It was a bad day at the office for the three senior sides, however the youth section had a much better weekend with some important results.
Town 1st Team entertained Long Wittenham at Tucker Park with a full squad to choose from and a positive vibe going into the fixture. Unfortunately, two scrappy goals condemned Town to defeat in a match of not much to talk about. The result leaves Town in the bottom two, hopeful of gaining positive results in the remaining games of the season.
The Reserves were in Nairne Paul Trophy semi final action at Stanford FC, where they face NBFL Division 4 championship contenders Wallingford Town Reserves. The game was all over by the half time whistle , as Town probably provided their worst opening 45 minutes of the season to be 4-0 down at the break. Town did improve slightly in the second period where both sides hit the woodwork, but the opposition thoroughly deserved their place in the final.
The A Team had the reverse fixture of the 1st Team in NBFL Division 4, as they travelled to face Long Wittenham Reserves, hoping to move away from the relegation places. Town were faced with an uphill task as they were without a goalkeeper, which meant top scorer Jason Evans was between the sticks. The side came away with a 2-1 defeat in a game they hoped to collect the three points, but came away with only Justin Yates penalty kick for their efforts.
Onto the Youth teams and the under 9’s were in Knockout Shield 2nd Round action on Saturday morning and in a tight encounter with Abingdon Youth, Town unfortunately were knocked out.
The under 10’s were in the quarter final of the Knockout Trophy at Tucker Park at Saturday lunchtime and overcame a spirited Harwell & Hendred Youth to move onto a semi final at Kennington Athletic Green, next weekend.
The under 12’s entertained pointless Cholsey Bluebirds in the Spring C League, hoping to gain another three points. This they certainly did against only 8 players in this 9v9 fixture, but only after a late winner. The 2-1 victory took the 12’s into second position.
The under 13’s are still keeping the pressure on the league leaders in the B League, after their home 7-0 victory over Botley Boys Red at Tucker Park on Sunday afternoon. With five games to play, they are 6 points behind Abingdon Youth, but with two games in hand and the sides due to meet at Tucker Park this coming weekend.
Town under 15’s travelled to mid-table Summertown Comets on Sunday morning, knowing a win would keep the pressure on leaders Goring Robins in the C League. town totally dominated the home side, winning 12-1. Robins are six points clear of Town, but Town have two games in hand the sides meet in Berkshire next Sunday.
The under 16’s were the final youth team in action, with Tower Hill the opposition at Tucker Park. Town moved up to 4th position in the B League, with games in hand over the top three and know a good run in their final games, will see them gain promotion.
