North Leigh F C

In dismal conditions both teams contributed in putting on a game of real quality, which was action packed throughout. Wantage took the initiative early on, but North’s back four of Josh Burnham, Hayden Morse, Rob Keylock & Filton Pavier withstood the pressure commendably. After a short while Will Potter & James Turner got a grip of central midfield and North started to take control of the game. Some lovely passages of play down both flanks from Chardex Pavier & Dom Belcher asked questions of Wantages defence, though they looked well organised and dealt with the pressure very well. On the half hour North took the lead, Man of the Match Shaun Hiles getting reward for showing great tenacity, he latched onto a good through ball going on to slot the ball past an on rushing keeper. At this point North were in the ascendancy and should have added a second, Tom Weedon slicing wide when clean through. Wantage always posed a threat going forward, their striker forced a great save from North’s keeper Joe Morse who tipped over a fierce strike from close range. Wantage got back on equal terms right on the stroke of half time, an inswinging corner finding its way into the back of the net.

The game continued to be played at high tempo in the second half, but was a much more even affair. North regained the lead when Tom Weedon fired home from a tight angle, after some good work from Dom Belcher wide on the right. Wantage drove forward in search of an equilizer, North held firm until James Turner inadvertently tripped a Wantage player inside the box, the penalty was dispatched expertly giving Joe Morse no chance. Opportunities came and went for both teams in an exciting final ten minutes, though in the end a draw was probably a fair result. Credit should also be given to the excellent referee, who allowed the game to flow whenever possible