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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 welcomed undefeated table topping Bicester to the High school on a balmy November day.

Wootton were hoping to continue the development path they have been on this season, and this was evidenced as the teams sparred with each other in the opening exchanges. The game ebbed and flowed, players playing out of position like Mark, Greg, Darren and Tim all showing their versatility for the team and making excellent contributions, especially the latter making his debut in goal and not looking out of place at all. Liam also making his debut for the club and putting in a great shift. The first half was a tight affair with both teams probing to find that breakthrough, but it was the visitors that found the back of the goal late in the half to see the half time score 0-1.

The half time team talk was all positive as the team had played some great hockey but without seeing the fruits of their labour. They stepped out determined to get something from the game, unfortunately Bicester didn’t read the script and scored with their first attack of the half. Wootton continued to enjoy some good spells of possession, some lovely 1-2’s in midfield and started to progress up the field and win a few penalty corners, one of which saw Greg wiped out and Wanderers awarded a penalty stroke. Having not had the best of records from the spot in recent times, skipper Mark grabbed the ball and the responsibility, with a glance to the corner he fired it in the opposite side giving the keeper no chance. Wootton saw their chance to get something from the game and pressed Bicester hard and pushed on to get the equaliser, this left them exposed and with almost the last attack of the game Bicester put the game to bed.

Final score 1-3, but Bicester knew they had been in a good tight game and celebrated as such, Wootton go into the winter break with confidence high based on their efforts during the season even if the results haven’t shown it.

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Man of the Match Cam Nixon-Engel

Quality defending, with great distribution from the back.

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Match Report – M2 v Aylesbury 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Aylesbury 3’s

Mens 2’s took a familiar trip down to Aylesbury to take on their 3rd team in what can only be described as horrendous conditions (thanks storm Bert).

With only 12 players Wootton started brightly playing some of their best hockey of the season, taking the game to the opposition with some lovely interchanges through midfield, our young guns of Archer, Lucas and Mitch running rings around the opposition and winning numerous short corners. Unfortunately, we were unable to capitalise on any of these. The opposition had a few chances but stand in keeper Mark was on his toes to snuff them out and keep the scores level. The half ended goalless but the hockey on display from Wanderers was very encouraging.

The second half started much the same but Wootton’s legs started to tire and the hockey was not at the same level. Aylesbury were awarded a dubious short corner after Darren was fouled, from this they were awarded a penalty flick after the ball struck Lee’s foot on the line. This was dispatched into the corner giving Mark no chance. Aylesbury then started to put more pressure on the defence and quickly scored 2 more goals, the third being a lovely passing move and finish. Late in the game Wootton got a flick of their own, up stepped Lee to try and make amends, but he’s clearly been watching too many of Gregg Winkel’s flicks and tamely passed it back to the keeper. That was the last action of the match and the final score was 3-0.

There are some really positive signs that our play is getting better, hopefully with a full squad we can start to push teams for the full match and get some results that our performances and efforts have deserved.

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Man of the Match Mitch Jimes

Fantastic game, covered every inch of the pitch.

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Match Report – M2 v Milton Keynes Ronin

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Milton Keynes Ronin

Twas a bright but cool afternoon at the home of hockey, when the Men’s 2’s faced their bottom of the table rivals Milton Keynes Ronin for what was to become a compelling watch for the neutrals – not that there were many of them about!!

In the absence of captain Mark, it was a proud day for the Marlow family that exemplifies the true family nature of our club with Sam leading the team and his younger brother Josh making his competitive debut. Unfortunately, MK had not read the script and started far better than the home team. They were highly effective with their high press and by half time had stormed into a substantial 3-0 lead.

This needed some stern but encouraging words at half time which seemed to reap an almost immediate return. James Knibb – retuning to the WWHC fold – was presented with an easy tap in following some excellent work on the right by young Archer Godfrey. The MK lead was then cut further by a sweet finish from a short by Alex Culverhouse. Sadly, the optimism that this bought to the home bench and supporters did not last long as MK swiftly broke and scored their fourth. Two further goals from MK either side of James’ second score – again from another short – resulted in a disappointing 6-3 loss.

Man of the Match was a close call between Archer and Sam, but was graciously awarded to Archer by our stand in captain. Although the result leaves us at the bottom of our league, we fight on with renewed determination following the improvement in our play in the second half.

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Man of the Match Archer Godfrey

Fantastic work down the wing, maturing into a good hockey player.

Mens2 team

Match Report – M2 v Aylesbury Devt

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Aylesbury Devt

The first half of the game started off with a good battle with both teams having a couple of chances on goal. It was Wootton who took the lead as Alex managed to get the breakthrough and score from a cross\shot. Soon after the opposition managed to come back making it a heated 1-1 game, but that didn’t stop us as Mark took charge with a nice 1-2 with Lucas to score our second goal passing it effortlessly past the keeper to make it 2-1. After battling it out for the rest of the first half Aylesbury managed to sneak a goal in the last minute before halftime.

The second half started at 2-2, Wootton pressed on with determination. Unfortunately, the home side got two quick fire goals early in the half, putting us under pressure. But we didn’t back down and struck back with a well-deserved second goal for Mark, showing resilience and skill. We played some outstanding hockey, moving the ball confidently and creating several opportunities. But we were up against it on the day, and despite our efforts, we couldn’t bridge the gap.

The match ended in a frustrating 4-3 loss, with the final score not reflecting the quality of our performance.

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Man of the Match Lucas Dadswell

Bossing the midfield.

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Match Report – M2 v Banbury 5’s

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Banbury 5's

This week, M2’s hosted Banbury 5’s in the early afternoon fixture. It was a friendly start to the match, with the Banbury forward pushing the ball to Wootton at push-back.

The first half was very much an even affair. Both sides had spells in control of the ball. The visitors pushed harder in the final third, but new keeper Jed kept Wanderers in the game with some fantastic saves.

Wootton saw the warning signs and pushed themselves to get a flurry of short corners at the end of the half, but none proved fruitful.

Wootton reciprocated the pushback at the start of the 2nd. The half continued where the 1st finished, very even through the middle of the park. Eventually, an overload on the counterattack allowed the visitors to take the lead. Wootton pressed hard for an equaliser, but it led to another Banbury breakaway and a 2 goal lead. Wootton’s pressure continued though, and another flurry of shorts finally saw Gregg slot the ball in at the near post.

The boys in pink couldn’t capitalise again though and another close, hard-fought match ended in a friendly and narrow 2-1 defeat.

Jed Langton

Man of the Match Jed Langton

Excellent keeping, keeping the team in the game.

Mens2 team

Match Report – M2 v Oxford Hawks 7s

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Oxford Hawks 7's

A sunny afternoon in Oxford saw Hawks 7s vs Wootton Wanderers men’s 2s.

It started as a fairly even exchange throughout the midfield, with Wootton controlling the possession slightly higher up the pitch. But it was a Hawks counter attack that saw them take the lead mid way through the half.


The home side kept the momentum into the second half and slotted a 2nd goal. Wanderers eventually regained their composure and started playing some good hockey. A move of pinpoint passing allowed Chadders to get a shot away at the top of the D which he clinically rifled into the bottom corner. The game evened back out with both teams playing some quick passing hockey. New keeper Jed kept Wanderers in the game after clearing calmly in a busy D following a PC.

The team is improving every week, with some promising signs and improvements as we navigate a new league.
Finale Score Oxford Hawks 2 – Wootton Wanderers 1

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Man of the Match Archer Godfrey

Demonstrating good skills and endless running.

M2sTeam

Match Report – M2 v Thame 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Thame 3’s

Men’s 2’s welcomed Thame 3’s to our new pitch, knowing they would be full of confidence after a 7-1 victory the week before.

This proved to be the case, as the away team took control of the game with some clinical attacks, which Wootton struggled to deal with. Their pressing game was excellent as they overturned the ball high up the pitch and scored 4 goals prior to half time, without much being offered in return.

After a reminder from the skipper of our own pressing game and to play simple hockey, Wootton started the second half much improved. However, it was Thame who extended their lead, before a quickly taken free hit by Darren, found Lee who subsequently found the captain Mark, unmarked at the top of the D to fire in to the bottom corner. A second followed after a goal mouth scramble that was finally put away by Sam. The scoring wasn’t done yet with Thame grabbing a few more late on.

Final score 2-8, with Wootton hopeful of playing hockey for the full 70 mins and not just after half time, next week.

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Man of the Match Mark Chadwick

Skipper leading from the front in adversity.

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Match Report – M2 v Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

Men’s 2s headed over to Leighton Buzzard to open their campaign for the new season.

They faced up against a very quick and well-drilled side, which showed with LB mounting some heavily loaded counter attacks early in the game. It was one of these, followed by a sharp reverse stick shot at the top of the D that saw LB take the lead. And a 2nd didn’t take long to follow. But Wootton built again and started to create some chances of their own. Some excellent saves by Chadders in goal kept the score line to just the 2-0 at half time.

The second half was a lot more even, but it was the home side who got the 3rd goal from a penalty flick. Wootton gathered themselves again, and a loaded attack of their own saw “Spenney” score his first of the season, after Darren rolled back the years down the left wing. The away side kept pressing and creating but just couldn’t get that final shot to find the backboard. Archer and Lucas up top were denied by a flurry of outstretched saves and goal-line clearances. But ultimately it was not to be our day, but plenty of positives to take early on in the season!

Final Score: Leighton Buzzard Fledglings 3 – 1 Wootton Wanderers 2’s

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Man of the Match Lucas Dadswell

Fantastic league debut from this young man, with the promise of more to come.

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Match Report – M2 v Saints 5

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Saints 5

WW2 played Saints 5 in the final friendly ahead of the awaited league start next week.

There were a couple of players making debuts for Wootton on the day. It’s great seeing new players and youngsters strengthening the team! A well played game where both teams were defensively strong. With not many chances being created in the first half. Saints came through a couple of times but Mark in goal wouldn’t let anything past. WW2’s best chance came when Ethan had a break through to get a 1 v 1 with the keeper who in the end made a good save!

WW2 took the lead in the beginning of the second half when Sam deflected a ball through the keepers legs after a strong run down side by Pal. Saints would pull one back shortly after to make it 1-1. The game got stretched due to the heat seeing the match end in a draw which was probably a fair result. There were some good attacking combinations and good defence work to build on going in to the league next weekend!

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Man of the Match Hockey

Hockey was the winner!

M1sTeam

Match Report – Mens Select XI v Buckingham 2’s

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MATCH REPORT Mens Select XI v Buckingham 2’s

Wootton Men’s XI travelled to face a strong Buckingham side in their 2nd pre-season friendly. They lined up with an unfamiliar formation, and the lack of understanding saw them let in a few early goals… followed by a few more. A change to the system they know allowed Wootton to build back into the game, creating some good opportunities but not enough to get on the scoresheet before half time.

Wootton kept the momentum building, and eventually broke their duck with a superb low drag-flick by Jacob from a short corner. It wasn’t long before Wanderers’ built the pressure again, and Jacob found the net again in a short corner routine. Towards the end of the 2nd half, a bit of fatigue set in which saw Buckingham make the most of their quick interplay to score a couple more.

The game was the perfect learning opportunity, with hockey being the overall winner!

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Man of the Match Hockey is always the winner in a preseason game!

Hockey was the winner!

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