AFC Wallingford Official Website

AFC Wallingford beat Warborough & Shillingford 4-1 to start their league campaign with a win, thanks to goals from Lewis, Chadbone & Kelleher (2).

Picture: (Courtney Amos Prepares to make another challenge in Midfield on Saturday) 

AFC Wallingford gave their young players the chance to shine on Saturday when they left out their two most senior players, Kelleher and Chadbone, and for the first half an hour it seemed to pay off as Waliingford dominated possession, created numerous chances and played some of the best football they have played to date. On 13 minutes an excellent touch from Brown allowed Gladwin to strike from the edge of the box but it whistled wide and on 14 minutes Wallingford had the ball in the net but it was disallowed as Butcher had bundled the Keeper into the goal. On 25 minutes Warborough & Shillingfords number 5 was lucky to remain on the pitch when his 2 footed tackled barely missed Collins after a free kick had already been awarded. Only a yellow card was issued. On 27 minutes a mix up between Lee-Brown and Lewis almost allowed W & S the lead but the ball was volleyed wide. 30 minutes should have seen Wally take the lead. Gladwin’s clever pass released Baker, overlapping from fullback and as he raced through on goal he smashed the ball wide of the near post. Wallingford could then have scored 4 in the next 3 minutes as on 32 and 34 Collins and Gladwin saw good chances saved and on 35 Brown saw his effort also saved. On 35 minutes the breakthrough came as Lewis’ delivery missed everyone and deceived the keeper to nestle into the far corner. Jordan Brown was hacked down by the number 5 when in a clear shooting position and minutes later Coliins should have made it 2-0 but he shot poorly when 1 on 1 with the goalie. Butcher lifted the ball over when well placed and W & S fired wide just before half time and the score remained 1-0.

Kelleher replaced Duncan to add a little experience and directness and it had the desired effect. Despite a sloppy start to the second half Ross Baker beat 3 players to fire over on 49 minutes and W & S could have equalised on 53 but missed when well placed. On 60 Brown weaved his way past 3 defenders only for their number 5 to, yet again, bring him down. This time a penalty was awarded but no booking and Kelleher dispatched calmly to give Wallingford a 2-0 Lead. Wallingford continued to create good scoring opportunities but it was not until the 82^nd minute that they furthered their lead when Kelleher scrambled home his second from close range. Warborough & Shillingford then scored something of a wonder goal as the ball was struck straight from kick off and it flew under the bar out of the reach of Bovingdon, who had little to do all game, to deny Wallingford their first clean sheet. Wallingford responded quickly though as Chadbone hooked Bovingdons long kick over the W & S Keeper and with the ball seemingly over the line the defender cleared straight to Kelleher who fired home to claim his hat trick. Although the ref did not seem to award the initial goal the linesman said after the match that Chadbone’s effort had crossed the line and it was definitely Chadbone’s goal.

Wallingford travel to Lambourn Sports next week who, after beating title chasers Crowmarsh last weekend were heavily beaten 6-2 at Didcot Casuals on Saturday.

Match Squad:

1. Nick Bovingdon

2. Ross Baker

3. Tristan Lewis

4. Courtney Amos 

5. Michael Butcher 

6. Jordan Lee-Brown 

7. Jordan Brown

8. Ben Gladwin 

9. Tom Collins

10. Gareth Sanashee

11. Craig Duncan

12. Sean Kelleher

14. Josh Poulter

15. Ben Chadbone

GK - Henry Craven