AGM Awards

Thanks are due to Lee and Pete who ran the coaching this year, plus to all the parents who referreed, run the line and otherwise supported the team.

It was another hard season and the small squad suffered with Oli P's long-term injury, as well as other intermittent absences over the course of the year. The team did manage to score well, with Matt R top-scoring with 15 goals, followed by Ben with 8, then Will and Luke both getting 5.

Highlights of the season were the early game against the eventual champions, Greenmeadow B, who were almost beaten, a 2-2 draw against Croft Juniors B (after being 0-2 down), then beating Highworth Juniors (after again being 0-2 down) and Cirencester Town B. The two games against Northleach were also memorable, both ending in 5-5 draws.

The main concern for next season is having enough players, so any new additions would be very welcome.

The Player and Parents’ Award was deservedly won by Matt J. This reflected his massive improvement since in joined the Club and conversion to a defensive position, together with his positive attitude and commitment.

The Coaches' Award went to another player who improved greatly during the season, Jack. He started the season looking strong and fit, then built upon this with some commanding performances in the middle of the field as he battled for everything.

Wickham Wanderers Tournament

Well done to all the players who played today - there were some very difficult opponents and the performances, particularly in the last couple of games, showed a good deal of spirit and team work.

AGM 14 June

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Sunday 27th April: U13 v Cirencester Town B

Unfortunately the large Cirencester pitch and warm sun proved to be our main undoing in this match, as there were lots of tired legs during the game. Cirencester built up a strong half-time lead, although we managed to match them in the second-half, with goals from Luke and a scrambled effort that Dominic claimed most strongly.

The Coaches' award went to Matt J for another excellent performance in the centre of defence, whilst Lewis gave the Captain's award to Toby for his positive encouragement throughout.

Squad: Toby, Dan, Oli B, Matt J, Dom, Will, Matt R, Jack, Ben, Luke, Lewis, Jonathon, Oli H and Chris

Sunday 6th April: U13 v Highworth Juniors

This was always going to be a tough match with a number of players missing, particularly the regular defenders. The players who took part all played very well and should be pleased with their efforts, the defenders in particular. Luke got a deserved goal in the second half after a well-worked free kick between Chris and Jack.

Toby gave the captain's award to Jack for his hard work throughout the match, whilst Chris received the coaches' award for playing well in an unfamiliar full-back position.

Squad: Toby, Oli H, Matt J, Jack, Chris, Luke, Will, Matt R, Ben and Lewis

Sunday 9th March: U13 v Northleach (with photos)

Incredibly this match ended up with exactly the same result as the home match just before Christmas - a 5-5 draw. Again Wanborough started slowly, giving Northleach a three goal headstart, before Matt R pulled a goal back and then set up an own goal. Northleach scored again before half time to lead 4-2.

The second half produced a much better team effort with Matt R gaining a hat trick and Luke scoring too. There could have been more goals, but the post got in the way twice and it was Northleach who scored last again to equalise. Either team could have won the match in the end, with Matt J making a superb tackle in the last couple of minutes to deny their striker a shot on goal. The whole team played extremely well in the second half and deserves credit.

Jonathon gave the Captain's award to Matt R, whilst Luke won the Coaches' award for his goal mouth action. Many thanks to this week's "Club Photographer" for his excellent action shots!

Squad: Toby, Dan, Matt J, Oli B, Dom, Will, Chris, Jack, Oli H, Lewis, Matt R, Luke and Jonathon

Summer Tournaments

We have also entered two 6-a-side tournaments, on 11 May (timing not known) at Marlborough and 7 June (in the afternoon) at Wootton Bassett. As we will only be able to take a maximum of eight players to each tournament, I need to know first and second choices and any non-availability. I'll try and fit in with the preferences as much as possible, but as places are limited if I don't receive a reply for any players they won't be able to play.

Sunday 10th February: U13 v Lydiard Youth B

This was another impressive performance against a strong side, coming back from two goals down for the second week running, with goals from Will and Matt R. The defence worked hard all game, supported by the midfielders, who also linked well with the forwards. There were plenty of chances in the second half but, unfortunately, it was Lydiard who managed who managed to score another goal.

The Coaches' award went to Will, whilst Jack gave the Captain's award to Matt J.

Squad: Toby, Dan, Oli B, Matt J, Dom, Will, Chris, Jack, Ben, Matt R, Lewis, Oli H and Jonathon

Sunday 3rd February: U13 v Croft Juniors B

A much better performance by all the players for the whole match, resulted in an exciting 2-2 draw. All the goals came in the first half, with Croft taking a two-goal lead. Ben pulled one back before Matt R scored the equaliser. There was plenty of goalmouth action in the second half, but neither side could score again.

The whole team played well this week, with plenty of challenges for the ball, strong defensive work and good attacking play. Matt J awarded the Captain's trophy to Matt R, whilst Jonathon received the Coaches' award.

Squad: Toby, Dan, Matt J, Oli B, Dom, Will, Chris, Jack, Ben, Matt R, Lewis, Oli H and Jonathon
Supporter: Oli P!

Sunday 27th January: U13 v Greenmeadow B (with photos)

As Pete said, this was very much a game of two halves. The first half was excellent with two well-taken goals (from Will and Matt R, after an excellent run from Ben) and a good team performance. The second half was very different, as the tiring legs took over, meaning that passes went astray, challenges were not made and we were generally outpaced.

Toby made some great saves to earn the Coaches' man of the match award, with Dan receiving the Captain's award from Oli B for some crucial tackling.

Squad: Toby, Dan, Matt J, Oli B, Dom, Ben, Chris, Jack, Will, Matt R, Lewis, Oli P and Luke