Wickham Wanderers Under 8's Match Report 30-Nov-2003

With both teams playing in mainly red kits Wickham as the home team switched to their old mainly blue one for this second "Derby" fixture of the season against Newbury. Ian again used "two team" tactic for the first half of game one but the change of strip saw a change in the teams fortunes.

Game 15

The week off really showed as the Wickham defence was pulled all over the place during the first half. Despite this it took Newbury a long time to convert their dominance into a goal which eventually they did. With just over 6 minute gone the "2nd team" came on but still Newbury dominated. An interception by Blake found Josh on the left who hit a first time ball to William. He let the ball run and eventually hit a long range effort into the roof of the net for 1-1. Just before half time a rasping shot came in from the Newbury right which William just failed to turn around the post scoring the 4th own goal of the season.

Ian asked for more effort in marking people, chasing back and looking to pass, however it was again the visitors who took control. A great passing move saw the Newbury attackers break clear, giving Ben no chance. As time went by it seemed that it was only Ben keeping the score down but then a great pass from Aiden sent William away to make it 2-3. Despite some more chances from Wickham, including one in the dying moments which hit the outside of the post Wickham could not find the equaliser and went down to their first defeat of the season.

Ben Grey, Jordan Shaw, Jack Moore, Neal Edwards, Aiden Weeks
Subs:- Blake Clark, Thomas Inch, William Herrington, Josh Way, Ben Cowley

Game 16.

Newbury put out a different squad for the second match but were again the dominant side. Jack and Jordan held the defence together much better this time and if a chance did come then Ben was up to the challenge. There were a few chances for Josh and Aiden but each time they shot wide. Blake, William and Neal came on with 2 minutes of the half remaining but the dead lock was not broken. The same four players started the second half but Newbury came out strong. Ben was forced to make some fine saves to keep Wickham in the match. Neal seemed to be suffering from a blow he took so he was replaced by Aiden and shortly afterwards it was he who put William through to round the keeper and score. The remainder of the game was very tight but Wickham had just down enough go get the win.

Ben Grey, Jack Moore, Jordan Shaw, Josh Way, Aiden Weeks
Subs:- Blake Clark, Ben Cowley, William Herrington, Neal Edwards.