WANTAGE TOWN 2 ALMONDSBURY TOWN 2
11th Aug 09 - Wantage Town 2 vs 2 Almondsbury Town
Report by Almonds Webmaster

 

Almondsbury travelled to Wantage for their opening league fixture for the 2nd year in a row and they had to do so with 5 regular 1st Team players missing. John Lock (suspension), Simon Gilbert (suspension), Paul Fowler (groin injury), Adam Cole and Kasey Johnstone (holiday) were elsewhere as the game kicked off in brilliant sunshine. It was a bright start for the Almonds until the 5th minute when the referee awarded a penalty against Ben John as he challenged for the ball. It was a marginal decision and after playing on and seeing the Wantage striker waste his opportunity, he called it back and awarded the spot kick. The kick was put away with ease by Claydon to give the Almonds a nightmare start.

 

 

From the kick there was no panic in the Almonds play as they set about their passing game, probing for an opening. Efforts from Ingram, Williams and Kabba were all thwarted by the home keeper until the 20th minute. A clever quick free kick by Kane Ingram was played in to Steve Peters who turned and stroked the ball into the corner of the net to give the Almonds a deserved equaliser. Up the other end, a curving free kick was turned round the post by Ben John as Wantage continued to pose a threat on the counter attack. 5 minutes before half time, the Almonds had 2 great opportunities to score as chances for Kabba and Ingram were saved again.

 

The second half started like the first half for the Almonds, a lapse in concentration and within 5 minutes, they found themselves 2-1 down. Hesitation in the Almonds defence and several failed attempts to clear the ball resulted in the ball being driven into the roof of the net by Ely and give the Almonds a mountain to climb. The response was good and in the 55th minute, a free kick from Andrews was headed in by last seasons top scorer Kane Ingram to put the Almonds back in the game. The final 35 minutes were dominated by the Almonds as they went in search of the winner. 4 or 5 goalbound shots were either blocked by the excellent home goalkeeper or came off the woodwork. Wantage had Nathan Hall sent off for a second bookable offence when he blocked Ben Johns drop kick from his hands which allowed the Almonds more space into which attack. Wantage were happy to set up camp on the edge of their box and defend for their lives. Late on two great chances fell to Williams and Ingram but the Keeper was there to save Wantage again. Pushing for the win, a misplaced pass by Kris Davis was intercepted by Luke Morley who raced towards the Almonds goal only to see his final pass fall short and get cleared to safety. At the final whistle, the Almonds players could feel unlucky not to have won this game but after gifting Wantage two goals, Paul Weeks will be looking for a far tighter defensive display all round when the Almonds face Longwell Green in the FA Cup this Saturday.