Craftmatic Chiltern Engineering Services

19th Mar 2006: vs. Swindon Soccer Skills

The lads were at home to Swindon Soccer Skills with only Jack Moore missing who still not has recovered from his mystery illness. In the away match Olly troubled the visitor with his pace so he was left on the bench to begin with to come on midway through the first half.

Wickham won the toss and decided to play against the wind in the first half. The initial stages were quite even with both sides getting shots away but off target. In the 4th minute Wickham produced a lovely flowing movement from the back. Jordan Shaw passed the ball out to Karl on the right who then knocked it back inside to Jordan Burnett. Jordan gave Karl the ball back and after beating his man the ball was swung to the back post where Josh controlled it before slamming it into the back of the net. In the 8th minute another lovely passing movement saw Jordan Burnett unmarked 2 yards out but he somehow hit the bat with his shot. After another 4 minutes had passed, Wickham had a free kick on the right, approximately 15 yards out. Karl swung it into the box for Jordan to strike it first time just wide of the post. It was all Wickham pressure and finally in the 15th minute they increase their lead. Jordan Shaw again found Karl on the right who then played a one-two with William. He then hit a cross field ball to Josh and he immediately played Jordan in. Jordan's shot was well saved but William was following up to tuck the ball into an empty net. Olly now come on to replace Jordan. Soccer Skills now came back into the game but in the 18th Minute Jack broke up an attack and found William in the centre circle. He took the ball on a bit before sending Karl away. Karl's shot was well saved by the keeper who seemed to have punched it clear of both William and Olly who were following in. Olly however quickly turned to gather the ball in and fired the ball into the back of the net.

Wickham kicked off in the second half playing with the wind and almost increased their lead straight away as Olly's cross to the back post was just a little too far in front of Karl, who put his shot into the side netting. The second half seemed to fly by as Wickham had slightly the better of the exchanges. The Soccer Skills keeper was in fine form dealing with crosses well and getting blocks on all the shots which came his way. Aiden and Jordan kept things tidy at the back giving Ben little to do. However, Ben had to be at his best when a mistimed clearance from Jordan S seemed to be heading for the top corner before he pushed it around the post for a corner. Karl & Josh continued to raid down the wings but Josh was always working hard to get back and help out the defence. Charlie was unlucky not to get onto the score sheet but the lads had done enough in the first half to win the game and to keep their 11th clean sheet of the season.

This now sets up the Divisional decider against Highworth A next weekend, when a victory will almost clinch the title.

Player of the Day for a great performance on the left wing chasing back, getting good crosses in and tackling back whenever required, went to Josh.

Ben Grey, Jack Bolton, Jordan Shaw, Josh Way, Karl Admans, William Herrington, Jordan Burnett.
Subs:- Aiden Weeks, Olly Sopp, Charlie de Fraine.