The FTL Futbol Hellenic LeagueTuesday,24th February, 2009.
Lacklustre Wantage make the journey, but don’t turn up.
Pegasus Juniors F.C.4(2)Wantage Town F.C.1(0)
Wantage town’s roller coaster season continues as a curious blend of battling and at times flowing football mixed with inept and disjointed performances that leave the small band of loyal supporters scratching their heads, and unable to anticipate what comes next. This was not a good night for Wantage. Pegasus are a raw but hardworking side, who could not believe their luck, when in the 19th minute, Darryl Simms in the Wantage goal, whose normally safe pair of hands can be relied upon, juggled with a difficult cross, and set Pegasus striker Chris Mortlock off on his hat trick trail. Five minutes later, a left sided break left Wantage completely exposed as Mortlock slid in for his second at the far post. In between times, Wantage pressed, but could not profit from a series of corners as the well organised Pegasus defence stood fast.
More of the same in the second half with Wantage struggling to play cohesive football, with limited movement off of the ball giving players with the ball little option going forward. Mortlock completed his hat-trick in the 61st minute when the Wantage back line, playing very high up the pitch mistimed an offside step-up, allowing the bright Pegasus striker in for an easy strike past Simms. Danny Keen brieflyput a bit of spark into the away sidewhen he lobbed Pegasus keeper James Morgan in the 63rd minute to give a little hope to the travelling support, but any signs of revival were wiped out in the 72nd minute, when Gary Swann misjudged a backwards header to Darryl Simms, playing the ball into the path of Cory Hyde who slotted the ball past Simms to confirm the result.
Four hours of travel is only mitigated by the genial and generous hosting by the Pegasus management. But welcoming words and lifesaving cups of tea upon arrival hardly make up for the pain of watching a poor performance from a squad who are capable of so much more. Richie Bourne and his team have work to do, and willnot be helped by the prospect of losing Danny Allen and Ellis Langford, Danny to Australia and Ellis for a shorter period as his ban kicks in. On the positive side Gavin Jones’ brief appearance from the bench marks a long awaited return, and similarly, Tom Rowe’s return is timely. A positive performance at home against Marlow on Saturday is needed in order to put everyone in the right mood for the following home games against Witney (Wed) and Milton (Sat) next week.
Team :- Darryl Simms, Andy Wallbridge, Adam Learoyd, Gary Swann, Sam Belcher, Liam Illsley,
Liam McCullough, Nathan Hall, Danny Keen, Sean McKeon, Matty Horsell.
