Wantage Town started their FA Cup campaign on Friday evening with an excellent 3-2 victory over Hellenic League Premier Division high flyers Kidlington.

Lee Farrow and Stuart Cattell returned to the starting lineup after missed Monday’s defeat and Richie Guy started up top alongside Jimmy Deabill. Wantage with the strong wind behind them dominated the game in the first half. Matt Jones had a shot well saved by Hyslop in the Kiddy goal on 12 minutes when put through. But on 16 it was Jones’ perfectly flighted corner which was powerfully headed home by Cattell to make it 1-0 to the Freds! Riccio was forced off with injury on the half hour and his replacement Karl Roberts first touch nearly set up a 2nd. His cross hit on the volley by Guy but somehow hit the bar and stayed out. 5 minutes later Guy hit the bar again with a shot but this time Jimmy Deabill was quickest to react and poke home the loose ball to double the lead.

Into the 2nd half and with the elements now behind the visitors the game began to turn. Some really neat touches and approach play saw Kiddy’s Tommy Castle head home to reduce the arrear on 58. Lee Farrow then pulled off a world class save from Jack Quainton to keep it at 2-1, just fingertipping the ball over the bar. But it only delayed the inevitable as on 62 Johnson crossed from the right and Ryan Curtin flicked home to level the match. But Wantage then showed their class - raising their game a gear to get back into the fight and with 15 minutes left captain Tom Melledew went on a powerful run and finished strongly to make it 3-2 to the hosts! Frustration got the better of the visitors as an uncalled for stamp from Quainton on Lachacz saw him receive a red card on 78. The ref levelled it up to 10 men each with 5 minutes left, harshly judging a tackle from Karl Roberts worthy of a red. In truth there was doubt it was even a free kick. Kidlington pushed hard as time started to run away from them. There was a late penalty appeal after a top class tackle from Stuart Cattell but the referee called correctly and brushed aside the visiting appeals.

All in all an exciting match for the neutral and the Freds will be happy with the victory. Man of the match for his overall leadership of the side and the winning goal - Tom Melledew.

Next up in the FA Cup is a trip to either North Leigh or Flackwell Heath who play on Saturday. Next League game is a week tomorrow Saturday 6th September away to Tiverton Town.

Team - Farrow Sadler Da Costa Steedman Cattell Riccio (sub Roberts 30) Guy (sub 76 Shaw) Melledew(c) Deabill Lachacz Jones (sub Barder 70). Subs not used - Tucker and Johns