Wantage Town travelled to Devon on Saturday afternoon to tackle Tiverton Town in the Preliminary Round of the FA Trophy.
Owen Howe had the first chance of the afternoon heading over on 9 minutes when well placed. James Richards kept up the home pressure on 20 minutes shooting straight at Tucker in the Wantage goal after bursting through. The Freds first try on goal came in the 26th minute when Jimmy Deabill headed a good chance wide of the far post. Deabill had another chance on the half hour but could only screw his shot wide. Tivvy took the lead 10 minutes before the break. Matt Bye’s cross was deflected and nodded down by Hinds to Jamie Mudge who thumped home a volley from the edge of the box. Right on half time Sam Barder went very close to a leveller after being set up by Xapi the youngsters shot was fumbled by Tivvy keeper Wright but trickled just wide.

Brad Shaw came on for Pearce at half time to try and gain some attacking momentum back for the Freds and it worked as they started the 2nd period brightly. Brad Shaw had an early free kick go over the top and creating some pressure. But Mudge came close on the break after the hour chipping over the stranded Tucker but wide of the goal. A minute later and the Freds had a penalty for a push on Deabill in the box. Skipper Tom Melledew stepped up and sent Wright the wrong way only to see the ball strike the post and come out. Shaw went close again with another free kick soon after. On 70 minutes Howe went close again but was denied by a fine save from Tucker. It was now end to end Shaw had a volley go straight at the keeper on 75 before a minute later Steedman did well to stop Mudge doubling the score with a terrific interception. Dan Western’s long range effort for Tivvy just flashed wide before Owen Howe struck again with 10 minutes to go and effectively end the tie, tapping in after a good cross from Mudge found him at the back post. Deabill charged through to almost pull one back before the end but the hosts held on to seal the win and place in the next round.

It had been a hard fought game but the Freds came up just short in the end. Next up - back to league action next Saturday 25th October and a trip to Yate Town.

Team - Tucker Sadler Barder Steedman Brown Melledew(c) (sub 75 Roberts) Xapi Johns Deabill Lachcaz Pearce (sub 45 Shaw) Subs not used - Farrow and Cattell

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The Reserves were also back in League action on Saturday (18th Oct) where they took on a tough test with a trip to Cirencester Town Development and came up short losing 4-2 in the end

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OTHER WEEKEND FIXTURES

FA TROPHY PRELIM ROUND

Bashley 0-1 Sholing
Cinderford 1-1 AFC Totton
Clevedon 0-3 Mangotsfield
Didcot 3-1 Marlow
Egham 2-1 Bridgwater
Larkhall 2-4 Shortwood
St Ives 0-1 Stratford
Swindon Supermarine 1-2 Fleet Town
Taunton 1-1 Merthyr Town
Wimborne 3-2 Goldalming
Yate 1-2 North Leigh

HELLENIC LEAGUE DIV 1 WEST

Letcombe 0-2 Fairford
Purton 0-2 Longlevens
Tuffley 1-2 Shortwood Res
Tytherington 3-2 New College