30th August

Premier Division
ARDLEY UNITED 0 - 2 THAME UNITED (Home View)
Ardley United’s recent run of good home form came to a shuddering halt when they hosted Thame United on Bank Holiday Monday.
A goal-less first half was a fairly even contest for the first half-hour with the first real scoring opportunity falling to Thame when Aaron Rogers hit the post with a shot across goal. Shortly after, Ardley just managed to prevent a goal when the ball was cleared off the line following a corner and three minutes later Rogers fired wide from another corner kick to leave the game evenly poised at the break.
HT: 0 - 0
Thame continued to dominate proceedings into the second period as the home side appeared to be strangely lacklustre and seemed unable to impose themselves in any way. The first goal came in the 60th minute as a free kick taken on the left side was headed into the far corner of the net by the exceptionally tall Alex Stewart. Ardley almost hit back barely a minute later as Dean Smith’s fierce 25 yard drive was well saved by Milan Barisic in the Thame goal but the visitors extended their lead 5 minutes later when Ben Connelly broke down the right flank and his cross was turned into the net by Stewart for his, and Thame’s, second goal. Indeed, Stewart could have completed his hat-trick shortly after, but fired his shot woefully wide having broken clear of the Ardley back line. With the home side unable to muster any sort of challenge, Thame held on comfortably to deservedly take home all three points.

ARDLEY UNITED 0 – 2 THAME UNITED (Visitor’s View)
Thame put in their most complete display of the season on Bank Holiday Monday to comprehensively beat the previously undefeated Ardley United.
The game, which saw the United squad stretched due to player injury and absenteeism, started in end-to-end fashion, with Thame playing down the pronounced slope and gradually gaining the upper hand. However, the first chance, which perhaps owed more to luck than judgment, came to Ardley after 10 minutes when a flighted cross from the right dropped on to the cross bar and, fortunately for Thame, away from danger. It was then Thame’s chance to press and following some half chances, striker Aaron Rogers fashioned an opening on the half hour and from 25 yards saw his effort beat the keeper but come back off the outside of the post. Five minutes later and a corner from Adam Rhodes was met by FA Cup hero Stuart Braun whose powerful header from six yards appeared to cross the line before being cleared by an Ardley defender.
HT: 0 - 0
With the score line goalless at half time, United perhaps expected to be under pressure for most of the second half given that they were now playing up the slope. However, with Nik Rhodes and Martin Brown solid at the back, Ardley failed to impose themselves and instead it was Thame who found themselves with the chances. Ten minutes in to the half and United looked to have twice gained a penalty when Man of the Match Alex Stewart was hauled back in the penalty area when clean through. With Stewart staying on his feet, his shot hit the bar and he received the same treatment when looking to score from the rebound. The referee, unlike the majority of the crowd, failed to see either offence and Thame started to wonder if it was to be one of those days. However, they only had to wait a further five minutes before taking the lead. Nik Rhodes swung over a free kick from the left that Stewart met with a powerful header 12 yards from goal, directing the ball in to the far corner and giving the home keeper no chance. Ten minutes later and United doubled their lead when winger Ben Connelly went on a trademark run down the right, pulling the ball back for Stewart to drill the ball beyond the keeper. At 2-0 Thame looked reasonably comfortable and, despite Ardley having more possession, the United defence was rarely threatened, the nearest Ardley coming to getting a goal back being a 25 yard drive that Barisic turned round the post. Instead it was Thame who had the chances, with Stewart going close to a hat trick and substitute Thomas Hoskin causing the home defence problems.
In the end United held out for a 2-0 win and, in a game where all the players contributed, emphasised the strength of the squad.

Ascot United 4 Reading Town 1 (Home View)
The Town Torn apart in Bank Holiday Goal Bonanza
An Emphatic performance against last season’s Hellenic runners up saw Ascot beat Reading Town comfortably 4-1 at home.
Bennett continued his excellent form as of late scoring two well taken goals to bring his bank holiday tally of three goals in two games. Captain Tim Standing also made the score sheet with a brilliant solo goal. All round Ascot looked a force to be reckoned with. Pressing very quickly and winning the ball in key areas. Ascot hosted Reading town on their 3rd home game of the season again a bumper crowd gathered to witness what seemed on paper a difficult fixture for Ascot to win. Lunn still remained out with an ankle injury.
Ascot came out the blocks extremely quickly and broke the ice on 3 minutes. Standing showed excellent strength and rode the challenge to skilfully round two Reading defenders and the coolly slot the ball home. Making that his first goal of the season! However Reading did attempt to tie the fixture with their powerful centre forward who twisted and turned his way into the box to be met by Lamb who held him up, 4 tried a quick strike at goal Curtis slid across to block his shot. Readings best effort on goal was from number 7 who stepped up to a loose ball and tried to place it in the top corner but he hit the ball with too much pace and it grazed the bar However Grace did have the shot covered.
HT: 1 - 0
Again Ascot started well and on the 53rd minute they found the net with a well executed set piece. A pinpoint delivery form Saunders found the darting run of McIntyre who powerfully headed the ball past Rackley. 3 minutes later Ascot found the net again as Farelly darted down the right hand side and delivered a first time cross into the box. Bennett met the cross and topped of the move with a clever far post finish. 6 minutes from time Ascot made it four and stamped out any hope Reading had at getting back into the fixture. This was arguably the goal of the game and a definite feature on goal of the month. In form striker Bennett found the net with a tantalising solo goal. Watson played Bennett through with a well executed ball over the top, Bennett twisted and turned his way past Toomey and blasted the ball past  Rackley. Reading did grab a mere consolation. Due to tired legs from the Ascot back line Watkins hit a powerful shot in off the bewildered Grace.
An exceptional performance makes Ascot top of the Hellenic Premier. Ascot now look to Saturday where they face Staines Lammas in their first ever entry into the FA Vase.

Ascot United 4 - 1 Reading Town (Visiting View)
Manager Roddy Slater admitted Town's performance was “totally embarrassing” after they had crashed to their second 4-1 defeat in 48 hours at The Racecourse ground on Monday.
Town, who have conceded 12 goals in three games in less than a week, defended badly and failed to take the scoring chances that came their way in this Hellenic League Premier Division game. Reading had more of the territorial advantage, especially in the first half, but failed to make it pay. They struggled to put passes together and frequently gave the ball away. Ascot did not look a particularly good side, but they didn’t have to be at their best to win this game, which also took them to the top of the table. But, importantly, they took most of the scoring opportunities that came their way. Town created more chances, but managed to find the net only once and even that was something of a fluke goal.
Town, who had last season’s skipper Dave Mills back in midfield and skipper Mark Bartley switching to right-back, found themselves a goal down after just five minutes. Their defence failed to pick up Tim Standing and the Ascot captain had time to beat keeper Chris Rackley. Town struggled to escape Ascot’s offside trap, but on 24 minutes Marcus Richardson did manage to break through. He came down under a challenge from keeper Chris Grace, but appeals for a penalty were turned down. Richardson had shot blocked and Adam Kingsbeer, following up, blasted the ball over the bar. Barry Elmore was also too high with his effort and Danny Seward had a shot comfortably saved by Grace, the former Town keeper.
HT: 1 - 0
Richardson then had another good chance just after half-time but screwed the ball inches wide. Ascot had hardly looked like doubling their lead, but that changed in the 53rd minute when Sam McIntyre was unchallenged as he headed in Rob Saunders’ corner. Five minutes later Jon Bennett made it 3-0 and he also netted the fourth in the 85th minute. Substitutes  Brett Rann and Jim Piercy both went close to scoring for Town before the visitors grabbed a late consolation goal. Left-back Ashley Watkins had a pop at goal from 35 yards and the ball struck the post and went in off keeper Grace. Piercy again beat Grace just before the final whistle, but the ball rolled inches wide.
Despite their late rally, Slater was far from happy with his team's display. “It was diabolical; totally embarrassing. I don’t want to say any more,” he said.

Flackwell Heath 2 – 0 Binfield
After the excitement of the FA Cup win on Saturday, Binfield came crashing back down to earth against a physical Flackwell Heath, losing 2-0.
Flackwell had only managed one win in the league before today, although that was 12-0 against Oxford City Nomads, but they will clearly benefit from welcoming Riccardo Cannon back to their side, as he was a thorn in the side of the Binfield defence all afternoon. The Binfield players all seemed to struggle with the long grassy pitch as passes fell short and the ball stuck under feet countless times, but that can't really explain how the team played so dominantly just two days ago, yet laboured here without making many chances in the 90 minutes. 
Within 2 minutes of the start, Flackwell had crafted a chance down the left and the ball flashed across the face of goal and narrowly wide. But a similar situation just moments later saw the division's early top scorer, Danny Jordan, get on the end of the cross to toe poke the ball past Chris Adams. In the build up, Adams will be disappointed to have misjudged a floating cross he would have expected to collect. But although the Moles laboured for most of the game, they did manage a couple of half chances, the best on the half hour when Carl Davies got free, but Sam Southerden in the Flackwell goal smothered his shot. Binfield were lucky to go in just one down, as everyone, except the officials thought a Flackwell shot had crept over the line, before being cleared by Fenton in the melee that followed - the last clearance off his back as he dived in front of the oncoming striker.
Within 90 seconds of the restart, Cannon had surprisingly outpaced James Partridge on the left and his shot found the top corner to double Flackwell's lead. Binfield had plenty of possession as the half wore on, but Flackwell comfortably saw out the win and deserved it on the day. With most of the Binfield team having an off day, only Dave Fenton could claim to have had a good game.

Shrivenham 1 – 2 Wantage Town
“Points Bagged on Bank Holiday for Wandering Wantage”
Wantage returned to winning ways in a match that could have gone either way.
A deflected strike from 25 yards, by Richie Claydon allowed Wantage to go in at half time a goal to the good in a first half that they had heavily dominated.
Once again Wantage return from changing rooms after half time in a daze and concede an early goal (46mins). Shrivenham looking more lively  after there suburb start to the half failed to take control of the game & Wantage youngster Adam Bruce seeing the Shrivenham keeper off his line, took the opportunity & placed a perfectly weighted lob into the back of the net 3 mins later (49mins), which was enough for Wantage to take the points. 

Wokingham & Emmbrook 1 – 1 Bracknell Town (Joint Club Report)
BUMPER CROWD WITNESS DERBY DAY DRAW
The first Wokingham & Emmbrook v Bracknell Town derby in the Hellenic Premier Division ended in stalemate, but both clubs will be boosted by the bumper crowd at Larges Lane on Bank Holiday Monday.
The official attendance of 379 is one of the largest Hellenic attendances in years, and certainly one of the biggest at Larges Lane for some time. And although the game was not quite the spectacle of free-flowing football that some may have hoped for, it was an enthralling game in which either side could have claimed the win. But in the end, an Adam Cornell header after 18 minutes was cancelled out by Robert Yorke Goldney’s penalty five minutes before the break, and thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping, neither side could find the winner in the second half.

It was Wokingham that edged the early stages of the game with left wing-back Alex Luis sending some dangerous deliveries into the Bracknell area, both from set pieces and open play. And it was Wokingham who created the first chance when Shane Cooper-Clark played in strike partner Cornell in the area, his first touch took him away from keeper Dan Tillson, but Michael Buck managed to make up ground to slide in and make the block. Buck, who re-joined the Robins on loan from Thatcham Town in mid-week, was a rock at the back, and was by far and away the most impressive player on the pitch. Two minutes later, however, Cornell opened the scoring as he rose highest to nod home Luis’ pin-point corner at the back post. The goal seemed to galvanise Bracknell, though, who then enjoyed a spell of pressure with Yorke-Goldney firing into the side netting and then Ben Knight’s flicked shot from close range forcing a terrific save from Stuart Harris. They finally pulled level when the impressive Yorke-Goldney broke down the left and skipped past the challenge of Jack Broome before Nick Bateman brought the winger down just inside the area. Although the Wokingham players argued that the offence was outside the area, the referee pointed to the spot and Yorke-Goldney slotted home, although Harris did get a hand to it.
HT: 1 - 1
Bracknell continued where they left off after the break, but despite some good attacking play, struggled to find a telling ball into the box. At the other end, however, Cooper-Clark almost beat Tillson after controlling a Luis cross well, but his shot went narrowly wide. But the second half will be remembered for two outstanding saves from both keepers, which effectively earned their sides a share of the points. On 68 minutes Knight squared across goal for strike partner Dean Thomas, but his powerful drive from 10 yards was brilliantly pushed over by Harris, who was carrying an ankle injury. Sam Wyatt then did well to head off the line from a looping cross from Luis, and from the resulting corner Wokingham had a gilt-edged chance to win it. The corner fell to Cornell who managed to turn and shoot low on goal, and with the ball seemingly heading for the bottom left corner, Tillson dived down to make a stunning save and palm the ball away. Both sides huffed and puffed for the remaining 15 minutes, but failed to carve out a chance that would settle match, and in the end both managers agreed a draw was a fair result.

Bracknell’s joint boss Richard Whitty was pleased with the reaction from his players after three straight defeats. “I think in the first half Wokingham edged it and played a little bit more football than we did but as the game went on I thought we got stronger,” he said. “We got in the game more and to be honest if we had used the ball a little bit better I think we would have won the game. “Fair play to the players because we’ve had a couple of beatings in the last few weeks, but we’ve come back and shown a bit of grit today and they deserved a point and a draw was fair”
Wokingham boss Wayne Wanklyn, however, was not so pleased. “We lacked the quality we showed on Saturday and we didn’t work hard enough without the ball,” said Wanklyn. “I thought we defended well and our back three were solid and worked really hard, but in midfield we were disappointing. “In wide areas we didn’t get a grip on it and we lacked a bit of cutting edge up front. “Overall I’m pretty disappointed with the result. I consider that to be two points dropped.”
Wokingham make their longest away trip of the season on Saturday when they face Herefordshire side Pegasus Juniors, while Bracknell are home to Wootton Bassett.

Wootton Bassett Town 2-0 Highworth Town (Visitor’s View)
In this local derby played on a sunny Bank Holiday afternoon in front of a bumper crowd, expectations in the Highworth camp were high and indeed in the first 10 minutes with Highworth pressing forward at every opportunity, TJ could easily have scored on three separate occasions with headers, one of which was well saved by Bassett’s Stuart Thompson.  However the first goal came after 15 minutes for the home side when a rare foray upfield ended with a tentative shot into the box which was flicked on by Liam Edmondson.  The change of direction foxed everyone and the ball ended up in the net.  Bassett had the ball in the net again shortly afterwards but it was disallowed for foul play.  Highworth then created a number of opportunities to get the equaliser and the best came just before the break after some good work from James Guthrie.  His through ball found TJ who hit a crisp shot just wide of the post.  However the traffic was not all one way and just on the whistle a header from Bassett’s Sam Collier hit a post and bounced back into Kurtis Sharkey’s arms.
HT: 1 - 0
After the break, the Worthians pushed on for that elusive equaliser and played very well in the middle of the park with some good passing moves and interchanges.  In the 60th minute, after some great work from Ritchie Saunders, James Guthrie passed inside to Rob Dean who hit the post when it might have been easier to score.  With Highworth getting the better of the game, the killer punch came when a long clearance from the Bassett half found Ethan Delaney who ran forward and rounded the Highworth keeper but before he could control the ball, was brought down and the penalty was awarded. John Beeden dispatched this cleanly from the spot to give Bassett that much needed cushion and Highworth were now chasing a lost cause.  Some time later, Bassett keeper Thompson made a rare error and carried the ball over his goal line but was very fortunate when he was awarded a free kick for a foul after the event.  With Highworth pushing on a counter-attack finished with Bassett’s Sam Collier on the ball in front of an open goal but he missed the target from five yards, blasting it over the bar.  As the final whistle was approaching TJ had a shot blocked on the line and Tom Cole hit rebound wide from three yards.  On the day, Bassett were efficient and committed and did well but the Highworth lads will rue the missed opportunities which should have taken the game.

Division ONE WEST
Clanfield 2 - 0 Hook Norton (Home View)
Clanfield rounded off a good Bank Holiday Weekend with six points out of a possible six when they gained a hard earned win against a resilient Hook Norton on Monday.
The day began with the Robins being presented with their new playing strip by their Sponsors Silver Pear Weddings who are based in the village.
The Management duo of Jason Court and Peter Osborne were back in place after missing the trip to Malmesbury. Ollie Oswin (56 days) and Dean Mays (2 Matches) began suspensions whilst Darren Coleman was a late withdrawal. Chris Blakely moved to Centre Half alongside Jamie Butt, Alex Bush came in for Coleman at Right Back with Callum Miller in midfield in the spot vacated by Blakely whilst Mark Odom came in for Dean Mays.
Both teams took time to settle with mainly mid-field exchanges and some strong tackling. Odom broke clear but failed to take the ball with him. Then Bush set Miller clear down the right but his cross eluded the in rushing Craig Mays. Odom went clear but his rising shot cleared the cross bar. Another cross found Dan Bishop who controlled the ball well but his fierce drive was charged down. The visitors went close when awarded a free kick following a foul by Alan Rodgers. Skipper Joe Davies fierce place kick from fully thirty yards was tipped by Chris Brain on to the crossbar and over to safety a wonderful effort matched with a brilliant save. Brain was in action again to deal with a low shot from Hook Norton’s Callum Convey but a goalless first half was probably a fair reflection of the play.
HT: 0 - 0
The Robins stepped up their game in the second half and began to create chances Craig Mays went close on a number of occasions but failed to find the net. Meanwhile at the other end the visitors Pete Moulder continued to work hard to trouble the home defence. The Pressure eventually told in the 65th minute when Odom set Bishop clear down the left and an excellent cross was fired home by Craig Mays. The home side went close again but missed chances and were nearly made to pay when only good work by Brain and Bush at the foot of the post prevented the equaliser. Skipper Danny Dixon and Bishop broke clear only for the latter to be ruled offside as the pass was placed past visiting keeper Jack Harding. Tight decision this. Harding then conceded a penalty when he flattened Craig Mays but taking the kick himself Mays struck the bar. Miller shot wide and then hit the bar from close in but the youngster was not to be denied showing neat footwork in the area to place the ball in to the net in the 88th minute to seal the points from an entertaining game.

Clanfield 2 - 0 Hook Norton (Visitor’s View)
Having not fared too well in their previous two league games the visitors were hoping to get some points in this one, but it was not to be.
Hooky started brightly, but the game surged back and forth from one end to the other. Both sides had their opportunities with shots in the direction of the net but often not on target. The speed of Danny Poole showed in attacking moves in the first League game in which he has played this season. On the half hour, Hooky had a free kick close to the area taken by Joe Davies which brought a finger tip save from the Clanfield keeper. Clanfield then went on the attack, and again failed to hit the back of the net. Hooky retaliated. Danny Poole delivered a fine cross, but Dave Buckwell was unable to convert it.
HT: 0 - 0
The home side came out of the starting blocks quickly and kept Hooky penned back in their own half for the first 20 minutes, during which they had other chances which did not result in a score. Finally on 78 minutes the on rushing Craig Mays charged through the Hooky defence, and unleashed a shot with which Hooky`s keeper Jack Harding had no chance. This reverse seemed to fire Hooky up for about 10 minutes, and provided another chance for them which wasn’t converted. Clanfield however soon recovered the initiative and had a goal disallowed on 80 minutes. They kept up the pressure which resulted in a penalty from an error by Jack Harding. Fortunately for Hooky, the ball hit the bar, but Clanfield`s assault on the Hooky goal continued, producing their second goal within a few minutes of the end of the game. Clanfield immediately tried again, producing an excellent finger tip save from Jack Harding at the death.

Letcombe 1 – 6 Headington Amateurs (Home View)
Letcombe played their best football of the season for the first 20 minutes, but then they pressed the self destruct button and were ultimately well beaten.
Letcombe almost scored in the opening seconds, Harry Jenkins blocking a Pete Horswell shot after he had intercepted an attempted header back to the goalkeeper.   The rebound fell to Robert Joyce whose shot was blocked on the line. Then Joyce cut in from the right, but Jenkins blocked his fierce shot. Letcombe continued to dominate the play, but fell behind after 25 minutes. The defence allowed a long ball to bounce, and Joe Kent pulled back Luke Cuff as he was about to shoot, earning himself a caution.   Neil Lockhart drove home the resulting penalty.   Within two minutes Luke Cuff took advantage of dreadful marking to increase the lead.   Letcombe heads began to drop, and Headington took complete control. Luke Cuff took advantage of another mistake early in the second half to increase the lead, and he completed his hat trick twenty minutes later. Pete Horswell gave Letcombe hope with a dipping shot from 25 yards, but more dreadful marking allowed Neil Lockhart to twice run through a static Letcombe defence to also complete a hat trick and to leave Letcombe with many defensive problems to overcome.

LAUNTON SPORTS 0 - 3 BICESTER TOWN
In front of a bumper Bank Holiday crowd Sports entertained local rivals Bicester Town in a Division One West fixture.
As expected with it being a local derby the early stages of the game seemed to be a rather tense affair, littered with free kicks. However in the 12th minute Bicester broke the deadlock as Adam Lovegrove rose unchallenged to head home from close range giving home keeper Lewis Butler no chance. This lead saw Bicester in the ascendancy, as they started to look yards quicker and sharper than Sports. However Launton battled back and in the 21st minute after good possession midfielder Andy Krupowicz threaded a quality ball through the visitors defence for Scott Marshall who fired home with great precision, but alas he had drifted marginally offside. Undeterred Launton came even closer in the 25th minute when a thunderbolt from Krupowicz following a neat layoff by Lewis Bland crashed against the visitor’s upright with their keeper stranded. The rest of the half saw little or no constructive football either team, until on the stroke of half time Adam Lovegrove netted from close range, again to increase Bicester’s advantage.
HT: 0 - 2
Any hope Launton had of getting anything from this game evaporated in the 50th minute when a somewhat scrappy goal by Lenny Sackey sealed their fate. In fact for a period of time Sports keeper Lewis Butler produced a series of magnificent saves to foil Lance Shaw. With game virtually won Bicester then introduced former Launton players Danny Green and Dan Sweeney. Surprisingly this seemed to signal a lift in the Launton performance, although the visitor’s was rarely threatened as midfielder Dan Ames marshalled his troops. The game ended with a string of Launton corners, but this occasion it was too little to late. A very entertaining game which the visitors gained a deserved victory, although neither team looked much like championship contenders , especially Launton.

PURTON 1 - 1 CRICKLADE TOWN (Home View)
Bragging rights were shared in this local derby game on Bank Holiday Monday at the Red House in front of a large crowd when the sides drew 1-1.
In what was a real full blooded local derby encounter, the first for many seasons Purton managed to make it 3 wins and two draws in the sides last five league games.
The first half was shaded by Cricklade who missed a couple of really good chances and Alford in the home goal made a couple of timely interceptions. Purton went ahead early though scoring after just 6 minutes when a 30 yard free kick by Johnny Coole flew past the Cricklade keeper Ben Goodey. Ten minutes later Goodey then did well to tip over a Steve Avenall effort. Poor defensive play by Purton though after 37 minutes allowed Adam O'Bree to score from close range following a left wing cross that was misjudged by a Purton defender to send the sides in all square at the break.
HT: 1 – 1
The 2nd half saw action at both ends with Cricklade going close and efforts by Marcus Hall James Townsend, Steve Avenall and Steven May were either saved or just missing the target. In what was a committed display by both sides it was sad to see eight yellow cards shown in what was a physical encounter but did not merit the number of cautions issued on the day which the large crowd present had to witness.

Trowbridge Town 2 - 0 Malmesbury Victoria (Home View)
Trowbridge were determined from the start, and looked keen to break their losing streak.
They nearly got off to the perfect start, and could have been a goal up in the first two minutes, but no one was able to connect with a drilled cross from Neil Grant. During the first 30 minutes, Trowbridge exerted almost constant pressure on the Malmesbury defence, with the visitors only rarely entering the Trowbridge half. Trowbridge were rewarded for this pressure when after 11 minutes a quick break allowed the excellent Nick Mead to lay the ball inside, where Josh Marsh was on hand to firmly plant the ball into the back of the net with an assured left-footed finish. Town could have been three up following two messy passages of play in the box. Trowbridge were now dominating possession, but with 10 minutes left in the half a mistimed tackle from Jamie Croydon resulted in a penalty for The Vics. Unfortunately the spot kick missed the target and the Trowbridge players breathed a collective sigh of relief. This led to Malmesbury’s best period of the game so far, but the Trowbridge defence held firm.
HT: 1 - 0
Trowbridge started the second half on the back foot, and soon conceded another penalty. This time Nathan Taylor in the home goal was the guilty party. Malmesbury changed their taker, but this proved no more successful, and Taylor made amends with a good save. Trowbridge had the next two chances. Firstly Neil Grant had a goal controversially disallowed for offside, and then they won a penalty following a clumsy tackle in the box. Josh Marsh slotted it in, but the referee ordered it to be retaken. The second time round he was not as successful and skewed his effort wide. The healthy crowd of 78 was starting to sense the luck might not be with the home team. Trowbridge made three substitutions and once again grew in confidence, with some outstanding play by Paul Gittins, Allan Clarke, Paul Beavers and Nick Mead. Trowbridge’s second goal was a superb individual effort from Paul Gittins. Malmesbury increased the pressure for the last five minutes, but Trowbridge held on for a deserved 2-0 win.

Trowbridge Town 2 - 0 Malmesbury Victoria (Visitor’s View)
On a sunny afternoon Malmesbury started off well but in the first 7 minutes conceded a goal against the run of play, with the pressure on the Trowbridge goal a big clearance from Nathan Taylor up field saw Trowbridge take the lead with a well driven goal that gave Martin Woodhouse no chance. From the restart the Vic’s pushed and had Trowbridge on the back foot it wasn’t until the 36th minute that Mark Barnes was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot, with the penalty spot drawn around a whole that the ball sat in the ref made Andy Brien put the ball on the spot, but he scuffed it wide. The game went from end to end but ended at half time 1-0 Trowbridge
With Mark Barnes having to go off at half time with a recurring leg injury on came Gareth Morris,
HT: 1 - 0
Vic’s started the second half the same as they started the first keeping the ball, in the 52nd minute Morris was brought down in the box by the keeper Taylor who was the last man and only got a yellow card? And the spot the same as the other end with a hole in the middle of the spot, it was down to Ian Wilmer to hit the ball down the middle of the goal and the keeper to save it with his feet, it was hit that hard that the ball bounced over the advancing player’s to be cleared. Trowbridge went down the other end from the penalty save only to be given a spot kick of their own, up steeped Dave Gray only for the Vic’s keeper to point out to the ref that he (Gray) had put the ball to the side of the spot, for him to put it in the same hole as before only for Gray to scuff the ball wide as well. The game went from end to end with no real end product; it wasn’t till the 64th minute that Trowbridge had a corner Woodhouse punched clear to Wilmer to nock forward to James McCarthy to be brought down on the half way line, from the free kick Trowbridge cleared for throw on the left, it fell to Neil Fisher who turned and shot but the keeper Taylor made a save to his right, play continued to go up and down the pitch, but it was Trowbridge that made the break through with Harry Coates fouling on the half way line, for Nick Mead to take a quick free kick, through the middle off our defence for Theo Sing to drive the ball past the advancing Woodhouse. In the 83rd minute it was again Trowbridge that took the game to the Vic’s but for a marvellous save from Woodhouse to his left at full stretch to push it over the bar for a corner, from the corner Woodhouse took command again with a good catch through a crowd of players to which the referee blew his whistle for full time.

Tytherington Rocks 3 - 1 Winterbourne United (Home View)
This was a match that a punter would like.
At Tytherington last Easter Monday, Winterbourne, with Jimmy Potts, then in their team, scored two penalties, in their 3 0 win. But who can believe that Potts, now in the Rocks colours, could hit a replica pair of spot kicks against Winterbourne, as the home side came up with a top notch victory. Now, that is spooky.
Before the game, Rocks manager, Barry Grainger, wrote in the match day programme, Local derbies by nature tend to be competitive and at times poor games, our players need to focus their energy in the right direction to get a result.
Grainger was right but this was not a poor match, it was fast and furious all over the magnificent pitch and the Rocks did enough to beat their arch rivals with zeal and effort.
In the first 45 minutes Tytherington were fired up and Marcus Taylor wasted a couple of chances then Marc Hughes turned a Danny Thorpe cross inches wide but, six minutes before the interval, the Rocks went ahead.
Potts was upended by Winterbourne left back, Alex Tanner, who was booked, as Potts rifled his spot kick into the visitors net.
HT: 1 - 0
After the interval Tytherington were in control as Taylor and midfielder Ollie Clarke went close and, on the hour, United goalkeeper Joshua Stowrowski picked up a back pass, was booked, and from the free kick, 15 yards out, Clarke and Potts had on target shots cleared by the desperate Winterbourne defence. Several minutes later, the Rocks went further ahead where Taylor was tripped by the visiting centre half Mitch Davenport in the penalty-box and Potts easily found the bottom corner from the spot , for his seventh goal in just 3 games! With nine minutes left Tytherington had the scent of victory when after a sleek move Clarke picked up a sublime pass to hook the ball over the advancing Stowrowski to score from eight yards! But then Winterbourne put on a grandstand finale, substitute Sam Vine got a consolation goal five minutes before the end , after an horrendous error by Tytherington debutant goalkeeper, Tom Sheppard, who before had a good display. Then Vine scored from an offside position in the last minute, and from his angry re-action about this decision the visitor’s striker, who was linking with the Rocks’ in the summer, was sent off.
This was a big win for Tytherington and the way they are performing means they have an experienced squad to enjoy a good winter. But what is the starting price for Jimmy Potts, who scored two penalties for both teams in four months, as he did.

Division ONE EAST
Chalfont Wasps 1-1 Finchampstead
On Monday the Wasps needed to stop the losing sequence rot and worked hard to achieve this and secure a draw.
The game ebbed and flowed nicely with the Wasps probably having the better chances throughout the afternoon but Finchampstead were resolute and provided more than enough resistance to prevent the Wasps scoring a second during the periods when they dominated events. Again The Stingers had to come from going a goal down after Freddy Baron slotted a neat volley back across Chris Tullet in the Wasps goal into the far corner just two minutes after the half time interval. The Wasps then enjoyed the lion share of possession but developed few really clear cut chances despite being on the offence for the majority of second half. The deserved equaliser game from the boot of Fred Tripp, in the 70th minute, following a period of particularly well sustained pressure on the Finchampstead penalty box. Martin Kenealy, Wasps Manager, made multiple changes during the second half in an effort to bag all three points but his side was unable to find the guile to break down Finchampstead, gain what would have been a very welcome second goal and all three points.

Holyport 4 v 2 Didcot Town Reserves
In blustery conditions at Summerleaze Village Holyport opened their account in the UHLSPORT Hellenic League with a comfortable 4-2 win over Didcot Town Reserves.  Didcot had their outstanding goalkeeper to thank for keeping the score down to just the four goals.
The first half was a poor affair as both sides struggled with the stiff breeze, but both sides to their credit tried to play football but neither side looked likely to create any openings.  The first chance of the game came to Didcot as a through ball had to be well smothered by Bradley in Ports goal.  Other than a few long range free kicks this was Didcot’s only chance of the first half.  On 14 minutes a goal which summed up the first half was scored by Lewis Driver.  Jamie Handscomb’s shot was saved and half cleared, Driver then collected the rebound which was saved again, the ball then fell to Driver who eventually slotted home. The remainder of the half was back and forth with neither side looking like they wanted to dominate.  Then on the stroke of half time Lee Jerrum broke clear only for the Didcot keeper to make a smart save.
HT: 1 - 0 
Holyport started the second half with the wind behind them and they never looked back.  Dominating the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half Didcot couldn’t find a way to clear the ball as the Port back four of Ovens, Reeves, Coleman and Deverall retained procession from every Didcot clearance. A chance went begging in the 49th minute as yet again the Didcot keeper saved with his feet from Handscomb.  From the resulting corner Handscomb then header over and also received a nasty cut above the eye from the clash of heads.  A barrage of corners followed but the elusive second goal just wouldn’t come. Didcot then broke clear and smashed a thumping volley against Ports crossbar, the rebound was tapped home to make it all square (64th).  Holyport responded and in particular the lively Lee Jerrum started to come into the game.  In the 71st minute Jerrum was clear and yet again the keeper saved.  The resulting corner broke down but Jerrum won the loose ball back and crossed to the back post for skipper Reeves to head home (72nd). Jerrum was then in again in the 78th minute with a Port player down everyone stopped except for Deverall who crossed for Jerrum with only the keeper to beat he volleyed over. It looked as through Holyport could now score at any moment and on the 84th minute Jerrum was clear again but the Didcot keeper saved again.  88th minute and Jerrum was involved again as he picked Driver out at the back post to slot home and make it 3-1.  Two minutes later and Driver was clear again with the keeper to beat, the keeper saved once again but Driver got the rebound first and completed his hat trick (90th). Didcot were then awarded a free kick, Bradley saved only for the rebound to fell to the Didcot forward who scored with the last kick of the game (90th).
Holyport will face tougher games this season and must start making the chances created count. 

MILTON UNITED 2 - 1 CHINNOR (Home View)
Milton picked up their second win in 48 hours on Monday when they beat Chinnor in the game played at The Heights.

Once again Milton manager Shaun Smith had to make changes due to non-availability and injuries but the players brought in did an excellent job.
The home side got off to a flying start again when they took the lead after only one minute when JAMES CLARKE found the net with a shot from the edge of the area. This goal settled the home side and they continued to create some chances and went further ahead in the 34th minute when they were awarded a penalty for handball and ROSS BUTLER converted the spot kick. This second goal seemed to inspire Chinnor and they had a spell of pressure just before the end of the half but Neil Howarth in the home goal was not really tested until the visitors were awarded a penalty in the 40th minute again for handball and this time it was RYAN DAVIES who scored for Chinnor.
HT: 2 - 1
At the start of the second half it seemed that neither side wanted the ball and players were passing like it was a hot potato, but it settled down and Milton started playing some good passing football and Chinnor started to go route one looking for the equaliser. Chinnor were awarded some free kicks but their danger man from set pieces Richard Carr was well marshalled all game by Milton’s Dan Oatway who was superb in the air all match, as was Ross Tabor alongside him. The central midfield partnership for Milton of Clarke and Kenny were controlling the game and with a bit more luck in front of the goal the score would have been greater, but the few home supporters there were went away happy with another win.
Shaun Smith the Milton manager said after the game that it was very encouraging to get another win and after the two performances this weekend all the players know they will have to play at their best every game as there are people who can come in and replace them without the team suffering.

Newbury 0 - 3 Hungerford Town Reserves (Visitor’s View)
In what was expected to be a heated game it was relatively quiet in terms of tackles, but heated in terms of passion.
Hungerford looked nervous for the opening 10 minutes, but Newbury failed to capitalise, Hungerford adapted to the pace and became the better side throughout. With 7 local players named in the squad it was the determination of The Crusaders that came through. Hungerford went in at the break 1-0 after a goal from Yashwa Romeo. Robbie Sadler switched play finding Danny Lachacz on the left, who turned Mclean and delivered an inch perfect cross with his left foot for Romeo to head home. Romeo had earlier seen a headed chance go straight in to the keeper’s arms. Newbury were almost on level terms when a bullet strike from 30 yards from Marc Green got the best from Keeper James Foster with a great save at full stretch. Thorp had a goal disallowed for offside after a shot from Romeo was parried by the keeper and Thorp who's marker had left him side footed the ball in, but was adjudged to of been offside, when Romeo shot.
HT: 0 - 1
The second half started a bit nervous again for both sides, but Hungerford soon gained control after changes were made by Newbury. Newbury made a big mistake playing an unfit Marc Green and had to replace him at half time, unable to walk after the game with a swollen knee, looks like that will put him out for a while. Hungerford soon got there second after an excellent ball from Foster put in Rackham and he obliged by striking past the keeper into the bottom corner, it was a poor keeping by Stewart who will want to keep his place as Bayliss is due back from injury soon. Newbury should of got themselves back into the game after a silly challenge by Lachacz on Collard saw the referee give a penalty. Former Hungerford striker Russel Benham stepped up and the confident Foster dived the right way and got two strong hands to the ball. Had the ball gone in, it may of given Newbury hope, but a persistent Hungerford grew in confidence and it was that man Lachacz that made it three. A great cross from Thorpe saw Romeo get a touch to the ball only for it to hit the post, but Lachacz was following in and the rebound hit his knee and he made it three. Hungerford could of made it more after that, but didn't take their chances, but an all round great team performance deserved the three points and put a stop to Newbury's 100% record. Both Blackford and Brewer played exceptionally well in midfield and controlled the battle, Blackford did well not to react to a ridiculous challenge from Kirk Willmoth gaining himself only a yellow card from the generous referee. The back four of Sadler, Allaway, Brown & Browne made a couple of mistakes under pressure but generally were solid for 90 minutes.