Town went into this game knowing points were needed. A strong side with only a couple missing gave us hope of achieving exactly that.
A good opening ten minutes saw town looking good and organised, however between the tenth and twentieth minute Town were two down! The Town defence was caught square and conceded a sloppy first goal with Ryan Curtis saving the initial shot but no one defending against the attacker following in. The second was similar with a good finish from the Wittenham forward, 2-0 down and an uphill struggle after twenty minutes!
The reaction was good and it didn’t take long for Town to create a good chance. Captain Mark Simpkins made a great run and played a couple of one twos with Jamie Hopgood and Richard Evans and found himself on goal, a Wittenham defender managed to come across and make a tackle which the Town players screamed that it was a penalty. Nothing given.
Town were now in control and going forwards winning a number of free kicks. One of these created a goal for Town. A great delivery from Hopgood was put in the box right on the money, The wittenham defender had no chance and headed into his own net under pressure from Evans. 2-1 and Town deservedly back in it.
Soon after and a huge quick clearance from keeper Curtis got Evans in behind the static home defence, his left footed effort was a difficult one and just went past the post.
At half time Town knew there was enough opportunity to get the three points and went back out keen to go and do it.
Town stepped up the tempo and tried to pressure the opposition as much as possible. A great chance was created when Tommy James slipped a lovely ball through to striker Evans, who slotted home but was denied due to a dubious offside decision. 2-2 would have been out just rewards at the time.
We did continue to knock on the door for the rest of the game, huffed and puffed but couldn’t get that crucial goal and at least take a point that we deserved. Full time Town went down 2-1.
Town manager Darryl Curtis commented at the final whistle ‘Overall, we are disappointed not to take anything from the game but being two behind so early on and not taking a couple of the chances, has inevitably cost us. A poor decision from the linesman stopped us potentially going on to get all three points or at least one that we deserved. The lads for the last hour of the game could not be faulted for the effort and commitment levels. Got to turn this hard work into results and more importantly points. We had a positive atmosphere before, during and after the game, which will work for us going forwards into the next run of games’.
Rafu’s of Shrivenham Man of the match – Chris Benson
