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Braces from Collins, Brown and Duncan and Gladwins first goal of the season eased Wallingford past Bracknell Town Reserves and into the next round of the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup.

Bracknell struggled to deal with Wallingford’s fast tempo right from kick off and failed to cope with Wallingford’s attacking players. In the 4^th minute Bracknell’s Centre Half managed to escape a booking when he fouled Tom Collins as he raced through on goal, Kelleher struck the post from the free kick. On 14 minutes Jordan Brown raced through and blasted over but minutes later he played a part in the opening goal. Collins raced through onto Butchers long pass, his shot was saved, Brown then headed the ball against the post and Duncan fired home from the rebound. 5 minutes later Gladwin made it 2-0. Collins was again brought down on the edge and when Tristan Lewis’ free kick came back off the wall Gladwin drove the ball into the bottom corner from 20yards. The destructive Amos then headed over when well placed and Duncan fired wide after excellent work from Brown. On 29 minutes Butcher nicked the ball away from the centre forward and broke forward. His clever pass then released Duncan who took one touch and smashed the ball into the far corner from 25 yards out. A lapse in concentration then allowed Bracknell to pull one back but only 80 seconds later Brown gave Wallingford their 3 goal cushion. Brown drove in from the right and with the two centre halfs distracted by Collins’ movement he continued to run through on goal and smartly finished into the top corner. The last 10 minutes went by with little chances for both sides leaving the score 4-1 at half time.

A trademark run from Brown saw him break through again but pull his shot wide on 51 minutes. 59 minutes saw the Bracknell keeper pull off a good save after Butcher headed Kelleher’s free kick at goal. On 63 minutes Collins finally managed to break the offside and calmly volley the ball over the onrushing keeper into the top corner. 16 year old Asher Caynes then came on to make his first team debut replacing the lively Duncan. Brown broke through on 68 but the keeper saved well at his feet but 40 seconds later he broke through again after an excellent break from Jordan Lee-Brown and finished well past the keeper. Collins made it 7-1 with 15 minutes to go with a cheeky lob. After racing through Collins waited for the keeper to go down and lifted the ball over him into the empty net. Collins then had chances to claim his second Hat trick in a week but failed to find the net. He was also denied the opportunity to score from the spot. He broke through yet again but after being brought down by the Bracknell keeper, although everyone in the ground (including the Bracknell keeper!!) expected a penalty to be given, the referee waved play on!

In all another good win and a very strong performance.

Manager Lewis said after “The boys are really starting to find their feet at this level and teams are struggling do deal with the pace at which we play the game and the ability of some individuals. Our front three were excellent today but as a team we look strong. Its pleasing to finally see the goals going in but it is important we continue to focus on the league and pick up 3 points in those games, It is disappointing that we now have a big gap before our next fixture as It would be nice to keep the games coming”

Wallingford now have 2 weeks off with all other teams having cup or league fixtures scheduled so they will next be back in action on the 17^th October when they travel to Division 3 side Benson Lions in the North Berks Charity Shield.