We had a weekend of ups and downs, with the seniors experiencing the downs and the youth set up the ups!
Starting with the senior sides, Town 1st Team made the journey to East Hendred Reserves in NBFL Division 1, hoping to close the gap between the two sides from six to nine points, however preparations were again hit by late withdrawals. The side found themselves 1-0 at the interval, but had made a number of chances for themselves without hitting the target. Town were then forced down to ten men with a deserved straight red card and the home side took full advantage scoring a further three times for a 4-0 Town defeat.
The Reserves were in their second semi final in seven days, as they travelled to Grove Rangers to face East Hendred Reserves in the AG Kingham Cup. The Reserves were unable to field a complete bench for the fixture and found themselves two nil down after 15 minutes of the game. As the half grew, Town created a number of good opportunities which should have seen them at least draw level before the break. As the second period got under way, the two sides were very even, but two lapses of concentration saw Hendred go 4-0 up and Town were again out at the semi final stage of a competition.
The A Team welcomed title contenders Wallingford Town Reserves to tucker Park in NBFL Division 4, looking to spring a surprise and take some points from the fixture. The visitors had the lions share of the game but with Town putting in a high energy and workman like performance, only found themselves 1-0 down at the break. Unfortunately, the visitors current form saw them through the second half as they grabbed three further goals without reply for the three points and confirm a miserable day for the three Town senior sides.
Town under 8’s & 9’s both had encouraging performances as they played their latest Development fixtures on Saturday morning. The under 8’s welcomed St Edmunds Royals to Tucker Park and the under 9’s travelled to Quarry Rovers Inklings.
James Gough and his under 10 squad travelled to Kennington Athletic who compete in a higher league to play a Knockout Trophy semi final. Town played some great football, before running out easy winners and a place in the final, date to be confirmed. Well done to James and the lads, hopefully they can claim a second trophy for the season.
The under 12’s were due to play a Knockout Trophy semi final on Sunday at Tucker Park, however confusion rained as the visitors arrived for an earlier kick off time and the tie did not take place.
The under 13’s, who sat third before kick off welcomed B League leaders Abingdon Youth to Tucker Park on Sunday morning, knowing a victory would enhance their chances of winning the league title. The match was of very good quality, with the visitors taking the lead with 10 minutes remaining, however Town’s never say die attitude took them the final whistle, as they grabbed a deserved equaliser in the dying minutes for a share of the points. The sides sit 6 points apart, with Town having two games in hand.
The under 15’s also faced a top of the table clash, as they travelled into Berkshire to face top of the table Goring Robins. Town who sat third prior to kick off, put in an excellent team performance to come away with a 4-2 victory. The win takes the team to second position, three points behind Robins, with two games in hand, so all to play for from their remaining four C League fixtures.
The under 16’s made the journey along the A420 to take on Oxford City in the Oxfordshire Invitational B League on Sunday afternoon. The side has steadily climbed the table over recent weeks and this 2-1 away victory saw them take over third position and see an obvious chance of promotion look a possibility, with seven games to play, six of which are at home.
The under 17’s played their final fixture of the B League, before the league splits into Premier & Championship mini leagues. They made the journey to Summertown Athletic who were pointless from their nine fixtures and picked up another three points to cement a 5th placed finish with a 6-0 victory. The side now will complete in the Premier B Division for the remainder of the season. Match Report to follow.
