For the first ten minutes it hinted as being more of the same.
But then the penny dropped.
Keep the ball on the ground,
zip it around and use pace and control.
For half an hour eleven Wantage players produced pure football.
The initial front pairing of Richie Guy and Richard Claydon, supported by wing backs Gavin Jones and Matty Horsell provided the pace, whilst in midfield Liam Illsley, Tom Malton and born again Ellis Langford, provided the control.
At the back, a three of Andy Wallbridge, Adam Learoyd and Sam Belcher, protected ? supported ? Darryl Simms, ........and looked secure, as a back four.
Brockenhurst are not a bad side.
But 5 – 0 at half-time to Wantage did not flatter the visitors as Claydon (3), Guy and Langford hit the back of the net in slick, well crafted moves, rounded off with deliberate and sharp finishing.
More to come in the second half as Wantage rung the changes.
Another back three of Jon Stott, Chris Copp and Gary Swann, with Copp’s calm control a feature, and more goals featuring particularly well taken efforts from Jack Daley and Sean McKeon.
Rob Durrant took over from Simms for the last 20 minutes. Rob ‘popped in’ on a short break from duty in Afghanistan and returns to see out the final weeks of his ‘tour’. He carries with him the wishes of everyone at the Club for a safe return later in the season.
Competition for places is a good thing to a point.
Every player wants to play.
But these days with easy won bans, and injuries, successful teams are successful squads.There could be something to be a part of, at Wantage, this season.
Or was it all just a dream.
Come and see next Tuesday evening (21st July) at Wantage when we entertain neighbours Abingdon United and Friday evening (24th July), when we meet Swindon Supermarine, both games at Alfredian Park.
