WB 8 - 2 Wasps

Wasps had a great first 20 minutes, taking a 2-nil lead with both goals from Johan. We played some great football on a big, muddy pitch. Unfortunately a few lapses in midfield and WB drew level before just edging into the lead before half time. Once again in the second half we had a 10-minute spell when we couldn't do anything right and WB scored a few goals.

The scoreline flatters WB, but for two weeks in a row we have been routed in just 10-minutes when we forget the basics and play lazily. If we can play for 60 minutes like we played for the first 20 we will win matches.

Captain's MoM (chosen by Nick): Jonny for some super goalkeeping especially in some one-on-one situations.
Coaches' MoM: Johan for 2 goals, some great runs and for being our most aggressive player.

Last training on Monday. We hope to have a Futsal session over the holidays.

Sunday 13th vs Wootton Bassett

Team for Sunday AWAY vs Wootton Bassett at Ballards Ash.

Again there is a chance the pitch is unplayable, although they seem to think it will be OK.
Assuming we do play ... meet at 10.00am for 10.30am kick off in match kit (with gloves!)

Team:
Benjamin Archer
William Arnold
Dominic Bunce
George Hawkins
Ewan Chapman
Jonathan Hook (GK)
Arthur Smith
Johan Warensjo
James Biggs
Harry Freeman
Samuel James
Callum Richardson
Shay Hynes
Nicholas Loubser

Rested/Unavailable:
Charlie Chevis
Thomas Head
William Witts

Sunday 6th Home vs Croft - POSTPONED

Team for Sunday (at HOME) vs Croft - POSTPONED pitch waterlogged.

At the moment the Rec is not playable, but may recover by the weekend. Croft is also unplayable. Hence there is a strong chance we may have to postpone - we will let you know ASAP.

Assuming we do play ... meet at 9.30am for 10.00am kick off in match kit (with gloves!)

Team:
Benjamin Archer
William Arnold
Dominic Bunce
Charlie Chevis
George Hawkins
Thomas Head
Ewan Chapman
Jonathan Hook (GK)
Arthur Smith
Johan Warensjo
William Witts
James Biggs
Harry Freeman
Samuel James

Rested/Unavailable:
Callum Richardson
Shay Hynes
Nicholas Loubser

Wasps 3 - 9 Highworth

We had a good first half, drawing 2-2 after a goal from Johan from a tight angle and a penalty from Arthur. Unfortunately some lousy weather after half time was accompanied by some less good football and we let in a few a goals before Charlie knocked in another.

Good points:
- we carried on trying even after losing half a dozen goals in a short period
- team spirit was good
- we are scoring goals

Things we need to work on:
- defence needs to keep in line and move out quickly
- everyone needs to close down/mark much more strongly - generally, more movement is needed
- not conceding the ball in danger areas (like the 6-yard box!!)
- playing with both feet

Coaches' MoM: Charlie - for hard work in midfield
Captain's MoM (chosen by Will A): Nick - for leading the defence

Sunday 29th v Highworth at home

Team for Sunday (at HOME) vs Highworth

Meet at 9.30am for 10.00am kick off in match kit.
If the pitch at Wanborough is too wet we may shift the match to Highworth (Warneford School) - will let you know ASAP if this is the case

Please ensure you wear a t-shirt/vest plus gloves in this weather (thin cotton gloves with grippy palms are best - available in Sports Soccer for about £1)

Team:
Benjamin Archer
William Arnold
Dominic Bunce
Charlie Chevis
George Hawkins
Thomas Head
Ewan Chapman
Jonathan Hook (GK)
Nicholas Loubser
Arthur Smith
Johan Warensjo
William Witts
Callum Richardson
Shay Hynes

Rested/Unavailable:
James Biggs
Harry Freeman
Samuel James

Wasps 4 - 1 Ferndale

Well done - first three points of the season! An excellent first half, taking advantage of the slope and the wind, with two goals each for Johan and Arthur.

We let in one goal in the second half, but had many chances to increase the score which is very promising.

Every one worked hard even in the wind and rain. The quality of our football really is improving.

Captain's MoM (chosen by Dominic) - Harry for his work on the left of midfield
Coaches' MoM - Will Arnold for a strong performance in central defense

Sunday 22nd Nov v Ferndale

Team for Sunday (at HOME)

Meet at 9.30am for 10.00am kick off. Match kit (pin stripe jersey!). Due to repairs to the turf around the goal mouth, please ask the boys not to play around the goals before the match if you get there before me!

Team:
Benjamin Archer
William Arnold
Dominic Bunce
Charles Chevis
Thomas Head
Jonathan Hook (GK)
Shay Hynes
Nicholas Loubser
Arthur Smith
Johan Warensjo
William Witts
Samuel James
James Biggs
Harry Freeman

Rested/Unavailable:
George Hawkins, Callum Richardson, Ewan Chapman

Sunday 15th v Ferndale _ POSTPONED

POSTPONED (due to rain)

Team for Sunday (AWAY at Ferndale School, Ferndale Road - park in school car park and walk through school to pitches out the back)

Meet at 11.45 for 12.15 kick off. Match kit (pin stripe jersey!)

Team:
Benjamin Archer
William Arnold
Dominic Bunce
Ewan Chapman
Charles Chevis
George Hawkins
Thomas Head
Jonathon Hook (GK)
Shay Hynes
Nicholas Loubser
Callum Richardson
Arthur Smith
Johan Warensjo
William Witts

Rested:
Samuel James
James Biggs
Harry Freeman

Please let us know if there are any problems (especially if I've included anyone who told me they are not around!)

Training over half term

There is no training next week (half term). The next session at St Jo's is Monday 2 November.

The November/December fixtures are on the right of the page.

As we don't have a match until 15/11, I have booked an extra session at @Futsal on Sunday 8/11 10.30-11.30am. Please let us know if you can't make Futsal or any of the match dates.

Notices

The boys get a mention in the Adver today.

No match this Sunday. We may try and arrange a Futsal session in the next couple of weeks due to lack of matches.

The match on 20 Dec has been brought forward to 22nd Nov (home, 10am ko)

The training at St Jo's is going well. The surface is quite slick (especially when damp) - all boys should really have astroturf shoes (normal trainers do not have enough grip and become slippy). No need to spend lots of money - HiTec in the outlet village often have bargains! Gloves are useful as nights get colder - simple cotton gloves with rubbery grips are best - I have a few pairs from last year if you need some. Widely available for about £1.

Please keep us advised if you are not available for any matches (fixtures on the right)

Cup: Wasps 2 - 6 Shaw

Nevermind the result - what a great performance. We showed more effort and ambition in the first half than we have done all season. We were rewarded with 2 great goals. Johan scored after a wonderful series of passes. Tom H curled a beautiful shot in from the loose ball after a corner. Overall a well deserved 2-1 lead at half time. All the boys were rightly pleased with themselves! Unfortunately we couldn't keep it up in the second half and let in a few goals - need to put in those tackles!

Captain's MoM (chosen by Jonny) - Dominic for making a strong contribution
Coaches' MoM - Ewan for strong defensive work first time out on the pitch.

Credit to all the boys this week for a significant improvement and playing some real football.

Training Monday 7-8pm at St Jo's.

Sunday 11th Cup match

Reminder - we are at home on Sunday to Shaw in the cup. Meet at the Rec at 930 for 1000 k.o.

We do not have Will A, Harry or Callum, so everyone else required please.

Wasps 3 - 6 Ramsbury

For the first time this season we were ahead in a game as Arthur headed in a Johan corner for goal of the season (as far!). Despite some great goalkeeping by Jonny Ramsbury edged ahead after winning a penalty. Once again, we let in goals when we are a bit lazy or not challenging enough for the ball. Johan scored a penalty and a neat goal from a very fine angle at the end.

Overall, we need to raise and maintain our energy level and challenge more for the ball especially in midfield. Passes need to be firmer and into space.

Captain's MoM: Jonny for impressive keeping (chosen by Ben).
Coaches' MoM: Johan for working hard, scoring two goals and making one.

Training Monday at St Jo's. Home next week vs Shaw in the cup.

League cup - new fixture

We have drawn Shaw A in the League Cup. We are at home on 11th October 10am kick off. Please let us know if you are NOT available for this match.

Sunday 4 Oct

Team for Sunday (at home vs Ramsbury 9.30 meet for 10am kick off):

Ewan and Will A. are unavailable. James, Dominic and Shay are only possible due to illness.

So, team is everyone else!
* Benjamin Archer * Charles Chevis * Harry Freeman * George Hawkins * Thomas Head * Jonathon Hook * Samuel James * Nicholas Loubser * Callum Richardson * Arthur Smith * Johan Warensjo * William Witts

Reminder training is now at St Joseph's school (off Ocotal Way near Tesco's) 7-8pm on Monday - please wear astros

Sunday 27 Sept Report

Another good opposition team today left us with another 10-1 loss. We struggled to get going in the first half until a sudden burst of energy resulted in a goal for Johan (a lovely high shot crossed into the top corner). The second half performance was very encouraging. A few changes to positions and everybody showed much more energy and commitment - unfortunately we let in a few soft goals from corners and our own goal kicks.

If we continue to play like that we will score some goals and win some games.

Captains MoM - Benjamin for some great defending on the left (chosen by George)
Coaches MoM - Samuel for controlling midfield in the second half.

Training tomorrow is 6.30 - 7.30 at the Rec.

Next match is Sunday 4th at home vs Ramsbury (another tough match to start the season!). 10am k.o.

I think everyone is available apart from Will Arnold and Ewan. Please let me know if anyone else is unavailable and I will confirm the team.

Match report/training

A disappointing start to the season (10-1 away at Shaw). Shaw are a good team and played well. We did well at times - creating two penalties (one converted by Tom). We learnt a lot about what it takes to play 11-a-side on a particularly big pitch.

Captains MoM: George (chosen by Johan)
Coaches MoM: Harry

Next week's match is at Marlborough 10 for 10.30 k.o. at Marlborough Cricket Ground (directions below). All players required please (as Tom H, Dominic, James and Will Arnold are unavailable).

Training next week from 630 -730 due to the rapidly fading light.

Finally, we welcome Callum Richardson to the team. Callum joins us from Coleview and is a left footed midfield/striker. We now have a good sized squad and a good range of skills.

London Road, Marlborough, Wilts sn8 3hn

Directions: The Ground is situated behind Savernake Hospital. Travelling on the A4(East)towards Hungerford the turning for the Cricket Club is just after the hospital on the right hand side,sign posted Marlborough Cricket & Hockey Club.

Match vs Shaw - Sunday 20th Sept

Team for Sunday. Please meet at Shaw (same place as recent friendly - Chestnut Springs Lydiard Millicent SN5 3NB) at 11am for 11.30 k.o. Full new match kit please (Shaw also play in yellow, but they will be wearing a change strip).

* Benjamin Archer * William Arnold * James Biggs * Dominic Bunce * Ewan Chapman * Charles Chevis * Harry Freeman * George Hawkins * Thomas Head * Jonathan Hook * Shay Hynes * Samuel James * Nicholas Loubser * Johan Warensjo

(ie no William Witts, Arthur Smith)

Shaw have asked to keep cars to a minimum due to the numbers of other matches on and lack of parking. Please lift share as much as possible. Let us know if you are stuck for a lift.

Notices - behaviour - awards - training

Team spirit

We are trying to make sure the team develops a strong team spirit balanced with a competitive edge. This will be important if they wish to play well - and is a good life skill! Hopefully everyone would agree we are a friendly team and the boys get on well.

For the boys who go to school together we expect a good attitude when they are playing football at school, as any bad feeling filters through to training and matches. Occasionally (like this week) there is a bit of an atmosphere and the boys can get a bit edgy and over-excited.

One thing we won't allow is the boys talking back or being disrespectful to the coaches or their team mates in training, or the referee in matches.

At training, in the first instance, we will ask players to sit out and calm down. If the behaviour continues we may ask a player not to come to training and may drop them from match play. There is a more formal club behaviour policy (on the website) that I never expect to use.

Awards

On the positive encouragement side, we will be offering some small awards this year for showing good team spirit and developing skills. I'll tell the kids about it next week.

As normal, we will have a Coaches' and Captain's Man of the Match award for each match throughout the season.

Training

Training will be 6.45 until 7.45 next Monday due to the fading light.

>From October we will be training 7 - 8pm on Mondays at St Joseph's school (Ocotal Way), floodlit astroturf.

September/October fixtures

A quick reminder that there is no match tomorrow. Training Monday 6.45 - 8 at the Rec.

The rest of September/October fixtures are currently:

20/09/09 12:00 (A) Shaw A at Chestnut Springs
27/09/09 10:30 (A) Marlborough Town Youth at Marlborough Cricket Club
04/10/09 10:00 (H) Ramsbury Juniors at Wanborough Rec
15/11/09 12:15 (A) Ferndale Rodbourne B at Ferndale School
29/11/09 10:00 (H) Highworth Town Juniors H at Wanborough Rec

We will take 14 players to every game. We have a playing squad of 16. This leaves us quite tight for numbers allowing for holidays, serious sickness, unavoidable visits to distant relatives etc.

Over the season we will:
- let you know the fixtures/venues and keep you up-to-date with any changes
- let you know if you are not required at any matches
- ensure all players who come to a game get to play at least 20 minutes (normally a whole half) - we won't ever ask anyone to come and just play the last 5 minutes!

In return, could you please:
- confirm your availability for matches well in advance so that we can plan the teams (ASAP for the Sept & October matches please)
- let us know ASAP if you can't make a match after you said you can
- ensure we have an up-to-date text number and email address (especially for emergency contact list)

We will let you know shortly about a new venue for winter training.

Pre-season update and Kit

Our first match vs Shaw has been postponed until 20/9. It will be away 12.00 k.o.

Shaw have offered us a friendly on Friday 4th Sept 6 for 6.15 k.o. at Shaw - we will play if we can get enough players (watch out for email/text confirmation).


Many of you have the new match kit - everyone will get it as soon as possible. Many thanks to Nick Chevis and First Group for sponsoring the new match kit.


Match kit consists of:
• yellow shirt with black pin stripe with First logo
• black shorts
• black socks with yellow hoops
(Goalkeeper’s kit is pale blue with long black trousers)

The match kit is for matches only. Please wear the full clean kit for matches – do not mix and match with any plain black shorts/socks.
The manufacturers advise washing without fabric conditioner, as this gradually dissolves the printing.
The kit remains the property of the club and is intended to last two seasons. Please take care of it. Wasps kit should only be worn when playing football with the club.
Please use the old kit for training. Players should wear black/yellow Wasps kit to training (not their very expensive favourite football kit). This helps develop team spirit and helps us identify them as we train in a public space.

Pre-season

Well done to the boys yesterday - a very respectable performance against a good Cirencester team. Everyone worked hard and it was nice to get a goal. Everyone seems to be settling into their positions and the defensive line caught their striker offside many times (not bad given he scored 70 goals last season)!



Quick update on matches:



Match Sunday 23rd at Ferndale - cancelled (neither team could get enough players). Enjoy the lie-in.



Monday 24th - return friendly away at Cirencester. Meet at 6.30-6.45 for 7pm kick off in match kit at Corinium Stadium.



We have re-arranged the first match of the season vs Shaw to be at home (Sunday 6th September 10am kick off).



We will let you know about the first training session soon.

Update

The website is currently being updated for the 09/10 season

Fwd: U11, U12 & U13 Mini-tournament

On Saturday 6 June we held a mini 6-a-side tournament up at Liddington. There were teams from Simon's U11's Shaun's U13's and two teams from the U12's. The U13's eventually ran out winners with a 2-0 win against the U12B side in the final. There was some really good football played with some exiting matches. Big thanks to Paul Makin who marked the pitch and Phil Lester for time keeping. We will organise a similar event in a few weeks time. Lastly I would like to thank all the footballers who behaved and played brilliantly on the day.

Andre.

Awards

Congratulations to everyone at the AGM today, hope your trophies are on the mantelpiece.



Parents' Player of the Season - Charlie Chevis - for his defensive work and leadership this season and the last few seasons.



Coaches' Player of the Season - Jonathan Hook - for enthusiasm at matches and training, hard work in various positions (including goalkeeping) and third highest scorer



Special mention to Tom Head (Golden Boot for most goals) and Nick Loubser (most improved player)

Croft 2 - 0 Wasps

It's a shame we lost our last match, but the performance was certainly nothing to be ashamed off. Apart from a 5 minute spell when we lost the 2 goals, everybody played well against a tough team on a spongy pitch.



Well done to Charlie for another smashing performance and to Ewan for keeping a clean sheet in the first half.




Man of the match to everyone today!




Our final league position is 10th (equal on points with Ferndale Rodbourne who sneaked a win vs Robins). While the results haven't gone our way since Christmas we have performed better than we might have expected moving up to a harder league. We can be proud of our results and the way we have played throughout the season. I don't think any team can say they had an easy match against Wanborough U10s!




Thanks very much to the boys for all their hard work throughout the season, we hope they've had fun and learnt some skills. Thanks to all the parents for supporting the team. Thanks to Per Axel and Tony for their coaching and patience, and also to Toby Chevis for his help.




We will still be training on Mondays for the time being and Helen will let you know about warm-up 11-a-side matches.




Reminder: please let me have any votes for Player of the Season and remember AGM Fun Day on May 16th.

Ramsbury 9 - 1 Wasps

We had a football lesson from Ramsbury today. They passed well, moved continuously and took their chances.


We worked hard and tackled well in midfield and Will and Dominic did well in defence against some difficult players. The key learning point is about movement. Too often we were all stood still while Ramsbury ran around us, or passed through us. We let them have too many chances in and around the box. There is no doubt they were fitter than us!



Charlie won Captain's MoM for his defensive work, he also had Coach's MoM for his leadership and talking throughout the match.



Well done to Arthur for pinching a goal at the end!



Reminder - match kit at training tomorrow for team picture please.

Match with U11s

The U11s have invited us to play an 11-a-side match with them on Tuesday 28th. 6pm warm up for 6.15pm kick off. Session will be led by Andy Bryant and the U10s will be mixed in with the U11s.

End of season notices

Final 2 league matches


26/4 away at Ramsbury. Meet at 10am for 10.30 ko.



Team: James, Dominic, Ewan, Charlie, Harry, George, Tom H, Sam, Arthur, Will



3/5 away at Croft. Meet at 10am for 10.30 ko. (to be confirmed)



Team: whole squad - everyone will get to play some of the match (please let me know if you will not be coming if you haven't already).





AGM and Fun Day - please see separate emails and remember to vote for your player of the year.





Team photo - we do not have a team photo this year yet. I would like to take one at training on Monday 27/4. Can all boys please wear full match kit to training on Monday 27th.





Tournaments - we do not plan on entering any 6-a-side tournaments this year, rather we intend to arrange some 11-a-side matches in preparation for next season. If there is a strong demand we would consider entering one - please let us know.





Summer training - we plan to continue football/fitness training over the summer term and into the summer holidays. We will let you know the details.





U11s - we hope all the boys are up for playing again next season, we need a minimum number to make sure the team is viable as we will be taking nearly the whole squad to every match. Please let us know if you do not intend to sign on for the 2009/10 season.

Cricklade 2 - 2 Wasps

There was certainly no lack of effort today, but we didn't get the win we probably should have got. The big learning point is about passing - we score goals by passing. When we don't pass we have some lovely runs on the ball but ultimately these break down and leave us exposed at the back. We should always score when we have 4 players attacking one defender!



Everyone must be prepared to play out of their "normal" position. We had several injuries today and everyone must be ready to fill-in if required and keep their position.



Another goal for Johan and first league goal for George!



Well done to Captain's MoM Charlie and Coaches MoM Nick for particularly good defensive work.



Training tomorrow at the Rec from 6.45pm.



We have two matches left - a tough match away to Ramsbury and the final game away to Croft. Team for Ramsbury will be posted tomorrow, everyone is invited to play at Croft.

Results 28/29 March

Overall, this weekend we played rather well. Two good performances where we worked hard and had a lot of play. We didn't deserve to lose either of these matches. Unfortunately to win, we need to score more goals and stop letting them in!



Saturday: Wasps 0 - 4 Croft



Captains MoM: Jay for good defence and having the most shots on goal (from defence!)
Coaches MoM: Samuel for hard work in midfield.



Sunday: Wasps 1 - 3 Stratton Youth



Scorer: Jonathan
Captains MoM: Arthur for good shots and hard work
Coaches MoM: Jonathan for confident goalkeeping and snatching a goal



Things we are doing well: passing the ball, running with the ball, generally keeping shape and position. No-one committed themselves to tackles this weekend.



Things we are doing less well: watching the ball and forgetting to watch the player (3 goals this weekend as a direct result of letting a runner go unmarked), keeping the ball out of the net - if defenders/goalie can get a foot or hand to the ball it should be cleared away or saved first time - we concede too many soft goals in the box (3 goals this weekend that the goalie or a defender had already had one chance to stop/clear), a couple of players need to work on fitness and keeping up the play.



Reminder - no training until 20/4, next match on 19/4 (team will be notified this week)

Weekend of 28 and 29 March

Saturday 28th vs Croft. Meet at 12.30 for 1pm kick off


Ewan (GK), Samuel, Arthur, George, Nick, Jonathan, Jay, Shay





Sunday 29th vs Stratton Youth



Ewan & Jonathan (GK), Tom H, Charlie, James, Dominic, Harry, Samuel, Jay, Arthur




Any problems please let me know.





We are hoping to train at the Rec on Monday - watch out for an email confirmation. There will be no training over Easter as lots of people are away.





We have a match on Sunday 19/4 away at Cricklade and we will advise the team before Easter.

Cirencester 6 - 1 Wasps

A respectable performance against Cirencester who guaranteed themselves the league title with their win today. Johan scored a goal after a big clearance from Jay. Everyone battled hard but Cirencester are a very good team and exploited any laziness or loss of concentration.



Captains MoM: Nick for another good performance.

Coaches MoM: Charlie for a determined effort in defensive midfield.

Special mention to Sam who was brave in goal on a rock solid pitch (as evidenced by his bruised and bloodied knees)


Learning points: we have conceded too many goals this season as a result of giving away possession from set pieces (kick offs and goal kicks). We need to stop players shooting from outside the box.



Good points: Defence is working well when not committing themselves. We are looking for passes even if they aren't always coming off.

Wasps 1 - Marlborough 3

Once again we played well when we concentrated and unfortunately let in a couple of goals when we lost concentration. We'll be working on keeping possession in training especially from the kick off.



Coaches MoM: Harry for a another good performance

Captain's MoM: Arthur for his goalkeeping today (and thanks for standing in at short notice)

Robins 3 - 3 Wasps

A strange match today. Sunshine gave way to sleet and hail at kick off. We had to take shelter for 5 minutes in the first half and then cut the match short in the second half due to the unpleasant weather.

Robins went 3-nil ahead. Their two danger players ran at us freely using the downhill advantage and could have scored more if Jonathan hadn't made lots of good, brave saves.


Wasps kept their heads up and pulled back 2 goals as a result of some excellent passing (at least 5 passes resulting in the first goal from Arthur followed by one from Tom H).


A third goal straight from the kick off brought the game to 3-3. Unfortunately the weather got the better of us and we cut the match short, agreeing to share the points.



Good points: keeping our heads up to come back from 3-0 down, passing well going forward. We looked like a winning team by the end of the match.


Learning points: we must stop stepping in or jumping in to tackles, everytime someone swings a leg or jumps in the other team simply ducks round them and is free to pass or score. We need to be able to deal with opposition players running at us as this will happen more and more at U11 level next year.



MoMs: Captains: Harry for some excellent running with the ball. Coaches: Dominic for his best performance yet. Special mention to the goalscorers, Tom and Arthur; Jonathan's goalkeeping; Johan for defending and playing the ball out well; everyone else for keeping going when losing in bad conditions!



NOTE: Cirencester match confirmed for 2pm ko on Sat 21st.

March Matches

We have the following matches coming up, all against teams further up the league than us! Teams for each match are listed below. Note some matches have changed times from the fixture list. We are scheduled to have some matches over Easter that we are hoping to reschedule.



Also, training continues at Liden on 9, 16 and 23 March, moving to the Rec on 30 March.




Sunday 8/3 - away vs Robins at Lawn
kick off 12.00, meet at 11.30 at Lawn School (entrance via Cleeve Lawns)




Team: Jonathan (GK), James, Dominic, Harry, George, Samuel, Johan, Arthur, Jay, Tom H




Sunday 15/3 - at home vs Marlborough
kick off 2pm, meet at 1.30pm at Wanborough School (Per-Axel managing, Tony and Simon not available) - can you help referee? Please let Helen know.

Team: Ewan (GK), Tom H, Nick, Charlie, Will, Shay, Johan, George, Harry




Saturday 21st - away vs Cirencester (top of the table!)
kick off 2pm. Meet at 130pm at Cirencester (Corinium Stadium, Kingshill Lane, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1HS)


Team: Ewan (GK), Samuel, Charlie, Johan, George, Arthur, Harry, Shay, Jay

Wasps 2 - 5 Shaw

It was nice to play in the sunshine and score a couple of goals today. Tom Head got one and Jonathan finished a super cross from Johan for the other. At one point it was 2-3 and looked like a tight game. Unfortunately Shaw pulled ahead and scored a couple more.



Coaches' MoM: Will who defended well and with determination.

Captain's MoM: Nick for solid defending.



Learning points: we need to be quicker on the ball, be more aware of both where the ball is and the player we are marking, watch out for high shots from outside the box.

Good points: some good defending and passing, two goals, lots of effort.


We had a big squad out today - thank you to the boys who waited patiently.

Sunday 1/3 vs Shaw

We are at home on Sunday 1st March vs Shaw A. Kick off brought forward to 10.45 am (not 11.45 as on fixture list). Please meet at school at 10.15am



Team: Ewan (GK), Jonathan, George, Samuel, Johan, Tom Head, Nicholas, Arthur, Will, Charlie, Dominic



Please bring black long-sleeve top (as Shaw also play in yellow)

Indoor Training Session - Sunday 22nd Feb

We have organised another indoor training session (warm, no chance of snow on pitch!) on Sunday 22nd Feb at New College 10-11am.




Everyone encouraged to come along. Please remember to wear indoor trainers (non-marking soles) and bring a drink.

Sunday 15th v Ramsbury

UPDATE: POSTPONED


We are due to play away vs Ramsbury on Sunday 15th Feb. Per Axel is managing as we are away.

Kick off 12.00 (later than shown on fixtures list). Meet at 11.30 am at Ramsbury Rec, Hilldrop Lane (follow down Ramsbury High Street to the end, then right, left, right into Hilldrop lane)


Team: Charlie, George, Johan, Jay, Will, Arthur (GK), Nick, Tom Head, Shay.

Please let us know if this is a problem ASAP.


No training Monday 16/2.

Sunday 8th Feb

UPDATE: ALL MATCHES POSTPONED DUE TO SNOW



We are due to play at home v Stratton Youth on Sunday 8th Feb.


Kick off 10.45 am. Meet at 10.15 am at Wanborough School
Team: Ewan (GK), Jonathan (reserve GK), Charlie, George, Samuel, Johan, Jay, Will, Arthur, Nick


Please let us know if this is a problem. Also if you could let us know your availability in February and March that would help with ensuring we have a team each week and everyone gets a chance to play/have a week off.


Training is scheduled for Monday 9th (Per Axel and Tony running training) weather permitting. Helen and I are away over half term so we will also sort out the team away to Ramsbury in the next few days.

WB 7 - Wasps 0

Once again we were beaten by a better team. The scoreline reflects a few soft goals rather than the true difference between the teams. We worked hard in the second half and had a few chances, but again we didn't defend well enough against their danger players or pass well enough to deserve a win. Well done to everyone who struggled in the bitter cold on a hard pitch.


Captain's MoM: Charlie for good clearances from defence
Coaches' MoM: Jay for his best performance of the season, mainly in defence and not complaining about the cold!

Sunday 1st Feb

We are away to Wootton Bassett on Sunday 1st Feb.


Kick off 10.30 am. Meet at 10 am at Rylands Way (not Ballard's Ash)


Directions: Leave M4 at junction 16 and head towards Wootton Bassett Town Centre. Take 1st left after BP Petrol Station into Longleaze. Take 3rd turning on right into Rylands Way. Ground 150 metres on right hand side.



Team: Ewan (GK), Jonathan, Samuel, Johan, Tom H, Jay, Shay, James, Arthur
First reserve: Charlie

Wasps 0 - 7 Cirencester

We had a football lesson from league leaders Cirencester today. They passed the ball well, moved well and defended strongly. Wasps fought well at times with some good goalkeeping, but any lapse in concentration was taken advantage of by Cirencester.



Learning points: by sticking to the basics we can do well against any side, but we didn't do the basics today - Passing. Marking. Not diving in to tackles. Moving into space. Chasing back.



MoM: Nicholas. Playing on his home pitch he defended well, especially in the second half.


Training Monday as usual. Due to play away at Wootton Bassett next week.

Sunday 25th Jan

We are at home to top-of-the-league Cirencester C on Sunday 25th Jan.



The match has been moved to 2pm kick off to avoid losing lots of boys to another event.


We have broadly the same team we have had ready for the last couple of weeks, but a with couple of changes due to non-availability:


Team: Jonathan (GK), Charlie, Samuel, Johan, Tom H, Jay, Nicholas, Harry, Dominic


Please let us know if this is a problem.


Please meet at Liddington at 1.30pm for 2pm k.o.
Please park considerately.

There is of course a possibility we may have to cancel depending on the weather.

Sunday 18th Jan

We are away at Cricklade on Sunday 18th Jan. The match is currently scheduled for 10.30am (not midnight as on the fixture list!!)


We will stick with the same team we have had primed for the last couple of weeks.

Team: Ewan (GK), Charlie, Samuel, Johan, James, Tom H, Arthur, Jay, Nicholas, Jonathan


Venue: St Sampson's School, Bath Road, Cricklade. Meet at 10am


Please let us know if this is a problem. Weather forecast is OK!

Sorry for the last cancellation due to wet pitch at Cricklade. Thanks to everyone who turned out for the training instead.

Sunday 11th Cancelled

The school pitch is still frozen and all matches on council-owned pitches have been cancelled this week, so we have called off Sunday's match against Croft.



We are planning to train on Monday as usual at Liden - we will play if it's just cold, but may need to cancel if the surface is icy and dangerous. Assume we are training unless you hear otherwise by text on Monday.


Per-Axel and Tony will be taking training.



We will let you know ASAP about the away match vs Cricklade on the 18th.


It is likely that we will play some matches on Saturdays to catch up the missed fixtures against Croft.


Sorry for the slow start to the season - we will consider another indoor session if we continue to get frustrated by the weather!