Match reports season 2008-09
To view a gallery of pictures from recent matches please click here. Pictures supplied courtesy of SportzFoto.co.uk
saturday 25th april 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 149
witney united 7 (Thompson 2,29 Wickens 22, McMahon 28, Curtin 48,49 Moss 77)
Shrivenham 2 (Carter 12, 83)
A blistering display of attacking football saw United hit their three final day targets as they secured third place,passed the 100 league goals and striker Ben Thompson clinched the Golden Boot.
It took just two minutes for the home crowd to be cheering when John McMahon swung in a corner which was flicked by Thompson at the near post and despite the best efforts of Danny Thomas the ball had crossed the line.
Another cross by McMahon caused havoc in the visitors area but Luke Alford done well to claw the ball away as Gary Wickens was ready to pounce.
Shrivenham were in need of the points as well and they were inches away from levelling when a header from Mark Peters was cleared off the line by Lee Henderson but the warning wasnt given the full attention as they equalised moments later.
The ball was picked up by Alex Rigley who ran at the heart of the United defence before laying the ball to Ben Carter who lifted the ball over Richard Barrett and into the net.
This only seemed to spur United on and within ten minutes they had restored the lead when Jamie Mills launched a trademark throw into the box which wasnt dealt with and the ball sat up for Wickens to execute a left foot acrobatic volley into the corner of the net.
Suddenly United were pouring forward in numbers and from a corner by Ryan Curtin the ball was met by the head of McMahon who gave Alford no chance at all.
No sooner had the crowd settled back down and it was 4-1 when Jon-Paul Mills lifted a pass over the top of the defence which Thompson ran on to before lifting the ball into the net.
The United hitman almost completed his hat-trick right on the stroke of half-time when a surging run by McMahon ended with a lovely pass to Thompson whose effort came back off the bar.
Half-Time Witney United 4 Shrivenham 1
Often a side well in front takes their foot off the pedal after the break when they have a lead such as this but United were just interested in signing off in style and three minutes into the second half they had scored again. The ball was bouncing around the area before Wickens hit a stinging shot which Alford couldnt hold but Curtin kept his composure and sidefooted the ball into the net.
Within sixty seconds and the ball was back in the net again as Thompson sprinted clear of his marker and chipped the ball to the back post where despite initial confusion it was confirmed that Curtin had headed the ball over the line for his second of the afternoon.
Thompson went close again before the visitors had their first effort of the half when Greg Higgs hit an effort from long range which Barrett held well.
McMahon and Jon-Paul Mills both wasted further chances but with thirteen minutes left on the clock there was a goal for the scrapbook. Dean Moss won a terrific tackle in midfield before releasing Thompson who unselfishly pulled the ball back to Moss who applied the finish of a striker for his first goal in United colours.
The visitors kept plugging away and some slack marking allowed Carter to drill the ball into the bottom corner of the net .
There was still time for Andrew Younie to see an effort cleared off the line and Wickens head just wide but the final whistle blew on a match and season that saw the team leave the field to a rapturous ovation from the home support.
Website Review and MOM
What a display! This perormance has been coming at home for a while and you almost had to feel sorry for Shrivenham who were on the receiving end of it. So many good performances all over the park but Jon-Paul Mills produced the complete midfielders performance.
United: 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Moss 3. Dean Smith 4. Lee Henderson 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Jack Smith (on for Curtin 71) 14. Kevin Lewis (on for J Mills 66) 15. Andrew Younie (on for JP Mills 79)
Shrivenham: 1. Luke Alford 2. Danny Thomas 3. Johnny Aikenhead 4. Scott Lane 5. Dean Flockton 6. Alex Rigley 7. Ben Carter 8. Chris Flanagan 9. Mark Peters 10. Alex Green 11. Chris Cox
12. John Dart (NU) 14. Paul Sanders (on for Cox 71) 15. Greg Higgs (on for Flockton 59)
wednesday 22nd april 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 29
harrow hill 2 (McMahon OG 25, Weyman 69)
witney united 3 (Thompson 23,31,59)
A hat-trick from striker Ben Thompson was enough to give United a deserved three points againtst basement side Harrow Hill as the race for 3rd position swung in our favour.
With this the game in hand United held over Almondsbury it was clear from the off that they wouldnt want to waste the opportunity and Ryan Curtin sent Thompson clear for the first chance of the game but he pulled his shot across the face of goal.
Youngster Ricky Bridges was making his first start and he almost had a perfect start when he chipped a delightful pass to the unmarked Gary Wickens but the header was off target.
There was almost a very rare occurence just before the quarter of an hour mark when Jamie Mills almost scored his first goal for United. Thompson had seen his shot blocked by Paul Frowen and Bridges forced the ball back to Mills but his powerful drive was pushed away well by Rick Beckett.
Midway through the half and the opening goal finally came when Wickens turned a clever pass through to Thompson who raced away and lifted the ball over Beckett and into the empty net.
Two minutes later though and United shot themselves in the foot as they allowed the home side back into the game. There was no danger as John McMahon rolled a backpass to Richard Barrett but the ball rolled under the foot of the keeper to give the home side an unexpected equaliser.
Curtin then went close when he saw an effort hit the crossbar before United were awarded a penalty on the half hour. Wickens controlled a bouncing ball but Tom Partridge had his arms round him and hauled him to the floor. Thompson saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Beckett but he kept his cool and sidefooted the rebound into the net.
There were further chances for United before the break with Wickens and Jon-Paul Mills both going close but the lead was to be a slender one at the interval.
Half-Time Harrow Hill 1 Witney United 2
The second half started slowly although we almost had a stunning goal when Beckett raced out to clear a ball which landed at the feet of Wickens who from 35 yards and out on the touchline sent a first time effort back but it went just over the bar.
A minute later though United had extended the lead with a brilliant finish. There appeared little on when Wickens clipped a pass to Thompson who took a touch before hitting a stunning shot in at the near post and into the roof of the net.
Curtin was unlucky when he saw another effort hit the crossbar before he then sidefooted wide after some good work from Thompson on the wing.
As it looked like United were going to extend the lead it was the home side who out of the blue pulled a goal back. A long ball looked harmless enough but the United defence didnt deal with it well and Eddy Weyman tucked home a simple finish.
Wickens almost hit a stunning goal when he took on an overhead kick from a Dean Smith pass but Beckett was well positioned and held the shot well.
The home side thought they were level when a Weyman free-kick was palmed out by Barrett to Partridge who tucked the ball home but the flag was already up for offside.
In the last seconds hearts were in mouths when Weman swung in a free-kick to the unmarked Frowen but he headed the ball over and the points were safe.
Website Review and MOM
A midweek trip to deepest Gloucestershire is always a difficult place to visit and this was no different. For 70 minutes we dominated and in fairness we should have led by more than the two goals we did. The last two saw a couple of scares but we saw them off and 3rd place is definitely on. MOM goes to Ben Thompson who was a man on a mission all night and terrified the home defence.
United: 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Moss 3. Dean Smith 4. John McMahon 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Jamie Mills 7. Ricky Bridges 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Alex Welch (ojn for Wickens 90) 14. Conor Allmond (NU) 15. Kevin Lewis (NU)
Harrow Hill: 1. Rick Beckett 2. Paul Frowen 3. Tim Fletcher 4. James Barton 5. Tom Partridge 6. Tom Burford 7. Will Freeman 8. Paul Manns 9. Shaun Bucklan 10. Eddy Weyman 11. Matt Freed
12. Chris Smith (NU) 14. Matt Boseley (NU) 15. Matt Jackson (NU)
saturday 18th april 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 114
witney united 3 (McMahon 57,66 Wickens 64)
milton united 0
A devastating three goal blitz in nine second half minutes was enough to give United a deserved victory and close the gap on 3rd placed Almondsbury.
After the excellent midweek display the United fans were expectant and Andrew Younie almost gave the perfect start but under pressure from Brad Chalmers he shot wide.
The visitors did have the ball in the net minutes later when Toby Nowell finished well but the assistant referee had his flag raised for offside.
This seemed to kick United up a gear and first Ben Thompson saw a shot deflected wide and then from the corner Vinny Byfield scooped the ball over after being picked out by a John McMahon knock down.
It was then the turn of the woodwork to deny United when Dean Smith hit a stunning crossfield pass to Thompson who ran on and lifted the ball over Craig Griffiths but the ball hit the top of the bar and went over.
The best chance of the half came United's way when Jon-Paul Mills hit a shot which bounced into the path of Younie but he fired over from six yards out.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Milton United 0
United came out after the break eager to get an early goal and Thompson should have done better when Ryan Curtin picked him out but Griffiths spread himself well and saved.
Twelve minutes after the break and the deadlock was broken when McMahon controlled the ball outside the box before taking a touch and drilling the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
Then came the goal that would have been better witnessed by a capacity Wembley audience than a Hellenic Premier league crowd when Gary Wickens played the ball to McMahon who back heeled it back to Wickens who with the outside of his foot curled the ball into the top corner of the net giving Griffiths no chance.
Moments later and the game was dead when McMahon controlled a difficult bouncing ball before calmly lifting the ball over Griffiths and into the net.
It was all United now as they surged forward in search of a fourth but both McMahon and then Byfield were denied by Griffiths.
In the dying moments McMahon almost completed a treble when he was picked out by Thompson but he could only pull the shot wide.
Website Review and MOM
A first 45 minutes that was frustrating as United couldnt find a way through but the second half saw us at our best at times with three goals and a host of other chances. MOM goes to John McMahon who produced a captain's display from the off.
United; 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Moss 3. Dean Smith 4. Lee Henderson 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Andrew Younie 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Gary Wickens (on for Younie 61) 14. Alex Welch (on for Jamie Mills 74) 15. Connor Allmond (on for Curtin 82)
Milton: 1. Craig Griffiths 2. John Da Silva 3. John Stott 4. Scott Dewar 5. Brad Chalmers 6. Alex Bird 7. Lance Williams 8. Dane Kirby 9. Dave Hobbs 10. Michael Davies 11. Toby Nowell
12. Luke Spires (on for Davies 53)
Wednesday 15th april 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier
hook norton 0
witney united 4 (Thompson 2, 75pen Younie 19,28)
United overcame a potentially tricky trip to Hooky with a resounding 4-0 win that almost cemented a fourth place finish in the league.
With Gary Wickens and Kevin Lewis injured Andy Lyne shuffled the pack with a rare start for Andy Younie which paid dividends with 2 first half goals.
It was his strike partner Ben Thompson though who opended the scoring on just 2 minutes, when he beat the offside trap and raced through for the most straight-forward of goals, slotting home from just inside the Hooky box.
United thought they had extended their lead on 14 minutes when Thompson bundled the ball home from inside the six yard box but it was quickly chalked off for offside.
Just three minutes later though and United has extended their lead with the first of Younie's brace - good work from McMahon and Thompson saw them tee up Younie just inside the box and he turned nicely to half volley home.
United continured to pressure a tired looking Norton, and before the half-hour mark it was 3-0 when Younie sgain sprung an ineffective offisde trap to race into the box and side-foot home to give United a healthy lead at the break.
Half-Time Hook Norton 0 Witney United 3
The second half saw Hooky look to limit United's chances a little more and it took until the hour mark for the next claer chance; Thompson with a deft touch and volly from 20 yards which went just over White's crossbar, a feat the United talisman was to repeat with an almost identical effort on 75 minutes.
United had missed 7 out of the last 8 penalties and their were groans rather the cheers when they were awarded a harsh looking spot kick on
78 mnutes. Thompson stepping up to the plate for the first time and finally United's nightmare from the spot was over when he blasted the ball down the middle to the relief of the travelling fans.
The game was well and truly over by this stage and as both teams looked jaded it gave Lyne a chance to bring on Bridges and Almond who looked lively and allowed United to see out the game and collect the three points.
Website Review and MOM
An excellent display with some slick passing on a difficult surface as United overcame a potentially difficult game with a comfortable scoreline. MOM goes to Ben Thompson who gave the home defence a torrid evening.
United; 1. Richard Barrett 2. Jack Smith 3. Dean Smith 4. Lee Henderson 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Andrew Younie 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. DEan Moss (on for Curtin) 14. Ricky Bridges (on for Younie) 15. Connor Allmond (on for JP Mills)
Hook Norton; 1. Joe White 2. James Kite 3. Daniel Sczvkiewicz 4. Chris Jackson 5. Joe Davis 6. Anton Sambrook 7. Peter Vaughan 8. Joe Coleman 9. Ricky Johnson 10. Lee Harris 11. Carl Standen
12. Kai Ridley 14. Sam Tyack 15. Ben Spiero
saturday 11th april 2009 fTL futbol hellenic premier
witney united 1 (Willoughby OG 29)
old woodstock town 1 (Wilson 40)
United had to settle for a point in this local derby clash at The Polythene UK Stadium as they failed to overcome a battling Old Woodstock side.
Things could have been very different as United almost took the lead inside a minute when John McMahon fed a ball through the channel for Ben Thompson to chase on to but his shot was well saved by Alan Foster.
The game was being played at a frantic pace with the visitors looking for revenge on United's late comeback in August and they had a good chance when a deep cross landed at the feet of John Mills but he took one touch too many and Jack Smith was able to get in and tackle.
Richard Barrett had to be alert to the danger moments later when McMahon was robbed of the ball by the industrious Aaron Posey but the midfielder's shot went straight at the keeper.
Just before the half hour came the opening goal just after the visitors thought they had dealt with the danger. A Ryan Curtin free-kick was met by a powerful header by Gary Wickens but Foster got up well to tip over the bar. However the resulting corner was swung in by Curtin and flicked on by Thompson and Ben Willoughby was unable to get out of the way and could only chest the ball into his own net.
McMahon's runs from deep were causing some anxious moments for Old Woodstock and one of them produced a dipping effort which Foster got across well to tip wide.
With half-time looming United got undone by the same thing the visitors did. After Vinny Byfield had brilliantly charged down a volley from Posey the defence went to sleep from the corner and Mark Wilson was allowed time to hit his shot which Barrett couldn't hold and it dropped in the corner of the net.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Old Woodstock Town 1
United again started the half quickly and a clever reverse pass by Wickens sent Thompson scampering free but his toe-poked effort was saved by the legs of Foster.
Thompson was having a frustrating afternoon and after Wickens picked him out again he watched as his shot flew across the goal but wide.
The visitors were seeing a lot of the ball whilst chances were at a premium and it was United who were going closer to scoring and Wickens may feel he should have done better when he headed straight at Foster from a McMahon free-kick.
You got the feeling this was never going to be United's day and that message was re-enforced when McMahon swung in a corner which missed everybody but Willoughby headed the ball out from underneath the crossbar.
As the game moved into injury time United had one more chance to secure maximum points when Curtin delivered a perfect free-kick which found McMahon unmarked but he headed the ball over and both sides had to settle for a point.
Website Review and MOM
A frustrating afternoon as United never really got their game going against a side who refused to give an inch for the full 90 minutes and credit must go to them. A couple of good individual performances as Gary Wickens was dominant in the air all afternoon but MOM goes to Jack Smith who produced an accomplished display.
United: 1. Richard Barrett 2. Jack Smith 3. Dean Smith 4. John McMahon 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Jamie Mills 7. Kevin Lewis 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Andrew Younie (on for Lewis 80) 14. Dean Moss (NU) 15. Lee Henderson (NU)
Woodstock: 1. Alan Foster 2. Steve Barney 3. Ben Willoughby 4. Dan Baylie 5. Mark Wilson 6. Adam Doyle 7. Nick Thorne 8. Aaron Posey 9. John Mills 10. Jack Dunmall 11. Tom Roberts
12. Richard Brooks (on for Barney 65) 14. Max Martini (on for Willoughby 90) 15. Lee Cook (on for Thorne 80)
saturday 4th april 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier
abingdon town 2 (Green 43, Mills OG 77)
witney united 5 (Wickens 21, Thompson 38,62,90 McMahon 50)
United kept up the pressure on the leaders with a comprehensive victory in the sunshine at Culham Road over strugglers Abingdon Town.
With the two sides having drawn in March there was no doubt United came out firing and determined to make up for that performance and a John McMahon trademark run from deep ended in a powerful effort which went over the bar.
McMahon was at the centre of the next effort as well when his effort was spilled by Paul Wise and although Ben Thompson nicked the ball away he couldnt get it under control and the ball was cleared.
United were getting closer as they attacked with pace and after Gary Wickens had been fouled Ryan Curtin swung in a deep set-piece which Wickens headed goalwards but Paul Alder cleared off the line.
Alder came to the rescue again just seconds later when he put his body on the line with an excellent block from a powerful Thompson shot. From the corner though United did finally break the deadlock when Curtin's corner was not dealt with by Wise who could only palm the ball onto the bar and Wickens was on hand to head the ball over the line from no further than a yard out.
There was no sitting back on the lead though and Thompson again found himself clear only for Wise to save but he spilled the ball to Kevin Lewis whose rasping drive went just over the bar.
Having weathered the storm the home side began to see more of the ball and a free-kick by Alder picked out Mark Simms who lobbed a clever effort goalwards but the flag was up and the ball drifted harmlessly wide.
The same two players combined again for The Abbotts moments later when Alder's corner picked out Simms but his header was cleared off the line by McMahon.
As half-time approached United doubled their advantage when Lewis sent Thompson away who clamly slotted the ball under the advancing Wise and into the net.
From the restart United almost gifted the home side a goal back when they went to sleep and Drew Fowler was able to lift the ball over Richard Barrett and as Tom Larman looked to swoop Vinny Byfield came in to clear the lines.
Just before the break though United were punished when a cross from the left picked out Simms who amazingly from two yards out saw his effort saved by Barrett but Ben Green reacted quickest and fired into the empty net.
Half-Time Abingdon Town 1 Witney United 2
Five minutes after the break and United had restored the two goal advantage when Thompson collected the ball on the right flank and hit a vicious effort which took the slightest of deflections before hitting the angle of the post and the bar before dropping to McMahon who gratefully placed the ball into the net.
Now United were attacking with gusto and Byfield made a surging run down the left flank before delivering a perfect cross which was met by the head of Thompson but a combination of both the post and Wise managed to keep the ball out.
Next it was the crossbar to come to the rescue when Thompson mishit a shot which went out wide to Curtin who then cleverly found Lewis whose strike beat Wise but cannoned back off the woodwork.
Abingdon then produced an excellent move when their best player on the park Alder made another run before playing a 1-2 with Fowler and crossing to Larman who headed wide from the middle of the penalty area.
Three minutes later and they were punished further when Simms brought down Jack Smith on the halfway line and Jamie Mills took a quick free-kick which found Thompson but he fired his shot towards the far post and into the corner of the net giving Wise no chance.
Credit where its due though and the home side kept plugging away and a free-kick by Fowler caused panic and Jamie Mills diverted the ball into the net to reduce the arrears.
Fowler then tried an ambitious effort from the same position and he very nearly caught Barrett out from 35 yards but the ball dropped safely over the bar.
As the game entered the third minute of injury time United rounded off an excellent afternoon when Thompson cut in off the wing and a clever dummy by Lewis allowed the United striker the space he needed for a shot and it rolled into the net for his hat-trick and a very comprehensive three points.
Website Review and MOM
The team have come in for some criticism recently following some disappointing home performances but yesterday they put that all behind them and produced a very good attacking display. At times some of the pace about the play was frightening and goals came at good regular intervals and the woodwork was struck another three times other than the goals. MOM has to go to Ben Thompson not just for his hat-trick but for an excellent all round display that never gave the home side a moments rest.
United: 1. Richard Barrett 2. Jack Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Adam Pilling 5. Lee Henderson 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Kevin Lewis 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Dean Smith (on for Wickens 69) 14. Jason Bowler (NU) 15. Alex Welch (on for Curtin 79)
Abingdon: 1. Paul Wise 2. Ben Green 3. Paul Alder 4. Ian Smith 5. Joe Kent 6. Danny Morgan 7. Drew Fowler 8. Stuart Douglas 9. Mark Simms 10. Tom Larman 17. Adam Wells
12. Danny Thomas (on for Larman 65) 14. Jason Thomas (on for Douglas 72) 15. Sam Webb (NU)
Tuesday 31st march 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier
witney united 2 (Wickens 7, Curtin 89)
Ardley United 1
United returned to winning ways with a win over close challengers Ardley United.
With the squad stretched United had Jack Smith making his debut and three youngsters on the bench
Nevertheless United made a great start when, after just seven minutes, a Richard Barrett kick was flicked on by Gary Wickens and with the defence hesitating it was Wickens himself who reacted quickest and slotted the ball neatly home through the keeper’s legs.
On 11 minutes Kevin Lewis chased a ball into the right hand channel, beat a couple of defenders and laid the ball back to Ben Thompson on the edge of the box but his shot cleared the bar. United continued to have the ascendancy and on 22 minutes a Jamie Mills long throw fell amongst a group of players at the near post and Gary Wickens reacted quickest but his ball across the face of the goal didn’t find the final touch.
Just three minutes later a clearance out of defence was won by Ben Thompson whose shot was blocked and when the rebound fell to Jamie Mills he couldn’t keep his effort down. As United continued to threaten the Ardley goal more chances came with a Vinny Byfield free kick on 31 minutes finding Gary Wickens who cleverly beat his man but Gareth Tucker saved well and there was no Witney player on hand to take advantage of the loose ball.
In the last ten minutes of the half Witney created two more good chances when, firstly, a long ball into the left hand channel saw Gary Wickens use two colleagues as dummy runners to open space for a shot from the corner of the box which just cleared the angle of the goal. The next chance came from the opposite side as good build up involving Kevin Lewis, Ben Thompson and Jack Smith saw Lewis feed in Gary Wickens but Tucker made another tidy save at the second attempt.
Half-time: Witney United 1 Ardley United 0
The Blanketmen started the second period brightly and on 50 minutes Jack Smith won the ball well in his own half and a quick-witted ball gave Gary Wickens the chance to drive forward but his shot had too much on it and cleared the bar.
Ardley began to come into the game and enjoy more possession but still could not create a direct shot on goal to give Richard Barrett any concerns. At the other United threatened again when a Ryan Curtin corner cleared everyone to reach the back post where Gary Wickens was waiting but covering defenders blocked his shot. From their next attack it was Wickens again who shot over after a Vinny Byfield throw had been held up by Ben Thompson before releasing his colleague.
On 65 minutes a Craig McKay clearance was held up the ever-willing Thompson again but Gary Wickens 25-yarder was saved. Ardley went straight up the other end and after Richard Barrett had palmed away a dangerous looking cross the ball was played back in where Danny Bone headed home the equaliser.
On 77 minutes United had a chance to take the lead after James Philpott had swung his leg at a through ball and missed leaving Ben Thompson with a clear run on goal but good covering saw two defenders get back and snuff out the danger.
With time running out United piled even more pressure on the Ardley goal and on 84 minutes a Jamie Mills long throw was flicked on by Gary Wickens but Gareth Tucker got down well to save Ryan Curtin’s snapshot. With just one minute of normal time Witney got the break they deserved when along throw was cleared but when Jack Smith put it back into the danger area James Philpott again swung wildly and missed the ball allowing Ryan Curtin to finish very calmly.
As Ardley pushed for the equaliser in injury time United could have made it three when Ben Thompson was put through and rounded the keeper but could only find the side netting from a tight angle.
Website view and MoM: This was an excellent all round team performance with everyone playing their part against an inform Ardley side. Jack Smith made a very promising start in a back four that looked very solid. The midfield battles were won and Thompson and Wickens looked a threat all night. However, MoM goes to Craig McKay who had an outstanding night in the centre of the defence.
United: 1. Richard Barrett 2. Jack Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Craig McKay 6. Jamie Mills 7. Adam Pilling 8. Kevin Lewis 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Sam Wright (NU) 14. Connor Allmond (NU) 15. Alex Welch (NU)
Ardley: 1. Gareth Tucker 2. Danny Mason 3. Adam Richmond 4. Darren Beckett 5.Adam Garner 6. James Phillpott 7. Jason Costello 8. Danny Bone 9. Adam Beckett 10. Sammy Ibrahim 11. Danny Clarke
12. Kevin Brock (NU) 14. James Lambert (on for A Beckett 78) 15. Matty Gooderick (on for Ibrahim H/T)
saturday 28th march 2009 FTL Futbol Hellenic premier att 129
witney united 1 (Henderson 41)
Kidlington 2 (Flanagan 56, Styles 82)
The mystery of United's recent up and down performances deepened yesterday as they produced a lacklustre display to go down in this local derby clash.
With a howling wind blowing around the stadium the visitors pressed early on and new signing Ryan Williams came to United's rescue when he cleared a header from Chris Baker off the line from a corner.
United were forced to feed off scraps as they struggled to create anything on an awful afternoon and Gary Wickens and Andrew Younie both saw efforts blocked in the penalty area.
The five minutes prior to the interval livened up a little as first a through ball by Emmett McGovern was flicked on by Adam Lovegrove into the path of former United midfielder Andrew Styles but he sliced his shot horribly wide.
However four minutes before the break and United took the lead. Ryan Curtin swung a corner in the the area and Lee Henderson got above ex United keeper Jon Beames to power home the header.
A hailstorm then engulfed the stadium as the weather was more like winter and both teams looked delighted to get into the warmth of the changing rooms at the break.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Kidlington 0
With the wind at their backs United went agonisingly close to doubling their advantage when Jamie Mills produced a sublime pass to release Wickens and his clever lob beat Beames but then rolled along the top of the bar and over.
Younie then went close to creating something for the Blanketmen when his lively feet bamboozled his marker before he found Williams but his effort from the edge of the box went just over.
Disaster struck United though just eleven minutes after the break when a harmless looking ball dropped between Younie and Adam Pilling and as both players hesitated Mark Flanagan stole in and fired a great strike beyond Richard Barrett and into the corner of the net.
This galvanised the visitors and United seemed to be drained of all confidence and Barrett had to be at his best when Denel Thomas and Jimmy Deabill combined only for the latter's shot to be saved.
Deabill then shot wide after a quick break from the visitors before Ben Thompson was left frustrated at the other end when he sprung the offside trap only for the ball to evade everybody as it flew across the six yard box.
With just eight minutes to play United were their own worst enemy as they conceded what would turn out to be the winning goal. A long ball as Kidlington defended a United corner left the home defence appealing for offside but Deabill continued to play and pulled the ball back to Styles whose mishit shot looped into the corner beyond Barrett.
Barrett again came to Witney's rescue when he blocked an shot at the near post from Kieran Saunders after more good work from Deabill.
In the last seconds a free-kick from Dean Smith was nodded back by Wickens to Curtin whose hooked shot landed in the arms of Beames who sunk to his knees and seconds later the final whistle blew to condemn United to another home defeat.
Website Review and MOM
Our home and away performances are like night and day at the moment. Compare this showing to the performances at Shrivenham and Hungerford and you would wonder if you were watching the same team. Too many individuals had an off day but MOM goes to Richard Barrett who in reality kept United in the game to the very last minute.
United; 1. Richard Barrett 2. Adam Pilling 3. Dean Smith 4. Ryan Williams 5. Lee Henderson 6. Jamie Mills 7. Andrew Younie 8. Kevin Lewis 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Vinny Byfield (NU) 14. Connor Allmond (NU) 15. Alex Welch (NU)
Kidlington: 1. Jon Beames 2. Jaroslav Karpal 3. Mark Flanagan 4. Chris Baker 5. Emmett McGovern 6. Stuart Cattell 7. Andrew Styles 8. Denel Thomas 9. Jimmy Deabill 10. Adam Lovegrove 11. Lewis Gabbidon
12. Marvin Martin (on for Lovegrove 72) 14. Kieran Saunders (on for Flanagan 72) 15. Sam Fincher (NU)
tuesday 24th march 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 110
Hungeford Town 1 (Edney 65)
witney united 1 (Thompson 33)
The curse of the missing penalty came back to haunt United again last night as they produced an excellent display to hold league leaders Hungerford Town at Bulpit Lane.
The home side were keen to stamp their authority early on and with less than a minute on the clock a cross by former United defender Mark McMeeking was met by the head of Peter Macklin but it went well wide.
There was a glorious chance for The Blanketmen with just two minutes on the clock when a clever piece of play by Ryan Curtin saw him upended in the area. With United having missed six of the last seven penalties it was perhaps no great surprise when Curtin himself saw his spot-kick well saved by Andrew Bayliss.
Hungerford were having a lot of the ball but creating nothing of note although Jamie Gosling will feel he should have done better when he failed to control a ball inside the area after Craig McKay lost his footing.
United were creating the better chances and Ben Thompson was causing havoc and his run and cutback picked out Gary Wickens but he got under the ball and it flew over the bar.
Thompson then carved a chance from nothing after the Mills brothers had combined well to release him but Bayliss got down to save at the foot of his post.
Three minutes later though and United had their deserved lead when Kevin Lewis won the ball from Matty Jack in the midfield before sending Thompson clear who shot into the far corner giving Bayliss no chance.
Half-Time Hungerford Town 0 Witney United 1
Kicking up the slope the home side were intent on getting back into the game and when a ball dropped at the feet of Graham Edney he took on an outrageous effort but the shot flew to the left of Barrett's goal.
Just after the hour though came the huge slice of luck that got the league leaders back into the game. McKay done well to win the ball and clear his lines but could only watch in horror as the ball hit the referee and landed at the feet of Edney who although still had a lot to do with the United defence caught out of position took his chance well to level the score.
This clearly lifted The Crusaders who moments later had a great chance when a free-kick from Toby Clark was met by the head of the unmarked Macklin but he couldnt hit the target from ten yards.
Macklin had another chance from another ball delivered into United's area and this time his header hit the target but Barrett was equal to it and tipped the ball over.
As the clock ticked past the 90 minutes United almost scored a dramatic winner when Wickens cleverly back-heeled the ball into the path of Jon-Paul Mills who found Thompson who saw his shot kicked off the line and the rebound from Curtin was stopped superbly on the line by Scott Davis to ensure the home side kept a share of the spoils.
Website Review and MOM
What a difference a week makes, after the disappointment of Abingdon Town came a display last night that certainly in the first half had the United fans purring as we were by far the better side against the ambitious leaders. Second half they showed more of what they are about but still chances were at a premium and our chance at the death was without doubt the best of the half. MOM was close with great displays all over the park but the central defence of Craig McKay and Man of the Match Lee Henderson were tremendous all night.
United: 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Smith 3. Dean Moss 4. Craig McKay 5. Lee Henderson 6. Jamie Mills 7. Kevin Lewis 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Adam Pilling (on for Smith 64) 14. Vinny Byfield (on for Moss 80) 15. Alex Welch (NU)
Hungerford: 1. Andrew Bayliss 2. Mark McMeeking 3. John Cant 4. Toby Clark 5. Scott Davis 6. Paul Bedwell 7. Chris Blackford 8. Matt Jack 9. Peter Macklin 10. Jamie Gosling 11. Graham Edney
12. Ian Concannon (NU) 14. Vince Rusher (NU) 15. Tom Fila (NU)
saturday 21st march 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 87
shrivenham 1 (Gill 14pen)
witney united 4 (JP Mills 27, Thompson 47,63 Lewis 77)
United produced a much improved display at strugglers Shrivenham this afternoon as they secured a victory that lifted them level on points with second placed Shortwood United.
Following the disappointment of Tuesday night United looked fired up to improve matters and Gary Wickens went close to opening the scoring with a powerful header from a Jason Bowler corner which Luke Alford did well to block with his body.
Just before the quarter of an hour mark though The Blanketmen were given a jolt when the home side scored their first goal in five outings. Bradley Gill collected a through ball and ran at speed into the penalty box before being upended by Lee Henderson. Gill dusted himself down to take the penalty himself and sent Richard Barrett the wrong way from the spot.
United continued to try and play and with 27 minutes on the clock they were deservedly level. Jamie Mills picked out his brother Jon-Paul Mills who played a neat one-two with Ben Thompson before curling a shot beyond the despairing dive of Alfford and into the net.
On the half hour there was almost a stunning goal when Alford rushed out to clear a through ball and it broke to Jon-Paul Mills who sent the ball back first time from inside his own half only to see the ball drop just a yard wide of the goal.
It was United well on top now as they went down the slope and Kevin Lewis and Wickens combined well to release Thompson who produced a clever lob over Alford but the ball dropped just wide of the goal on the bounce.
Right on half-time United went close again when a high ball finally dropped at the feet of Wickens who hit the shot but was denied by Alford although he needed two attempts to gather the ball.
Half-Time Shrivenham 1 Witney United 1
The second half began with United flying out of the traps and taking the lead within two minutes of the restart. A long ball by Dean Smith wasnt dealt with by the home defence under pressure from Thompson and eventually he worked an opening for himself before slamming the ball home.
Despite going up the slope United were doing all the pressing now and Thompson and Jon-Paul Mills combined to pick out Wickens but again he found himself denied by Alford.
Just after the hour though United extended their lead when Jon-Paul Mills went on a mazy run into the box before driving a cross which Alford could only palm into the path of Thompson who calmly slotted the ball into the net.
The home side who to their credit were still trying to push forward had their task made more difficult when they were reduced to 10 men. Having just been yellow carded full-back Alex Rigley saw red when he lashed out at Jon-Paul Mills having been fouled by the United midfielder.
The numerical advantage was made to count thirteen minutes from time when substitute Andrew Younie chased what looked a hopeless cause into the corner and won the ball before pulling it back to Lewis who continued his recent return to scoring form by poking the ball into the net.
There was one further effort from Wickens when he headed wide from a Ryan Curtin cross but the final whistle brought to an end a very satisfying afternoon's work for The Blanketmen.
Website Review and MOM
So much better from United with a very professional performance in particular a second half display that got the result it warranted. Much more zip about the general play and pressing all over the park producing plenty of chances. MOM saw many candidates today and althugh Kevin Lewis was very close it goes to Jon-Paul Mills who produced a display worthy of the captain's armband he was wearing.
United; 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Moss 3. Dean Smith 4. Jamie Mills 5. Lee Henderson 6. Kevin Lewis 7. Jason Bowler 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Andrew Younie (on for Thompson 72) 14. Vinny Byfield (on for JP Mills 81) 15. Alex Welch (on for Bowler 84)
Shrivenham; 1. Luke Alford 2. Scott Scanlon 3. Alex Rigley 4. Dean Flockton 5. Mark Peters 6. Jon Peters 7. John Dart 8. Travis Barrett 9. Bradley Gill 10. Ben Carter 11. Michael Silvanus
12. Johnny Aikenhead (on for Carter 60) 14. Shane Davis (on for Dart 76) 15. Joe Harris (NU)
Tuesday 17th march 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 103
witney united 1 (McMahon 90)
abingdon town 1 (Simms 27)
United suffered more home agony as they dropped two more points against a relegation-threatened Abingdon Town at The Polythene UK Stadium.
The game started quietly and the first significant action came on 20 minutes when Ben Thompson beat three defenders in a very tight area to create a bit of space in the box but Gareth Walker blocked his shot.
Abingdon reacted strongly to this threat and a couple of minutes later a long ball by Ben Green from the left back channel put Mark Simms in on goal but Richard Barrett made affine save with his feet and Tom Larman put the rebound wide from 25 yards. Abingdon threatened again two minutes later when Ben Green went on a determined run from inside his own half and was only stopped by a foul 30 yards out, the resulting free-kick being put just wide by Drew Fowler.
The pressure from Abingdon was to pay off when it was Ben Green again who played a long ball down the right wing which Tom Larman moved onto before sliding a perfect cross along the six yard line where Mark Simms slid it at the far post to take the lead.
Witney almost got back into the game immediately when a long threw missed a crowd of players at the near post and Ben Thompson reacted to hook the ball over his head and into the net but the referee had seen an infringement in the crowd scene at the near post.
Half-time:Witney United 0 Abingdon Town 1
United came out fired up for the second half and within minutes a Ryan Curtin corner was headed goalwards by Gary Wickens but Danny Morgan was well positioned on the post to hack the ball clear.
Abingdon continued to enjoy plenty of possession and to comfortably blunt any threats United tried to pose and, on 53 minutes, could have increased their lead when some scrappy play in midfield suddenly saw the ball released forward for Stuart Douglas to run onto but his lob over Richard Barrett went wide.
On the hour mark United had their best chance to draw level when Kevin Lewis picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and chipped Gareth Walker but the keeper adjusted brilliantly to get back and tip the bar onto the bar and away to safety. Witney’s next chance wasn’t created until the 77th minute when a Ben Thompson run was stopped but the loose ball fell to Jason Bowler who curled a shot just past the angle of bar and post.
Abingdon still continued to look comfortable, certainly not like a relegation candidate, and on 80 minutes a good build up saw Drew Fowler fire in a shot from 25 yards that Richard Barrett saved well.
United threw everything at Abingdon in a desperate finale but without creating a clear cut chance until the fifth minute of a surprisingly long injury time when a perfectly flighted Ryan Curtin corner was met by the head of John McMahon who powered home a firm equaliser.
Website Review and MOM
A game in which Witney were lucky to get a point based on the 90+ minutes play but, as so often this season, they never gave up and grabbed something from the wreckage at the death. MoM is a difficult task as so many individuals and the team as a unit seemed off colour but it goes to John McMahon for his constant effort and determination topped by the vital goal
United; 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Moss 3. Dean Smith 4. John McMahon 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Kevin Lewis 7. Jason Bowler 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Jamie Mills (on for JP Mills H/T) 14. Lee Henderson (on for Moss 70) 15. Connor Allmond (NU)
Abingdon: 1. Gareth Walker 2. Ben Green 3. Paul Alder 4. Ian Smith 5. Louis George 6. Danny Morgan 7. Drew Fowler 8. Stuart Douglas 9. Mark Simms 10. Tom Larman 11. Danny Thomas
12. Luke Beauchamp (on for Larman 90) 15. Sean Weston (on for Douglas 85)
saturday 14th march 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 102
witney united 4 (Wickens 33,39 Lewis 40,55)
pegasus juniors 2 (Hyde 12, Gwynne 59)
A four goal blitz in 22 minutes either side of half-time was enough to move United to within one point of 2nd place and see off the plucky Herefordshire side.
After the heroics of Tuesday night it was back down to earth just twelve minutes into the game when the visitors opened the scoring. There appeared no danger as Vinny Byfield went to clear the ball but it hit John McMahon and broke to Cory Hyde who wasnt going to turn down the invitation and slotted the ball home off the post giving Richard Barrett no chance.
There was a perfect chance for United to level matters just a minute later but the penalty jinx returned again as United missed their fifth spot kick out of the last six. Ben Thompson had surged into the box only to turn sharply and then be tripped and this time it was John McMahon who stepped up but his powerful effort was saved well by Bryn Watkins.
Thompson himself then went close to finding the net when Jon-Paul Mills slid the ball through to him but Watkins was equal to the shot and held it well.
However United then produced an excellent move to level the scoring. Jon-Paul Mills and Thompson combined well before Mills delivered an excellent cross which was met first time Gary Wickens who met the ball first time and slotted home.
Just six minutes later and United had turned the game right round when Jason Bowler swung in an excellent corner which was met powerfully by the head of Wickens and although Watkins got his hand to it he couldnt keep it out.
The goals were flowing now and a minute later the lead had been extended when Wickens flicked a delightful ball into the path of Kevin Lewis who from one of his trademark runs placed the ball into the corner of the net.
Half-Time Witney United 3 Pegasus Juniors 1
The visitors lost goalkeeper Watkins at the break through injury and within ten minutes of the second half beginning United had killed the game off.
Wickens picked up the ball some 25 yards from goal and hit a thumping shot which beat Steve Griffiths but bounced back off the crossbar and into the path of Lewis who hit an unstoppable rebound into the top corner of the net.
The visitors wouldnt lie down though and a quick free-kick released Sam Preece who crossed and Simon Gwynne nipped in front of his marker and poked the ball home.
Any hopes that Juniors had of getting back in the game died when they were reduced to ten min on 67 minutes when Thompson raced clear of the defence and Matt Smalley who was last defender pulled him down on the edge of the box and was shown the red card.
The chances continued to come for United but replacement keeper Griffiths was having a field day between the sticks as he kept out Thompson twice and Lewis with a mixture of hands, feet and whatever other part of the body he saw fit.
United though had collected their second win in a week and set themselves up for the run-in and an assault on the runners-up position.
Website Review and MOM
A puzzling game of football, for the first half hour its fair to say the visitors made life very difficult for us but once we had levelled we started to reach the standards we are capable of. Once the game was won we still created a host of chances but didnt take them. MOM goes to a man who on a lot of afternoons can be a very frustrated character but who today plugged away all afternoon, encouraged his team mates, scored twice and set two goals and Gary Wickens performance sees him getting his reward.
United; 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Moss 3. Dean Smith 4. John McMahon 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Kevin Lewis 7. Jason Bowler 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Jamie Mills (on for JP Mills 78) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Bowler 82) 15. Lee Henderson (on for Smith 85)
Pegasus; 1. Bryn Watkins 2. Gary Randle 3. Matt Smalley 4. Dan Price 5. Mark Smith 6. Rob Laurie 7. Ben Price 8. Andy Mowen 9. Chris Mortlock 10. Cory Hyde 11. Simon Gwynne
12. Steve Griffiths (on for Watkins H/T) 14. Sam Preece (on for Mowen 51) 15. Adam Parker (on for Preece 68)
tuesday 10th march 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 60
shortwood united 1 (Smith 18)
witney united 2 (Lewis 4, Thompson 58)
After appearing as Mr Hyde on Saturday the Dr Jekyll version of the Blanketmen showed up last night as United deservedly won at second-placed Shortwood.
With Lee Henderson and Nathan Woodley both unavailable Vinnie Byfield made a rare appearance for United and paired up with skipper John McMahon in central defence in a game that started superbly when, on just four minutes, a throw-in saw Ben Thompson turn his man and lay a ball across the edge of the penalty area to Kevin Lewis who slotted a perfect shot low into the bottom right-hand corner to take the lead.
Just past the quarter hour another flowing United move saw Jason Bowler beat his man and tee up J-P Mills but his shot from the edge of the box flew just wide. Just two minutes later Shortwood equalised when Richard Barrett in the United goal lost a long cross from the right and Peter Smith reacted quickly to slot home the loose ball.
Shortwood started to pressurise United and on 24 minutes a throw-in was flicked on for Matt Bennett to send a powerful volley from 15 yards just over the bar. However, United nearly scored on 27 minutes when a Shortwood attack was broken up inside the United half and Gary Wickens perfect through ball saw Ben Thompson through on the keeper but he put his shot wide of the near post.
Shortwood continued to have plenty of possession but were unable to create many clear threats on the United goal although on 31 minutes a free-kick from 25 yards was blocked by the wall but when the loose ball was played back into the United box it was Matt Bennett again who just cleared the bar with his shot. United hit Shortwood with the perfect counter punch on 42 minutes when a quick break saw Ryan Curtin feed Ben Thompson who progressed into the box where the chance seemed to have gone as defenders got back but some good footwork from Thompson ended when Rich Thomas in the Shortwood goal brought him down for a penalty. Ryan Curtin stepped up and, although his shot was well placed, it lacked the pace to beat the diving Thomas who made a fine save.
Half-Time: Shortwood United 1 Witney United 1
With the injured Gary Wickens replaced by Jamie Mills at half-time Kevin Lewis moved up front to support Ben Thompson and it was Lewis who, on 55 minutes, got on the end of Thompson’s pull back after a great build-up involving J-P Mills, Jason Bowler and Lewis himself only for his shot to be saved by Rich Thomas. However, with United now playing very well and in the ascendancy the lead was to be regained just three minutes later when a free-kick by Ryan Curtin was blocked by the wall but Kevin Lewis hooked the ball back into the danger area and Ben Thompson was on hand to volley home from 10 yards.
With United revamped defence looking very solid Shortwood were struggling to have an impact on the game and United continued to pose more of a threat. On 70 minutes a John McMahon free kick was well saved by Rich Thomas and as Shortwood pushed for the equaliser they nearly lost a third goal when, on 85 minutes, Thomas came out of is area to head away a long ball as Ben Thompson closed in only for J-P Mills to feed the loose ball to Harry Burnley whose pull back along the six-yard line was just too far ahead of Thompson at the near post and Ryan Curtin’s effort back across goal from the far post went just wide.
In the last couple of minutes of normal time United threatened again when Rich Thomas fumbled a Ryan Curtin free-kick only to react brilliantly and poke the ball away for a corner as Ben Thompson looked set to score.
Website Review and MOM
As so often this season United’s reaction to a poor performance was everything one could ask with a deserved victory away to the second-placed team in the league. The whole team put on a great show and worked tirelessly all over the pitch and produced constant threats to the home goal whilst limiting the danger at the other end. Kevin Lewis had a storming game, not only putting his usual level of effort, but also scoring one goal and having a hand in the other and on another night would have earned MoM but the central defensive paring of John McMahon and Vinnie Byfield were immense and contained a strong Shortwood side superbly. Of these two Byfield just edges the MoM award.
United; 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Moss 3. Dean Smith 4. John McMahon 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Kevin Lewis 7. Jason Bowler 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Jamie Mills (on for Wickens H/T) 14. Harry Burnley (on for Bowler 82) 15. Connor Allmond (NU)
Shortwood; 1. Rich Thomas 2. Alex Allard 3. Matt Bennett 4. Ashley Thomas 5. Ben Mammola 6. Peter Smith 7. Alton Axton 8. Mike Green 9. Matt Green 10. James Coates 11. Vic Webb
12. Will Steadman (on for Smith 88) 14. Leon Cornwall (on for Axton 65) 15. Chris Greenough (on for Mike Green 71)
saturday 7th march 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 124
witney united 0
bicester town 1 (Curtis 57)
United slumped to a shock defeat this afternoon at the hands of relegation threatened Bicester Town at The Polythene UK Stadium this afternoon.
With a 4-1-4-1 formation it was clear the visitors had come to frustrate United and in fairness to them the plan worked like an absolute dream for the majority of the afternoon.
The early exchanges were frantic with very little quality and we had to wait until midway through the half for a chance when Ryan Curtin picked out Jason Bowler who shaped his body well to get a volley away but wide of the goal.
Curtin's set-pieces were looking like the only avenue to goal and a whipped in cross with his left foot caused panic in the Bicester defence but somehow they scrambled the ball away.
Right on half-time the first save from either keeper came when United took a quick free-kick which found Gary Wickens who got his shot away but Tom McNamara pushed the ball around the post as a poor first half came to a close.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Bicester Town 0
United had debutant goalkeeper Richard Barrett between the sticks and he was called into action just after the interval when a corner from Jamie De Banks picked out Ben Williams but the stopper got down to save well.
The warning didnt help United though and three minutes short of the hour the opening goal came. Dean Moss was robbed of the ball on the halfway line and Matt Blenford produced an excellent pass to cut out the United defence and John Curtis ran on and gave Barrett no chance.
Moments later and United thought they had levelled matters when a cross from Jon-Paul Mills saw Gary Wickens nip in bravely and head home but the flag went up and offside was given to leave United behind.
United were now in the ascendancy but the quality was sadly lacking from their game although John McMahon was denied on the line by Dan Ames after a corner from Curtin dropped to the United captain.
With the clock ticking away the visitors naturally dropped deeper but there was just no way through for The Blanketmen as a surging run by McMahon ended in a series of shots being blocked when on another day one of them probably nestles in the net.
In fact the visitors should have doubled their lead when they broke away in the last few minutes and Blenford found himself with only Barrett to beat but the keeper stood up well and saved.
There was still to be more drama as the clocked ticked past 90 minutes. First up Bowler collected the ball on the flank before curling an excellent shot which beat McNamara but the ball bounced off the crossbar and when the ball broke to Ben Thompson he watched in disbelief as his effort also came back off the bar.
Then came the chance of the day when the ball was cleverly played out wide to Thompson who calmly drilled a low cross which picked out Andrew Younie who with the whole goal to shoot at put the ball straight into the arms of the grateful McNamara and the final whistle blew to send the visitors into raptures.
Website Review and MOM
Surely one of the most frustrating afternoon's ever spent at the Stadium with United unable to break down a resilient Bicester rearguard. Hats off to the visitors who seemed to want the three points more than United and fought for every ball as if their life depended on it. MOM was tough call with so many players below their best but Lee Henderson remained calm all afternoon and produced some excellent interventions against his old club.
United; 1. Richard Barrett 2. Dean Smith 3. Dean Moss 4. John McMahon 5. Lee Henderson 6. Kevin Lewis 7. Jason Bowler 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Harry Burnley (NU) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Moss 62) 15. Nathan Woodley (on for Lewis 83)
Bicester: 1. Tom McNamara 2. James Kyberd 3. Chris Johnson 4. Dan Ames 5. Shaun Lambourne 6. Jamie De Banks 7. Nathan Hunt 8. Paul Spittle 9. John Curtis 10. Matt Blenford 11. Ben Williams
12. John Umney (NU) 14. Dan Leggett (NU) 15. Sam Houlihan (NU)
wednesday 4th march 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 46
wantage town 0
witney united 3 (Wickens 12, Curtin 22pen, 78)
United produced the perfect response to Saturday's performance last night when they overcame Wantage Town with an accomplished display at Alfredian Park.
There was a blow in the warm up when Dean Moss was injured in the warm up and Kevin Lewis came into the starting line up as United looked to bounce back.
The home side had a half chance in the opening minutes when a misplaced pass by Dean Smith resulted in a cross which found Danny Allen but he slashed wildly at the shot and the ball flew wide.
On twelve minutes though United were off and running when Jamie Mills broke up the play and released Gary Wickens who sprung the offside trap and raced clear before slotting calmly past Daryl Simms to put Witney in front.
The home side tried to gain a foothold in the match and Chris Geary had an effort which Phil Carpenter palmed away before Jon-Paul Mills went close with a low drive which brought the best out of Simms.
United were then given a great chance when Kevin Lewis got into the box and former United target Ellis Langford inexplicably kicked out at the midfielder leaving the referee no option other than to point to the spot. Ryan Curtin shook off the miss from Saturday as he tucked the ball in the bottom corner of the net.
Ben Thompson was looking lively and he showed a turn of pace to get free but Simms was equal to the shot and the rebound from Lewis was blocked by Tom Rowe.
As half-time approached United had another good chance when a free-kick by Jason Bowler was nodded down by Wickens but Jon-Paul Mills couldnt control the shot and the ball went wide of the goal.
Half-Time Wantage Town 0 Witney United 2
The home side made a switch at half-time as they tried to flood the midfield but although they saw a lot more of the ball they were struggling to find a way through a well drilled United defence.
On the break United were still looking very dangerous and they had the ball in the net with 20 minutes left when Curtin broke down the left and crossed to Thompson whose initial effort was saved by Simms before he netted the rebound but he was denied by a flag from the assistant referee.
Wantage then went as close as they were to go all evening when A free-kick was nodded by Geary straight to susbstitute Sean McKeon but Carpenter did well to get across and touch the ball to safety.
Twelve minutes from the end and United killed the game off when they got reward for what had been a thoroughly professional performance. Lewis won the ball in midfield and picked a perfect pass for Curtin who took the shot on early and the ball went into the net off the foot of the post.
Thompson had one final chance to get his name on the scoresheet when he was sent through by Harry Burnley but he dragged his effort wide of the goal but when the final whistle blew moments later United had banished the memories of Almondsbury and with Shortwood's defeat had closed the gap on 2nd place.
Website Review and MOM
A job very well done at a ground where we have never had the greatest of times. From the minute we got the opening goal we were the better side and well worth the three points. We never got dragged into anything and just played and got our rewards. MOM was so close as an excellent team display but Jamie Mills was back doing what he does best very well.
United; 1. Phil Carpenter 2. Dean Smith 12. Kevin Lewis 4. John McMahon 5. Lee Henderson 6. Jamie Mills 7. Jason Bowler 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
3. Dean Moss (NU) 14. Harry Burnley (on for Wickens 66) 15. Connor Almond (on for Smith 88)
Wantage; 1. Daryl Simms 2. Andy Wallbridge 3. Tom Rowe 4. Gary Swann 5. Adam Learoyd 6. Danny Allen 7. Liam Illsley 8. Ellis Langford 9. Danny Keen 10. Chris Geary 11. Sam Belcher
12. Sean McKeon (on for Langford H/T) 14. Nathan Hall (NU) 15. Rob Joyce (on for Allen 77)
saturday 28th February 2009 FTL Futbol hellenic Premier att 65
almondsbury town 4
witney united 2 (JP Mills, Thompson)
United's promotion push ended with a whimper at Oakland Park as they went down 4-2 to a resurgent Almonds side.
It was a game with everything; 3 red cards, 5 goals and a missed penalty, but the Blanketmen can only have themselves to blame after not pushing home their one man advantage for most of the game.
The game exploded into life in the first ten minutes - dithering on the ball by the usually solid Lee Henderson saw him robbed on the edge of the six yard box by Brad Andrews who poked the ball home beneath Carpenter's legs to open the scoring.
Just five minutes later came the big talking point of the afternoon - a hard challenge by John McMahon right in front of the home dug-out saw an over-reaction from the home management - this in turn changed what would normally have been a free-kick and yellow card into a full-on hand-bags affair which would result in 3 dismissals. First to see red was Kane Ingram for raised arms, followed by home keeper Ben John who bizarrely chose to gouge the eyes of McMahon. The 3rd red went to McMahon himself, again for raised arms.
This totally changed the shape of the game and it took United longer to adjust than it did the home side, but just before half-time they evened up the game when a wicked ball in from the right by Dean Smith saw Jon-Paul Mills bundle the ball over the line.
Half-Time Almondsbury Town 1 Witney United 1
United started the second half on the upper foot but despite plenty of possession could not get past a resolute home defence, in fact as the half went on the Almonds had more time on the ball and looked particularly dangerous on the break.
With just under half an hour to go Paul Weeks made an inspired substitution which was the swing the game back in the favour - after only being on the field 10 or so minutes Saha Kabba's pace had won the game for Almondsbury. First he was cynically bought down by Nathan Woodley and from the resultant free-kick Carpenter in the Witney goal was left stranded as the second ball was looped back over his head into the net. Then on 76 minutes Kabba eluded two United markers on the half-way line to run unchallenged and slip the ball past a helpless Witney keeper.
This two-goal salvo knocked the stuffing out of United and there was worse to come on 80 minutes when Paul Chemoweth finished well after a quick Town break from deep.
The game should have been dead and buried but there was still more to come - first Ryan Curtin put a penalty wide on 93 minutes, and then Ben Thompson cleverly flicked home deep into injury time, but the damage was done and it was too little to late for United.
Website Review and MOM
It was all about the reaction after the triple sending-off and in the end Almondsbury dealt better with it and simply showed more desire to win the game. United had their chances early in the second half but often overplayed and didn't keep it simple - that the home stand-in keeper was hardly tested in 80+ minutes was criminal.
Man on the Match goes to the one player who battled for every ball and never gave up hope - JP Mills showed the kind of never say die attitude that was sadly missing from the rest of the United boys.
United; 1. Phil Carpenter 2. Dean Smith 3. Dean Moss 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Harry Burnley (on for Woodley) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Moss) 15. Vinny Byfield (NU)
Almondsbury; 1. Ben John 2. Tony Davis 3. Danny Haines 4. Marcus Mapstone 5. Lee Bridson 6. Simon Cleal 7. Paul Chenoweth 8. Brad Andrews 9. Richard Kear 10. Adam Cole 11. Kane Ingram
12. Saha Kabba (Used) 14. Paul Milsom 15. Paul Fowler
tuesday 24th february 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 100
witney united 5 (Wickens 15,43 Thompson 37,65 Curtin 47)
harrow hill 1 (Freeman 89)
United bounced back from the disappointment of last week's cup exit with a thumping victory over bottom club Harrow Hill and could even afford the luxury of two missed penalties.
There was a sense of urgency about United's play from the off and within two minutes they had almost taken the lead when Kevin Lewis won the ball in midfield and fed Ben Thompson but he dragged his shot wide of goal.
The visitors hadnt come to lie down and let United win and a stunning volley by James Barton saw Chris Webb scrambling across his goal but the ball went wide and just over the bar.
After Thompson had seen two efforts blocked United finally took the lead after quarter of an hour when a free-kick by Ryan Curtin was met by the head of Gary Wickens who gave Ricky Beckett no chance.
Thompson again went close from the tightest of angles after a mix up between Beckett and Tom Partridge but he finally got his goal when Lewis played a delightful through ball into his path and the striker drilled the ball under Beckett to double the lead.
It was now one way traffic as United sensed blood and the third goal came just two minutes before the break with another excellent Curtin set-piece was met by the head of Wickens with a replica of the first goal.
Half-Time Witney United 3 Harrow Hill 0
The second half started in perfect fashion for United when Curtin curled home a stunning free-kick from 18 yards giving Beckett no chance at all.
On the hour there was another glorious chance for United when Thompson was tripped in the area and Wickens saw his penalty saved by Beckett.
The joy was short lived for the keeper though as just five minutes later Lee Henderson picked out John McMahon whose cross was met by Thompson who netted his second of the night.
A brilliant piece of skill by Wickens then saw United awarded another penalty when he was hauled down in the box and the striker after some discussions stepped up to take his second penalty but held his head in his hands as Beckett saved again.
In the final minute there was a little consolation for the visitors when a cross by Will Freeman took a deflection and dropped over Chris Webb and into the far corner of the net.
Website Review and MOM
The perfect response to last week's defeat as United pressed all over the park from the very off and got the rewards of a thumping victory. MOM close call as some excellent performances but Ryan Curtin was a constant threat all night for the visitors.
United; 1. Chris Webb 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. Jon-Paul Mills 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Kevin Lewis 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Dean Moss (on for Henderson 69) 14. Jason Bowler (on for JP Mills 56) 15. Harry Burnley (on for Wickens 74)
Harrow Hill; 1. Ricky Beckett 2. Paul Frowne 3. Tim Fletcher 4. James Barton 5. Tom Partridge 6. Tom Burford 7. Will Freeman 8. Paul Manns 9. Chris Smith 10. Eddy Weyman 11. Scott Green
12. Shaun Bucklan (on for NU) 14. Matt Boseley (NU) 15. Lee Davies (NU)
tuesday 17th february 2009 floodlit cup quarter final att 135
witney united 1 (Wickens 79)
hook norton 2 (Robinson 4, Standen 54)
United saw the lights go out on their Floodlit Cup bid when they were beaten by Hook Norton at the Polythene UK Stadium last night.
With no football for the last couple of weeks United looked rusty early on and matters were made even worse when the visitors opened the scoring with just four minutes on the clock. A cross from the right was not dealt with at all and the ball broke to Alan Robinson who fired home into the corner giving Jon Beames no chance.
United went close to a quick response when a Ryan Curtin corner wasnt collected properly by John Okole but John McMahon saw his effort hit the side netting.
As the rustiness gradually went it was United who went close again on the quarter of an hour as Gary Wickens took a quick throw and Ben Thompson cut the ball back to Harry Burnley but Okole blocked his effort and McMahon hit the rebound into the ground and wide.
Okole denied Curtin from a free-kick right on the interval as United couldnt get back on level terms before the break.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Hook Norton 1
It was the visitors who came out the blocks quickest after the break and a drilled free-kick by Stuart Haynes was met by the head of Robinson but he couldnt get the effort on target.
The warning had been given though and just nine minutes into the second half and the lead had been doubled. A free-kick was chipped into the box was nodded back by Pete Moulder into Carl Standen who headed home without a challenge from a United defender.
The game was almost all over on the hour when Dean Moss was robbed in possession and Joe Davies fed Standen but he shot over.
Andy Lyne made some changes and straight away United looked far sharper and asked more questions of the visitors.
Within minutes United thought they were level but they were the victim of a very odd decision. Dean Smith swung in a cross from the right which was misjudged by Okole who carried the ball over the line, realising his error he dropped the ball forward where Wickens tapped home. To the astonishment of all in the ground the referee awarded a goal-kick!
This seemed to spur United and their supporters on as suddenly wave after wave of attacks came from United and the noise level cranked up a notch.
With eleven minutes left the escape act was on as the deficit was cut. A quick free-kick by Jon-Paul Mills released Thompson who squared the ball to Wickens who made no mistake.
New signing Jason Bowler almost scored a debut goal when he curled a free-kick from a tight angle beating Okole but the ball struck the post and out to safety.
In the last minute United had the chance to force extra-time when Smith found Nathan Woodley who nodded the ball on to Thompson but the striker's effort went wide and with it went United's chance of cup glory for another season.
Website Review and MOM
In fairness for the first hour there is no two ways about it the visitors were the better side and wanted it more than us. However for the last half-hour we dominated scored, hit the post and had a goal disallowed. MOM goes to Ben Thompson who gave a tireless display all evening.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Dean Moss 4. Vinny Byfield 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Harry Burnley 8. John McMahon 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Jon-Paul Mills (on for Jamie Mills 63) 14. Kevin Lewis (on for Moss 63) 15. Jason Bowler (on for Burnley 65)
Hook Norton; 1. John Okole 2. James Hastie 3. Jamie Cramond 4. Chris Jackson 5. Ben Milner 6. Alan Robinson 12. Joe Coleman 8. Stuart Haynes 9. Pete Moulder 10. Daniel Szczukiewicz 11. Carl Standen
16. Joe Davies (NU) 14. Matthew Keenan (on for Robinson 63) 15. Alex Feaver (on for Haynes 80)
saturday 31st january 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 45
marlow united 2 (Bowler 44 pen, 77)
witney united 3 (Wickens 35, Thompson 69,80)
United overcame a difficult surface and a resilient home side as they made it five wins on the trot in the league with a win at Marlow United.
Kicking down the slope it was United who took the game to the hosts and were unfortunate not to take an early lead when Ryan Curtin swung in a corner which was won in the air by Nathan Woodley but Harry Burnley was denied by an excellent block from Nick Flint.
The home side were rescued by a couple of late flags as Ben Thompson was playing right on the shoulder of the last defender but the goal finally came ten minutes before the interval.
Thompson cut in off the right flank and sent the ball out to the opposite wing to pick out Curtin who wasted no time in digging out a cross which was met on the volley by Gary Wickens and although Carl Murray produced an excellent save it was Wickens himself who reacted quickest to fire home the rebound.
Right on the interval though and the hosts were given a huge lift as United conceded a penalty. A cross into the box saw Lewis Brown head the ball over Jon Beames but wide although the keeper continued to come and flattened the striker leaving the referee no option. Jason Bowler calmly stepped up and sent Beames the wrong way and the sides in level at the break.
Half-Time Marlow United 1 Witney United 1
With the pitch cutting up badly and the excessive sand making life difficult for both sides it was a credit to both teams that they were producing such an entertaining contest.
It was the home side who had the first chance of the half when a long ball was called for by Beames which John McMahon allowed to go through to him but Brown was alert and got there first but his shot hit the side netting.
United had a huge shout for a penalty when Curtin cut the ball back to Woodley who hit a rasping drive which was handled by Ian Green but the referee waved away the protests.
Burnley was next to have an effort on goal when a hit a first time shot over the bar after more good work by Curtin who was having a major say in the game.
It was that man Curtin who was involved when United took the lead when he swung in an excellent corner which was headed back into the danger zone by Woodley and Thompson hooked the ball home from six yards.
United were now looking to kill the game off and when Thompson released Andrew Younie he set off on a mazy run which was ended only by a tremendous save at his near post by Murray.
However with just thirteen minutes to go the home side were back on level terms. They were awarded a free-kick which stunned everybody in the ground as nobody could see an offence and the punishment was even harsher when Bowler hit a free-kick from 25 yards which Beames seemed to lose in the air and despite his attempts at clawing the ball out it dropped into the net.
Three minutes later and it was all smiles again when Ryan Brooks sent Thompson clear and although his initial touch took him away from goal he worked himself back into position on the edge of the area and drilled the ball into the bottom corner giving Murray no chance.
Nick Flint was then the most relieved man in the ground when his atempted clearance from Younie's cross was sliced up in the air over his keeper and watched as the ball bounced away off the post.
In injury time the home side were reduced to 10 men when Ollie Flint was shown a second yellow card for dissent but the final whistle went moments later and the points were secure.
Website Review and MOM
Credit to both sides who produced a decent game on a very difficult surface but we kept plugging away and got our rewards in the end. Despite some strange decisions at times we kept trying to do the right things and secured the victory. MOM was close with Nathan Woodley excellent at both ends of the pitch but Ryan Curtin never stopped looking for the ball and nearly every attacking move had him at the heart of it at some stage.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. John McMahon 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Harry Burnley 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Andrew Younie (on for Wickens 53) 14. Kevin Lewis (on for JP Mills HT) 15. Ryan Brooks (on for Burnley 65)
Marlow; 1. Carl Murray 2. Lee Owens 3. Ian Green 4. Mark Doswell 5. Nick Flint 6. Ollie Flint 7. Daniel Pedley 8. Callum Coull 9. Lewis Brown 10. Jonny Mason 11. Jason Bowler
12. Doug Buchanan (on for Owens 83) 14. Harry Pritchard (on for Pedley 83) 15. Gary Wiltshire (on for Brown 78)
saturday 24th january 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 138
witney united 3 (Thompson 25, Burnley 50, Younie 86)
fairford town 1 (Rudd 9)
United racked up a third successive victory this afternoon as they battled back from a goal down to see off Fairford Town at The Polythene UK Stadium this afternoon.
Confidence was higher amongst the team and supporters following an improvement in recent weeks but that was given a jolt with just nine minutes on the clock when the visitors went in front.
After Dean Moss had flattened Martin Stratford a free-kick was swung in by Matt Boucher and on the half-volley the ball was swept into the net by Alex Rudd giving Jon Beames no chance.
There was no doubt the visitors seemed hell-bent on gaining revenge for the late victory United gained back in the Autumn and Beames had to get across his goal well to tip a long range effort by Boucher past the post.
With an extra man in midfield United began to see more of the ball and Gary Wickens created a chance for himself but he flashed the effort wide of goal.
From the goal kick though United were on level terms when Roman Rocinsky's kick was headed back by John McMahon and then flicked by Wickens into the path of Ben Thompson who calmly slotted the ball home.
This certainly gave United a lift and a quick break by Thompson saw his cross go deep to Ryan Curtin who chipped the ball back in to Harry Burnley who saw his header drift narrowly wide.
Thompson was at the heart of the next chance when he was sent clear by Wickens again but as Rocinsky advanced he slotted the ball past him but also wide of the goal.
Fairford were certainly not out of it by any means and when Pete Walker got away from the defence he unselfishly picked out Rudd whose shot was blocked by Beames and Boucher hit the rebound into the ground and Moss was able to clear the ball off the line.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Fairford Town 1
United came flying out after the break and they almost took the lead with their first attack of the half when Thompson got in on goal but the ball got stuck between his feet and Rocinsky was able to gather before he could get the shot away.
Five minutes into the half and United were in front. A corner by Curtin was headed straight back to him but his second cross picked out the head of Burnley perfectly and despite the best efforts of Matt Reynolds on the line the ball went into the roof of the net.
Burnley went close moments later when again he met a cross by Curtin but could only look in anguish as the ball dropped the wrong side of the post.
Boucher had been a threat with his efforts from long range and when Rudd picked him out the alarm bells were ringing but the shot went well over the bar.
With the pitch holding up well despite the recent rain another perfect pass by McMahon sent Thompson clear of the defence but again he was denied by Rocinsky although it took the keeper two attempts to grab the ball.
The visitors went close to equalising with a piece of individual brilliance when the ball dropped to Walker who took on a difficult shot cum lob but Beames managed to get a hand on it and then got back to smother the ball.
Four minutes from time and United finally did kill off the game when Andrew Younie combined well with fellow substitute Ryan Brooks before Younie cut in off the flank and drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net to seal the points for United.
Website Review and MOM
For 20 minutes the visitors looked hell bent on gaining revenge for the result earlier in the season as they were first to every ball but credit United as they dug in and over the last hour of the game were well on top and deserved the victory. MOM was a close call as Harry Burnley produced his best display for a long time but Dean Smith was excellent both defensively and as an attacking threat.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Dean Moss 4. John McMahon 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Harry Burnley 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Andrew Younie (on for Wickens 82) 14. Kevin Lewis (on for McMahon 88) 15. Ryan Brooks (on for Thompson 82)
Fairford: 1. Roman Rocinsky 2. Ian Probert 3. Matt Reynolds 4. Matt Boucher 5. Sam Walker 6. Lee Clark 7. Ben Snook 8. Adam Snook 9. Pete Walker 10. Alex Rudd 11. Martin Stratford
12. Ally Mayo (on for Rudd 89) 14. Dave Young (on for Boucher 75) 15. Pete Griffiths (on for Reynolds 89)
tuesday 20th January 2009 FTL Futbol Hellenic premier att 102
witney united 3 (JP Mills 3, Wickens 59, Burnley 75)
flackwell heath 0
United bounced back to winning ways last night when they overcame Flackwell Heath at a freezing Polythene UK Stadium.
After the drama of Saturday there was a danger of an "After the Lord Mayor's Show" from United but they got off to a flier when they opened the scoring with just three minutes on the clock.
A free kick was swung into the back post by Dean Moss where it was met by the head of an unmarked Jon-Paul Mills who gave goalkeeper Henry Craven no chance.
United began to spray the ball about and a great one touch passing move ended when a driven cross by John McMahon was turned to safety by Adam Davis as Gary Wickens waited to pounce.
The visitors began to gain a foothold and were about to have a good twenty minute spell in the game. A very clever 1-2 between James Pritchard and Riccardo Cannon saw Pritchard break clear but Jon Beames rushed out well to block the shot.
Beames was called upon moments later when Paul Reed hit a rasping free-kick but the ball came at a catchable height and Beames was equal to it.
Cannon was looking his usual lively self and he broke through the heart of the United defence but to his disgust Ben Chadbone took the shot on and the ball flew over the bar.
A little bit of fortune then went the Heathens way when a pass from Darren Moore hit Jamie Mills on the back and broke into the path of Alan Akerman but again Beames kept the ball out.
United however were settling back down and Ben Thompson combined well with McMahon whose cross was met by Wickens but the ball went into the grateful arms of Craven.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Flackwell Heath 0
There was a blow for United at the break when Lee Henderson never returned to the pitch but there was a more determined look about The Blanketmen and they seized control of the match.
Wickens took the role of provider when he played in a delightful pass to Thompson who raced away but he opted to cut in rather than shoot and Craven managed to get in position and save comfortably.
Just before the hour the second goal came and for one man it has been a long time coming. There appeared to be no danger when the ball was rolling out for a throw-in but Jon-Paul Mills done brilliantly not only to keep the ball in but to slide it into the path of Wickens who broke away and although Craven saved the first effort the forward reacted quickest and netted the rebound for his first league goal from open play since 25th October.
There was only going to be one winner now as United's confidence came flooding back and Thompson was inches away from a third goal when he met Ryan Curtin's cross but the effort went wide of goal.
With a quarter of an hour to play United got the third goal to put the game completely out of sight. Harry Burnley done well to slide Thompson in down the channel who then pulled the ball back into the path of Burnley who calmly side footed the ball into the roof of the net.
There was almost a fourth goal in injury time when Thompson was sent away but watched in despair as the ball rebounded back off the post and away to safety.
Website Review and MOM
Whilst the performance never reached the heights of Saturday in truth the result was far more important than the display and the win was our second on the bounce in the league. MOM goes to Jon-Paul Mills who produced a busy and effective display and epitomised his performance with his slide to keep the ball in for the second goal.
United: 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Dean Moss 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Harry Burnley (on for Henderson HT) 14. Kevin Lewis (on for Jamie Mills 83) 15. Ryan Brooks (on for Wickens 78)
Flackwell; 1. Henry Craven 2. Connor Saville 3. Adam Davis 4. Paul Reed 5. Adam Durrant 6. Alan Akerman 7. James Pritchard 8. Stuart Maclellan 9. Ben Chadbone 10. Riccardo Cannon 11. Darren Moore
12. Tristan Lewis (NU) 14. Richard Glynn (on for Chadbone 83) 15. Adam Morris (on for Akerman 72)
saturday 17th January 2009 fA vase 4th round att 759
lowestoft town 1 (Godbold 64)
witney united 0
United's dreams of a trip to Wembley ended yesterday as they went down to a 1-0 defeat at Lowestoft Town despite an excellent display that deserved better.
With the home crowd expectant having been to Wembley last season the game kicked off in excellent conditions and it was the Trawlerboys who had the first chance when Gary McGee found Jamie Godbold who cut in but his shot was tame and easily held by Jon Beames.
United were coming into the game and beginning to press the home side back and went close when Ben Thompson beat Neil Plaskett but his low effort was held by Andy Reynolds.
Thompson was to be denied moments later when a long throw by Jamie Mills was headed on by Nathan Woodley but the United front man couldnt get enough power on the shot and Reynolds held again.
Confidence was growing now as United were beginning to believe and after Thompson was cut down by Darren Cockrill from the free-kick John McMahon's curling effort produced a brilliant one handed save by Reynolds.
From the corner floated in by Ryan Curtin the ball found the head of Jon-Paul Mills whose looping effort was again tipped over by Reynolds.
The home side however were a danger on the break and showed when they had the ball why they had reached Wembley last season. They thought they had scored five minutes before the break when Reece Hunn delayed his pass before finding Godbold perfectly who slotted past Beames and with the home fans celebrating Lee Henderson came from nowhere to produce a clearance off the line.
Half-Time Lowestoft Town 0 Witney United 0
It was clear that a few words may have been said at half-time in the Lowestoft changing room as they came out with a renewed vigour and when the impressive Godbold was picked out by Richard Woodrow he drove his shot right across the face of goal.
United then came literally within an inch of taking the lead when Curtin beat his man before delivering a cross which was dummied by Woodley and United supporters could only watch in agony as the ball evaded Thompson, Gary Wickens and the far post all by about an inch.
The pain was compounded just after the hour when the home side grabbed the all important goal. A long throw from the right saw Godbold steal in and improvise well to finish with aplomb.
For five minutes United were rocky and a number of crosses had to be dealt with in anyway possible as the home side sensed blood and went for the killer second.
However United settled back down and regrouped before pushing forward looking for the equaliser. It looked as though it may come when Thompson sprang the offside trap but couldn't believe his luck as the ball got stuck between his feet and Plaskett got back to tackle.
As the clock ticked away United were always in danger of being caught on the break and substitute Matthew Potter hit a thumping shot wide of goal.
Curtin was next to be denied by Reynolds when he didnt quite get hold of his shot properly and then in the last minute a perfect cross by McMahon was met by the head of Woodley but he couldn't keep the ball down and the Wembley dream was over.
Website Review and MOM
There is a saying in football that you dont always get what you deserve. Never was that more true than yesterday when we worthy of at the very least a draw. The first half we had a number of great chances but found a goalkeeper in inspired form. Credit to the players though who never gave up for the entire 90 minutes. MOM could have been any of the players that crossed the white line but Lee Henderson produced a display that was worthy of a number of levels above.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Dean Smith 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Andrew Younie (on for Moss 76) 14. Harry Burnley (on for JP Mills 85) 15. Craig McKay (NU) 16. Vinny Byfield (NU) 17. Jon Steedman (NU)
Lowestoft; 1. Andy Reynolds 2. Neil Plaskett 3. Jack Marsden 4. Richard Woodrow 5. Martin McNeil 6. Darren Cockrill 7. Jamie Godbold 8. Dale Cockrill 9. Russell Stock 10. Gary McGee 11. Reece Hunn
12. Bradley Hough (NU) 14. Carl Poppy (on for Godbold 88) 15. Matthew Potter (on for McGee 77) 16. Marcus Saunders (NU) 17. Alastair McKenna (on for Hunn 77)
tuesday 13th january 2009 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 50
witney united 7 (Wickens 2, Thompson 2, Byfield, Curtin, Brooks)
Oxford city nomads 2
United warmed up for their FA Vase tie at the weekend in perfect style as they overcame Hellenic Division One West side Oxford City Nomads.
Unitedv raced into a 2-0 lead but the visitors produced a fightback to get the scores to 2-2 but United scored again before the interval.
Four goals without reply saw the confidence boosted ahead of the tie on Saturday and ensured most of the squad got some decent match time in.
United's goals came from Gary Wickens (2), Ben Thompson (2), Vinny Byfield, Ryan Curtin and Ryan Brooks
saturday 27th december 2008 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 168
witney united 3 (Thompson 17, 42 McMahon 86)
Carterton 0
Matchball sponsored by Sasha Harley
United rediscovered the winning touch yesterday afternoon at The Polythene UK Stadium as they ran out 3-0 victors over local rivals Carterton.
With the wind at their backs United set about the visitors from the off and a Kevin Lewis lofted pass was brought down well by Ben Thompson but the finish didnt match the control as he dragged the effort wide.
There was a glorious chance for The Blanketmen on ten minutes when Gary Wickens found Dean Moss whose powerful shot was handled by Danny King and a penalty was awarded. Wickens it was who stepped up but his effort was weak and James Domm palmed the effort away and the rebound was crashed against the crossbar by Thompson.
Wickens was denied again by Domm after a clever snapshot but on 17 minutes the breakthrough deservedly came. There appeared little danger when former United defender Jamie Butt had the ball at his feet but Thompson robbed him of the ball before executing a perfect lob over Domm and into the net from 35 yards.
Some of the swagger returned to United's play as both Wickens and Lewis went close as the one way traffic continued with only a weak header by Carl Williams any sort of effort from the visitors.
Three minutes before the break and the second goal came when Moss played a perfect chipped pass between defenders and Thompson ran on to lift the ball over Domm to double the advantage.
It was almost three just seconds later when a Thompson flick found Lewis whose effort was saved by Domm and amazingly the clearance by Chris Bowles hit Lewis and rolled into the arms of the grateful Domm.
Half-Time Witney United 2 Carterton 0
With the wind now against them things were always going to be tougher after the break and so it proved as the visitors saw a lot more of the ball.
It was still United creating chances though and Lewis should have done better when Thompson done well to cut the ball back from te byeline but the midfielder fired his effort wide.
Carterton were pressing more and when a corner was only partially cleared it broke to Tom Fletcher whose powerful strike was deflected over by Nathan Woodley who threw his body in front of the shot.
As the clock ticked on and the game lost its shape it was the visitors who almost pulled a goal back when a cross from the right was met perfectly by the head of Chris Zolden but they werent counting on a brilliant reflex save by Jon Beames to keep the effort out.
Just four minutes from time and with the best footballing move of the match the third goal arrived. Jon-Paul Mills produced another sublime pass to release Ryan Brooks who kept his composure to pick out Thompson who rather than go for hat-trick glory teed up John McMahon who hit a brilliant effort into the far corner of the net giving Domm no chance at all.
Website Review and MOM
Now that was more like it! An excellent first half in which in reality we could have been home and dried followed by a resolute second against the wind. MOM was close with Ben Thompson and Jon-Paul Mills giving excellent displays and the back five looking much more solid but John McMahon led from the front and his goal was just reward for his mature display.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Vinny Byfield 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Dean Moss 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Ryan Brooks (on for Lewis 84) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Wickens 67) 15. Ryan Curtin (on for Moss 76)
Carterton; 1. James Domm 2. Jamie Stalker 3. Jamie Butt 4. Gary Smales 5. Chris Bowles 6. Danny King 7. Ricky King 8. James Fleming 9. Carl Williams 10. Michael Duerden 11. David Bostock
12. Chris Zolden (on for Fleming 74) 14. Adam Little (on for Bostock 74) 15. Tom Fletcher (on for Butt 56)
saturday 20th december 2008 FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier att 86
reading town 1 (Lewis 89)
witney united 0
United were left with little in the way of festive cheer as they went down to a 1-0 defeat at in form Reading Town in the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier.
Having got back to winning ways in midweek United were keen to build on that result but were up against a free-scoring Reading side looking to climb into the top six of the table.
The home side had a good chance early on when a clever flick by the impressive Scott Rees sent Graham Lewis away but Jon Beames was out quickly and blocked the shot as it left the foot.
United then almost took the lead within 60 seconds when an inswinging corner by Ryan Curtin caused confusion but Nathan Woodley couldnt keep his header down.
Former United player Aaron Parfitt then had a great chance to score against his former club when a gap opened up for him but surprisingly he opted to pass and although the ball broke back to him the gap had closed and he had to rush the shot which flew over.
Ray Spence was then denied by Beames before he turned creator with an excellent chipped cross which Lewis headed goalwards but somhow Dean Smith and Jamie Mills between them managed to get the ball away to safety.
Half-Time Reading Town 0 Witney United 0
The home side were keen to get the opening goal but they were up against a more resolute United defence than in recent weeks and when they did get through they were finding Beames in excellent shot stopping form as he denied Lewis again within five minutes of the restart.
United were beginning to have a bit more terriotorial advantage and they went close to grabbing the lead when a Mills throw broke to McMahon who teed up Andrew Younie but his shot went straight into the arms of Chris Grace.
Again Grace was on hand to deny Ben Thompson after a cute pass by McMahon as both sides looked to get what would not only be the opening but surely the winning goal.
However with just a minute remaining disaster struck when the home side it was who got the goal. A corner was given away un-necessarily and when the initial cross came back and was sent back into the box again it was that man Lewis who stole in and glanced a header into the net.
There was precious little time for United to create anything else of note and they were left to reflect on a defeat heading into the Christmas break.
Website Review and MOM
Taking the positives from the afternoon we defended far better than in recent weeks and looked to have done enough to secure a clean sheet. I am sure the neutrals have written us off in the title race but with four months and a lot of football still to be played who knows. MOM goes to Jon Beames who produced a good number of saves to keep the score level.
United; 1.Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Ryan Curtin 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Andrew Younie 8. John McMahon 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Ryan Brooks (on for Curtin 78) 14. Dean Moss (on for Younie 71) 15. Vinny Byfield (on for Lewis 82)
Reading; 1. Chris Grace 2. Danny Williamson 3. Duncan Geraldes 4. Sam Flegg 5. Jon Hazell 6. Luca Riccio 7. James Suarez 8. Scott Rees 9. Ray Spence 10. Graham Lewis 11. Aaron Parfitt
12. Will Bratt (on for Williamson 82) 14. Ian Brooks (on for Parfitt 89) 15. James Clark (on for Spence 90)
tuesday 16th December 2008 FTL futbol Hellenic premier att 119
witney united 2 (Steedman 44, Thompson 78)
wantage town 1 (Day 85)
Match Sponsored by Stuart Bushnell
United got back to winning ways in the league last night with a resolute performance to see off Wantage Town at The Polythene UK Stadium.
There was almost the perfect start with just 50 seconds on the clock when the recalled Jon Steedman sent a header over the defence which Ben Thompson raced on to but his shot was too close to Rob Durrant who was able to save comfortably.
Durrant was to deny Thompson again minutes later when he was picked out by Dean Smith but again the shot lacked the necessary power to beat the stopper.
It was all Witney at this stage and an inswinging corner by Ryan Curtin was headed goalwards by Gary Wickens but Durrant did well to block and Harry Burnley's effort from the rebound hit Nathan Woodley and bounced wide of the goal.
The visitors were beginning to get a foothold and a corner from the right gave Adam Learoyd half a chance but he never got enough on the header and the ball drifted wide.
Wickens was next to go close for United when he should have done better with a header that went into the side netting after Burnley had picked him out from a corner.
Curtin's crossing was causing problems and from one sublime delivery the ball took the defence out of the game but Thompson couldnt get enough on his flick and the ball flew wide.
As it looked like United would be left frustrated they grabbed the opening goal a minute before the break. A Curtin corner was not dealt with by The Alfredians defence and the ball broke to Steedman who from 12 yards out smashed the ball home.
Steedman almost doubled his and United's tally a minute into injury time when Thompson cleverly laid the ball off and the left back's powerful effort whizzed the wrong side of the post.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Wantage Town 0
It was important that United stayed on the front foot to banish the memories of recent results and Curtin was desperately unlucky when he watched his header from Jamie Mills long throw bounce onto thr roof of the net.
Wantage though were beginning to press forward in search of an equaliser and Tom Molton hit a powerful effort from 30 yards but Jon Beames comfortably watched the ball wide.
Ironically it was almost a United player who got the visitors back in the game when a free-kick by former United man Liam Illsley was met by the head of Steedman but he had enough height on the header and the ball went over the bar.
Andrew Younie then found himself in the clear after an inch perfect header by Wickens but again Durrant was equal to the task and beat the ball away.
The second goal finally came to give United some breathing space with twelve minutes left on the clock. A quick break saw Thompson and Curtin racing goalwards and Thompson's cross was deflected back into his path from where he curled an effort into the far corner from a difficult angle.
This should have settled United but the visitors then threw a bit of caution to the wind and Matty Horsell was next to try his luck with a run from deep but his effort didnt trouble Beames.
United then shot themselves in the foot with five minutes to play with another error that allowed a team back into the game. There appeared little danger as Steedman went to clear but he lost his footing and the ball broke to Molton who was denied by a great saving tackle by Lee Henderson but the rebound broke to Paul Day who was left with the simple task of tapping into an empty net.
However it was United who almost scored again before the end when Younie brilliantly sent Ryan Brooks clear but he opted to shoot with Curtin screaming for the ball in the middle and Durrant was able to save well.
In the end it wasnt to matter as the final whistle went and United had climbed back into 2nd place in the league.
Website Review and MOM
Again a whole host of chances and when we got to 2-0 we looked comfortable but again an error left us a little nervy near the end. Whilst you are missing chances though it is a good sign that you are still creating them and that we are! MOM was an easy call with Lee Henderson producing yet another display which belied his young age.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Harry Burnley 8. Ryan Curtin 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Ryan Brooks (on for Thompson 80) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Burnley 74) 15. Dean Moss (on for Steedman 90)
Wantage; 1. Rob Durrant 2. Liam Illsley 3. Tom Rowe 4. Adam Learoyd 5. Sam Belcher 6. Liam McCullough 7. Gavin Jones 8. Tom Molton 9. Paul Day 10. Nathan Hall 11. Matty Horsell
12. Tom Caddon (on for Jones 74) 14. Danny Keen (on for Hall 55) 15. Ritchie Bourne (NU)
tuesday 9th december 2008 FTL Futbol Hellenic premier att 50
milton united 2 (Odom 29, Carnell 89)
witney united 2 (Thompson 3,34)
A last minute goal from youngster Luke Carnell denied United victory at a cold Milton Heights last night despite producing one of their better performances in recent weeks.
With just three minutes on the clock United were given the perfect start with the opening goal. There appeared little danger when Ben Thompson controlled the ball 25 yards from goal but he calmly executed a perfect chip over Craig Griffiths and into the net.
United were looking lively and some of their passing play was a joy to watch and Griffiths had to be at his best to deny Thompson with his legs following a through ball by Nathan Woodley.
Griffiths produced another good save just a minute later when a weak clearance by Tom Butler broke to Ryan Curtin who delivered an excellent cross but Thompson's effort was tipped wide.
Thompson then had his best chance of the game when he sprang the offside trap to latch on to Gary Wickens pass but he had too much time almost and fired well over the bar.
John McMahon was next to go close with a thumping drive from 30 yards but the ball took the slightest of deflections off Simon Kenny but it was enough to ensure the ball went wide.
Amazingly though just before the half-hour it was the home side who scored with their first attack when a Gary Hartley effort was palmed out by Jon Beames and when the ball was delivered back into the box former United man Mark Odom looped a header into the net although there was a hint of offside about it.
Five minutes later though and United were deservedly back in front. Wickens delivered a teasing cross which was missed by Griffiths and McMahon's lobbed effort was headed off the line by Bradley Chalmers. However the inswinging corner by Curtin caused panic in the defence and Thompson was on hand to force the ball over the line.
Right on half-time and United almost extended their lead when Thompson crashed in another powerful strike which clipped a defender and Griffiths did well to tip wide.
Half-Time Milton United 1 Witney United 2
It was never going to be easy for United to keep up the pace they did before the break and although the domination eased off a little they were still creating good chances.
Dean Smith who had been at the heart of a lot of the good stuff United had produced fired over a driven cross which flew past both Wickens and Thompson with goalkeeper Griffiths stranded.
United then had the ball in the net when Curtin stepped inside John Stott and delivered a perfect cross which although missed by Thompson was turned in at the far post by Wickens but the celebrations were cut short by the flag raised by the assistant referee.
As the temperature dropped the surface became more tricky and players were struggling to keep their feet and one such instance almost caused some embarrassment for Griffiths when McMahon tried his luck from distance but the keeper managed to recover his balance and claw the ball to safety.
With the game coming to a close in the last minute there was a sting in the tail for United as the home side somehow grabbed an equalising goal. A free kick by Butler evaded the entire United defence and Luke Carnell rose completely unchallenged to power a header past Beames and ensure that both sides had a share of the spoils.
Website Review and MOM
It's fair to say this was a much improved performance than in recent weeks and as is always the case you dont always get what you deserve. The first half was as good a display as you are likely to see and the home side would have been thankful to have gone in only 2-1 down. Although the second wasnt as good we had still done enough to grab the win. but alas it was not to be. MOM was close with Ben Thompson and Gary Wickens causing problems all night but Dean Smith was at the heart of everything good that United did on the night.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. Vinny Byfield 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Harry Burnley (NU) 14. Kevin Lewis (on for JP Mills 71) 15. Ryan Brooks (on for Wickens 87)
Milton: 1. Craig Griffiths 2. John Stott 3. Tom Butler 4. Bradley Chalmers 5. Luke Carnell 6. Wayne Harbert 7. Andrew Styles 8. Mark Odom 9. Gary Hartley 10. Simon Kenny 11. Nick Jones
12. Andrew Cooper (NU) 14. Ben Taylor (on for Jones 68) 15. Alex Bird (NU)
saturday 6th december 2008 fA vase 3rd round att 236
witney united 2 (Wickens 19 pen, Thompson 82)
Buckingham Town 1 (Redsull 12)
Match Sponsored by John Emery & Friends
Matchball Sponsored by Hunts Press
United overcame a gritty performance from Buckingham Town this afternoon as they won through to a place in the hat for Monday's draw and the final 32 of the competition.
With an excellent crowd of 236 in the ground United got off to the worst possible start with just twelve minutes gone when the visitors took the lead. There appeared little danger as the ball rolled to Jon Beames but his clearance went straight to Joel McCormick who calmly squared the ball to Marc Redsull who was left with the simple task of tapping into an empty net.
The joy was shortlived for the visitors though as within seven minutes United had levelled matters up following another goalkeeping error. A flick on by Gary Wickens appeared to under control as Josh McAdoo went to gather but he dropped the ball into the path of Ben Thompson and as the striker prepared to equalise he had his legs pulled away from him. The penalty was awarded but the big surprise was that the referee only showed the yellow card to the keeper. However he was punished more severely when Wickens made no mistake from the spot.
This seemed to settle United down and a break down the flank by Ryan Curtin saw him hit a swerving effort but it went the wrong side of the post and into the side netting.
The front two of Redsull and McCormick were looking lively but chances were at a premium for the visitors and it was United who again went close when a deep cross by Lee Henderson was nodded back by Wickens to Jamie Mills who saw his acrobatic effort held by McAdoo.
Just before half-time and the move of the match almost produced a stunning goal when Nathan Woodley chipped the ball into Wickens who helped it on to Thompson whose clever lobbed effort beat McAdoo but rolled the wrong side of the upright.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Buckingham Town 1
The second half started off scrappily but on the hour the visitors had as big a chance as they had all afternoon when the pace of McCormick took him past Andy Wallbridge who pulled him down for a penalty. As the crowd held it's breath Keith Williams stepped up but blazed his penalty high over the crossbar.
The noise level was cranked up a notch as United pushed forward and a break from John McMahon saw him play a lovely pass to Jamie Mills whose effort looped over the keeper only to hit the crossbar and the rebound broke to Wickens whose ferocious strike was cleared off the line by Mark Toms.
Buckingham knew that the next goal was going to be vital and to their credit they kept pressing for it and a direct free-kick by Ben Hill dropped inches wide of the goal with Beames struggling to get there.
United were beginning to wonder if it would be one of those days when a Curtin corner fell at the feet of McMahon whose thunderous strike was hacked off the line by Gary Flinn with McAdoo well beaten.
It was certainly Witney on top now and the crowd were willing them forward and when McMahon sent Thompson clear it looked like the goal was coming but it bounced back off the post and then the clearance of Matt Clinch hit his own man and bounced onto the bar and over.
With eight minutes left the winning goal finally came and it was the United faithful who would be celebrating. The ball landed at the feet of substitute Andrew Younie who set off on a run before playing a slide rule pass to Thompson who took the difficult option of striking the ball at the near post but it beat McAdoo.
The visitors then threw caution to the wind in search of an equaliser but the United defence held firm and with the final whistle the home fans erupted and gave the players a great ovation as they left the field.
Website Review and MOM
So the run continues and the excitement builds!! The last 32 has now been reached and why shouldnt we dream of going all the way. In truth we were nowhere near our best and at times it was about doing the ugly things well and we did. On an emotional afternoon for all involved with the club it was a very important victory. MOM goes to John McMahon who gave a superb display in the heart of the United midfield with a display to make Roy and Crusey very proud.
United: 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Ryan Curtin 8. John McMahon 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Jon-Paul Mills (on for Lewis 89) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Curtin 76) 15. Harry Burnley (NU) 16. Vinny Byfield (NU) 17. Richard Barrett (NU)
Buckingham; 1. Josh McAdoo 2. Gary Flinn 3. Keith Williams 4. Mark Toms 5. Matt Clinch 6. Paul Dart 7. Tyrone Taylor 8. Jon Mills 9. Marc Redsull 10. Joel McCormick 11. Ben Hill
12. Rueben Max-Grant (on for Redsull 86) 14. Tony Joyce (on for Toms 72) 15. James Bishop (on for Williams 90) 16. Gianfranco Amoroso 17. Dave Holloway
saturday 29th november 2008 SBJ Challenge Cup 2nd Round att 41
marlow united 2 (Woodley OG 88, Cover 91)
witney united 1 (Curtin pen 66) AET
United bowed out of the Challenge Cup at the second hurdle on a freezing afternoon as they lost to a spirited Marlow United side.
The opening stages of the game were cagey on a difficult surface and only a long range effort by Ollie Flint which was easily held by Jon Beames counted as an effort of note.
It was the home side who were to go closest to opening the scoring though when Lewis Brown was sent clear and his shot across Beames rolled the wrong side of the far post.
United began to settle down and a trademark surging run by Kevin Lewis then led to a series of shots which saw the home side somehow block shot after shot.
The woodwork then came to Marlow's rescue when a corner by Ryan Curtin was flicked on by the head of John McMahon and an attempted clearance by Daniel Pedley bounced off his own crossbar and away to safety.
Curtin's inswinging corners were causing problems and from another one the ball broke to Nathan Woodley who poked the ball goalwards but could watch in disbelief as Lee Ovens hooked the ball off the line.
John McMahon then went agonisingly close to opening the scoring when his low curling shot was heading for the bottom corner but somehow Mark Ramsay got down to palm the ball wide.
United had strong appeals for a penalty when a McMahon shot was handled in the box but the referee waved away the protests.
Half-Time Marlow United 0 Witney United 0
Ramsay had to then be at his best to deny McMahon again after good work by Lewis created the chance for him as Witney pressed for the goal.
As the clock ticked on to 66 minutes it was United who took a deserved lead when Lewis burst into the box only to be pulled down by Britnell for a penalty. Curtin calmly stepped up and gave Ramsay no chance from the spot.
United seemed content to see the game out at 1-0 and they were given a warning when a free-kick by Ovens was nodded down to Brown but Beames got down well to save.
Then with just two minutes left to play disaster struck when a cross by Vinny Cover was heading for two onrushing forwards but Nathan Woodley could only divert the ball into his own net.
90 mins Marlow United 1 Witney United 1
Extra time started in terrible fashion for the Blanketmen when a through ball saw Lee Henderson and Curtin leave the ball to each other and Cover nipped in and before Beames could gather stabbed the ball into the net.
United were looking leggy and the closest they came to getting level came just minutes from the end when Dean Smith hit a thumping volley from 30 yards which Ramsay done well to tip over the bar.
Website Review and MOM
A strange afternoon as United appeared to be cruising through but 1-0 is always such a dangerous lead and so it proved as we switched off and got punished. MOM goes to Kevin Lewis who was our most potent attacking threat all afternoon.
United: 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Jon-Paul Mills 8. John McMahon 9. Andrew Younie 10. Kevin Lewis 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Vinny Byfield (on for JP Mills 106) 14. Dean Moss (NU) 15. Richard Barrett (NU)
Marlow; 1. Mark Ramsay 2. Lee Ovens 3. Ryan Britnell 4. Scott Benyon 5. Nick Flint 6. Scott Webb 7. Ollie Flint 8. Ross Middleton 9. Lewis Brown 10. Gary Wiltshire 11. Daniel Pedley
12. Rob Crawford (NU) 14. Vinny Cover (on for Wiltshire 75) 15. Adam Lannaway (on for Brown 119)
tuesday 25th November 2008 FTL Futbol Hellenic premier att 33
Pegasus Juniors 3 (Gwynne 22, Mortlock 39, Hyde 63)
witney united 0
United finally lost their unbeaten away league record as they went down to hard-working and committed Pegasus side who took their chances well.
Witney started the game very well and forced a succession of corners in the first quarter hour without getting a threatening effort on goal as Pegasus defended wholeheartedly. Pegasus made them pay for not converting their superiority when a quick break saw the ball squared into the 6-yard box where Simon Gwynne was on hand to poke the ball home.
Despite the setback United continued to enjoy the majority of possession and territory and on 23 minutes a through ball saw Kevin Lewis beat the onrushing goalkeeper to the ball but his chip drifted wide. Five minutes Ben Thompson made one of several breaks through the home defence only for Stuart Turpin to bravely block his shot. Another Thompson run saw him beat four men in progressing into the box was Turpin was equal to his shot and only a few minutes later it was Thompson again, this time getting onto Nathan Woodley’s long ball but Turpin saved his shot again.
Just four minutes from the break Simon Gwynne created the threat with a great run from halfway before Chris Mortlock picked up his pass to slot home the second goal.
United couldn’t believe they were two down at the break after 45 minutes of football they had dominated but credit must go to Pegasus who defendly bravely, often getting last ditch blocks and tackles, and who took their two chances well.
Half-time: Pegasus Juniors 2 – 0 UNITED
He second half started somewhat more evenly than the first but it was United who almost got back into the match on 55 minutes when J-P Mills won the ball from a couple of opponents ten yards outside the box and when the ball fell to Nathan Woodley he hit an instinctive volley which cannoned off the bar.
On 63 minutes Pegasus extended their lead when a quick free-kick near the halfway line freed Cory Hyde who cleverly lobbed the exposed Jon Beames for the third goal.
United had their best chance of the match when a ball into Ben Thompson saw his marking defender hack him down from behind but Gary Wickens’ resulting penalty was well saved by Stuart Turpin.
Although United continued to press for something from the game Pegasus coped well although with four minutes left Ryan Curtin got on the end of a Dean Smith cross only for Stuart Turpin to make an excellent reflex save and then to dive onto the loose ball.
Website Review and MOM
Well it had to happen sooner or later! United dominated the first half and, on the balance of play, could easily have been two up but found themselves two down to a committed Pegasus side who played some good football when in possession. Although the second half was more even United still created their chances but it was not to be their night. All round, despite the result, it was a good team performance but MoM goes to Jon-Paul Mills who worked tirelessly to try and create the chances needed.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Jon-Paul Mills 8. John McMahon 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Harry Burnley (on for Lewis 63) 14. Ryan Curtin (on for Byfield 63) 15. Jon Steedman (on for JP Mills 84)
Pegasus; 1. Stuart Turpin 2. Dan Price 3. Matt Smalley 4. Mark Smith 5. Bobby Aldrich 6. Rob Laurie 7. Ben Price 8. Andy Mowen 9. Chris Mortlock 10. Cory Hyde 11. Simon Gwynne
12. Tom Davies (NU) 14. Gary Randle (on for Gwynne 85) 15. Liam Jones (NU)
saturday 22nd november 2008 FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier att 82
chalfont Wasps 1 (Webb 44)
witney united 2 (Thompson 24, Burnley 87)
United won a tense battle at fellow promotion challengers, Chalfont Wasps, to maintain their unbeaten away league record.
Chalfont created the first chance of the match on nine minutes when a good right wing break saw a deep cross volleyed wide on the inrushing Rob Charles. Just two minutes later they had another chance when Jon Beames had to come outside of his box to clear the danger but Kieran Webb cleverly controlled his clearance and lobbed the ball back over his head but wide of the goal.
Just past the quarter hour mark Kevin Lewis won a midfield skirmish and fed a fine ball to Ben Thompson but Matt Pollard made a good save at the foot of the post. Chalfont were still looking dangerous and on 21 minutes a good move ended with Lee Thompson clear on goal but Jon Beames made a good save to keep his goal intact.
On 23 minutes John McMahon broke down the right and into the box where he fed Andy Younie who, although his first touch lost him the chance to shoot, played the ball back to Ryan Curtin and his shot was deflected past the wrong-footed keeper by Ben Thompson to give United the lead.
Almost straight from the kick-off Ryan Curtin got past his marker and burst into the box before being blatantly charged in the back as he prepared to get off his shot but the referee chose not to give the penalty. Play moved back to the other end as Steve Miles put in a great cross and as Chalfont looked set to score Nathan Woodley got in a great saving challenge.
Right on half-time Chalfont got the equaliser they had been pushing for when Kieran Webb picked up a loose ball and ran into the box before cleverly beating Jon Beames.
Half-time: Chalfont Wasps 1 – 1 UNITED
After five minutes of the second half Nathan Woodley won a fine header to send Ryan Curtin off on a great run to the goal-line from where he found Kevin Lewis who slid in Andy Younie but Matt Pollard made a fine save with his legs. On 55 minutes a pass out of the Chalfont defence saw Kieran Webb pass to Dan Boateng but John Beames made another fine save but Steve Miles got to the rebound only to see Lee Henderson block his effort which fell back to Boateng who then shot wide of the empty goal.
With just three minutes left on the clock United got the winner when Harry Burnley was fouled out wide and Jon Steedman delivered a great free kick which Burnley rose high to flick over the keeper and into the corner of the goal. Chalfont then threw everything at United but could not find the equaliser and their frustration was evident when Kieran Webb was send off on 89 minutes for what appeared to be dissent.
WEBSITE VIEW AND MoM: A well-earned and deserved win at one of the title challengers that sees United maintain their unbeaten away record. This was an excellent all round squad performance with two of the subs combining to produce the winning goal. Ben Thompson is the MoM after giving the Chalfont defence a torrid afternoon in a solo role up front in the absence of Gary Wickens.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Ryan Curtin 8. Andrew Younie 9. John McMahon 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Harry Burnley (on for Younie 75) 14. Jon-Paul Mills (on for Curtin 66) 15. Jon Steedman (on for Lewis 82)
Chalfont; 1. Matt Pollard 2. James Tripp 3. Jean-Pierre Jamil 4. Andrew Tallyn 5. Steve Scales 6. Mitch Woodward 7. Rob Charles 8. Paul Gilbert 9. Kieran Webb 10. Lee Thompson 11. Matt Skinner
12. Dan Boateng (on for Jamil 28) 14. Ben Adams (NU) 15. Steve Miles (on for Charles 19)
wednesday 19th november 2008 floodlit cup 2nd round att 40
almondsbury town 0
witney united 2 (Burnley 78, Wickens 83)
United progressed into the last 8 of the Floodlit Cup with a fine 2-0 win at Almondsbury in an excellent game of football.
The first half was an open attacking game as both sides were clearly intent on winning the game without the need for any extra time. However, both defences were solid and protected their keepers well with Witney’s best chances coming on 12 minutes when Ben John comfortably saved Gary Wickens’ shot after a good build up from the back. On 18 minutes Kevin Lewis was momentarily in the clear on the edge of the box after another good passing build up but John Lock got in an excellent recovering tackle before the shot could be got away.
Half-time: Almondsbury Town 0 – 0 UNITED
United almost got the perfect start to the second half when, on 49 minutes, Gary Wickens intercepted a dreadful pass across the 18-yard line but his shot cleared the bar.
As both sides continued to play good quality football with real attacking intent the defences also continued to perform well and kept clear scoring chances to a minimum. On 65 minutes a Jamie Mills long throw saw Gary Wickens launch himself into one of his characteristic overhead kicks that felt to Harry Burnley but his snap shot was well saved by Ben John at the foot of the post. Just two minutes later Harry Burnley picked up a loose ball in midfield and fed a perfect ball into Gary Wickens’ run but John was, once again, up to the task and parried his shot.
On 71 minutes Almondsbury almost broke the deadlock when a good interpassing move ended with Paul Fowler free on the edge of the box but a last ditch challenge saw his shot deflected away for a corner. The all important first goal came on 78 minutes when Gary Wickens headed a Ryan Curtin corner goalwards but Ben John blocked it only for Harry Burnley to react first and turn smartly to slot the loose ball home.
On 83 minutes United wrapped the game up with a second goal which started with Lee Henderson breaking up an Almondsbury attack and feeding Jamie Mills who continued the fast break with a ball to Harry Burnley who carried it forward before perfectly releasing Gary Wickens to calmly slot home past Ben John.
Almondsbury reacted very well and threw everything at United with Paul Fowler taking a very quick free kick on 85 minutes as Jon Beames was still setting the wall but Beames did brilliantly to scramble across his goal and palm the ball away. Just a minute later a long free kick fell to Jacob Guy whose goalbound shot was cleared off the line by Nathan Woodley and a final effort saw Jon Beames make an excellent save at the feet of an attacker who looked set to score.
Website Review and MOM
This was a thoroughly entertaining game played in a good spirit between two sides who were equally intent on winning, however, United thoroughly deserved the win and their place in the quarter-finals. MoM is an exceptionally tough choice as there was no a bad performance from anyone and this was a real team effort but John McMahon gets the nod for his powerful runs from deep and constant threat.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Harry Burnley 8. Kevin Lewis 9. Gary Wickens 10. John McMahon 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Dean Smith (on for Moss H/T) 14. Andy Wallbridge (NU) 15. Jon Steedman (NU)
Almondsbury; 1. Ben John 2. Robert Massey 3. Ben Pope 4. John Lock 5. Jacob Guy 6. Kris Davis 7. Brad Andrews 8. Paul Fowler 9. Jing Yuan Cia 10. Adam Cole 11. Danny Haines
12. Robert Smith (on for Cai 83) 14. Ryan Bennett (NU) 15. Andrew Forward (on for Massey 81)
saturday 15th november 2008 FA Vase 2nd round att 80
sandhurst town 1 (Vickery 90)
witney united 2 (Thompson 56, Wickens 84)
United produced a display of attacking power that saw them reach the 3rd Round of the FA Vase for the first time in our history as they saw off Sandhurst Town.
The home side nicknamed The Fizzers were greeted by a travelling support that made up over half the crowd and it was United who responded well to the backing when Ben Thompson stood up a cross to the back post and Gary Wickens spectacular overhead kick went narrowly wide of goal.
The woodwork then came to the rescue for the first of four occasions when Thompson again was the provider as he found Andrew Younie who drifted in but saw his effort bounce off the top of the crossbar.
Despite the early chances the home side had a great opening on ten minutes when a driven cross by Danny Wilde was met by the head of Mark Corbett but he lacked direction with his effort.
It was then woodwork time again when Ryan Curtin swung in a deep free-kick which was powered by the head of Wickens but crashed back off the post.
With chances at a premium for the home side they had to be clinical with them and Corbett was left to rue a chance when a header from Nathan Woodley landed at his feet but he slashed wildly at the shot.
When United finally found a way to avoid the woodwork they then found a goalkeeper in inspired form when Thompson side-stepped his marker and thumped his shot and as the supporters prepared to celebrate Sam Collier produced an astonishing one handed save.
Younie and Wickens then both went close with efforts as United continued to press and then it was woodwork time again! Curtin smashed a trademark free-kick round the wall but the ball crashed away off the base of the post.
Two more saves by Collier to deny Younie and Thompson brought the half to a close with United left to wonder how the scores were still level.
Half-Time Sandhurst Town 0 Witney United 0
If we thought the second half would bring a little more good fortune that myth was shattered instantly when Lee Henderson and Wickens combined to pick out Thompson whose clever chip came back off the bar as the woodwork was struck for the fourth time in 47 minutes.
Finally though eleven minutes into the second half the goal came to the relief of all, the home side pushed forward and United swept away on the break and Curtin delivered a cross which saw Thompson sweep the ball home from inside the box giving Collier no chance.
Within a minute it was almost two when a Jamie Mills throw was flicked on by Woodley to Thompson who laid it back to Woodley who hit a first time effort but Collier was equal to it again.
Thompson again was denied by Collier with another excellent one handed save after a great run by Younie but with just six minutes left the cushion of the second goal deservedly came. Younie took a quick corner to Curtin whose cross was punched by Collier but straight to Wickens who smashed home a first time volley into the net.
With the United supporters preparing to celebrate victory the home side grabbed a late consolation goal when a corner broke to Liam Vickery who cleverly lobbed the ball over Jon Beames but seconds later the final whistle blew and United were safely in Monday's draw for the next round.
Website Review and MOM
Excellent display from the lads and to be fair to the home officials they also admitted that 2-1 flattered them somewhat. When you hit the woodwork four times you begin to wonder if you will ever score but everybody players, management and supporters remained patient and the goals came. MOM saw excellent shifts put in by Gary Wickens and Andrew Younie amongst others but Ben Thompson produced an excellent 90 minutes and with more luck would have strolled off with the matchball.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Andrew Younie 8. John McMahon 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Jimmy Griffin (on for Curtin 85) 14. Kevin Lewis (NU) 15. Vinny Byfield (NU) 16. Harry Burnley 17. Dean Moss
Sandhurst; 1. Sam Collier 2. Lee Parker 3. Ben Williams 4. Ross Hogston 5. Jonny Fisk 6. Errol Hutchings 7. Danny Wilde 8. Grant Nesbitt 9. Mark Corbett 10. Neil Selby 11. Greg Stokes
12. Matt Weston (NU) 14. Liam Eagle (NU) 15. Liam Vickery (on for Selby 79) 16. Jon Underwood (on for Parker 90) 17. Luke Theaston (NU)
saturday 8th november 2008 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 67
fairford town 2 (Rudd 51,58)
witney united 3 (Younie 77, McMahon 90, Thompson 90)
United added another of their Frank Sinatra style comebacks to the list for this season as they grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat at Fairford this afternoon.
The home side were clearly fired up for the game and might have gone ahead in the opening five minutes when a chip over the top by Matt Boucher found Pete Walker who chose to shoot at the near post but Jon Beames was down well to stop with his feet.
The quick feet of Andrew Younie created the next opportunity as he rode two challenges before finding Gary Wickens but his dipping effort went straight into the arms of Roman Roncinski.
United were then grateful to John McMahon as he was on hand to hack the ball to safety after a quick break and low cross by Lee Clark.
Clark then went close again after a knockdown by Alex Rudd but his lob over Beames had too much height and the ball cleared the bar.
Half-Time Fairford Town 0 Witney United 0
If United had plenty of warnings in the first half they werent heeded as the home side struck six minutes after the break. A Ryan Curtin free-kick was cleared and a swift break saw Joe Dorey cross to the back post where Rudd gleefully smashed home.
It was almost level terms immediately when Harry Burnley managed to toe the ball into the path of Younie who took the shot on early but could only watch as it came back off the post.
Just before the hour and United suddenly found themselves 2-0 down after a clever switch of play found Matt Reynolds who delivered an inch perfect cross and Rudd headed home his second of the afternoon.
This seemed to stir the lion that is United and just moments later they went agonisingly close to pulling a goal back when Curtin's corner saw Vinny Byfield's stooping header reach Ben Thompson who improvised by backheeling goalwards but Steve Bennett cleared the ball off the line and via McMahon to the safety of a goal-kick.
After Thompson had struck an effort straight at Roncinski when through on goal United did manage to get the goal to get them back in the game. A free-kick by Curtin brought confusion and when McMahon hit a shot it fell kindly to Younie who fired home into the roof of the net.
Suddenly there was a bit of energy and drive to United's play that had been lacking all afternoon and when a high Dean Smith clearance was brought down by Younie he embarked on a solo run that ended with a shot going narrowly wide.
The home side were still trying to catch United on the break and Beames had to be alert to keep out an effort from Walker and Nathan Woodley mopped up to clear the ball.
As the clock ticked past 90 minutes United produced a superb equaliser when a long throw by Jamie Mills was headed out as far as McMahon who took a touch before hitting an excellent strike into the bottom corner.
With an unlikely point seemingly gained there followed a bone-crunching challenge between Lee Henderson and Reynolds and after a fairly lengthy stoppage the game resumed and in the extra injury time United gained what seemed an impossible result.
A series of long throws finally ended in one breaking to Younie on the edge of the area and he showed great composure to slide in Thompson who struck the ball home to end a stunning afternoon.
Website Review and MOM
Let's be honest, no matter how we spin it we didnt deserve all three points!! However to the travelling support we have seen it so many times to know it is no fluke. This team do not know when they are beating. Even on a day when things werent going our way we kept probing and then produced a stunning turnaround at the death. MOM goes to Andrew Younie who looked a threat for long periods and kept so calm to lay the lovely pass for the winning goal.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jimmy Griffin 7. Harry Burnley 8. John McMahon 9. Gary Wickens 10. Andrew Younie 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Jamie Mills (on for Byfield 75) 14. Andy Wallbridge (on for Wickens 90) 15. Ben Thompson (on for Burnley 56)
Fairford: 1. Roman Rocinski 2. Ian Probert 3. Chris Nicholls 4. Matt Boucher 5. Sam Walker 6. Steve Bennett 7. Ben Snook 8. Joe Dorey 9. Pete Walker 10. Alex Rudd 11. Lee Clark
12. Nigel Baker (on for Rudd 70) 14. Matt Reynolds (on for Dorey 56) 15. Duncan Scrivens (on for Snook 85)
saturday 1st november 2008 League Cup 1st Round att 62
wantage town 2 (Horsell 49, Keen 73)
witney united 2 (Curtin 55, Younie 69)
After extra-Time Witney United won 5-4 on penalties
In the driving rain United finally overcame the challenge of Wantage Town this afternoon winning on penalties after the sides couldnt be separated after 120 minutes of football.
The home side had the wind at their backs for the first half and Gavin Jones decided to try his luck in the first couple of minutes but Jon Beames watched the ball fly over the crossbar.
United were thankful to Lee Henderson who cleared an inswinging corner off the line from underneath the crossbar.
It was almost first blood to the visitors though when a slack backpass by Tom Rowe saw Gary Wickens intercept and round Rob Durrant but his shot was cleared off the line by Rowe who made amends for his error.
Garry Swann and Wickens then clashed on the halfway line after a crude tackle by the former and both players were cautioned for the incident.
Right on half-time and Wickens almost had the perfect response when a quick corner was taken and Ryan Curtin swung in a cross but Wickens header flew into the side netting.
Half-Time Wantage Town 0 Witney United 0
United then just as on Tuesday night found themselves behind within five minutes of the restart. Matty Horsell collected a loose pass in the middle of the pitch and ran at Dean Smith before curling his shot beyond Jon Beames and into the corner of the net.
There was almost a wonder goal from United within a minute when John McMahon won the ball on the edge of his own area before driving forwards to the other end of the pitch but his shot was straight at Durrant who held safely.
However just moments later and United were level, Andrew Younie was pulled down by Rowe on the edge of the area and Ryan Curtin thumped the free-kick into the bottom corner of the net.
It was a real end to end affair now and Beames had to be at his sharpest to rush out and save from Danny Keen with his feet.
For the first time in the game though United then found themselves in front, McMahon sent Jon-Paul Mills away and as Durrant slipped Mills kept his calm and rolled the ball to his left and Younie tapped into the empty net for his first goal of the season.
However within four minutes the home side were back on level terms when Keen hit a shot from the edge of the area which flew through a whole host of bodies and into the net.
United then squandered a brilliant opportunity to kill the contest when Harry Burnley sent Jon-Paul Mills racing clear and he sidefooted his shot past Durrant but watched in horror as it rolled the wrong side of the post.
90 Minutes Wantage Town 2 Witney United 2
Extra -time was never going to produce the ding-dong battle that the first ninety minutes had produced although McMahon went close to an excellent start when he collected Curtin's clipped pass but he pulled his effort wide.
The home side kept probing though and a cleverly lofted pass by Ellis Langford picked out Liam McCullough but he drove his effort wide.
Jones had been a difficult customer all afternoon and his skilful play picked out Keen but he lacked composure and his effort went over the bar.
There was to be one final twist in extra-time when The Alfredians were reduced to 10 men when Younie spun his man and raced away before being hauled down by Liam Illsley. The defender on loan from United of course had already been booked but was shown a straight red card by the referee but the game petered out as the conditions worsened and penalties were to be the decider.
Penalty 1; John McMahon Scored Danny Keen Scored 1-1
Penalty 2; Vinny Byfield Scored Danny Allen Over Crossbar 2-1
Penalty 3; Jon-Paul Mills Scored Tom Caddon Scored 3-2
Penalty 4; Ryan Curtin Scored Ellis Langford Scored 4-3
Penalty 5; Jimmy Griffin Pen Saved Gary Swann Scored 4-4
Penalty 6; Harry Burnley Scored Tom Rowe Pen Saved 5-4
Website Review and MOM
Let's put things in perspective, it was an awful afternoon making conditions under foot so tricky for the players on both sides. There was no allowance from the referee for the conditions and it was a shame that detracted from what was a cracking afternoon's entertainment. MOM goes to John McMahon who drove United forward even when things werent going well.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Dean Moss 4. Lee Henderson 5. Andy Wallbridge 6. Jimmy Griffin 7. Harry Burnley 8. John McMahon 9. Gary Wickens 10. Andrew Younie 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Jon-Paul Mills (on for Wickens HT) 14. Nathan Woodley (NU) 15. Vinny Byfield (on for Moss 24)
Wantage; 1. Rob Durrant 2. Liam Illsley 3. Tom Rowe 4. Gary Swann 5. Adam Learoyd 6. Tom Malton 7. Gavin Jones 8. Ellis Langford 9. Danny Keen 10. Paul Day 11. Matty Horsell
12. Liam McCullough (on for Day 64) 14. Danny Allen (on for Malton 37) 15. Tom Caddon (on for Horsell 105)
tuesday 28th october 2008 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 107
witney united 0
shortwood united 1 (Casey 50)
United's fine recent winning run came to a halt last night in wintry conditions when a solitary goal gave visitors Shortwood United maximum points.
There was a blow in the build up to kick off when Jamie Mills was ruled out through illness but with recent form it was a confident United who took to the field with the snow falling.
Just two minutes into the game and it was almost the perfect start when Ben Thompson hit a low drive which skipped off the surface and Rich Thomas spilled the ball but watched as it dropped wide.
The visitors came back into the game after that early scare and Andy Hoskins hit a long range effort which Nathan Woodley charged down to safety.
There was another scare just moments later when Jon Beames punched a corner clear and James Baldwin returned a volley first time but the ball dropped wide.
With the wind at the backs of United they tried pressing forward Dean Moss picked out Thompson who looked up and attempted to lob Thomas but the ball went well wide of the goal.
Thompson it was again who went close for United when he span well and hit a first time shot but the ball flew into the midriff of Thomas.
United heads were in hands moments later when a thumping drive by Jon-Paul Mills was heading for the top corner of the net but a tremendous header by Luke Bennyworth diverted the ball to safety.
The Wood were looking lively on the break against the wind and a darting run by Matt Collins saw him get away from Vinny Byfield and hit a low shot which Beames did well to save at the near post.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Shortwood United 0
Just five minutes after the break and Witney were behind to a very soft goal. There looked no danger when a cross was swung into the box but hesitation in the United defence allowed Ross Casey to steal in and although he scuffed his shot the ball had enough on it to trickle into the far corner of the net.
This knocked United and Collins' pace was a constant worry and indeed only an excellent save by Beames kept the scoreline the same.
The visitors had a glorious chance to double the advantage with quarter of an hour remaining when Collins got away and crossed a delightful ball but somehow Pete Smith spooned the ball over the bar from three yards.
United were committing men forward in search of the equaliser and Gary Wickens header after John McMahon's surging run and cross went straight into the arms of Thomas.
If United needed proof that it wasnt to be it came with just five minutes remaining on the clock when Ryan Curtin swung in a free-kick which beat Thomas all ends up but had to watch as it bounced back off the crossbar.
Website Review and MOM
Hats off to Shortwood, they came and did a Witney on us!! They got it tactically spot on and got the three points they probably deserved. Credit the lads for continuing to battle away even when it was obvious it wasnt going our way and with a little luck we may have grabbed a point. MOM goes to Lee Henderson who showed maturity beyond his years on an awful night for defenders.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jimmy Griffin 7. Dean Smith 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Harry Burnley (on for Moss 71) 14. John McMahon (on for Griffin 71) 15. Alex Welch (NU)
Shortwood; 1. Rich Thomas 2. Leon Cornwall 3. Alex Allard 4. Luke Bennyworth 5. Ben Mammola 6. Ross Casey 7. Pete Smith 8. James Baldwin 9. Matt Collins 10. Andy Hoskins 11. Victor Webb
12. James Coates (on for Webb 76) 14. Richard Evans (on for Hoskins 62) 15. Matthew Green (on for Smith 84)
saturday 25th october 2008 FTL Futbol Hellenic premier att 130
witney united 3 (Thompson 6, Wickens 9, Burnley 13)
marlow united 2 (Bowler 23, Pedley 61)
A stunning opening goal blitz in the first thirteen minutes gave United a seventh win on the trot in all competitions and kept them top of the table at The Polythene UK Stadium this afternoon.
There was a hint of what was to come as early as the second minute when a Ryan Curtin corner was flicked on by Ben Thompson to Gary Wickens whose powerful strike was blocked by Mark Ramsay.
Curtin making his debut for United almost marked it with a goal when Dean Moss hooked the ball into the area but the new signing slipped as he shaped to shoot. Ramsay's kick wasnt the most effective though and Jamie Mills controlled the ball and slid in a pass which Wickens dummied and let Thompson run on to and drill the ball hard and low into the net.
Four minutes later and the lead was doubled in the simplest of fashions when Curtin collected the ball on the flank and with one swing of his left peg picked out Wickens unmarked at the back post and he calmly sidefooted the ball into the roof of the net.
United had the ball in the net just moments later when Moss swung in a dangerous cross and the ball went in off the knee of defender Ian Green but the assistant referee had his flag up.
However two minutes later and with just thirteen minutes showing on the clock United found themselves 3-0 in front and the home support were in dreamland. Thompson shielded the ball well and picked out Curtin whose cross was headed by Wickens and although Ramsay done well to palm the ball in the air Harry Burnley reacted quickest and headed the ball home.
The chances kept coming for United as they attacked at will and Curtin picked out another perfect pass and found Thompson who raced clear but Ramsay done well to block the effort with his feet.
The visitors began to pick themselves up off the canvas and midway through the half they had reduced the deficit. They were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area and Jason Bowler curled a perfect effort in off the post giving Jon Beames no chance.
It was still United doing all the pressing and Lee Henderson was denied a goal after his flick from Jon-Paul Mills corner was knocked off the line. With half-time approaching Ramsay came to the rescue again when he did well to palm away Curtin's powerful cross-cum-shot.
Half-Time Witney United 3 Marlow United 1
The visitors knew they had nothing to lose after the break and went to three at the back as they threw caution to the wind looking for a way back into the game.
It was stil Witney looking to kill the game off and a cross from Curtin was inches away from producing a fourth goal as Wickens and Thompson were inches away from connecting.
Just past the hour and Marlow had their way back into the game as they produced a quick break and the ball was cleverly switched out to Daniel Pedley who cut in off the flank and with his left foot curled the ball beyond Beames.
From being in total control of the game suddenly United were on the backfoot as Marlow pressed looking for an equaliser and a break by Ollie Flint saw him cut the ball back but Mark Doswell was wrong footed and he could get no power behind his effort. Flint fell badly in producing the cross and was stretchered off with a nasty looking ankle injury.
In stoppage time there was one more heart in mouth moment for The Blanketmen as Marlow were awarded a free-kick and with everybody in the area including the goalkeeper the ball dropped in the 18 yard box but Nathan Woodley reacted quickest to hack the ball to safety and make sure the three points were safe.
Website Review and MOM
This was like something out of the X Files!! For 25 minutes we attacked at will and in all honesty could have been 5-0 to the good and as it was led 3-0. Credit to Marlow who kept going and got a goal back but even at half-time you would never have predicted that United would be left waiting for that final whistle. Still the facts are its another three points and you will never have things all your own way at this level. MOM goes to Ryan Curtin who produced an excellent debut creating two goals and swinging in so many top drawer crosses.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Harry Burnley 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Ryan Curtin
12. Dean Smith (on for Burnley 68) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Wickens 84) 15. Alex Welch (NU)
Marlow Utd; 1. Mark Ramsay 2. Lee Ovens 3. Ryan Britnell 4. Rob Crawford 5. Ian Green 6. Ben Filmore 7. Daniel Pedley 8. Doug Buchanan 9. Mark Doswell 10. Ollie Flint 11. Jason Bowler
12. Marco Sciaraffa (NU) 14. Adam Lannaway (on for Flint 80) 15. Nick Flint (on for Pedley 76)
tuesday 21st october 2008 floodlit cup 1st round att 28
pegasus juniors 0
witney united 2 (Wickens 23,54)
A double from top goalscorer Gary Wickens was enough to ensure United a safe passage into the 2nd Round of the Floodlit Cup in Herefordshire last night.
The opening exchanges saw United dominate possession but chances were at a premium but with nineteen minutes on the clock they gained a huge advantage when the home side were reduced to 10 men. Jimmy Griffin controlled the ball in midfield and from nowhere a high challenge from Daniel Sobocinski around the thigh area saw him get a straight red card.
The initiative swung firmly towards United just four minutes later when Gary Wickens broke from deep and although he was tackled the ball broke to Jon-Paul Mills who calmly rolled it across the box and into the path of Wickens who swept the ball home.
Jon-Paul Mills was then denied by a quick reaction save from Stuart Turpin after Dean Moss ran down the wing and crossed and the United man cleverly backheeled the ball goalwards but the keeper reacted well.
It was almost two just before the break when a loose pass by Matt Matui was intercepted by Harry Burnley who broke clear and found Jon-Paul Mills but he couldnt keep the shot down.
On the break though the home side had their first chance of the half when a deep free-kick by Antony Robbins was not dealt with and Simon Gwynne reacted quickest but Jon Beames got down well to save.
Half-Time Pegasus Juniors 0 Witney United 1
Having made a vital save at the end of the first half Beames was called into action right at the start of the second when he saved well with his feet after Rob Laurie had powered a header goalwards from a corner.
This chance came back to haunt Juniors just seven minutes into the half when United doubled the advantage. Jamie Mills slid in a perfect pass to Wickens who cut inside Bobby Aldrich before firing an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner of the net.
On the hour United had claims for a penalty waved away when a slip by Tom Davies let Wickens in and he was tripped but the referee played the advantage but Jon-Paul Mills didnt make it count as he fired his effort over.
Wickens was then twice denied his hat-trick by last ditch tackles by Aldrich after being sent clear but taking one touch too many and on both occasions the chances were gone.
With the game drawing to a close the home side had a great chance when Gary Randle escaped the attentions of the United defence and picked out Ben Price but the midfielder lacked composure and blasted well over the bar.
Website Review and MOM
Whilst never at our most fluent best we done more than enough to win the game and you always felt we had another gear to find was it necessary. The home side worked hard and to their credit even with 10 men pressed until the end. MOM goes to Jon-Paul Mills for his tireless effort out of position up front.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Dean Smith 8. Jimmy Griffin 9. Gary Wickens 10. Jon-Paul Mills 11. Harry Burnley
12. Alex Welch (on for Smith 79)
Pegasus; 1. Stuart Turpin 2. Tom Cartwright 3. Matt Matui 4. Tom Davies 5. Bobby Aldrich 6. Rob Laurie 7. Ben Price 8. Daniel Sobocinski 9. Tom Harding 10. Simon Gwynne 11. Antony Robbins
12. Liam Jones (on for Harding 74) 14. Dean Jordan (on for Robbins 71) 15. Gary Randle (on for Davies 79)
saturday 18th october 2008 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 141
witney united 2 (Wickens 60pen, Thompson 65)
highworth town 1 (Corcoran 13)
United ground out a fourth successive victory this afternoon at the Polythene UK Stadium when they triumphed against a Highworth Town side who held an early lead.
The visitors were on the back of a good run but they almost fell behind to an early goal when Jamie Mills did well to beat Matty Bennett and cross to Gary Wickens but his acrobatic effort flew over the bar.
However after that early scare they began to take control of the match as their midfield started winning their battles and on 13 minutes they got their reward when they opened the scoring. A surging run by Bennett towards goal caused panic in the United rearguard and his pass then caught Vinny Byfield flat-footed allowing enough space for Phil Corcoran to take a touch and fire past Jon Beames and into the net.
Playing into a strong wind United were struggling to get their game going but almost equalised when a free-kick by Wickens picked out John McMahon who had got clear of his marker but his header bounced away off the post.
Bennett was looking the most likely source of a goal for the visitors with his penetrating runs and one of his crosses almost picked out Tom Dingle but Nathan Woodley got back in to tackle and clear the danger.
United were really being limited to half-chances with Ben Thompson having a couple of efforts at goal before he made Ian Gill get down to keep out a low effort.
Kevin Lewis was then forced out of the game when he appeared to twist badly after a run down the wing and was replaced by Harry Burnley but United found themselves behind at the break.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Highworth Town 1
With the wind at their backs United were looking to put the visitors under pressure but few inside the stadium could have predicted the five minute spell we would have on the hour mark of the game.
When Burnley helped a kick by Beames over the top of the defence for Thompson to chase their looked little danger but the wind and the bounce caught Gill out and he stumbled allowing Thompson to run round him and as he was about to put the ball in the empty net the stranded keeper pulled him down. The referee gave the penalty and had little option but to send Gill off meaning former United man Tom Dingle went in goal for the penalty which Wickens stepped up and made no mistake with.
From the kick off United won the ball back and Jon-Paul Mills was about to release a pass when a poor stamp of a tackle by the otherwise impressive Paul Donnelly saw the referee brandish another red card and reduce the visitors to ten men. The visitors had to re-organise with their nine men to try and see out the game that just moments earlier they were thinking they had in control.
Just two minutes later their misery was componded when Wickens played a superb reverse pass releasing Thompson who calmly lifted the ball over the advancing Dingle and into the net to the delight of the large home crowd.
It was now one way traffic as United used their extra men well spreading the ball around the pitch and they should have extended the lead when McMahon picked out Thompson but the striker hit his shot to close to Dingle who beat the ball away well.
With time running out the United supporters were almost treated to an absolute wonder goal. There appeared no danger for Highworth when Dean Moss collected the ball by the home dugout and set off on a mazy run beating four defenders before calmly placing his shot only to watch it bounce back off the crossbar. It mattered not though as moments later the final whistle blew and United had made it four wins on the trot and kept their position at the top of the table.
Website Review and MOM
An entertaining afternoon!! There was no doubt about it we werent at our best against the wind before the break but that five minute spell when the visitors pressed the self destruct button we were on hand to take full advantage of it. After that it was a case of could we add to it and if Mossy scores we witness one of the greatest goals ever scored at the stadium! MOM again another close call as it was a team effort to fight the result out from nothing but Jamie Mills yet again gave a faultless display in the heart of the United midfield.
United: 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Harry Burnley (on for Lewis 39) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Wickens 85) 15. Jimmy Griffin (on for Jamie Mills 88)
Highworth Town; 1. Ian Gill 2. Matty Bennett 3. Stuart Pearson 4. Tom Cole 5. Nick McCrae 6. Paul Donnelly 7. Tony Joyce 8. Leigh Brown 9. Phil Corcoran 10. Tom Dingle 11. Danny Hilder
12. Bradley Gill (on for Corcoran 72) 14. Dan Wallington (NU) 15. Mitch Wyatt (NU)
Tuesday 14th october 2008 FTL Hellenic Premier att 172
Kidlington 2 (Williams 51pen, Deabill 74)
witney united 3 (Thompson 7, Lewis 21, Wickens 76)
United fought off a stirring fightback by the home side as they ensured they remained top of the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier League with this derby success.
There was almost an identical start to Saturday when Jamie Mills launched a long throw which was headed inches wide of his own goal by Chris Baker.
However with just seven minutes on the clock the opening goal came in clinical fashion. Dean Moss chipped a ball over the top which Ben Thompson after before brushing aside Baker and firing into the bottom corner of the net giving Gareth Tucker no chance.
The home side were seeing a lot of the ball and the crossing from wide areas was causing problems but Nathan Woodley and Lee Henderson were on hand to mop up any danger.
John McMahon then brought the best out of Tucker when he burst from deep and hit a rasping effort but the keeper got up to fingertip the ball over the bar.
Kidlington should have equalised when after a cross by Denel Thomas was cleared by Jon-Paul Mills it was swung back in to the back post but Adam Lovegrove headed wide.
They were made to pay for this moments later when United doubled their lead and in stunning style. A cross from McMahon was cleared by the home defence as far as Kevin Lewis who with one swing of his right boot hit a stunning effort curling away from Tucker and into the top corner of the net from fully 25 yards.
United were still being pressed back as the home side continued to search for a route back into the game and Jimmy Deabill hit a low shot which had Jon Beames on his toes to get down and stop.
Just three minutes before the break and United were inches away from taking a three goal lead. Gary Wickens played a beautifully disguised pass which saw Thompson time his run to perfection and race clear and his calmly placed effort beat Tucker but he watched in disbelief as it bounced away off the post.
Half-Time Kidlington 0 Witney United 2
The opening ten minutes of the second half were always going to be critical to how the game panned out and so it proved as the home side grabbed a foothold six minutes in.
Adam Doyle's precision pass saw Morgan Williams get the wrong side of Jamie Mills and burst into the box and under minimal contact went to ground and the referee pointed to the spot. Williams dusted himself down and fired home sending Beames the wrong way.
United tried for an immediate response when a powerful run by McMahon saw him then produce a perfect cutback for Jon-Paul Mills but his shot was off target.
The home side had their tails up now though and with sixteen minutes remaining they scored a simple equaliser. Mark Baker found some space out wide and produced an inch perfect cross for Deabill whose glancing header beat Beames and nestled in the bottom corner.
The Blanketmen have had many tests of character this season and how they passed this one with flying colours. Just two minutes after seeing their two goal lead wiped out they restored the advantage. Vinny Byfield's clearance was helped on by Thompson to Wickens who still had an awful lot to do but his touch was good and his venomous shot beat Tucker at the near post.
This was the cue for the home side to throw the proverbial kitchen sink at United and Deabill was denied an equaliser from another header when Beames done well to turn over. Beames then surpassed that from the corner when another effort was powered in and he somehow touched the ball onto the bar and a mass of yellow shirted bodies ensured that the ball stayed out.
There was late drama in injury time when United were reduced to 10 men when Jon-Paul Mills was sent off. He had the ball on the wing when a very poor challenge on him from ex United man Danny Wise saw the United man react and swing his arm at the home side's substitute. After discussion's with his assistant Wise was shown yellow for the initial tackle and Mills saw red for the reaction.
Moments later the final whistle blew and the United players were left to celebrate a hard fought win with the travelling supporters.
Website Review and MOM
Whilst the win at Flackwell was all about excellent passing play and superb finishing this was about rolling up the sleeves, sweating blood and tears for the cause and getting the three points. At times we rode our luck a little in the second half but by effort alone we probably earnt that bit of luck. MOM was a very close call between the two centre-halves but Nathan Woodley was an absolute rock all evening for United.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Stuart Cattell (on for McMahon 82) 14. Harry Burnley (on for Wickens 78) 15. Alex Welch (NU)
Kidlington; 1. Gareth Tucker 2. Adam Doyle 3. Jaroslav Kapral 4. Lee Bolton 5. Chris Baker 6. Danny Warne 7. Adam Lovegrove 8. Denel Thomas 9. Jimmy Deabill 10. Mark Baker 11. Morgan Williams
12. Danny Wise (on for Bolton 87) 14. Lewis Gabbidon (on for Lovegrove 59) 15. Mark Flanagan (NU)
saturday 11th october 2008 FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier att 54
flackwell heath 0
witney united 5 (Wickens 2,33,87 JP Mills 50, McMahon 59)
United roared to the top of the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier League with a resounding performance that swept aside Flackwell Heath this afternoon.
The perfect start came just inside two minutes when Jon-Paul Mills won a challenge and fed Ben Thompson who calmly rolled the ball across the area where Gary Wickens arrived at the back post to tap home.
The home side had suffered an FA Vase hammering last week and were keen to put that right and a glancing header from Riccardo Cannon after a Adam Morris free-kick showed they werent going to roll over.
There was no doubt that United held the upper hand though and a curling set-piece from Wickens found the head of Thompson but he headed over when he should have worked the keeper.
The attacks were coming from all angles and Jon-Paul Mills and Thompson combined well to set up John McMahon whose powerful effort flew narrowly over the bar with Tom McNeill beaten.
McMahon was at the heart of the next move when he surged from deep and picked out Thompson who calmly beat Adam Sharp and got his shot away only to watch the ball bounce back off the crossbar.
Two minutes later the second goal deservedly came though. Vinny Byfield calmly controlled the ball on the left flank and his switch of play picked out Thompson who in turn rolled the ball into the path of Wickens whose stinging drive was too hot for the fingers of McNeill and the ball nestled in the top corner.
McNeill got his revenge moments later when he bravely got down and made a brilliant save at the feet of Wickens after McMahon had picked him out perfectly from a free-kick.
With the referee checking his watch Kevin Lewis unleashed an outrageous volley which beat McNeill but grazed the top of the crossbar and bounced over.
Half-Time Flackwell Heath 0 Witney United 2
If the home side thought they had a rough ride in the first half things were too get tougher after the break as United upped their performance another gear.
With just five minutes gone a free kick by Byfield was flicked by Wickens into the path of Thompson who disguised a pass brilliantly into the path of Jon-Paul Mills who showed great calmness sidefooting into the corner.
It was one way traffic now as United poured forward and both McMahon and Wickens went close to extending the lead but couldnt hit the target.
Just before the hour came the fourth goal and again Thompson was involved when he raced away and showed the intelligence to find McMahon who drilled the ball into the bottom corner.
Jon Beames had been a virtual spectator throughout but showed his concentration was still perfect when he dealt with a low drive by Cannon with ease.
With the game won and three minutes remaining United served up a goal worthier of a much higher level. Jimmy Griffin won a tackle and a series of in the region of twenty passes involving five players ended with Thompson picking out Wickens who smashed the ball into the top corner of the net to send The Blanketmen charging to the top of the table.
Website Review and MOM
A truly excellent all round performance. The scoreline really did reflect the dominance that United showed throughout the game and the general play was at times breathtaking. MOM was close with so many good performances, Ben Thompson produced one of the most unselfish displays I have seen from a striker but just nicking it was Gary Wickens not only for his treble but for being involved in so many other chances that United created throughout the afternoon.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Harry Burnley (on for McMahon 73) 14. Jimmy Griffin (on for JP Mills 78) 15. Andrew Younie (on for Lewis 80)
Flackwell Heath; 1. Tom McNeill 2. Conor Saville 3. Tristian Lewis 4. Paul Reed 5. Adam Sharp 6. Adam Morris 7. Richard Glynn 8. Matt Glynn 9. Darren Moore 10. Riccardo Cannon 11. Alan Akerman
12. Jermaine Gumbs (on for Akerman 57) 14. Myron Ramsey (on for M Glynn 53) 15. Daniel Craggs (on for Cannon 84)
saturday 4th october 2008 FA Vase 1st round att 146
newport IOW 0
witney united 1 (Thompson 21)
On a wet and windy afternoon on the Isle of Wight a battling performance was enough to give United a 1-0 victory over Newport IOW and clinch a place in the FA Vase 2nd Round draw on Monday.
United began the match with the wind at their back but the home side looked lively from the off and the defence had to be at their sharpest to nullify any attacks.
After the opening ten minutes United began to settle and they had a great chance to open the scoring when a Dean Smith chip dropped perfectly for Ben Thompson but he rushed the effort and dragged the shot wide of goal.
Thompson made amends for this with 21 minutes gone on the clock when he scored what would turn out to be the winner. First off after riding two challenges he saw his shot deflected wide for a corner which Smith floated in and the home defence didnt deal with it and Thompson blasted home.
The home side were attacking down both flanks but the final ball lacked any real conviction and only a long range effort by Ian Seabrooke could go down as an effort on goal.
United then had a glorious chance to extend the lead when Jamie Mills fed Gary Wickens on the flank who rolled in a perfect cross which first Kevin Lewis was inches away from connecting with and then Harry Burnley astonishingly spooned the ball over the bar from three yards out and the home side had a major let-off.
The ball was in the net minutes later as Mills won a thunderous tackle in midfield and combined with Wickens to free Thompson but as he calmly netted the assistant referee flagged for offside.
The home side then had the ball in the net only to be denied by the flag also when a cross was flicked on by Alek Przespolewski to Jamie O'Rourke who headed home but from an offside position.
Right on half-time United were thankful to goalkeeper Jon Beames when O'Rourke was sent clear by Charlie Smeeton but the stopper got a powerful hand to the ball to divert the effort wide.
Half-Time Newport IOW 0 Witney United 1
As the rain came down heavier and United kicked against the ferocious gale they set their stall out to be solid and catch the home side on the break and twice it almost paid glorious dividends as first Thompson was denied by an excellent last ditch tackle from Mark Watson and then the same striker raced away collecting a John McMahon pass but his touch took him wide and his lobbed effort dropped over the bar.
The home side began to push forward more in search of the equaliser and Przespolewski ran from deep and hit a thumping strike but Beames was equal to the effort and pushed away.
As the game entered the final quarter of an hour one goal either way would change the match significantly and United thought they had got it when a corner by Wickens was met by a bullet header from Lewis but the ball hit goalkeeper Sam Webb and bounced away from the goal.
This set up a final ten minutes where the proverbial kitchen sink was thrown at United as the home side had nothing to lose and a cross from Richard Sprools saw both Nathan Woodley and Lee Henderson block efforts before Beames dived amongst a number of flying feet and came up with the ball.
With the United fans roaring their side to the finishing tape their was one more scare when Darren Powell let fly from the edge of the area but Beames was not to be beaten and the final whistle signalled wild celebrations from the travelling support with a place in the 2nd Round clinched.
Website Review and MOM
The conditions made this a difficult afternoon but United ground out an excellent victory. In truth we should have been clear at the interval but cup football is all about getting through and it was a case of job done. MOM was close with the central defence of Nathan Woodley and Lee Henderson marshalling the troops well at the back but for three excellent saves at crucial times it goes to Jon Beames.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Harry Burnley 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Dean Moss (on for Wickens 78) 14. Jimmy Griffin (on for Burnley 89) 15. Alex Welch (NU)
Newport IOW; 1. Sam Webb 2. Ross Gregory 3. Tom Scovell 4. Jamie White 5. Simon William 6. Ian Seabrooke 7. Darren Powell 8. Charlie Smeeton 9. Jamie O'Rourke 10. Alek Przespolewski 11. Sam Hart
12. Richard Sprools (on for Hart 78) 14. Tom McInnes (on for Smeeton 78) 15. Mark Watson (on for White 48) 16. Freddie Knowles (NU) 17. John Simpkins (NU)
tuesday 30th september 2008 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 124
witney united 1 (Wickens 78)
Hook Norton 0
Matchball sponsored by Andy Trowbridge
United climbed into 2nd place in the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Hook Norton at The Polythene UK Stadium courtesy of Gary Wickens 50th goal for the club.
Summer signing Dean Moss finally made his first start for United following his calf injury and he almost provided a stunning start when he picked out Ben Thompson who cut inside his man but his shot went over the bar.
There was a zip about United's play and they perhaps should have gone in front when the impressive Kevin Lewis found Thompson whose shot was blocked on the line by Ian Trott and the ball broke back to the forward who then found Lewis in return but he missed his shot completely and the chance was gone.
Lewis was involved in United's next chance when he was the wall in a clever one-two with Jon-Paul Mills and the latter's curling shot grazed the outside of the post with the keeper well beaten.
The visitors at this stage were camped deep in their own half but twice within 60 seconds they had the chance to grab the lead. A quick break saw Pete Moulder break through the centre but Jon Beames was equal to the shot and turned away for a corner. The corner was floated in and avoided everyone except Trott but somehow he poked his effort over from six yards.
There was a touch of class about some of United's play and Mills and Thompson combined to find Lewis who hit a shot with the outside of the right foot which was literally inches wide of the goal.
When United did get one on target they came up against a keeper in Richard Meadows having one of those nights as he made an excellent double save to deny both Thompson and then Wickens. He then almost rounded it off in style as his kick was flicked on by Matthew Keenan to Carl Standen but the winger dragged his effort well wide of the target.
John McMahon had been restored to the United midfield and his powerful shot again brought the best out of Meadows after Wickens and Thompson had created havoc in the visitors defence.
Lewis was having an inspired evening and he was denied by the fingertips of Meadows after a clever chipped pass by Moss and he then turned provider for Jon-Paul Mills whose clever chip beat Meadows but dropped the wrong side of the crossbar.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Hook Norton 0
After all their dominance of the first half United knew that a goal was crucial as the longer the game went on the more the visitors had something to cling on to.
It looked for all the world the opening goal was about to come on the hour when Wickens curling pass took the defence out of the equation but Thompson having broke clear hit a poor shot wide of the goal.
The attacks were coming from all angles and Vinny Byfield produced a great cross from the left which was met by Lewis but Meadows somehow scrambled the ball over the bar and to safety.
Jon-Paul Mills then went close with a free-kick which had power and swerve but the radar was slightly off as the ball went the wrong side of the post with Meadows a spectator.
Still the desperation hadnt come into United's play as they continued to pass and move and create chances and Lewis picked Thompson out with precision only for the forward to strike a powerful shot into the sidenetting.
With twelve minutes remaining the goal finally came and produced a roar as much of relief as anything else from the crowd. Lewis produced a trademark surging run and despite a heavy challenge got his pass away to Thompson who in turn produced a perfect cross to Wickens who powered home a header from close range for his 50th goal for the club.
There was still more time for further chances as both Lewis and Thompson went close with efforts but it was another three points on the board for United and a scoreline that in truth flattered the visitors a little.
Website Review and MOM
If Hook Norton had of left the ground on the wrong end of a three or four goal defeat they would probably have had no complaints. In fairness to them though they defended stoutly all evening and almost grabbed an unlikely point. Some of United's football at times was excellent and it was only the final third on the night where it didnt really happen. MOM goes to Kevin Lewis who produced a stunning display in the midfield and creating the goal despite taking a heavy challenge in the process.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Moss 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jimmy Griffin 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Dean Smith (on for Moss 73) 14. Harry Burnley (NU) 15. Jamie Mills (on for Lewis 89)
Hook Norton; 1. Richard Meadows 2. Joe Coleman 3. James Hastie 4. Chris Jackson 5. Ian Trott 6. Jamie Cramond 12. Pete Moulder 8. Lee Harris 9. Ricky Johnson 10. Matthew Keenan 11. Carl Standen
14. Daniel Sczukiewicz (NU) 15. Ashley Prentice (NU) 16. Adam Daley (on for Keenan 71)
saturday 27th September 2008 FTL Futbol hellenic premier att 152
witney united 2 (Wickens 80pen, Thompson 85)
almondsbury town 2 (Davis 26, Kear 72)
Matchball sponsored by Terry & Chrissie Wickson
United produced a stirring fightback this afternoon at The Polythene UK Stadium when they came back from 2-0 down with ten minutes remaining against Almondsbury Town.
New signing Nathan Woodley came in for his debut as United went in search of a third straight victory and they had an early opportunity to snatch the lead when some good skill by Jon-Paul Mills freed up space for him to cross for Dean Smith to nod back into the path of Jamie Mills but his shot was deflected over the bar by the boot of Ben Thompson.
United were dominating in terms of possession but chances were at a premium as the game became a midfield tussle.
Right out of the blue the visitors snatched the lead on 26 minutes with their first effort on goal. Andy Wallbridge bundled Kane Ingram over on the flank and a free-kick was swung in by Kris Davis and the ball eluded everyone and dropped in at the far post.
This rocked United badly as they had certainly held the upper hand and Jon Beames had to be at his best to turn away a 30 yard free-kick piledriver by John Lock.
Beames had to be at his best as half-time approached when he reacted quickly to get out and block Adam Cole's effort after some lovely interplay around the box had created the chance.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Almondsbury Town 1
The second half brought more midfield tussles as neither side were able to create anything of note as both defences remained firm keeping the ball away from both goals.
As the clock ticked by and United grew frustrated the visitors stunned them by grabbing an excellent second goal. A quick throw in found Richard Kear who cut inside two defenders before placing a shot past Beames and into the far corner.
United threw on Kevin Lewis as they tried to chase the game and he almost had an immediate impact when a cross was nodded down by the substitute to Gary Wickens but for once the shot was weak and easily held by Ben John.
With ten minutes remaining United threw themselves a lifeline when they awarded a penalty. Smith played a perfect pass to Thompson who got goalside of Jacob Guy who hauled him down in the box. Wickens calmly stepped up and slotted home to give the home side hope.
If United have been praised for having a never-say-die attitude then they were about to get some more lavished on them as they produced an equaliser just five minutes later. The ball was fed to Jamie Mills from Vinny Byfield who in turn picked out Thompson who held his nerve to slot home giving John no chance.
There was a sense that United could grab an unlikely win now and the visitors were clearly stung by it and Davis was very fortunate to remain on the pitch following an elbow on Jon-Paul Mills which amazingly led to two other yellow cards for what happened in the ensuing melee.
The final whistle brought a dramatic afternoon to a close with United knowing that this was a case of a point gained rather than two lost.
Website Review and MOM
I suppose in a way we should have expected it!! At an undeserved 2-0 down we looked down and out but this team just never knows when it is done and they picked themselves up off the canvas and produced a stirring finish to the delight of a noisy crowd. MOM goes to Jamie Mills who again produced a faultless display shielding the defence and then provided the assist for our equaliser.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Lee Henderson 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Nathan Woodley 6. Jamie Mills 7. Dean Smith 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Harry Burnley
12. John McMahon (on for Woodley 80) 14. Jimmy Griffin (on for Wickens 89) 15. Kevin Lewis (on for Burnley 70)
Almondsbury; 1. Ben John 2. Andrew Gilbert 3. Danny Haines 4. John Lock 5. Jacob Guy 6. Kris Davis 7. Brad Andrews 8. Paul Fowler 9. Richard Kear 10. Adam Cole 11. Kane Ingram
12. Andrew Forward (on for Kear 81) 14. Ben Pope (NU) 15. Robert Smith (NU)
Saturday 20th September 2008 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 72
bicester town 1 (Leggett 80)
witney united 4 (Wickens 6, Henderson 11, Thompson 36,42)
United produced a ruthless display as they hit four goals for the second week running and even overcame the sending off of Dean Smith midway through the first half.
It took only six minutes for United to break the deadlock on a ground where they have notoriously had difficult days and the goal was simple yet effective. Jon-Paul Mills won a challenge in midfield before finding Ben Thompson who powered past Dan Ames and crossed for Gary Wickens who slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The home side suffered a double blow as Ames was forced off with a serious looking arm injury after he fell awkwardly.
Five minutes later and the home side were left reeling as United doubled their advantage. Jon-Paul Mills curled in a free-kick which wasnt cleared properly and Lee Henderson was on hand to drill into the net from 10 yards.
United were looking threatening everytime they attacked and the home side were thankful to an excellent finger-tip save by Tom McNamara to deny Thompson after good work by Harry Burnley.
With 23 minutes on the clock and United looking comfortable they then suffered a setback when they were reduced to 10 men. A loose ball 25 yards from goal saw Dean Smith recklessly challenge Jefferson Harriott and the referee had no hesitation in brandishing a straight red card.
However it seemed to have little effect as Jon-Paul Mills and Wickens combined superbly to find Thompson but the striker couldnt keep his shot down.
A minute later though and the third goal deservedly came when a kick out by McNamara was headed back by Vinny Byfield to Thompson who ran through and blasted an unstoppable effort into the net.
Three minutes before the interval and United were in dreamland as they went 4-0 up. Thompson held up a difficult ball and found Wickens who poked a pass back to Thompson who finished with aplomb.
Half-Time Bicester Town 0 Witney United 4
If the home side thought United were going to sit back in the 2nd half they were served immediate warning when Jamie Mills found Andrew Younie who hit a first time cross and McNamara had to be at his best to deny Thompson.
Thompson was on a mission to get his first United hat-trick and after rounding McNamara looked like he would get it but his shot lacked power and Dan Leggett got back to clear.
It was then the turn of the woodwork to help the home side out when Thompson collected a through ball from Burnley and again rounded McNamara and got his shot away but Shaun Lambourne managed to get the ball to safety with the help of the post.
The effects of playing with ten men for the majority of the game in the sunshine began to take its toll and the home side grabbed a consolation with just ten minutes remaining. A quick throw caught the United defence out and Leggett hit a rasping drive into the far corner of the net.
There was still time for Thompson to be denied once more when he collected a pass from John McMahon but his powerful effort was blocked by the legs of McNamara.
It mattered little though as United had powered to another three points and hoisted themselves into the top three of the league.
Website Review and MOM
A breathtaking 45 minutes from the lads, even more so when you remember that we only had 10 men for half of it. We attacked all afternoon and with a little more luck could have won by more but another excellent victory on a ground where we never have it all our own way. MOM goes to Jon-Paul Mills who produced a faultless performance in midfield and created two goals as well.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Lee Henderson 6. Jamie Mills 7. Harry Burnley 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Andrew Younie
12. John McMahon (on for Wickens 75) 14. Jimmy Griffin (on for Thompson 85) 15. Kevin Lewis (on for Burnley 75)
Bicester; 1. Tom McNamara 2. James Kyberd 3. Nigel Emsden 4. Dan Ames 5. Dan Leggett 6. Paul Spittle 7. Karol Skowronski 8. Tom Butler 9. Jefferson Harriott 10. Chris Johnson 11. Ben Williams
12. Nathan Hunt (on for Skowronski 51) 14. Shaun Lambourne (on for Ames 6) 15. Adam French (on for Harriott 66)
saturday 13th septemer 2008 fTL Futbol Hellenic premier att 102
witney united 4 (Wickens 13pen, Pierson 35, Thompson 40,52)
Reading town 0
United produced the perfect possible answer to their critics as they bounced back in style this afternoon to brush aside Reading Town at the Polythene UK Stadium.
It was clear that United were keen to produce a vastly improved performance and were soon producing chances. Andrew Younie had been recalled to the starting line up and his slide rule pass released Ben Thompson but his shot lacked power and Scott Hodgetts held easily. However his drop-kick was poor and the ball was headed into the path of Thompson again but the keeper made up for his error by tipping the ball wide.
With just thirteen minutes on the clock the opening goal that United craved came and that man Thompson was at the heart of it again. He surged into the box and got away from Sam Flegg who tripped him and the penalty was awarded. Gary Wickens stepped up and slotted the spot kick into the bottom corner of the net.
United had a strong case for another penalty just moments later when a long clearance by Richard Pierson bounced in between Hodgetts and Mike Hancock and Thompson nicked the ball away and Hodgetts appeared to pull him down but a goal kick was given.
It was one way traffic as United poured forward and Thompson released his strike partner Wickens whose touch took him away from his marker but Hodgetts held his shot well.
With ten minutes until the break the second goal finally came. A throw by Jamie Mills wasnt cleared properly and broke to Pierson who fired home an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net.
Wickens was then inches away from extending the lead after Thompson had produced a cross which took the defence and the keeper out of the game but literally the width of a stud separated him from a second goal of the game.
United then had the ball in the net when Thompson produced an excellent swivel and shot which was palmed out by Hodgetts to Harry Burnley who slotted home but the flag was up to rule him offside.
However the third goal came just moments later when another Jamie Mills throw-in caused panic in the area and Pierson flicked on to Thompson who fired home.
Thompson then fired an effort just over the bar after a cross by Burnley and Younie was denied a goal after an excellent last ditch tackle by Will Bratt as United dominated the entire half.
Half-Time Witney United 3 Reading Town 0
Usually when a side has been so dominant the foot comes off the pedal and the opponents have the better of things but not today.
Jon-Paul Mills set the tone with a crunching challenge in midfield which released Burnley who cleverly disguised his pass to Jamie Mills but the shot lacked any real conviction and Hodgetts held.
With just seven minutes on the second half clock United got a fourth goal after an error by the visiting keeper. Hodgetts took a goal kick which was weak and straight at the head of Wickens who produced an excellently cushioned header into the path of Thompson who slotted into the corner off the base of the post.
United then had two goals disallowed in the space of five minutes as first Thompson was adjudged offside after some excellent combination play by Wickens and Burnley and then he was denied again when he controlled a long ball with his arm and was denied his hat-trick.
The visitors were offering nothing at all and they were thankful for the woodwork just after the hour when a long kick by Jon Beames was headed in the air straight to Jamie Mills whose brilliant lob bounced back off the crossbar with Hodgetts beaten.
Thompson was still looking for the elusive treble and he went close when substitute Jimmy Griffin produced a cleverly lobbed pass but his cheeky toe poked shot went just wide.
With ninety minutes on the clock the visitors finally had an effort on goal when a free-kick by Scott Rees was headed by Luckazs Hryniewicz but the ball drifted well wide.
There was still time for Vinny Byfield to try his luck with a clever effort from distance which didnt have the height to clear Hodgetts but when the final whistle blew United were well and truly back on track.
Website Review and MOM
An excellent performance which just blew the visitors away from start to finish. To be fair to Reading Town they probably picked the wrong afternoon to play us following Tuesday!! Four goals, three disallowed, the crossbar struck, numerous chances..all in all a good day! MOM was very close as Jon-Paul Mills produced his best display of the season but Ben Thompson was superb all afternoon and deserved his double and maybe more.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Richard Pierson 6. Jamie Mills 7. Harry Burnley 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Andrew Younie
12. John McMahon (on for Younie 71) 14. Jimmy Griffin (on for Jamie Mills 71) 15. Jon Steedman (on for Burnley 71)
Reading Town; 1. Scott Hodgetts 2. Will Bratt 3. Jon Hazell 4. Sam Flegg 5. Mike Hancock 6. Scott Rees 7. Luca Riccio 8. Kieron Thorne 9. Ian Brooks 10. Graham Lewis 11. James Clark
12. Andy Higgs (on for Hancock 83) 14. Luckazs Hryniewicz (on for Clark 55) 15. Laith Aldoori (on for Hazell HT)
tuesday 9th september 2008 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 137
witney united 0
Chalfont Wasps 5 (Webb 16,47 Paget 27, Jamil 41,67)
United lost their unbeaten league record in amazing fashion last night as they crashed to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Chalfont Wasps at a wet Polythene UK Stadium.
Andy Lyne kept faith with the team that grabbed a late draw at Ardley and had admitted pre-match he was looking for a reaction from his team.
The opening stages were a little cagey but it was the visitors who almost opened the scoring when a shot by Kieran Webb was deflected away from the goal by his own player Adam Paget and both could only watch as the ball hit the post and bounced away.
The warning wasn't taken though and it was Wasps who opened the scoring just after the quarter of an hour mark when an incisive passing move ended with Robert Charles playing a clever reverse pass into the path of Webb who drilled home giving Jon Beames no chance.
United almost conjured up an instant reply when John Mcmahon produced a surging run from deep which released Gary Wickens but United's top scorer saw his touch take the ball away from the keeper and out of play.
Ten minutes later and the lead had been doubled with the first defensive error of the night when after Paul Gilbert had won a fierce tackle his through ball was overhit but Andy Wallbridge was then short with his backpass and as Beames hesitated he then watched in horror as his attempted clearance broke to Paget who slotted home.
United had half-hearted appeals for a penalty waved away when Chris Harper's cross appeared to strike the arm of James Tripp but moments later the visitors made it 3-0.
There appeared little danger when the ball dropped to Jean-Pierre Jamil who hit a volleyed cross goalwards only for Beames to misjudge it totally and the ball drifted into the corner of the net.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Chalfont Wasps 3
If United were looking for a quick-fire foothold back in the game they had the worst start. The visitors were caught offside but inexplicably Lee Henderson took a quick free-kick and the ball went straight to Webb who blasted home the fourth goal.
United were having a lot more of the ball but even when they got into a decent position the touch in front of goal eluded them.
Jon-Paul Mills on as a half-time substitute went agonisingly close with a powerful drive after some skilful play by Wickens.
Mills was involved again minutes later when he floated in a free-kick which found Richard Pierson unmarked but the big defender headed wide with the target waiting to be hit.
Andrew Younie was looking more like his old self when he came off the bench and his clever footwork created a chance for himself but Jack Sillitoe did what he had to by turning the ball away.
Just as you thought United were going to get the next goal they shot themselves in the foot. Beames collected a long pass comfortably but then threw the ball straight to the feet of Jamil who calmly lobbed the ball back over his head and into the empty net.
United's confidence had ebbed away and they were thankful to a last ditch clearance by Henderson after Steven Miles had diverted a cross goalwards.
Pierson and McMahon both had efforts on goal but the final whistle brought some relief to the United players to go and regroup ahead of the next game.
Website Review and MOM
Ouch! Clinical finishing from the visitors on an awful night when everything that could have gone wrong from our perspective did. We move on!! MOM was a tough one for the wrong reasons but for his never say die attitude right until the final whistle it goes to Kevin Lewis.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Richard Pierson 6. Jamie Mills 7. Jimmy Griffin 8. John McMahon 9. Gary Wickens 10. Chris Harper 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Vinny Byfield (on for Wickens 71) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Griffin 56) 15. Jon-Paul Mills (on for Mills HT)
Chalfont; 1. Jack Sillitoe 2. James Tripp 3. Jean-Pierre Jamil 4. Jack Harding 5. Paul Shone 6. Paul Gilbert 7. Robert Charles 8. Kevin Franklin 9. Lee Thompson 10. Kieran Webb 11. Adam Paget
12. Steven Miles (on for Webb 71) 14. Callum Coull (on for Paget 71) 15. Steven Scales (on for Franklin 76)
saturday 6th september 2008 fTL Futbol Hellenic Premier att 102
Ardley united 2 (Gooderick 15,Adam Beckett 47)
witney united 2 (Wickens 13, Henderson 90)
United produced another late fightback as a last minute effort by defender Lee Henderson sealed a point at Ardley United in torrential rain.
The game kicked off and had its first yellow card within twenty seconds when a late lunge by Murray Nicholls caught Henderson after he had passed the ball forward.
United were playing down the slope and got an early breakthrough with just 13 minutes on the clock. Jamie Mills launched a long throw which was flicked on by new signing Richard Peirson to Gary Wickens whose header gave Lee Parrack no chance.
The lead however lasted just two minutes after some poor defending allowed the home side to equalise. Tom Green hit a vicious strike which cannoned back off the bar but indecision between Henderson and Pierson saw the ball break to former Banbury United striker Matty Gooderick who fired home.
Despite this setback it was United who were creating the chances and Wickens effort after some good work by Kevin Lewis brought a smart save from Parrack.
Gooderick then had a golden opportunity to put the home side in front after Adam Garner had flicked on from a corner but the striker pulled his shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
John McMahon was back after his one game suspension and his first time effort following Andy Wallbridge's free-kick was smothered well by Parrack.
United almost then scored a classic counter attacking goal as Peirson headed out an Ardley corner to Wickens who went on a solo charge and twisted his way into the area but fired his shot over although McMahon was well placed.
Half-Time Ardley United 1 Witney United 1
United got off to the worst possible start as within two minutes of the restart they found themselves behind. A corner from the right was only half-cleared to Adam Beckett whose 20 yard effort took a deflection before striking the foot of the post and bouncing in.
The rain then came down hard making playing conditions difficult and after the midweek FA Cup exertions the United players began to look a little leggy.
Indeed it could have been worse as a long ball saw Wallbridge and Jon Beames both hesitate allowing Andrew Stidder to get his shot away but he pulled wide.
United had thrown on Andrew Younie and he had an excellent chance after a throw from Dean Smith was laid into his path by Wickens but the young striker got the shot wrong and dragged wide.
As time appeared to be running out there was to be one last twist as United again showed they never know when they are beaten. A long throw by Henderson was headed out but only as far as Lewis who calmly laid the ball back to the young defender who swung a cross goalwards which deceived Parrack in the home goal and dropped into the net to secure United a point.
Website Review and MOM
After the gruelling 120 minutes in midweek it was probably no surprise the lads looked a little tired especially in the second half when the torrential rain made playing conditions very difficult. When you take that into equation and the last minute strike it is a very good point. MOM and not just because of his late equaliser goes to Lee Henderson who showed tremendous composure on a difficult afternoon for defenders.
United; 1. Jon Beames 2. Dean Smith 3. Lee Henderson 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Richard Peirson 6. Jamie Mills 7. Chris Harper 8. Jimmy Griffin 9. Gary Wickens 10. John McMahon 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Vinny Byfield (on for Jamie Mills 76) 14. Andrew Younie (on for McMahon 68) 15. Jon-Paul Mills (NU)
Ardley Utd; 1. Lee Parrack 2. Gary Lawton 3. Adam Richmond 4. Tom Green 5. Adam Garner 6. Danny Mason 7. Murray Nicholls 8. Darren Beckett 9. Matty Gooderick 10. Andrew Stidder 11. Adam Beckett
12. Ian Trott (NU) 14. Steve Garbutt (NU) 15. Jason Costello (on for Stidder 81)
tuesday 2nd september 2008 fA Cup Prelim Round Replay att 135
Thatcham Town 3 (Brown 48, Rea 92, Johnson 102)
witney united 1 (Wickens 90)
United bowed out of this season's FA Cup despite a battling display at Southern League side Thatcham Town last night.
With skipper John McMahon suspended it was Jimmy Griffin who took over in midfield and Lee Henderson came in for Vinny Byfield in defence.
United opened the game well and created the first chance when a Jon Steedman free-kick was nodded back by Gary Wickens into the path of Ben Thompson but his shot although full of power lacked direction and went over the bar.
Steedman was involved in the next opportunity as well when he collected a Jon-Paul Mills crossfield pass in his stride and ran on but his effort hit the sidenetting.
The home side were inevitably going to come into the game and a through ball by Tom Melledew found Mario Nurse and Matthew Barnes came out well to narrow the angle and Nurse saw his shot crash back off the bar.
Thatcham were having a little spell of pressure and Barnes had to be alert to tip wide a long range effort from Jamie Leacock although it was probably drifting wide.
Stefan Brown should have perhaps done better when he collected a throw in from Leacock but he snatched at the chance and it went well wide.
There was no doubt though that United were having the better of things and only an excellent save from Paul Strudley denied Thompson after he had cut in off the flank and hit a rasping drive.
Strudley was equal to another Thompson effort just moments before the break after Jon-Paul Mills had sent him clear but the keeper done well to push away.
Half-Time Thatcham Town 0 Witney United 0
The second half however started in disastrous fashion for United when a hopeful ball caught the United defence flat footed and Brown raced away and cleverly dinked the ball over Barnes and into the net.
United however pushed forward in search of an equaliser and Kevin Lewis hit a long range effort which had Strudley scrambling across his line to push away.
Barnes had looked assured in United's goal all night and he came to United's rescue again when a quick break saw the ball fall to Melledew but the young keeper got up to turn the ball over the bar.
It was Witney pushing though as they went in search of the equaliser and some excellent footwork by Lewis saw him get into the box before finding Thompson but the striker watched his effort go just wide.
Lewis was unlucky just moments later when Sam Rea never dealt with a Griffin cross properly and Lewis returned a first time volley which dipped inches over the bar.
The home side looked lively on the counter attack and after winning a corner Barnes done brilliantly to turn away a powerful effort from Sean Cook.
Thompson must have known his luck was out for the night as when he finally beat Strudley in the Thatcham goal he watched in disbelief as his effort bounced away to safety off the crossbar.
With five minutes left and time running out came a major talking point when Dean Smith curled in a cross which was handled in the area by Rea but despite the protests the referee waved play on and left Witney wondering whether it just wasnt to be.
However as the game ticked just past the ninety minutes on the clock Smith got away on the flank again and his cross was met by the head of Wickens and it went in off the crossbar.
90 mins
Thatcham Town 1 Witney United 1
Extra-time started in the worst possible fashion as the home side took the lead again when Jemel Johnson got away from the challenge of Andrew Styles and crossed for Rea to bundle the ball home at the far post.
Just three minutes before the interval of the extra period came the killer goal when Dave Asker released Johnson who ran clear and slotted the ball past Barnes.
United continued to press and Styles was denied twice by Gavin Jones who headed off the line but when the final whistle blew United's FA Cup dreams were left shattered for another season.
Website Review and MOM
For the 90 minutes there can be no doubting we deserved at the very least extra-time and with a bit more good fortune would have gone through. It really was a tie of what might have been! MOM was close as Matthew Barnes done everything that was asked of him but Kevin Lewis was outstanding in both defence and attack all night.
United; 1. Matthew Barnes 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Lee Henderson 5. Andy Wallbridge 6. Jamie Mills 7. Jimmy Griffin 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Vinny Byfield (NU) 14. Andrew Styles (on for Griffin 71) 15. Liam Illsley (on for Jamie Mills 105) 16. Harry Burnley (on for Jon-Paul Mills 81)
Thatcham; 1. Paul Strudley 2. Jamie Leacock 3. Dean Flockton 4. Gareth Thomas 5. Sam Rea 6. Tom Melledew 7. Ryan Williams 8. Dave Asker 9. Sean Cook 10. Stefan Brown 11. Mario Nurse
12. Gavin Jones (on for Nurse 90) 14. Paul Taplin (on for Williams 105) 15. Adam Pilling (NU) 16. Ben McCready (NU) 17. Jemel Johnson (on for Brown 74) 18. Steve Hale (NU)
Saturday 30th August 2008 FA Cup Prelim Round att 126
Matchball sponsored by Andy Trowbridge
witney united 2 (Wickens 68, 71)
Thatcham Town 2 (Rea 67, Asker 78 pen)
United were twelve minutes away from causing an FA Cup upset yesterday as they fought out an entertaining clash with Southern League side Thatcham Town.
With Tom Willshere not allowed to play and Phil Carpenter injured in the lead up to the game youngster Matthew Barnes was drafted in for his second start in United colours.
It was the visitors who settled the better of the two sides and Sean Cook and Stefan Brown combined well to lay the ball into the path of Thomas Melledew but his rasping drive was still rising as it cleared the crossbar.
Brown was looking lively with his pace and when he managed to squeeze the ball into the path of Cook the play opened up but Barnes rushed out to smother the shot.
United began to regain their belief and a clever flick by John McMahon following a Gary Wickens knockback was held well by Paul Strudley.
Ben Thompson's movement was causing problems and he shot into the side netting after a probing run by Jamie Mills saw him release an inch perfect pass to the striker but the radar was slightly offline.
Witney were now back into the game in a big way and a direct free-kick after Jamie Mills had been crudely cut down went inches over the bar with Strudley well beaten.
With half-time approaching United created two great chances to grab an opening goal with Vinny Byfield not getting enough direction on his header from Jon Steedman's corner and then a long kick by Barnes was flicked on by Wickens to Thompson but Strudley stood up strong and beat away the shot.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Thatcham Town 0
United had a glorious chance within five minutes of the restart when Jon-Paul Mills sent Thompson scampering away and his cross saw Wickens running in but amazingly just two yards from an empty net he got his legs tangled up and the chance was gone.
It was now Witney who were on top and Strudley had to be at his best when he got down to scramble away a low effort by McMahon as the opening goal didnt look to be far away.
The threat of the visitors attack couldnt be ignored though and Brown should have done better after a crossfield pass by Jamie Leacock picked him out perfectly and although his touch was excellent he dragged his shot well wide of the goal.
United then struck the woodwork when Dean Smith collected the ball and then 30 yards from goal hit a dipping effort which saw Strudley forced to fingertip the ball onto the bar and over.
However with the home side in the ascendancy there was about to be a flood of four goals in a ten minute period. The vocal home support was stunned into silence when a free-kick was clipped into the box and Sam Rea got up to power home a header giving Barnes no chance.
Straight from the kick off United pushed forward and Thompson saw his effort deflected wide of the goal for a corner. Steedman drilled the set-piece in and Wickens met the ball with his head to level matters within 60 seconds of United falling behind.
Three minutes later and the spectators inside the ground were treated to a goal that would have graced any match in the FA Cup this season. Barnes high kick caused confusion and Thompson managed to flick the ball on to Wickens, there appeared no danger but the striker hit a stunning first time effort which arrowed 
into the top corner of the net giving Strudley absolutely no chance.
The home fans were buzzing as they sensed a cup upset but with just twelve minutes remaining the Southern League side were handed a lifeline by a rather soft penalty award. A through ball saw Gavin Jones break clear and as he got in the box he went down very easily under very little challenge from Barnes but the spot kick was awarded. Despite the Witney protestations the decision remained and Dave Asker drilled the ball home to level matters up.
The visitors then thought they had grabbed victory when a cross by Brown was met by the head of Leacock and beat Barnes but only after he had pushed Steedman as the ball was in the air and a free-kick was awarded.
When this entertaining encounter finally came to an end both sides left the field in the knowledge that they have another chance to secure a place in the next round.
Website Review and MOM
An entertaining cup tie with a bit of everything as both sides tried to force the win to take them through to the next round. United will have been a little disappointed with some of the defending but will a better goal be scored in the FA Cup this year than that of Wickens second. MOM goes to Ben Thompson whose tiresome front play dragged the visitors defence around all afternoon.
United; 1. Matthew Barnes 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steeman 4. Vinny Byfield 5. Andy Wallbridge 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Jimmy Griffin (on for Lewis 79) 14. Andrew Styles (NU) 15. Lee Henderson (on for Steedman 88) 16. Aaron Parfitt (NU) 17. Liam Illsley (NU)
Thatcham; 1. Paul Strudley 2. Jamie Leacock 3. Dean Flockton 4. Gareth Thomas 5. Sam Rea 6. Thomas Melledew 7. Dave Asker 8. Ryan Williams 9. Sean Cook 10. Stefan Brown 11. Mario Nurse
12. Paul Taplin (on for Melledew 74) 14. Gavin Jones (on for Cook 66) 15. Juraj Beno (NU) 16. Jemel Johnson (NU) 17. Steve Hale (NU)
Monday 25th August 2008 FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier att 117
Carterton 2 (Duerden 31pen, Rodgers 81)
witney united 2 (Thompson 83, Byfield 85)
Two late goals saw United fightback from the edge of defeat as they secured a draw with local rivals Carterton at Kilkenny Lane this afternoon.
There was no Lee Henderson as he failed a fitness test on his back and United shuffled the pack a little as they went in search of a fourth straight league win. Former Carterton man Kevin Lewis was denied by the fingertips of James Domm in the opening stages.
The home side looked lively on the counter attack and a long range effort from Tom Perry caused little alarm as Tom Willshere held comfortably.
United had the ball in the net just after twenty minutes after a surging run by Andrew Younie saw him feed Lewis whose effort was palmed out by Domm to the waiting Gary Wickens who slotted home but the flag was up against Lewis from the earlier pass.
Wickens was then just inches away from getting the opening goal when he cut in off the right flank but his curling effort dropped onto the roof of the net.
Carterton had the wind at their backs going down the slope and Tom Fletcher will probably feel he should have done better when he dragged his shot wide after getting the better of Dean Smith.
However just after the half-hour the home side got their breakthrough from the penalty spot. Michael Duerden managed to get the wrong side of Andy Wallbridge after some sloppy play by United and the big defender bundled him over in the area. Duerden dusted himself down and blasted the ball home giving Willshere no chance.
United continued to try and force the issue and Wickens was unlucky to see his header deflected wide after an excellent cross by Chris Harper. From the resulting corner the ball was only half-cleared and Lewis saw his effort keep rising and clear the bar.
Just before the break and the home side should have extended their lead when a lovely piece of footwork by Duerden released Chris Blakeley who fired an excellent shot across Willshere but the ball bounced to safety off the post.
There was still time for United to have the ball in the net again when Harper released Ben Thompson whose clever finish looked to have grabbed the equaliser only to be denied by the assistant's flag.
Half-Time Carterton 1 Witney United 0
United were now going down the slope and with their first attack went close to levelling matters when Wickens cleverly set the ball up for Jimmy Griffin but his effort drifted wide of the goal.
The home side were still looking to catch United on the break and Blakeley was denied by an excellent double save from Willshere when it looked like he would score.
Lewis was then inches away from scoring against his former club when a cross by Wickens wasnt dealt with but the shot wasnt hit with enough power and Domm managed to hack the ball to safety.
With just nine minutes remaining the home side doubled their advantage and must have thought they had won the game. A soft free-kick was awarded which was floated in by Jamie Stalker where it was met with a thumping header by substitute Dave Rodgers to send the home players into ecstasy.
United knew the clock was ticking and just two minutes later they had reduced the deficit. A corner by Jon-Paul Mills was met with a glancing header by Thompson and although the ball was scooped away it was adjudged to have crossed the line and United were back in it.
Just two minutes later and the fightback was complete. Jon-Paul Mills swung in a delightful free-kick which Vinny Byfield got the slightest of touches to take it away from Domm and into the net and secure a point that looked unlikely just five minutes before.
Website Review and MOM
A tough local derby and no matter what anybody says 10 points from the opening 4 matches is an excellent return. On top of that to comeback from 2-0 down with seven minutes to play showed great courage and mental strength. MOM goes to Gary Wickens who despite not scoring gave the home defence a torrid afternoon.
United; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Andrew Styles 5. Andy Wallbridge 6. Jimmy Griffin 7. Chris Harper 8. Andrew Younie 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. John McMahon (on for Younie 70) 14. Jon-Paul Mills (on for Styles 61) 15. Jamie Mills (on for Harper 88)
Carterton; 1. James Domm 2. Jamie Stalker 3. Sam Greenslade 4. Chris Bowles 5. Gary Smales 6. Danny King 7. Tom Fletcher 8. Chris Blakeley 9. Tom Perry 10. Michael Duerden 11. David Bostock
12. Dave Rodgers (on for Greenslade 59) 14. Johnny Fletcher (on for Blakeley 65) 15. James MacDonough (on for J Fletcher 74)
saturday 23rd august 2008 FTL futbol hellenic premier att 131
witney united 3 (Harper 25, Wickens 46, Smith 74)
Hungerford town 0
United produced an excellent display this afternoon at the Polythene UK Stadium as they brushed aside title favourites Hungerford Town.
The game had a very cagey opening as neither side wanted to show their hand too early and the midfield became a rather congested area.
It was the visitors who had the first attempt when a throw in by Luke Brewer was headed away by Vinny Byfield to Peter Macklin but his attempted lob drifted harmlessly wide. Little did anybody realise that would be the only real effort on goal by the visitors all afternoon.
United began to win the midfield battles and a strong challenge by Jamie Mills saw him find Ben Thompson but the frontman's effort went over the bar.
John McMahon was the midweek hero and he almost opened the scoring here with his curling effort after Chris Harper and Thompson had combined well to set him up.
On 25 minutes came the opening goal and it was the United fans who were celebrating. A Jon-Paul Mills corner wasnt cleared and although he saw his first effort blocked their was no stooping the second effort by Harper as he gave Paul Thompson no chance.
Gary Wickens was inches away with a header after he stole across in front of Joe Macklin to reach Dean Smith's cross but the ball dropped the wrong side of the post.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Hungerford Town 0
If United felt that 1-0 didnt justify the performance they got the reward within a minute of the restart. Harper collected the ball in his own half and his blistering pace took him away from Chris Blackford before his cross evaded Ben Thompson but Wickens was on hand to stab the ball home at the back post.
The visitors appeared to have run out of ideas as United dealt with their continuous long balls comfortably as Dean Henderson and Andy Wallbridge kept a tight rein on matters.
Thompson was denied a stunning goal after he was found by Jon-Paul Mills but his stinging drive was
beaten away for a corner by Paul Thompson. The corner was then headed back into the danger area by McMahon and Wickens' audacious overhead kick rattled back off the crossbar.
United were well on top now and the third goal deservedly came with just under a quarter of an hour remaining. Harper went on another surging run before pulling the ball back to Smith who hit a thunderous effort into the top corner of the net.
Hungerford were a beaten side as they longed for the final whistle and they were thankful to goalkeeper Thompson in the last minutes when he rushed out to deny Andrew Younie with his feet but it mattered not as the final whistle went giving United four wins out of four at the start of the season for the first time in the club's history.
Website Review and MOM
The expected clash of the heavyweights never really happened as United dominated proceedings for the majority of the half with the visitors creating nothing of note all afternoon. The goals all came at good times and again an opponents goalkeeper kept the scoreline respectable. MOM was a close run thing as so many players performed well but the pace, power and precision of Chris Harper caused the visitors no end of problems all afternoon.
United; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Andy Wallbridge 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Chris Harper
12. Kevin Lewis (on for Harper 82) 14. Andrew Younie (on for Thompson 85) 15. Jimmy Griffin (on for JP Mills 77)
Hungerford 1. Paul Thompson 2. Mark Jones 3. Chris Blackford 4. Mark Jordan 5. Scott Davis 6. Joe Macklin 7. John Cant 8. Luke Brewer 9. Ian Concannon 10. Peter Macklin 11. Graham Edney
12. Darren Robison (on for Jordan 64) 14. Bob McLay (on for Cant 64) 15. Ben Carter (on for Concannon 75)
tuesday 19th august 2008 fTL Futbol hellenic premier att 92
old woodstock Town 1 (Mills 28)
witney united 2 (Wickens 90, McMahon 90)
Two late goals ensured that United kept up their 100% start to the season as they secured victory over Old Woodstock Town last night.
In truth it was no more than United deserved for a dominant display that was only thwarted on a number of occasions by the impressive Sam Worrell in the home side's goal.
After three minutes United set the tone for the evening when Jon-Paul Mills collected a loose ball in midfield and tried a delicate chip which dropped just over the crossbar.
Mills and Gary Wickens were then next to be served up an opportunity after a diagonal ball by Lee Henderson found Ben Thompson whose run and cross created the chance but neither could get anything on it.
Worrell signalled his intentions for the evening when he done well to tip a volley over from John McMahon after a neat knockdown by Wickens.
It was all one way and Wickens was next to go close but he couldnt keep his header down from Jon Steedman's inswinging cross.
As often happens on these occasions it was the home side who took the lead with their first effort on goal. With United on the attack the ball was cleared down the length of the pitch and a mix-up allowed John Mills to calmly round Tom Willshere and slot home.
United were stung by this but continued to press and Thompson was next to go close when he fired over after Dean Smith and Wickens had combined well on the right.
Worrell continued his crusade as he kept out first a deft flick by Wickens and then from the resultant corner beat away a fierce Jon-Paul Mills effort.
Half-Time Old Woodstock Town 1 Witney United 0
The game changed very little after the break as United continued to pour forward in numbers but came up against a defence and goalkeeper in top class form. Worrell continued where he had left off by keeping out a looping header from Steedman after Thompson's flick had found its way to him.
Jamie Mills is not renowned for his shooting but he hit a stinging effort which beat Worrell but sadly drifted just inches wide of the post.
United never panicked and continued to try and play and another excellent through ball by Jamie Mills teed up Wickens but the striker was denied by the nemesis of Worrell yet again.
You began to wonder if it would ever come and when Steedman saw a drive cleared off the line after Worrell had been beaten you would be forgiven for thinking it.
United had to be careful of being caught on the break but the defence were marshalling things and Willshere was left a spectator for much of the half.
As most United fans were just about to concede defeat a goal came and finally a slice of luck on a night when it had deserted them. Wickens picked up the ball wide on the left and drove the ball into a group of players and an attempted clearance by a defender looped up and over Worrell for a more than deserved equaliser.
The referee had been gesturing to the home side that he had been adding on time throughout the half when the game was being slowed down and it came back to haunt them as United grabbed the victory minutes later.
United forced a corner and it was clearly last chance saloon time. The ball was swung under the bar by Wickens, it was clawed away under pressure by Worrell but straight to the feet of McMahon who forced the ball into the bottom corner of the net to spark scenes of wild celebration.
Website Review and MOM
In fairness easily our best display of the season so far and it would have been a travesty if we hadnt won. However if you are a Woodstock player or fan you will be gutted by the result having been so close to winning. MOM goes to the man who continued to drive us forward when the chips were down and grabbed the deserved winner in the shape of John McMahon.
United; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3.Jon Steedman 4. Lee Henderson 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Jamie Mills
7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Stuart Bridges (on for Steedman 82) 14. Jimmy Griffin (NU) 15. Andrew Younie (on for Jamie Mills 76)
Old Woodstock Town 1. Sam Worrell 2. Richard Mace 3. Ben Willoughby 4. Paul Druce 5. Mark Wilson 6. Max Martini 7. Tom Roberts 8. James Keeble 9. John Mills 10. Neil Tattersall 11. Nick Thorne
12. Andrew Smith (on for Thorne 72) 14. Mark Jackson (on for Tattersall 69) 15. Steve Barney (NU)
saturday 16th august 2008 fA Cup ex Prelim Round att 133
witney united 2 (Wickens 17pen, 47)
buckingham town 0
Gary Wickens made it five goals in two matches as United secured their passage to the Preliminary Round at the expense of United Counties League side Buckingham Town at The Polythene UK Stadium this afternoon.
It was no surprise that Andy Lyne kept faith with the same eleven that won at Highworth in midweek but United were a little sluggish in the opening stages.
However with just ten minutes on the clock they had a great chance when Ben Thompson raced clear but opted to try and round Josh McAdo rather than shoot and Maz Lagioia got back to clear.
After a quarter of an hour United got themselves a glorious chance when Vinny Byfield's pass released Thompson again who this time got round McAdo but was hauled down for a penalty. After a full two minutes of arguing which saw two of the visitors booked it was left to Wickens to calmly send McAdo the wrong way for the opening goal.
The visitors were struggling to impose themselves on United although they did have the ball in the net from a corner but Phil Carpenter in the United goal had been fouled in the initial challenge.
Thompson was proving a thorn in the side of the Robins defence and when Kevin Lewis played a slide rule pass it seemed inevitable the striker would score but again he opted to try and round McAdo and the keeper saved well.
Wickens then had a glorious chance to double the advantage when he was left totally unmarked in the area but from Jon Steedman's corner he headed over the bar.
Carpenter had been a virtual spectator but he had to be alert to save a 20 yard effort from Paul Dart after a free-kick by Tony Joyce wasnt cleared properly.
McAdo was beginning to frustrate the United attack and he was again equal to Thompson's effort after a clever flick by Lewis.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Buckingham Town 0
If frustration appeared to be building there was a release within 120 seconds of the restart as United doubled their advantage.
Steedman swung in a vicious corner which was stabbed goalwards by Wickens but McAdo was equal to it 
only for the ball to drop back at the feet of the United frontman who smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
United were now playing with a certain amount of freedom that the two goal advantage had given them and Thompson again brought the best out of McAdo with a snapshot that the keeper turned away for a corner. The resulting corner saw Steedman and Wickens combine again but this time the attacker's radar was offline.
John McMahon then produced a trademark surging run which he rounded off with an excellent cutback to the feet of Jon-Paul Mills and his dipping effort was again beaten away by McAdo.
The visiting keeper was having one of those days and he denied both Lewis and substitute Andrew Younie as United went hunting the third killer goal.
Buckingham had half-hearted penalty appeals waved away when Tyrone Taylor went down rather softly in the area but the final whistle came and United had moved into the Preliminary Round and set up a date with Southern League side Thatcham Town.
Website Review and MOM
The FA Cup is all about getting through to the next round and whilst United were never at their best this afternoon barring a wonder display by the visiting goalkeeper the scoreline would have had a much wider margin. MOM was a close call as very workmanlike display by the team but Jamie Mills produced an error free display and was at the heart of the play throughout.
United 1; Phil Carpenter 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Lee Henderson 5. Vinny Byfield 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Stuart Bridges (on for McMahon 80) 14. Dean Moss (NU) 15. Andrew Younie (on for Wickens 80) 16. Andy Wallbridge (NU) 17. Andrew Styles (on for JP Mills 74) 18. Jimmy Griffin (NU) 19. Aaron Parfitt
Buckingham 1; Josh McAdo 2. Maz Lagioia 3. Tony Joyce 4. Danny Hart 5. Matt Clinch 6. Paul Dart 7. Zep Lagioia 8. Gary Flinn 9. Chris Robson 10. Tyrone Taylor 11. Keith Williams
12. Jon Mills (on for Z Lagioia 59) 14. Sean Soatan (on for Joyce 53) 15. Jeff Baffo (on for M Lagioia 69) 16. Gianfranco Amoroso (NU) 17. Dave Holloway (NU)
tuesday 12th august 2008 ftl futbol hellenic premier att 135
highworth town 1 (Corcoran 71)
witney United 3 (Wickens 20, 62, 78pen)
United began their FTL Futbol Hellenic League campaign in the best possible fashion last night when they won 3-1 at Highworth Town.
Both sides will be looking to push the top of the table this season and it was a cagey opening as they were like a pair of heavyweight boxers sizing each other up.
However United began to gain the ascendancy and on twenty minutes produced the opening goal in the simplest of fashions. Jon Steedman swung in a free-kick and whilst the home defence remained static Gary Wickens pounced to finish with aplomb giving Kurtis Sharkey no chance.
This settled Witney down and Wickens again went close when he headed narrowly over after some neat work on the wing by Ben Thompson.
Steedman's delivery was causing problems and twice the ball flew across the six yard area when the slightest of touches would have seen United double the lead.
Half-Time Highworth Town 0 WITNEY UNITED 1
The home side had an early claim for a penalty when Terry Bohane drove in a cross which struck Lee Henderson on the arm but he was no more than two yards away and any award would have been very harsh.
Tom Willshere then produced a stunning save from Nick McCrae when he powerfully headed a Tony Joyce corner goalwards but the young stopper clawed the ball away from goal.
The home side were beginning to press and Phil Corcoran was inches away from getting on the end of a Danny Hilder cross.
However United rode out the storm and a cross from Kevin Lewis was only cleared in the air and when it dropped to Wickens 25 yards from goal he struck a stunning volley past Sharkey.
Lewis himself was then denied by Sharkey as United started to boss the game going down the slope as the rain started to pour down.
However with seventeen minutes remaining Highworth dragged themselves back into the game. Willshere made an excellent save to deny Wayne Cleverley but from the resultant quick corner Cleverley crossed and Corcoran got the slightest of touches to take the ball past the young keeper.
Four minutes later though and United killed matters off once and for all. A long through ball by Dean Smith released Thompson who rounded Sharkey before being hauled down in the area. The keeper was shown the red card and Wickens stepped up and completed his hat-trick.
The fun and games hadnt finished there though as the referee managed to show a further two red cards in the remaining ten minutes.
First to go was United skipper John McMahon whose late challenge on Aurthur Levett earned him a second yellow card and then with just five minutes left on the clock Mark Belcher finally snapped the patience of the referee for persistent fouling and was shown a second yellow card as well.
The final whistle blew to the delight of the large Witney contingent who roared their approval as the players left the field in the rain.
Website Review and MOM
Great start! An excellent performance with a mixture of skill and hard graft and some top drawer finishing. The front two were excellent, the midfield were on top for the majority of the game and the defence stood firm but just nicking it was Lee Henderson for a stunning debut at the back.
UNITED; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Lee Henderson 5. Vinny Byfield 6.Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
12. Stuart Bridges (on for Thompson 87) 14. Dean Moss (on for Lewis 82) 15. Andrew Younie (on for Wickens 84)
Highworth; 1. Kurtis Sharkey 2. Dan Wallington 3. Danny Hilder 4. Gary Hill 5. Nick McCrae 6. Mark Belcher 7. Tony Joyce 8. Darren Smart 9. Phil Corcoran 10. Bradley Gill 11. Terry Bohane
12. Tom Dingle (on for Gill 62) 14. Aurthur Levett (on for Hilder 68) 15. Wayne Cleverley (on for Wallington 13)
Wednesday 6th august 2008 pre-Season Friendly att 72
witney united 1 (Thompson 16)
Easington Sports 0
A stunning first half strike by Ben Thompson was enough to see of a plucky resistance from Easington Sports as United ended their pre-season campaign last night.
A total of 18 players got a run-out last night for The Blanketmen and left manager Andy Lyne with plenty of food for thought ahead of Tuesday's opener at Highworth Town.
United started well and a crossfield pass from Dean Smith was beautifully backheeled by Gary Wickens in to the path of Jon-Paul Mills but his curling effort drifted inches wide. From the goal kick Sports broke clear and Tom Willshere done well to deny Alex Feaver as he forged an opportunity for himself.
Wickens found himself with the ball at his feet 10 yards from goal after good work by Ben Thompson but the highly impressive Jon Okole denied him twice with saves.
With sixteen minutes on the clock though United did hit the net and in some style. Liam Illsley's ball was chested by Thompson into the path of Wickens who fed it back to him and Thompson hit a stunning first time effort into the corner of the net giving Okole no chance.
Wickens then had a great chance to double the lead when he was picked out by Jamie Mills but he headed weakly and Okole held easily.
Sports continued to try and play but United were the dominant force and a five man passing move finished with Thompson crossing and Wickens hit a spectacular overhead kick but Okole done brilliantly to deny with a save on the bounce.
Half-Time Witney United 1 Easington Sports 0
United made seven changes at the break and with it went a bit of the momentum that they had built up although they still created the first opening of the half when Harry Burnley released Andrew Younie whose pace got him past the defence but his effort rolled the wrong side of the far post.
Alex Feaver went as close as Sports went all evening when the ball somehow broke through a pack of players to him and his snapshot was turned on to the post by Willshere.
Wickens turned provider again when his through ball sent Burnley clear but the defender got to it first and his clearance bounced off the United man and went wide.
Younie then combined well with Aaron Parfitt before the latter fizzed an excellent cross that flew along the six yard box but no United man got a touch on it.
The final whistle brought an end to the pre-season campaign knowing that the next time the players entered the playing field it would be for real at Highworth on Tuesday.
United; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Lee Henderson 5. Liam Illsley 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis
Subs All Used 12. Harry Burnley 14. Jimmy Griffin 15. Dean Moss 16. Stuart Bridges 17. Andrew Styles 18. Aaron Parfitt 19. Andrew Younie
Saturday 2nd August 2008 Pre-Season Friendly att 66
Moneyfields 1 (N'Doye 29)
witney united 2 (Wickens 65, McMahon 77)
United produced a gritty display to overturn a half-time deficit and record an excellent win against Wessex League side Moneyfields in Portsmouth this afternoon.
Missing a whole host of players United started on the front foot and had the home side penned back and Andrew Younie was denied by the home goalkeeper after wriggling clear on the quarter of an hour mark.
Gary Wickens was next up to go close when excellent work from Jon-Paul Mills found him and his touch beat the defender but his effort went wide.
Just before the half-hour and United were caught napping with the classic sucker punch. A United corner was smashed clear and Pabs N'Doye got in behind the defence and neatly lifted the ball over Tom Willshere.
Wickens was looking a clear threat to the home side and his touch had let him down when Andrew Styles picked him out when the next opportunity arose.
United thought they had deservedly levelled matters nine minutes from the break when a Wickens free-kick was spilled by the keeper and Vinny Byfield prodded the ball home but the Assistant Referee flagged for a disputed offside.
Right on the stroke of the interval Jon-Paul Mills flashed a shot inches wide and with the whistle came a half that saw United somehow behind.
Half-Time Moneyfields 1 Witney United 0
The second half continued in the same vain and Wickens was again denied when his fizzing effort was touched over the bar by the home keeper.
Moneyfields did have a decent chance to extend their lead after an excellent individual run but the substitute couldnt apply the final touch.
A minute later and they were left to rue the missed chance when United struck. Byfield picked out Younie whose excellent switch ball saw 2 home defenders collide and McMahon ran on to the ball before picking out Wickens who thumped the ball home.
Twelve minutes later and United were rewarded for their superiority when Mills won the ball from two home defenders and the ball broke to McMahon who from a tight angle fired into the far corner.
Jimmy Griffin was inches away from a stunning goal when a loose clearance broke to him 35 yards from goal but the ball dropped just over the bar with the keeper well beaten.
The final whistle blew on a decent workout for United and reward for the good number of supporters who made the trip.
United; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Lee Henderson 5. Liam Illsley 6. John McMahon 7. Dean Moss 8. Andrew Younie 9. Gary Wickens 10. Jon-Paul Mills 11. Andrew Styles
12. Jon Steedman (NU) 14. Jimmy Griffin (on for Styles 66) 15. Aaron Parfitt (on for Moss HT)
To see more photos from yesterdays game please click here.
Thursday 31st july 2008 Jim Newman Cup Semi-Final Att 52
witney united 2 (Bridges 64, Thompson 82)
carterton 2 (Blakeley 47, Duerden 50 pen)
Carterton won 6-5 on penalties.
Witney bowed out of the Jim Newman Cup after losing a penalty shoot-out to Carterton after an entertaining game of football.
The first half was evenly matched with both sides trying to take the game to their opponents although neither goalkeeper was forced into much action with the best chance for Witney falling to John McMahon on 10 minutes when Andy Younie got to the bye line but his cross saw McMahon head too close to the keeper.
Half-Time Witney United 0 Carterton 0
The game came to life in the second half when Witney found themselves two goals down within five minutes of the restart.
Firstly, on 47 minutes, a long throw from the right was missed at the near post and Chris Blakely reacted well at the back stick to force the ball home.
Three minutes later a long free-kick was dropped by Tom Willshere and in trying to recover the ball he pulled down a Carterton attacker. Mike Duerden stepped up to confidently slot home the penalty.
On 64 minutes Witney found a way back into the game the ball was laid back to Stuart Bridges who hit a peach of a shot into the top corner from 30 yards.
Substitute Ben Thompson was starting to give the Carterton defence a torrid time and within a minute of the goal he charged down a clearance and ran through on goal only for the keeper to get a hand to his shot and deflect it onto the post.
On 70 minutes a good build-up on the right saw Dean Smith put in a deep cross which Gary Wickens got onto the end of only for his header to drift narrowly wide.
The equaliser which Witney had been threatening for some time eventually came in the 82 minute when Harry Burnley played the ball forward and when the last defender missed it Ben Thompson took full advantage by rounding the keeper and slotting home.
Within a couple of minutes Thompson was causing more havoc as he held off his man to get to the bye line and pull a ball back that Gary Wickens powered just wide of the post/. There was still time for both Ben Thompson and Harry Burnley to fire in shots from the angle of the penalty box that the keeper could only parry but the winner would not come and so the game went to a penalty shoot-out.
After Jon McMahon, Gary Wickens and Ben Thompson had all scored and Danny King had fired his effort over United lead 3-2 but Stuart Bridges then also fired over to level matters. With the count level at 5-5 Dean Moss cleared the bar leaving former Witney United player Ricky King to slot home the winning penalty.
United; 1. Willshere 2. Smith 3. Steedman 4. Henderson 5. Perkins 6. Bridges 7. Moss 8. Younie 9. McMahon 10. Burnley 11. Lewis
Subs 12. Styles (on for Steedman 67), 14. Thompson (on for Perkins 60), 15. Wickens (on for Younie 60)
Tuesday 29th july 2008 pre-Season Friendly Att 31
winslow United 0
witney united 1 (Wickens 67)
A strong United side produced probably their best performance of pre-season that only lacked finishing in terms of the perfect night's work.
United played the opening half hour in the Winslow half with some excellent passing moves but were unable to apply the finishing touch.
The home side were struggling to repel the United attacks but the half ended without a goal to show the true terms of superiority.
Half-Time Winslow United 0 WITNEY UNITED 0
The match continued in the same vain after the break and on the hour it looked as though the breakthrough would arrive when Ben Thompson was pulled down in the box. Up stepped Gary Wickens but to add to the night's frustration he saw his kick saved.
United remained patient and midway through the half got their reward finally when Thompson beat the full back and his cross was firmly dispatched by the onrushing Wickens.
Website Review
Although we could and should have scored a hatful of goals this was an excellent workout as we played some good football against a plucky and hard working home side. United's dominance was measured by the fact that our keeper had only one real shot to deal with.
All pictures are supplied courtesy of SportZFoto.co.uk and must not be reproduced without permission.
Saturday 26th July 2008 Pre-Season friendly Att 136
Witney United 2 (Henderson 39, Lewis 50)
Slough Town 0
United overcame searing heat and Southern League opposition this afternoon at The Polythene UK Stadium as they beat Slough Town 2-0.
A host of changes were made as United took on their fourth game in seven days but they had the first opportunity with just three minutes on the clock when Jon-Paul Mills swung in a corner which was met by Vinny Byfield but the ball drifted wide of the goal.
The visitors found their stride pretty quickly though and Tom Willshere had to be at his best to tip over a shot from Danny Jordan after a poor header by Lee Henderson had let him in.
The opening twenty five minutes saw Slough have a lot of the ball but they lacked a cutting edge as Andy Wallbridge and Henderson marshalled the backline well.
With six minutes until the break it was United who opened the scoring. Gary Wickens saw his corner headed back to him by Dean Harper and the United striker left him for dead before crossing to Henderson who planted his header beyond Jon Beames and into the net.
Half-Time WITNEY UNITED 1 Slough Town 0
Jordan went close again for the visitors with a header from a Lee Riddell free-kick which dropped the wrong side of the post and Eamonn McConigley and United punished them moments later.
A swift passing move saw the ball break to Kevin Lewis who 12 yards from goal calmly placed the ball 
beyond Beames and into the corner of the net.
The goal gave Witney a further boost and they were pouring forward at will and Lewis went close again after a poor header by Craig Roberts dropped straight to him but the shot went just wide of goal.
A tremendous lungbusting solo run from John McMahon deserved better after he brushed aside three challenges and shot past Beames but the ball trickled the wrong side of the post.
United were then denied a stonewall penalty kick when McMahon released Ben Thompson who got goal side of Richard Peirson and was tripped inside the area but the referee waved away the protests.
Thompson almost got his name on the scoresheet when he was sent clear by Andrew Styles but his shot was weak and Beames held easily.
The heat slowed the pace of the game down in the closing moments but it was United who left the field much the happier side.
Website Review
A major improvement on Thursday night and a clean sheet to boot. Although Slough had an awful lot of the ball early on Willshere really was called into action just once. After that and our opening goal United were by far the better side and well worthy winners.
United; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3. Vinny Byfield 4. Andy Wallbridge 5. Lee Henderson (39) 6. Jamie Mills 7. John McMahon 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis (50)
Subs; 12. Liam Illsley (on for 3, 77 mins) 14. Andrew Younie (on for 9, 67 mins) 15. Jon Steedman (on for 5, HT) 16. Christian Perkins (on for 2, 77 mins) 17. Andrew Styles (on for 11, 67 mins) 18. Alex Welch
For more pictures from yesterday's game please click here.
Thursday 24th July 2008 Jim Newman Cup 1st Round Att 39
witney united 3 (Wickens 52, Thompson 82,90)
Headington Amateurs 1 (Woodward 89)
A double from substitute Ben Thompson saw United progress to the Semi-Finals of the Jim Newman Cup at Clanfield last night overcoming a vibrant Headington Amateurs side.
United made a number of changes to the side who went down to defeat at Gloucester but they came out of the blocks fast and a volley by John McMahon had to be beaten away by Jeff Simmons.
However Headington began to get a foothold in the game and Liam Illsley was forced to hack a ball clear after a long ball had caused confusion in the United defence.
There was a blow for United when they lost Stuart Douglas after a reckless challenge by Adam Simmons which saw the Amateurs man yellow carded.
Gary Wickens was still looking for his first goal of the season and was inches away when Jon Steedman swung in a free-kick which first Christian Perkins missed before Wickens could only chest the ball wide.
Half-Time WITNEY UNITED 0 Headington Amateurs 0
It was Amateurs who settled quickest after the break and Simmons poked a ball goalwards which saw Perkins in the right place at the right time to clear from danger.
However seven minutes after the break and it was United who opened the scoring. Steedman swung in a corner which was met by the head of Wickens and although it took a slight deflection it is doubtful Simmons would have got to it.
United almost gifted Amateurs a route back into the game when a lack of communication saw Illsley short with his back header but Adam Simmons lacked composure and he blazed over from 12 yards.
Jeff Simmons in the Amateurs goal was having a fine game and denied both McMahon and Wickens with latter being an excellent save from a vicious dipping volley.
With just eight minutes left on the clock though United gave themselves some breathing space. A quick free-kick by Steedman released Wickens who worked the ball well to Ben Thompson who fired home giving Simmons no chance.
However with just a minute remaining Amateurs fought their way back into it when a through ball saw Tom Willshere hesitate and Otis Woodward nipped in and slotted the ball into an empty net.
United were not to be denied though and with two minutes injury time on the clock Steedman played a neat ball inside to Stuart Bridges who picked an inch perfect pass to release Thompson who took an excellent first touch and fired home.
United will now meet the winners of the Carterton v Letcombe tie on Thursday 31st July with a 7-30pm kick off.
Website Review
In all honesty our worst performance of pre-season heralded a victory. Credit to Amateurs whose energy levels were excellent and pressed us all over the park but our calmness in front of goal saw us home in the end,
United; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Liam Illsley 5. Christian Perkins 6. Andrew Styles 7. Stuart Douglas 8. Stuart Bridges 9. Gary Wickens (52) 10. Andrew Younie 11. John McMahon
12. Ben Thompson (82,90) (on for 10, 70mins) 14. Kevin Lewis (on for 7, 15 mins) 15. Alex Welch (on for 6, 77 mins)
Monday 21st July 2008 Pre-Season Friendly Att 98
Gloucester City 5 (Sykes 17pen, Smith 22, Symonds 35, Bevan 70, Upcott 81)
Witney United 2 (Lewis 16, Styles 46)
United went down to their first defeat in pre-season as they were undone by some clinical finishing by the Southern Premier League side last night.
It was Witney who settled the better of the two sides and they went close when a Jon Steedman free-kick was headed away by Tom Hamblin but only as far as Kevin Lewis but his effort dropped narrowly wide.
The home side didnt heed the warning though and after some neat play between Steedman and Andrew Styles the ball fell to Jamie Mills who mishit his shot but it landed at the feet of Lewis who tucked the ball home for his second in two games.
Within 60 seconds the game was back on level terms when Luke Bellinger appeared to go down very softly under a challenge from Vinny Byfield and a penalty was awarded. Alex Sykes fired the penalty home beating the outstretched hand of Tom Willshere.
Five minutes later and United were behind when James Upcott swung in a cross which was misjudged by Steedman and the impressive Lee Smith made no mistake at the far post.
Mike Symonds then missed a glorious chance for The Tigers but he made amends ten minutes before the break when his glancing header gave Willshere no chance.
United were still pressing hard and Gary Wickens was unlucky to see his lob drop just over the bar after a delightful through ball by Dean Smith had cut open the Gloucester defence.
Then came probably United's best chance of the half when a Steedman free-kick saw the Gloucester defence run out but Ben Thompson was left unmarked and onside but he didnt get enough contact on the header and the ball went wide.
Half-Time Gloucester City 3 WITNEY UNITED 1
Within 40 seconds of the restart United had brought themselves right back into matters with a stunning goal. Another Steedman corner wasnt cleared properly and dropped to Styles who from 20 yards fired an unstoppable half volley into the far corner of the net.
This goal saw United have a good spell of play and Jamie Mills was left frustrated when ho opted to try and head home when in reality he probably had time to control and shoot and the ball drifted agonisingly wide.
With The Blanketmen having made a number of changes just after the hour they lost a little bit of shape and with 20 minutes remaining they fell two goals behind again. A through ball from Tom Webb saw Jamie Mills inches away from cutting it out but it fell to the feet of Jody Bevan who calmly finished into the corner of the net.
John McMahon returning after a long lay-off was inches away from grabbing a comeback goal when his header from Jamie Mills' cross dropped just over the bar although Kevin Sawyer appeared to have it covered.
With nine minutes remaining the home side scored their fifth of the night to give the scoreline a rather flattering look when a superb cross was missed by the United defence and Upcott finished with aplomb to round off the scoring in an entertaining match.
Website Review
5-2 was definitely harsh on United who played some good stuff and had the home side on the back foot for a good part of the game. The home side's finishing on the night was top drawer though and we need to remember we were away from home at a side who missed the play-offs in the Southern Premier League by just a point last season.
United; 1. Tom Willshere 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Vinny Byfield 5. Andy Wallbridge 6. Jamie Mills 7. Andrew Styles (46) 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Gary Wickens 10. Ben Thompson 11. Kevin Lewis (16)
Subs All used 12. Andrew Younie 14. John McMahon 15. Christian Perkins 16. Stuart Douglas
Saturday 19th July 2008 Pre-Season Friendly att 174
Witney United 1 (Lewis 35)
Didcot Town 1 (King 14)
United got their pre-season campaign underway this afternoon when they earned a very creditable 1-1 draw with Southern League side Didcot Town at The Polythene UK Stadium this afternoon.
Four players were making their debuts but it was an old face who almost gave United a stunning start when the ball broke to Kevin Lewis 25 yards from goal and his dipping effort had to be clawed over by Michael Watkins.
Their was no quarter being given early on as United pressed their opponents all over the park so it came as something of a surprise after 14 minutes when The Railwaymen took the lead. Didcot were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area after Chris Webb had handled outside the area and they took it instantly and Jack King fired home a powerful effort.
Witney were more than a match for their visitors and although Webb had to be at his sharpest to deny King a second goal the deserved equaliser came ten minutes before the break. Jon-Paul Mills won the ball from Matty Jack in the midfield and drove forwards before releasing Ben Thompson who unselfishly squared the ball to Lewis who blasted the ball into the empty net.
Andrew Styles had put in an energetic first half display and his cross fell agonisingly in front of Gary Wickens who was inches away from connecting with his head.
Half-Time WITNEY UNITED 1 Didcot Town 1
Both sides made a number of changes at the break and one of those almost paid instant dividends when Andrew Younie ran direct at the Didcot defence and his shot had to be tipped over by Watkins.
Sam Elkins almost scored an unlikely goal when his cross drifted goalwards in the wind before landing on the top of the crossbar and bouncing to safety.
Didcot brought on young keeper Neil Howarth and he had to be at his very best to get down low and turn away a Thompson effort which was heading in at the near post.
Both sides began to feel the effects of what had been an excellent friendly and a long range effort from Jamie Newport saw Webb palm the ball away from the goal.
With just five minutes remaining United almost grabbed a winner when Styles tried his luck before the ball deflected to Younie but his effort was hacked off the line by Elkins. From the corner Didcot failed to clear but Younie's shot lacked power and Howarth held easily.
Website Review
A good start from United, they more than matched Didcot in all departments and were good value for their draw. We move on to an even tougher test on Monday night when we face Gloucester City of the Premier Division of the Southern League.
United; 1. Chris Webb 2. Dean Smith 3. Jon Steedman 4. Lee Henderson 5. Andy Wallbridge 6. Jamie Mills 7. Andrew Styles 8. Jon-Paul Mills 9. Ben Thompson 10. Gary Wickens 11. Kevin Lewis (35)
Subs All Used 12. Andrew Younie 14. Vinny Byfield 15. Christian Perkins 16. Harry Burnley
Reserve Div Two West