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Match Report – M2 v Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Leighton Buzzard Fledglings

It was a very cold and very wet Saturday that welcomed Leighton Buzzard to Northampton High School, and a depleted Wootton men’s section following bouts of illness, which meant the 2’s stepped out with just 10 players.

The game went as you might expect being a player down with LB taking the lead and bossing the game, Wootton defending valiantly but the ball just kept being returned with interest by the opposition. Meaning we went into half time either 6 or 7 goals down (we lost count).

The half time team talk from skipper Mark, reminded the team that we play for each other, to forget the scoreline and enjoy our hockey. Wootton made better use of the ball in the second half, keeping the oppositions scoring down and creating more chances ourselves. Those chances started with Darren taking a quick self pass just outside the D, taking it the required 5m before passing to captain Mark who spun and squeezed his shot in at the post. 5 minutes later, it was Darren providing creator once more, with a pile driver of a pass to Gregg who with the deftest of flicks deflected the ball from a tight angle into the back of the net to give us something to cheer.

Final score 11-2 to Leighton Buzzard, but the team spirit and togetherness shown in adversity will see our young/new players grow into better versions of themselves and better players in the long run.

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Men of the Match Alex Culverhouse & Phil Adams

Despite the result, Alex and Phil put in excellent performances at the back.

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Match Report – M1 v South Berkshire 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v South Berks 3’s

After a 20 minute delay time due to missing three players because of an accident in Towcester.

We started the game off with a miss communicated push back between the defence, giving South Berks an opportunity right from the get go. However, Wanderers were switched on from the first second and managed to correct the mistake. Wootton then settled into the game with some nice transitions across the back as practiced in training, keeping with the plan until the patience finally paid off, with Alex Blunt getting the ball in the opposition D and sweetly striking on his reverse to take us into half time 1 goal to the good.

After a great team talk from coach Tony Brennan, Wanderers put the pressure on straight away in the second half, trying to keep the 1-0 lead, with great team work, defending and multiple goal line clearances. Wanderers managed to hold out for the second half, coming away from South Berks all 3 points, with a slim but well deserved 1-0 win.

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Man of the Match Alex Blunt

Great winning goal, which supplemented his great defensive display.

Mens1 team

Match Report – M1 v Banbury 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Banbury 3’s

Following the 3-2 win at home last week, Wootton travelled to Banbury with a reduced squad of just 9 players.

With the pressure off and a changed formation to suit the reduced numbers, Wanderers put in an unbelievable shift and went in at half time only 1-0 down.

Galvanised by the performance, Wootton went out for what was to be a tough second half as fatigue set in. Jacob Tye adapted well to playing as a lone forward feeding off of support from Dan Solo, Ethan Spencer and Chris Tutton, repeatedly beating the Banbury back line; however fatigue would assist their keeper by the time the D was penetrated.

Chairman Lee Thompson, Alex Blunt and Steve Webb played as a three at the back protecting Jed Langton in goal; with the bulk of the opposition opportunities being blocked before hitting the target. Peter Hobbs screened in front and made a host of heroic tackles and blocks, however as the game drew on the legs got heavier and we pushed further forward to try and score.

The game finished 4-0 to Banbury, but Wanderers can go away with their heads held high; a stellar performance against heavy odds which will only improve us as a team moving forwards 🔥

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Man of the Match Steve Webb

In a team of legends, one man was chosen above all others…

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Match Report – M2 v Aylesbury Devt

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Aylesbury Devt

On a cold but bright Saturday February afternoon, Wootton men’s 2s pushed back at home against Aylesbury Development.

Wootton started the match and went on the attack pushing hard towards the Aylesbury goal, both teams had to defend hard as each in turn probed forward. The half saw both teams enter their opponents D a number of times. Aylesbury scoring 2 goals and JB scored Wootton’s first of the match with a dipping piledriver from a penalty corner.

During the second half, the game continued in the same vein as the first, but Aylesbury scored an early goal to take their lead to 3 – 1. After a period of defence Wooton attacked again into the Aylesbury D gaining our second penalty corner of the match, which was well taken: Mark scoring our second goal. With the boost of a goal, Wootton attacked hard looking for the goal that would make the game a draw, unfortunately this elusive goal did not come and the game ended 3 – 2 to Aylesbury.

Wootton played some great hockey in both halves of the game, with Layton being awarded Player of the Match for Wootton.

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Man of the Match Layton De Bruin

Great debut appearance, for the newest member to Wanderers.

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Match Report – M2 v Banbury 5’s

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Banbury 5’s

The men’s 2’s travelled to Banbury this week with a late starting game. The team kept energy and morale up by starting off warmups in the carpark.

The first half of the game demonstrated some fantastic play from Wootton in both pushing forward and creating opportunities for shots on goal, as well as holding back Banbury’s attacks. Unfortunately, no shots were converted and a goal was conceded, but enthusiasm and energy were kept up for the rest of the first half.

As the team progressed into the second half, Banbury’s attacks gained more momentum allowing them to push forward and score again. Wootton continued to play a reasonably strong game but with energy and pace down Banbury were able to push their lead further to a final score of 5-0.

Overall, the men’s 2’s played a reasonably strong game this week against a now 3rd in the table Banbury, with key takeaways showing the required fitness and communication required to push the team further ahead.

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Man of the Match Lucas Dadswell

Strong performance in midfield, growing with each game.

Mens1 team

Match Report – M1 v Sonning 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Sonning 3’s

Following last week’s loss, Wootton 1s regrouped and started the home game against Sonning strongly.

A well placed aerial from Dan Solo found Jed on the opposition P spot who then volleyed past the keeper. Wootton continued to dominate the early exchanges and found themselves 3-0 up through short corner strike from Alex Blunt and an example of good positioning by Mitch Jimes. Sonning, however were not to give up easily, winning a penalty flick which was subsequently saved by man of the match Chris Wilson Slight. Despite the heroics, Wootton conceded before half time to make it 3-1.

Spurred on by their strong finish to the first half, Sonning started the second strongly and found another goal to mount the pressure. Wootton remained steadfast and defended well whilst still creating chances to finish the game 3-2.

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Man of the Match Chris Wilson-Slight

Penalty flick save and others to ensure we won the match.

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Match Report – M2 v Oxford 7

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Oxford 7

Men’s 2 hosted a skilled Oxford Hawks side on a cold but clear and sunny day. Despite a 2-0 defeat, the team displayed resilience and tactical awareness in a challenging match.

The Hawks opened the scoring within the first minute, capitalizing on a fast start to take an early lead. They continued to apply heavy pressure and earned a penalty later in the first half, converting it to make the score 2-0 by halftime.

Men’s 2 responded with a tactical adjustment during the break, reinforcing the defense and limiting the Hawks’ attacking opportunities. This change, combined with the team’s determination, ensured a more balanced second half, though the home side was unable to find the breakthrough goal.

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Man of the Match Tim Godfrey

Tim delivered an exceptional performance in goal, making numerous vital saves to keep Men’s 2 in the game. His quick reflexes and commanding presence under relentless pressure from the Hawks were crucial in maintaining the scoreline and earning him well-deserved recognition as Man of the Match.

Mens1 team

Match Report – M1 v Oxford 4’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Oxford 4’s

Wootton M1s travelled to Oxford 4s this week to look to capitalise on a strong performance the week before.

The game started fast with chances for both teams, with the home side scoring following an error at the back and a contentious goal line scrap. Not to be deterred, Wootton soon equalised after a short corner rebound fell sweetly to Jacob Tye who smashed the ball high into the net.

The second half provided more back and forth between the two teams, with both managing to hit the post. Wootton had plenty of chances to take the lead, but just couldn’t seem to find the backboard whether it be through short corners or open play and the game was ultimately decided by another error at the back which allowed for an easy goal for the home side.

The game finished 2-1 to Oxford, with a feeling that it was points dropped by our own actions, a lack of finishing and a lack of composure at the back.

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Man of the Match Jay Tye

Excellent defensively and a superbly taken goal.

Mens1 team

Match Report – M1 v Staines 3’s

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MATCH REPORT M1 v Staines 3’s

Hockey was finally back on after a much needed winter break and a postponed match last week due to the weather. Wootton looking fresh, ready for the 2nd half of the campaign, starting at home against Staines.

Wootton started strong putting a lot of pressure on the visiting team. Some great combinations and positive hockey from the home team gave them some good early chances. It wasn’t long until Wootton took the lead through a hard low strike by Jay on a PC beating the keeper on the near post. Shortly after a 2nd goal by Ollie was scratched off, as it come from just outside the D. Staines struggled to establish any offensive game as Wootton kept the pressure on well. This was rewarded when Jed squared it to Lee to find the back board once more. The home side taking a 2-0 lead to half time.

2nd half started in the same fashion as the first with Wootton coming out strong. It would only take 6 minutes for Wootton to increase their lead. This time through Ollie winning the ball back, advancing in to the D and slotting home from a tight angle. Ollie would later get his 2nd of the day following some great build up play. Starting from the back Cam found Lee, who following a nice interchange of passes with Ollie, saw the latter into the D and striking to the back post again from a quick shot at a tight angle. Staines did have a couple of chances but Chris made sure to keep a clean sheet on the odd occasion the defence was beaten, but a strong showing from the defence didn’t allow that to happen too often. The only time the defence looked beaten, Staines found Jay patrolling and making a goal line clearance.

Final score 4-0, Wootton were the stronger team on the day and should have scored a few more where open goals were missed.

Wootton travel to Oxford next week to take on Oxford 4 hoping to continue this form.

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Man of the Match Ollie Dunn

Mom was awarded for his 2 goals and solid game in the middle.

Mens2 team

Match Report – M2 v Thame 3

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MATCH REPORT M2 v Thame 3’s

The men’s 2’s regrouped in Thame for the first match of the calendar year with a good mix of youth and experience including two new members.

It was a chilly start waiting for the changing rooms to be opened but we managed to squeeze in a good 10 minute warm up before push back.

Sadly, we obviously did not warm up enough as we then conceded the first of many goals to come in the first few minutes. Optimism remained high as we fought our way back into the game with skipper Chadders picking up the ball, driving into the D and rifling a shot across the keeper into the side netting. Bringing the scores level after 12 minutes. Unfortunately, as the first half progressed so did the home team’s scoreline which due to some errant play on our behalf led to the score being 5-1 at half time.

We regrouped at half time with some constructive self criticism and restarted the second half with renewed vigor. But the crisper passing of Thame saw them achieve another flurry of goals with the only bright spot for Wanderers being a masterful slip from young Josh which enabled Mark to gather the ball, go around the keeper and slot home to secure a second goal.

Final score 8-2 for the home side with much to work on in the coming weeks.

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Man of the Match John Bennett

Man of the Match was awarded to John Bennett for his usual strong defensive performance.

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