Craftmatic Chiltern Engineering Services

30th Oct 2005: vs. Ferndale Rodbourne (Friendly)


Wickham’s visit to 3rd placed Ferndale Rodbourne looked to be in doubt as the rain lashed down on the way down the M4. However, by the time the match was due to start the rain had virtually stopped.

Rodbourne were dominant in the early stages as Wickham, despite playing with the wind, were pegged back in their own half. Despite over ten minutes of constant pressure, during which numerous corners were conceded, Ben never really had a hard hit shot to save. Finally Wickham were able to string a series of passes together. This ended up with Olly going down the left and then crossing the ball into the middle. Despite William having his back to goal a quick turn and immediate shot saw the ball nestling in the left hand corner of the goal. Wickham were now in the ascendancy. Two corners corning in quick succession saw the 2nd one brilliantly saved by the Rodbourne keeper’s legs, as Charlie was convinced he had scored. In the 13th minute following more Wickham pressure 3 corners in a row were well saved by the Rodbourne keeper but the 4th was headed in by William giving Wickham a deserved 2-0 lead. Josh and Jordan were then introduced for Olly and Charlie and the Wickham pressure continued. Aiden came on for Jordan Shaw and did an excellent job in defence and it was one of his clearances, in the 20th minute, that created the 3rd goal. His pass found Josh on the left who then switch the ball to Karl on the right. After going past his man he gave the ball inside to William who then moved it onto Jordan B. Like William earlier in the game, with his back to goal, he turned, beat his man then drilled the ball into the back of the net for a half time lead of 3-0.

Ian’s only instruction to the lads was top keep the passing game going and not to concede an early goal. With the wind on their backs Rodbourne were more of an attacking force in the second half but Jack and Aiden remained firm at the back with Ben making the saves when called upon. Wickham started to get on top again and in the 13th minute a Rodbourne clearance was controlled by Josh on the half way line then laid off to Olly who hit the ball from fully 20 yards into the roof of the net. Towards the end Josh was taken out by a Rodbourne defender and required treatment but was OK to carry on. Unfortunately the resulting free kick went just over the bar. There was however no way back for the home side but to their credit they kept on going and in injury time converted a corner making the final score 4-1.

The Player of the Day Award went to William, not only for his two goals but for his work in midfield, always seemingly back in defence or up in attack where ever he was needed.

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