Wednesday 30th of August 2017, finally game day!
Thousands of WhatsApp messages had been sent (and that was just by Leggy whilst in the changing room pre-game). The squad had come through three challenging friendlies fairly unscathed, cobwebs had been blown away and the ‘bants’ (as the kids say) was in full flow.
Faringdon Town FC’s inaugural veteran’s league game was away to Witney Royals, who also play at Clanfield (85) FC, so we were back in the familiar surroundings of the away changing room. This pleased most players as the ‘Eau de Zip’ was probably still lingering in the home room from the previous week. We knew from the previous season that Witney were going to be a strong team and based on last year’s results would be challenging again for league honours.
It was Faringdon who settled quicker and created a few half chances with Witney counter attacking when allowed. The capacity crowd didn’t have to wait long for the first goal of the night. Following some patient build up play at the back Paul ‘marathon man’ Smith was set free in the left channel by a defence splitting pass from S. Pugh. Smith had the time and poise to look up and pick out his strike partner Yates and with a calm side foot finish, Faringdon were in dreamland as they went 1-0 up.
This gave the Don massive confidence and for the next 20 minutes created chance after chance. Unfortunately, they all went begging. Firstly more neat play from Legg, Francis and Wojcik released Marsh one and one with the keeper, the Witney keeper won this battle.
Neat play from Yates created an identical chance as the goal for Smith but a last ditch tackle saved the day (so he says, though a goal kick was given)! Then Hulme created a chance from the left, though his attempted lob fell well short and safely into the keeper’s hands. It was Hulme, teed up by a perfect cushion header from Smith, who then saw a volley flash passed the stanchion as Faringdon turned the screw.
Eventually, the second goal came, once more Yates was set free this time squaring the ball to Hulme at the back post for a simple tap in. Faringdon saw out the last 5 minutes of the half, with the crossbar to thank and some solid defence of a few late corners to keep a clean sheet at half-time.
Witney started the second half on the front foot and Faringdon looked like they were still wondering where the promised half time oranges had gone to. A stray pass from Pugh in the centre circle was picked up by a Witney player who travelled and travelled with the ball before taking a speculative effort at goal. His shot seemed to defy all laws of physics and glided over Lee ‘the cat’ Ruddle into the back of the Don’s goal… Game on!
Within minutes Witney were level. A cross from the left was half dealt with but the loose ball fell kindly to a Witney player to calmly place in the bottom corner leaving the Cat no chance. Now it was all Witney and Faringdon had to weather the storm. Faringdon counter attacked when we could and another good save by the Witney keeper denied Marsh once again.
The game turned in to a cup tie as each team took turns to attack, tired legs left gaps all over the pitch. Then came the defining moment of the game, it was Witney’s turn to go on the offensive as their striker broke into Faringdon’s 18-yard box, he was met with a solid challenge, both players fell to the ground. As the striker fell he seemed to handle the ball and push it perfectly into his own path, across came the Faringdon cover. Sutton slid in to clear the danger, though play was abruptly halted by the referee’s whistle and to most people’s amazement, he pointed to the penalty spot. The resulting spot kick was neatly scored and the Don found themselves behind for the first time in the game.
With 5 minutes left Faringdon threw everything, they could at Witney, ball after ball was sent into their 18-yard box. On one occasion the Witney keeper made a match winning save from his own defender’s header. A few late corners caused mild panic in the Witney box but a third Faringdon goal didn’t materialise.
Huge credit to both teams who gave their all and produced an entertaining opening game of the season. Faringdon learnt some harsh lessons. One thing for sure is that finishing practice will be on the training schedule prior to their next game.
Final Score: Witney Royals 3 v 2 Faringdon Town Vets
