game in charge saw Headington off to a flier in this pre-season tournament at Clanfield. A first half hat trick fron new signing Ben Green was the highlight of a fluent display. Another debutant, Paul Hedger, scored from the spot with further goals added by Cuff & Jay Hill.
Headington will now play either Abingdon United or Clanfield in the semi-final, at Clanfield, on Wednesday 1st August 7:30pm ko.

27 July

Brimscombe & Thrupp 0 Shortwood United 0 –Pre Season Friendly
The big mystery is how this game remained goal less after 90 minutes as both sides fashioned a hatful of chances but were unable to supply a finish to a single one!
Brimscombe looked a well organised outfit and manager Phil Baker is putting together a more than decent outfit and he must be excited about the prospect of having a successful league campaign and the chance of achieving promotion to the Hellenic Premier Division. He has snapped Ben Snook from Highworth and although Snook missed a penalty he showed himself to be a class act and young David Woodfield again showed what an exciting prospect he is and Wood had to double mark him a times.
Wood gave a debut to Mark Pritchett, who was playing at Bishops Cleeve last season, at centre half and he showed he would be a very useful acquisition if they can secure his services. Wood also featured Adam Mayo, from Cinderford, and again he looked the part.
James Singh had golden chances for Wood in the first half as he rounded Adam Thomas and then tripped over the ball, fired over from a good position and tested Thomas with a pile driver. Bevan also hit the bar with a header.
At the other end Ben Jones produced several good runs and one great cross was headed over from close range and another good run was ended when he was tripped in the box. Snook pushed the resultant penalty wide of the post. Jones also forced King into a fine save.
Woodfield came on at half time and immediately made an impact as he was fouled on the right and his free kick was headed just over. Both sides had chances blocked in quick succession and Brimscombe missed another great chance when Woodfield’s excellent far post cross was fired back across goal and over by Hanley when it seemed easier to score.
If Singh missed the first half chances for Wood it was Haddock’s turn in the second. First Greenhough blocked his effort on the line and then also blocked Haddock from the rebound. Haddock was then clean through but missed his kick and then later sent a low cross into the box when a shot might have been more productive.

24 July

Alton Town 1 – 1 Bracknell Town
Pre-season preparations continued nicely as Bracknell Town drew with Wessex League Premier Division side Alton Town on Tuesday evening.

The hosts were strong for the opening fifteen minutes as the Robins struggled to contain them but it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Louie Brown’s deep ball was knocked back into the danger area by Reece Jacques and Eddie Gray was on hand to score from close range. Goalkeeper Dexter Burt was called into action a few times in the first half and he had to be alert to keep his side ahead. As the half drew to a close, Tom Barratt curled an effort wide whilst Jacques could only pick out the goalkeeper with a tame effort. Alton had the final say in the opening period sending a looping header onto the top of the crossbar.

The second half was a reversal with Bracknell starting strongly. Barratt once again got into space but drilled a shot at the ‘keeper with Tom Nugent heading James Rogers’ corner wide and Shane Cooper-Clark also picking out the goalkeeper when well placed. The home side equalised in the 81st minute as a ball from the right was allowed to travel across the goal with the unmarked striker firing in at the far post.
It was another good workout for both sides in a competitive but fair match with the one all score-line being a fair reflection on the match.

Andover New Street 2-2 Lambourn Sports
Starting Line Up: Howe, L Thorne, Rowe, Mandrey, Pleass, Wickens, Connors, Griffin, Drake, Benham & Pedder. Subs: R Thorne, Bone, Best, Hendren, Collins & Guy.

Manager Clark gave further debuts to Winger Adam Drake & Full back Liam Thorne as he looks to find his best starting 11 with so many new players at the club this season. The Manager said he was very happy with the work out as it gave many positives and only a few negatives. We gave away two soft goals tonight and we need to work on that. Overall things are taking shape and we will be more than ready for our first league game on the 11th Aug. I will shuffle the pack a little for Saturdays game at Abingdon as a couple of the boys picked up knocks tonight so will need to see how they are for Saturday but I hope Midfielder Andy Tingle will be back after a tight Hamstring ruled him out tonight.
Lambourn conceded from a corner midway through the first half and a comedy of errors at the second half resulted in Bone giving away a penalty for a handball. Goals from Best & a powerful Guy header in the second half gave Lambourn a draw they more than deserved.

Slimbridge 8-1 Bridgwater Town
With Manager Leon Sterling still pondering his strike options for the forthcoming season, Tuesday's performance would have given him plenty of food for thought. The Swans overwhelmed Bridgwater Town at Wisloe Road, in a one sided encounter that could reaistically ended with twice the the home side reaching double figures. The game looked as if it might be quite close fought in the first quarter, with two goals from Alex Higgs (10 minutes) and Chris Fower (16 minutes) giving the home side the early edge. The Visitors grabbed a goal back on 17 minutes when an uncharacteristic mistake by Dave Evans in the Slimbridge goal allowed a long range shot to drift over his head, but after that it was all one way traffic. Fower (30 minutes) and Higgs (36 minutes) both doubled their personal tally before half time to leave the home side 4-1 up at the half time break.

But the 2nd half belonged to Sean O'Connor, who grabbed himself a hat trick with goals in the 46th, 77th and 85th minutes. In between O'Connor's strikes, a rare headed goal from Assistant Manager Freddy Ward in the 58th minute sealed a very impressive evening's work for the home side. The Swans travel to Radstock Town on Saturday (3.00pm) before entertaining Forest Green Rovers at Wisloe Road next Tuesday (31st, 7.30pm). As is to be expected, Wisloe Road will be very busy for this game, and fans are urged to get to the ground as early as possible. Additional parking will be available and stewarded on the night.

Goals: Higgs 10, 36, Fower 16, 30, O'Connor 46, 77, 85, Ward 58

Highworth Town 2 Shortwood United 2 - 17 July

Shortwood played their first pre-season game at Highworth on Tuesday evening and were given a thorough work out by their old rivals from the UHLSPORT Hellenic Premier League. The first half was entertaining and all the goals came in that period. The second half was largely shapeless with the usual mass of substitutions disrupting any real pattern of play.
Wood looked understandably rusty and conceded two goals which should have been avoided and they will need to tighten up in midfield and defence before the season gets underway properly in August. James Singh scored both goals, one of them a real gem, and showed once again that he will be badly missed when he returns to Dubai in the autumn. Wood also included a smattering of trialists and one, Callum Brown, made a really promising debut. Unfortunately he too is going to be missing when he goes to Sweden on a football scholarship for 3 months very soon. Still it is early days and John Evans will look to knit the side together and strengthen the squad where necessary.
John Cant played in the hole behind Singh and looked impressive before coming off at half time and Matt Bennett supplied some dangerous crosses. Highworth made the early running and a dangerous free kick flashed across the box, with Smart just failing to get the necessary touch. Axton made a fine last ditch tackle but Highworth took the lead after 17 minutes when Smart lashed the ball into the roof of the net from 6 yards. Twice in the 20th minute Bennett supplied dangerous crosses. Cant fired the first one back across goal and then from the second Cant’s shot was blocked. In the very next minute Tustain’s cross shot was wet perfectly by Ash Thomas and his volley was well saved by the keeper. Wood were deservedly level after 24 minutes, however, Brown and Tustain combined well and Singh raced through the middle and fired home from the edge of the area. Highworth had a shot pass just the wrong side of the post before Wood took the lead after 40 minutes. Thomas launched a long ball and Singh beat the keeper to it and sent a looping header over the onrushing keeper and just under the bar. The lead lasted less than a minute as the ball was carelessly lost in midfield and Smart netted well at the end of the resultant move. There were few clear cut chances in the second period and the closest that anyone came to scoring was in the 70th minute when King turned over a header.

Thame United 3 Chinnor 1 (Attendance = 135)

The clubs first ever meeting at Meadow view resulted in a home victory for Thame in front of a reasonably large crowd for this pre-season match. The game was a typical first pre-season friendly for both clubs as you’d expect, with the lack of match practise and the introduction of new players. Thame started with three new faces and Chinnor five.

The game started brightly for Chinnor but the early exchanges were pretty even, but it was Thame who settled quicker. Their central midfield trio were beginning to cause problems against Chinnor’s pair as they worked the ball around nicely, but generally never threatened Chinnor’s defence. Thame opened the scoring near half time through Lewis Cordice from a defensive error. A lame shot was parried by Ben Taunton into the path of Cordice who passed into the net from close range. A handful of half chances were created by both sides but apart from the goal neither keeper was really called upon in the first 45 minutes and the half ended with Thame being a goal to the good.

The 2nd half started in similar fashion to the first and Chinnor after re-grouping at the break got back in the game. Marcus Mealing was fouled on the edge of Thame’s penalty area. He picked himself up, took the free-kick and cleverly hit the back of Thame’s net with the keeper unsighted albeit with a little deflection on the way. The games path followed a reasonably even route from now as substitutes were added by both sides, but as the game entered the last ten minutes Thame took advantage of another defensive error by Chinnor. Stuart Barr found himself clean through on Matt Tapping now in goal for Chinnor. Barr took his shot early, Tapping made a fantastic save but the luck was on Barr’s side as the rebound fell to him and he scored from close range. Then Jacob Bird, on as a late substitute, reacted first to stab home from close range after Chinnor had the chance to clear and sealed victory. I think both sides would agree that for the first pre-season outing of the season the game was pleasing for both sides and served the correct purpose. Thame will feel they deserved the victory but Chinnor have been left encouraged and in high spirits by the result knowing that the goals they gave away were three defensive mistakes.

Holyport 0 v Slough Town 4 - 17 July

Slough emerged victorious from both sides opening pre-season fixture, Slough scored four second-half goals to defeat Hellenic Premier League side Holyport at Summerleaze Village.

In a good work-out for both sides, Slough started with new their signings Dominic Rhone and Ashley and Dave Deeney against Derek Sweetman's side, which featured former Rebel Carl Dennison in goal. Holyport were missing 5 of their first team squad including new signings Jamie West, Steve Croxford and Jack Harding.

The match was fairly even until around the hour mark with neither keeper having to produce a save of note, Slough started to take control, taking the lead via a close-range header from Ben Abbey after Dennison had saved a fierce strike from Rhone, who had burst clear.

Holyport responded through Jamie Wright who crashed a long-range strike against the crossbar in response.

Soon after, Adam Logie volleyed in a second after a corner was worked short and not cleared. Dan Burnell volleyed in a third after a long throw from Ashley Deeney found its way through to him.

Slough's fourth, on the stroke of full time, came after a flowing counter-attack which started with Ashley Deeney, who won the ball and broke clear. Slough worked the ball from right to left and through to Abbey, who ran clear to slot his second goal of the evening past Holyport's second goalkeeper, Kyle Bradley.

Holyport visit Woodley Town on Saturday and welcome Windsor FC to Summerleaze next Thursday.

Frampton United 1 Brimscombe & Thrupp 2 - 14 July

Following their high profile friendly at the Meadow against Forest Green Rovers, Manager Phil Baker took a much changed squad to the Bell Field for another friendly this time their opponents were Glos County League newcomers Frampton Utd.

This time they didnt spend most of the game chasing after fully fit proffesionals, Baker cleverly instructed his players to retain the ball leaving the home side to do the chasing and with some 75% possesion to Brimscombe this was very pretty to watch. But Frampton took advantage much against the run of play when a misunderstanding in defence allowed Palmer to score just before half-time. However, the Lilywhites soon put the score line right in the second period as a spectacular 25 yarder from new signing Ben Prictor beat the teenage Frampton keeper. A penalty followed soon afterwards scored by Ben Snook, another new signing, to give Brimscombe a deserved victory.

Brimscombe & Thrupp 0-2 Forest Green Rovers - 10 July

Brimscombe & Thrupp opened up their pre-season friendlies with a high profile match against local rivals Forest Green, from the Blue Square Conference Premier. The game attracted more than 500 fans to the Meadow with Brimscombe playing under their new floodlights for the very first time. The honour of switching the lights on for the innaugural floodlit game was bestowed to Club President David Smith.

The atmosphere was electric as Referee Lewis King blew the whistle for a 7.45pm Kick Off. Again the first ever in the 125 year history of the club. And it was'nt long before the superior pace and fitness of the visitors told.

A long goal clearance from the Forest Green keeper Bulman bounced in the Brimscombe box and the quick silver Omar Koroma was fouled as he shaped to shoot and the Ref had no alternative to point to the spot and Reece Styche hammered in the penalty after 10 mins.

The home side fought back and should have equalised when Adam Snook's great crossfield pass set up Pritchard and his pass arrived at Mishey Green's feet only for the ball to finish up over the bar.

Brimscombe with the Snook brothers catching the eye in midfield gave a good account of themselves but were indebted to captain Gary Probert with two great goaline clearances in keeping the score down to 1-0.

Korama missed a great chance in the 35th minute as he also drove over the bar, David Woodfield burst clear for Brimscombe as the interval loomed and his shot just clipped the woodwork.

The second half saw a dominant Forest Green coming forward more and creating plenty of chances but Brimscombe's keeper put on a brave display and it wasn't until late in the game Matthew Taylor made it 2-0