Craftmatic

28th Aug 2005: Friendly v Thatcham Tornadoes

The U10 North Wilts side, kicked its season off with a friendly match against Thatcham Tornadoes from the South Chiltern League. With games now up to 25 minutes each way the lads' fitness would be fully tested.

Nine players were available for the fixture with Declan Hess and Lewis Holborn starting on the bench, with new players Jack Bolton in defence and Oli Sopp in midfield. The first ten minutes of the match were mainly confined to the midfield but Wickham did have two good chances but the first time shots were hit well wide. In the 12th minute Ian made a substitution swapping Jordan for Lewis which had an immediate effect. Some nice interplay in midfield between Josh and William saw a ball played into space behind the Thatcham defence for both Lewis and Oli to run onto. Lewis got to the ball first, drew the keeper and slotted the ball away. Thatcham now pressed forward with their small no5 creating problems. A scramble in the area eventually saw Josh clear the ball to William. He laid the ball back to Jack who then feed Lewis. Josh was now on the overlap and his cross was met by William to tap the ball in. In the 17th minute Thatcham's no5 was left all alone and a through ball went past Jack and Aiden. As the forward bore down on the goal Ben came out but could not stop the ball from going in. Ian then swapped Declan for Aiden and asked him to stay with the no5 and not let him drift in behind our defence. No more goals were scored thus the half tie score was 2-1.

At half time Ian asked the midfield to work back and pick up the Thatcham runners. Oli was given a breather with Lewis dropping back into midfield and Jordan going back up front. However, within 2 minute Thatcham were level following a four man breakaway which, although initially halted, resulted in a goal being scored. Wickham's heads did not go down & within two minutes they were back in front as an in-swinging corner from Jack went straight into the net. Wickham were now put under intense pressure and it was their own break away which made it 4-2. William cleared the ball up to Jordan in the centre circle. He brought the ball down and knocked it past the defender. He won the race to the goal but as he went round the keeper two defenders had made it back on the line but he just blasted it through them to score. Straight for the centre Thatcham put a good cross in which seemed to be handled but the forward put the ball in for 4-3. Wickham then returned the compliment as both Lewis and Jordan had shots saved on the line before William banged the ball in for 5-3. Wickham were now the stronger side and in the 15th minute Josh got on the score sheet. Aiden replaced Declan and in partnership with Jack they dealt with everything which came their way, so much so, Ben only has to take goal kicks. One of Jack's clearance found William on the wing, he advanced on the goal, drew the last defender before laying into Jordan's path for him to slam the ball home. Wickham were now passing the ball around with confidence and it was no surprise when a move which seemed to involve all the players was finally finished off by Jordan to complete his hat-trick giving Wickham an 8-3 victory.

The Player of the Day award went to Jack for a great defensive display and neatly fitting in with his new team mates, looking as if he had played with them for ages.

Ben Grey, Jack Bolton, Aiden Weeks, William Herrington, Oli Sopp, Josh Way, Jordan Burnett.
Subs:- Declan Hess, Lewis Holborn.