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Match Report – M1 v Henley 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Henley 3’s

A glorious spring day saw the men’s 1’s welcome Henley for the final match of the season.

The game started well with Wootton putting together some good moves and turning the ball over high up the pitch with their high energy pressing game. The half ended with a comfortable 2-0 lead. Which included a lovely bit of hockey from three of our youngest players finished by Ethan for the 1st goal and tasty second from Ollie.

2nd half saw a bit more push back from Henley going from 2-0 to 2-1 then 2-2, the match see-sawing back and forth, 3-2 to us then 3-3 and finally finishing on 4 all. Ollie taking home the hat trick, his final goal of the 3 was a brilliant piece of individual skill which was admired by all, helping his end of season stats.

A bitter sweet result in the end but hopefully the lads enjoyed last match of the season. Looking forward to what next year brings especially with some new fresh faces pushing the team forward, we can’t wait to see what they will bring to the team 😀

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Man of the Match Ollie Dunn

Hat trick hero!!

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Match Report – M1 v Abingdon 2’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Abingdon 2’s

The 1s travelled away this weekend to face a top of the league Abingdon who only needed a point to win the league. Travelling with a depleted squad the 1s were on the hunt to cause an upset

The game started strong from both teams, and it was clear a good defence would be the deciding factor for the game. Abingdon pushed hard finding chance after chance but Wootton’s defence held on and despite the onslaught of shots and attacks, a 0-0 scoreline was how the half finished.

After a positive team talk the confidence was high and the 1s aim was to keep the strength in defence and hold on to the draw, hoping for a sudden break which they could capitalise on. As the half progressed it was clear the fatigue was setting in and Abingdon began to take advantage of their extra numbers, finding their 1st goal through a well worked short corner, followed promptly by a deflected strike to find their 2nd, the pressure didn’t stop there and Abingdon found a 3rd from another well worked play, 3 goals in 15 minutes and the score remained the same until the final whistle.

3-0 to the hosts with a strong defensive performance from the Wootton 1s.

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Man of the Match Jay Tye

Excellent work at the back, Jay is getting better and better.

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Match Report – M2 v Bicester 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Bicester 3’s

Men’s 2’s concluded their season with a trip to already crowned champions Bicester, eager to right the wrongs from our underperformance last weekend and finish the season how we played it for the most part.

It was clear from the outset that this would be a rear guard action day and the Wootton defence were up to the task and when they were breached Bicester found Tim in inspired form, pulling off save after save. The 2’s best chances came through swift counter attacks, where our youthful attacking midfield of Archer, Sam and Lucas worked tirelessly to provide support to our 2 forwards. Neither side were able to take any chances and the half ended 0-0.

This was more like it from Wootton and skipper Mark reminded the team that this was how we had been playing all season. Unfortunately, Bicester didn’t hear this speech and scored with their first attack of the second half. The second half proved a little more one sided with the home teams loaded bench providing them with fresher legs and 2 further goals before the final whistle.

With the season complete the team tucked into some well earned sausage rolls, which were very kindly brought by the official team cheerleader Ian.

With a real mix of new hockey players, juniors and our more senior players, the second team have progressed well this season, with great teamwork and camaraderie in spades, this will only bode well as we go again next season. 💗💙🏑

TimG

Man of the Match Tim Godfrey

Tim only “tried” keeping after Christmas, you would never know, an outstanding performance.

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Match Report – M1 v Witney 2’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Witney 2’s

On a chilly but sunny Saturday, Witney 2’s made the trip to Northampton looking to cement their second place in the league in the hope for automatic promotion. But Wootton men’s 1s who don’t have anything to play for had other ideas and would try to put a dent in Witney’s promotion hopes. Wootton welcomed back Ollie after a period of absence to strengthen the midfield and hope to create opportunities for us to go for the win.

The game started well with both sides pushing up the pitch when they had the ball, but the deadlock was broken by Witney with a well worked long corner that found the back of the net. A few minutes later, a huge aerial from Jay managed to bounce through 2 Witney players and found Lee who entered the D, tried to go around the keeper but his feet got stuck and his shot went wide. It remained 1-0 until half time which gave a positive outlook to the huddle as Wootton went back out in the second half searching for an equaliser…

This wasn’t to be as 5 minutes into the second half Witney won a penalty corner which they managed to despatch into the back of the net (0-2). A further penalty corner, saw Witney score on the third attempt at goal in the routine finding the roof of the net. 0-3 now the score. Moments later, Wootton broke into the opposition 25 where Ollie unleashed a reverse shot which deflected off of a Witney defenders foot, but Lee was caught flat footed thinking it had hit a Wootton player, and missed the chance to tap the ball in and the keeper managed to smother the ball. From the resulting PC, Jay drag flicked it to agonisingly onto the post. Another 10 minutes passed and Witney were able to capitalise on a Wootton error and make the score 0-4 going into the final moments of the game. Finally Wootton managed to get a consolation goal from another well aerial by Jay which was brought down well by Ollie winning a free hit as the defender was too close when he received it. He took a quick one and played the ball to Layton who in turn managed to bounce a ball into Lee who controlled the ball, headed towards the baseline and managed to lift the ball into the goal from a tight angle to make the final score 1-4.

Next week Wootton travel to top of the league Abingdon in the penultimate fixture of the season.

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Man of the Match Ethan Spencer

Endless running in whatever position the skipper put him in.

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Match Report – M2 v Aylesbury 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Aylesbury 3’s

The men’s 2s hosted Aylesbury 3’s at home on a sunny but cold day.

The game started with Wootton giving constant pressure towards the goal but unfortunately we could not convert this pressure into goals. Aylesbury counter attacked through long passes to their 2 strikers that hung out in our D. At the end of first half Wanderers were sadly down by 3 goals. Tim making a notable save, stopping the ball with his head – luckily there is not much in there to damage*.

The second, started with more pressure from Wootton and time in the oppositions D leading to a goal from a short corner by Gregg. We continued the pressure through great individual play and drove forward with some great chances to score but unfortunately we couldn’t hit the back of the goal. Aylesbury counter attacked hard from our forward pressure and managed 3 further goals in the second half.

A few Players were in the running for MoM, like our youngest, Josh, for his consistent running and putting their players under pressure. However, man of the match was awarded to John Bennet (JB) for some outstanding defending and for stopping an excellent shot from Aylesbury that was a sure goal, if JB hadn’t intervened. Thanks to the games umpires for there time and effort overseeing the game.

The final score saw Aylesbury win 6-1 after this tough effort, overall there was some great play but Wootton failed to convert these chances.

*Match report written by Tim’s son Archer!! 🤣

JohnB

Man of the Match John Bennett

A rebound game for JB after his “handbags” last week, topping it off with a great goal line stop and clearance.

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Match Report – M2 v Milton Keynes Ronin

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Milton Keynes Ronin

On a balmy spring afternoon the sun was not the only thing shining over Milton Keynes, the silky skills of WWHC were front and centre.

The new formation is reaping rewards with all of the team starting to appreciate the required subtleties. A gradual increase in pressure resulted in a magnificent goal from MOTM Gregg, it seemed more goals were inevitable but we would have to wait until the second half. 1-0 at half time.

We didn’t have to wait for long into the second half as Gregg managed another superb finish with a deft flick off a ball driven into the D by skipper Mark. A little later after some great co-ordinated teamwork a chink of space was created in the D which Liam filled and slotted home with some aplomb. Confidence increased but we did have to absorb some of the hard work of the MK forward line but fortunately Tim was up to the job and kept a great clean sheet. It seems harsh to pick individuals out but apart from MOTM Gregg, Liam worked very hard, Pal put in a great shift with some fantastic crosses, both Sam and Josh grafted hard (eager to please birthday Dad, Ian, on the sideline). The game was slightly marred by some handbags from one of the senior players, who quite frankly, should know better and then we had a final 5 minutes that was marked by various injuries but non too serious fortunately. Final score 3-0 to Wanderers.

This was a game played with all of the spirit, drive and enthusiasm that over the season we have come to expect from Wootton 2’s, it represents the heart and soul of our club. Today was a great result for M2’s but let’s face it, really ‘Hockey was the winner!’

Gregg

Man of the Match Gregg Winkel

A couple of good goals, maybe should have been more, but we will let him off!

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Match Report – M1 v Marlow 4’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Marlow 4’s

Following a victory last week vs mid table rivals MK, Wootton 1s travelled down to Bisham Abbey to take on Marlow on a gloriously sunny morning.

After getting thoroughly drenched by the water cannons, the game started at a fast pace with Wootton conceding first to a well worked move by Marlow. Not to be perturbed Wootton regained some control and made several attacks of their own, one of which resulted in a short corner which Jay slotted home following great work between Dan, Lee and Chris.

The temperature and pace racked up and Marlow eventually showed why they were one of the top three teams who are running away with the league this season and developed many chances leading to numerous goals, 5-1 at half time.

The second half continued in a similar fashion, with Lee Tozer latching onto a loose ball to cooly flick into the back of the net from a tight angle, following a pin point rocket of a pass from Jay.

Final result of 7-2, with lots of positives and points to work on leading into Witney at home next week

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Man of the Match Peter Hobbs

Another great performance from Peter earning his second MoM in the last few weeks.

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Match Report – M1 v Milton Keynes 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Milton Keynes 3’s

The 1s finally returned home this week after a long absence, aiming to get a result against Milton Keynes.

The game started strongly for the Wanderers, however a mix up at the back led to us conceding first. Despite Ethan managing to bring us back on level terms not long after, Milton Keynes were awarded a penalty flick to lead 2-1 at half time.

We headed back out for the second half knowing we were well in this game, and it wasn’t too long before Layton managed to score on his 1’s debut! This opened the floodgates for us as Chris was able to capitalise on an open goal, Dan scored a fantastic deflection into the roof of the net and Jed finished off the scoring by slotting past the keeper to make the final score 5-2 to the Wanderers!

Lee Tozer

Man of the Match Lee Tozer

Fantastic work rate and 4 assists, not a bad day on the pitch.

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Match Report – M2 v Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead 4’s

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Berkhampstead and Hemel Hempstead 4’s

The sun shone bright at the home of hockey as we welcomed Berkhampstead and Hemel Hempstead 4s (Berko), who during the warm-up seemed to have as many players in their squad as letters in their name!!

Early on, it was evident that this was to be an enthralling and end to end encounter with our boys exhibiting excellence in our newly enshrined 3-2-3-2 formation. Having one score ruled out due to a back stick, Berko took the lead midway through the first half but Wootton achieved equilibrium shortly before the break when Mark’s thunderbolt was deflected by a Berko defender into the goal.

An eloquent, enthusiastic and encouraging team talk at half time from the skipper eulogising the new formation and how to enact it led to us emerging even more effective at the start of the second period.

After 10 minutes, we secured a short, and from the resulting initial effort, Alex reacted to the rebound to earn us a deserved 2-1 lead. Despite our efforts, the larger squad from Berko began to tell as our energy levels expended – which resulted in a Berko equaliser shortly before the end. Manager and skipper examined the evidence and agreed to switch to a 3-2-4-1 to ease the workload and secure our first point of the season, but it was not enough to prevent us from being eclipsed by Berko 3-2 with a last minute score from a short.

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Man of the Match Mitch Jimes

Exemplified the efforts of everyone on the team with an energetic performance in the engine room.

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Match Report – M1 v Oxford Hawks 5’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Oxford Hawks 5’s

The 1s travelled away for the 3rd successive game to Oxford, hoping to keep up the good form showed over the previous weeks.

The first half started strongly with Wanderers showing their strengths in pressure, forcing mistakes and finding chances in the opposition D, which aided their hunt for goals. Unfortunately we lacked the final product, as the half ended 0-0 it was clear the game would be decided by set pieces.

Wanderers went out for the second half knowing that they needed more chances to gain control of the game and continued pressing well, which unfortunately got undone when hawks found a gap and launched a counter attack, winning a short and ultimately capitalising to take a 1-0 lead, this didn’t dishearten the 1’s as they continued to fight back winning shorts of their own but were unable to convert the chances, the second blow came from a quick counter with hawks gaining another goal with a fortunate shot. And they continued on a hunt of their own, gaining another short corner late on which was fortunately converted to the defence’s surprise.

The hard fought battle finished 3-0 to the home side with the Wanderers walking away knowing they had put a solid shift in.

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Man of the Match Peter Hobbs

Endless running and superb defending.

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