Sunday 27th September: U15 v Ramsbury

Most of the game was very evenly-matched, it was just a brief spell early in the second half that proved decisive. We got off to an excellent start with Matt C's superb strike from the edge of the box, before Ramsbury struck their own beauty. Jack then put Wanborough back in front with a header from Jonny's fine corner, but we again allowed Ramsbury back into the game with two more goals before half time.

In the second half, Ramsbury managed to spring the offside trap too easily and their two strikers hit some more cracking goals. However, we did score the final goal with a first headed goal from Will.

The whole team worked hard, but it was noticable that some players were still carrying minor injuries and were not able to play to their usual high standard.

Coaches' Award: Matt C, for holding up the ball well and keeping up his record of scoring in every game.
Captain's Award: Tom, who had a fine game putting in some great crosses from the right.

Squad: Luke B, Will, Matt C, James, Matt J, Jonny L, Frank, Greg, Dom, Jack P, Matt R, Ryan, Dan (captain) and Tom

Upcoming U15 Matches

Training on 1 and 8 October will start at 6pm. Training will be back at The Liddington from 15 October.

As it's getting near the end of the month, I'd be grateful if everyone could confirm availability for the following matches by the end of the week:

4 October - Penhill (2pm home)
11 October - TBC
18 October - Ramsbury (away)
25 October - TBC
1 November - Ramsbury (2pm home)

For the sake of clarity, can I also remind everyone that (because of the numbers that we currently have in the squad) no new players should attend training without either the player or their parents speaking to either Pete or Jon beforehand.

Sunday 20th September: U15 v Marlborough Town

This match was characterised by a magnificent team performance, particularly in the second half. We were probably unlucky to be 3-0 down at half time, as they took their goals very well and we had a few chances ourselves that could have gone in. The second half resulted in a superb 5-1 win going up the hill, to give a narrow 5-4 victory overall.

The main feature of the game was the commitment and teamwork that every player put in. Added to that was some good second half finishing - two from Matt C, one from Jonny and two from Dom - coupled with a bit of luck (the fourth goal, for example), and some strong defending. It was good to see that not only did we come back to level at 3-3, but our heads did not go down when Marlborough took the lead again; there was still a belief that the match could be won, which turned out to be fully justified.

Captain's Award: Dom, who put in a fighting performance both in defence in the first half and attack in the second, rounding it off with the winning goal.

Coaches' Award: Dan, who was rock-solid in defence and also got well-involved in some good attacking moves down the right wing.

Squad: Oli B, Toby, Matt C, James, Matt J, Jonny L, Frank (captain), Dom, Jack P, Matt R, Ryan, Dan, Tom and Chris

Sunday 13th September: U15 v Lydiard Youth

Another good competitive match, but one in which we were unable to claw back the early two-goal deficit. The passing and competitiveness continues to improve, but we need to be more clinical in our finishing and tighter in the middle third of the pitch.

The goals came from Matt C and Dom, and both involved some good passing moves.

Coaches' Award: Frank, for his vocal encouragement and running.
Captain's Award: Oli B, who had an excellent, faultless game in defence and midfield.

Squad: Oli B, Will, Toby, Matt C, Matt J, Jonny L, Frank, Dom, Jonathon N, Jack P, Matt R, Ryan, Dan, Tom

Training Update

Details for next Sunday's match against Lydiard Youth will be confirmed later in the week. In the meantime, training will start at 6.30pm this week due to the night's drawing in.

For those players who do not have a standing order mandate set up, please bring a cheque for £120 to training.

Lastly, many thanks to Nick Chevis and First Group for sponsoring the new match kit, which looked very smart yesterday (photo on the website). 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 kit remains the property of the club and is intended to last two seasons - the Wasps kit should only be worn when playing football with the club. Please take care of it and note the manufacturer's advise about washing the shirts without fabric conditioner (as this gradually dissolves the printing).

Players should wear black/yellow to training (not their very expensive favourite match kit). This helps develop team spirit and helps us identify them as we train in a public space. I know that there are a few players without the training kit and we are in the process of ordering some additional sets so that everyone has a set.

Sunday 6th September: U15 v Hungerford Town (updated)

An excellent performance against a team relegated from Division 1 last season, saw the U15s pick up their first points of the season. The whole team played superbly against a strong, physical Hungerford side.

Matt C opened the scoring on his debut, before Jack P doubled the lead before half time. The score at the break ought to have been much higher, with four or five other players having great chances to find the net, however it didn't matter in the end as Hungerford could only manage one goal in a scrappier second half.

Room for improvement:
1. Use the width of the pitch more effectively to stretch play.
2. Be more clinical with chances in front of goal to put the game beyond doubt.
3. Be more communicative on the pitch to ensure all balls are dealt with.
4. Play to the whistle - do not stop and call "ref" when you spot an infringement.
5. Increased fitness levels needed to last the full 80 minutes.

Plus points:
1. We won and the whole team enjoyed playing football!
2. Excellent team spirit - no critical voices.
3. Some great passing moves from defence through midfield to attack.
4. Heads were kept high, even when the opposition scored.
5. We were effective in dealing with the long ball and headed the ball well.

Captain's Award: Toby, who had a great game and pulled off some excellent saves.
Coach's Award: Matt R, who was strong throughout and used his fitness to help plug any gaps.

Squad: Luke B, Oli B, Will, Toby, James, Matt C, Matt J, Jonny L, Frank, Dom, Jack P, Matt R (captain), Ryan, Tom