Faringdon Town v Highworth Town Res
Our first game for a couple of weeks and potentially touch and go if it was on. The pitch thawed lovely and we were ok to go ahead.
We started ok and were up for it but obviously, Highworth were too. It was pretty cagey first 5 minutes, Town managed to force the first corner. The ball came in and wasn’t cleared, Kane Harding found the ball at his feet but was challenged and fouled. Ref pointed to the spot. Up stepped captain Matthew Pill, who slotted home to give Town the lead 1-0.
Town weren’t keeping the ball well enough and Highworth were forcing corners themselves. 3 or 4 corners in ten minutes against us was dealt with by Towns defence who smothered anything and everything. Town were clinical again and a clearance from Josh Forth was flicked on by James Tranter into the path of Christian Wills who was in behind his opponent, one on one with the keeper, Christian confidently put it in the back of the net. Town 2-0
Christian and Ryan Bradbury were causing Highworth problems in the wide areas. Our midfield was winning a lot more first and second balls now and we were dealing with Highworth threat. They had a couple of half chances but weren’t clinical and Town were putting in a great shift on a sticky heavy pitch.
Christian Wills was getting a lot of joy against their left back and another great through ball between the defenders got him down into the right channel, his cross wasn’t cleared properly and James Tranter snapshot went in the bottom corner. A good finish that put town 3-0 up.
Credit to Highworth they kept going, another set of corners followed and one was cleared off the line.
Halftime
We knew Highworth would come out the traps second half and be looking to get back in the game. That’s what they did, we didn’t really come out the changing rooms for ten minutes and Highworth had a shot that was just tipped over by Justin Yates. A really good sharp save.
The game was pretty even with both sides trying to play, with the pitch cutting up it wasn’t the best football. Town were awarded a free kick halfway in Highworth a half, captain Matthew Pill whipped in a great ball that James Tranter latched on to with a stooping header. Town 4-0.
This goal saw a big change in the game, Highworth centre midfield player was given a second yellow for saying something to the ref and was sent off, this sparked mayhem and Highworth Keeper was also sent off! Highworth down to 9 players!
Within 5 minutes Highworth had another player sent off and had completely lost their heads. Playing against 8 now. Another challenge from a Highworth player was lucky not to get sent off. The final whistle and Faringdon deserved their win.
A huge 3 points and another clean sheet. Scoring some good goals and showing we can play good football. The most pleasing thing is the team spirit and ethic. The lads are working so hard for each other and are getting their rewards. Up to second in the table, a great way to finish the calendar year ready to go into the new year and carry it all on again. Superb effort gents enjoy your Xmas break you deserve it.
Final Score: Faringdon Town 4-0 Highworth Town Res
Man of the Match: Christian Wills. Created and scored, was a thorn in Highworth’s side and looked unplayable at times. Showing he is a real team player now with his work rate.
