AFC Wallingford Official Website

A penalty from Kelleher and a Baker goal take Wallingford in to the Regional Semi Finals of the Centenary Cup after a battling 2-1 win at near rivals Benson AFC

Picture ( Jordan Lee Brown deals with another long ball from Benson)

Benson AFC started much the brighter and could have lead within 30 seconds of the start, their long ball landed at the feet of James Oliver whos effort deflected off Butchers head onto the bar. This was a quick start to what was going to be a tough battle for both sides. The first 15 minutes belonged to Benson and they were rewarded for their pressure on 14mins. A poor decision from the ref gave Benson a free kick 25 yards from goal. Olivers effort was hard but straight and Craven failed to deal with the ball and parried it into the roof of the net. This triggered Wallingford who started to put a bit of pressure on Benson but struggled to cope with Bensons physical game. A set piece straight from the training ground almost worked when Chadbones effort was blocked. On 31 minutes Butchers through ball found Brown in the box who was brought down by the keeper. It then took the referee 3 minutes to confirm that it was a penalty and Kelleher duly dispatched it into the roof of the net. On 35 minutes Kelleher broke through onto a Poulter pass only see his shot saved. Benson then dominated the rest of the first half with Wallingford struggling to cope with their physical style of play but Benson failed to create chances.

A positive and firm half time talk lifted Wallingford who came out and began to dominate the early periods. After only 4 minutes another corner routine produced a good save from the Benson goalkeeper. Collins replaced Poulter on 55 minutes to add a little more pace up front but it was Benson who nearly took the lead when they hit the post in the 60th minute. The game then became a very physical battle which suited Benson but Wallingford stood up to them and kept their discipline well. On 77 minutes this paid off when a trademark determined run from Brown found Baker 2 yards out at the back post to slam home for Wallingford to take the lead. This rattled Benson who then were determind to turn the game into a scrap which Wallingford were prepared for. Campbell replaced Brown with 10 minutes to go and Wallingford held on with some good defending with Baker almost grabbing a third after some excellent individual skill but he hit the post with the finish.

A pleasing result and a scrappy but determined performance which will see Wallingford at home in the next round against either Long Wittenham or Warborough & Shillingford.

Match Squad:

1. Henry Craven

2. Michael Butcher

3. Tristan Lewis

4. Ben Gladwin

5. Courtney Amos 

6. Jordan Lee-Brown 

7. Jordan Brown

8. Sean Kelleher 

9. Ben Chadbone

10. Josh Poulter

11. Ross Baker 

12. Tristan Campbell

14. Tom Collins