Craftmatic Chiltern Engineering Services

9th April 2006: vs. Purton Westbrook

With promotion gained and no League match to play, a friendly against Purton Westbrook of Division 1 was arranged. Having defeated their B team in the cup they would be looking for revenge, whilst Wickham were looking for a guide to the strength of next year's opposition.

Wickham got off to the worst start possible. In the second minute, Purton had a throw in near the corner flag. As the ball was launched into the middle, William got up above the strikers to head the ball. Unfortunately it crashed against the cross bar and then the post before going into the Wickham net, with Ben totally stranded. This was a big shock to the lads but they immediately tried to hit back. A throw in found Josh who crossed the ball to the back post where Olly was waiting, but his shot just went over the bar. With 6 minutes gone some good work in midfield by Karl and William sent Josh away on the left. He cut inside, faked to shoot with his right foot, dragged the ball back onto his left and cracked his shot against the base of the post, which the keeper then gratefully gathered in. Finally with 10 minutes gone Wickham got the goal their play deserved as William atoned for his earlier error. A Purton goal kick was headed back by William to Olly. He controlled it then knocked it sideways into William's path, who then drilled it high inside the left hand post. Aiden had taken a knock so he was replaced by Jordan Burnett and shortly afterwards Jack replaced Jordan Shaw and Charlie came on for Olly. Charlie almost scored immediately but his shot was pushed wide by the keeper. In the 15th minute, after some Purton pressure Jordan cleared the ball to Karl on the halfway line. A nice one-two with Charlie sent Karl racing down the right. As he got to the by-line he ignored the simple back pass, instead choosing to slot the ball between two defenders to Charlie at the back post who had the easy task of tapping the ball in to the net. Another nice lay off from Charlie saw William crack a drive just over the apex of the right hand post. As half time approached Jack played a lovely pass to William who immediately switched the ball out to the right wing. Karl raced onto it and took it into the area. Despite Charlie being free Karl hit his drive inside the near post giving Wickham a 3-1 half time lead.

Wickham took control of the second half. In the 3rd minute a short corner routine between Josh and Karl just failed to produce a goal as Josh's shot went into the side netting. With 6 minutes gone it was again Karl and Josh working together but this time on the right flank. Karl hit his cross into the middle for Josh, who then produced a couple of turns to create himself some space, before squeezing the ball just inside the near post. With 10 minutes gone Wickham totally killed the game off. A long clearance from Ben was headed out to Karl on the right by Jordan B. After going past his man, Karl got his shot away but it was parried out by the keeper, only for Josh to be on hand to bang in the rebound. The fact that Wickham did not add further to their tally was due to some great saves by the Purton keeper, one memorable one from Charlie. Ben made one great save from a free kick which seemed destined for the top corner before he pushed it over for a corner.

A great display from all the lads, showing that they can more than hold their own against a higher division side and that they should be confident about next season. Josh was awarded the Player of the Day Trophy and now seems to be back playing with the passion and flare which he had at the start of the season.