Wasps 3 - 2 Avondale

Great result today. We carried on playing like we did at Highworth and got the reward for it.

Arthur grabbed the first after we had several chances from Johan's corners - Charlie's headers coming close a couple of times. Tom got the second after good passing on the right wing.

We let in one goal on the break and another in the second half when we let Avondale have a free shot from just outside the box. However, we carried on creating chances and Sam poked home the winner from another good corner.

It was fantastic to see us continuing to press forward and defend well for the last 10 minutes to secure the win.

Captain's MoM (chosen by Miles, who gave a super Captain's performance): Sam for his play on the left and first goal of the season
Coaches MoM: Tom for midfield play resulting in a deserved goal and solid defensive role in the second half.

Training Monday as usual (weather permitting - please make sure PX or I are on-site before dropping off your boys, else they are unsupervised until we get there)
Next match: Sunday 5th away at Shaw meet at 1.30 for 2pm kick off (at Chestnut Springs)

Highworth 3 - 1 Wasps

A disappointing scoreline, but not a disappointing performance today against the league leaders. We battled hard for the whole game, played some good passing football and made chances against a tough physical team.

Some points to think about:
- if we don't clear the ball quickly from the box we often suffer for it (like the second goal today)
- midfield needs to get back quickly if an attack breaks down (we were caught on the break for the 3rd goal)
- no matter how rough it gets or if decisions go against you, never retaliate and keep your mouth shut - or you will get into trouble
- passing often needs to be much firmer and more positive

Some noteworthy performances from lots of players, including:
- Harry F and Charlie for eliminating the threat from their danger players
- Will A and Nick for good defending and Will W in the second half
- James for his first goal of the season

Captain's MoM (chosen by Jack): Liam for his aggressive midfield play
Coach's MoM: Miles for some great, confident defending and repeatedly feeding the ball forward

Next match: at home on 29/1 to Avondale, 10.30 kick off - please let me know if you are not available
Training on Monday as usual.

South Cerney 3 - 1 Wasps

Not the result we wanted today. A disappointing second half against 10-man South Cerney let us down.

We started well. The first half was promising - lots of good passing, which we have been practising in training. We made a few good chances and defended well especially when we gave away a couple of free-kicks around the box. Nil-nil at half time looked promising, especially if Cerney started to tire.

Unfortunately it was us who tired more quickly in the second half. A couple of lapses of concentration and some lazy marking and suddenly we are 3-0 down against 10 men. We looked threatening when we did show some energy and determination - Jack's brave header pulled back a goal for us.

We are a better team than our league table position suggests - but we need to start proving it for a whole match, and do it week in and week out.

Well done to Miles and Jack who both played well in their first game for us, and thanks to Nick for refereeing.

Captain's MoM (chosen by Arthur): Jack for his goal and very effective first game
Coaches' MoM: Sam for excellent passing and creative play in left midfield, especially in first half

Training: as normal Monday 7.15 - 8.30 at St Jo's - we will concentrate on running off the mince pies :-)
Next match: Sunday 15th at home to Stratton Youth (a six-pointer) meet at 10am for 10.30 kick off. As we now have more registered players than we can take to each match can you let me know if you can/can't make it.