Wickham Wanderers Under 8's Match Report 9-Nov-2003

Almost full availability saw 10 boys turn up for the "Derby" against Hungerford. The boys were put into "two teams" for the first half of game one with them playing up the hill.

Game 11

The break in matches for half term clearly showed, as Wickham constantly chased after the ball, leaving the Hungerford forwards in lots of space. The only reason that they did not score in the first five minutes was due to some good goal keeping by Ben Grey. When Ian brought the "2nd team" on things did not change much, although, from two passing moves both William and Josh failed to hit the target. With the half running out, Hungerford finally managed to convert one of their chances to go in at the break one up. Ian asked the players to think about the two magic phrases "pass the ball" and "spread out"... in the second half. This they did, playing much better, with goals from William and Josh giving Wickham the lead. Ben was called into action again near the end of the game but he was not to concede another, as Wickham held onto a hard faught 2-1 victory.

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

Game 12.

The second game was started with a totally new side giving Thomas, Neal and Declan the chance to show what they could do. It was hard playing against the slope but both Neal and Declan had chances to open the scoring, which unfortunately they failed to take. Jordan was working hard in defence with Ben again making some good saves but the half time story was the same as the first match, as Wickham conceded a goal just before half time.

Ian again rang the changes with Josh, William, Aiden and Blake starting the second half. Straight from the kick off Hungerford never cleared the ball out of their area and William hit a left foot drive into the back of the net. Jack replaced Josh to shaw-up the defence but it was William who had another chance as he robbed the Hungerford forward, boar down on goal, only to see his shot deflected wide for a corner. Ben was again showing his worth and one of his long kicks was pushed out for a corner by the retreating defender. Aiden hit the corner across the goal past everyone but William gathered it in and crossed it to the back post for Aiden to score. Wickham now seemed to be playing out time when the only fowl of the game was committed by Blake, near the touch line but in the area. Despite Ben getting his hand to it, the ball went in just under the bar. Time was running out as the ball was kicked out of play by the Hungerford defence on Wickham’s left. William took a quick throw over the top of two defenders, which Aiden controlled well, hitting his shot into the roof of the net. Josh then hit the post from wide out on the left, but was then on hand to pounce on a long kick from Ben which the Hungerford keeper failed to hold onto, to make the final score 4-2. Four of players received votes for this weeks Player of the Day but Ben Grey received five of the ten votes cast and deservedly won the award.

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