AFC Wallingford Official Website

AFC Wallingford went out of the Berks & Bucks cup to a strong Wokingham & Emmbrook side yesterday. Two defensive errors allowed Wokingham Striker Shane Clark two of the easiest goals he'll score this season to take the Hellenic Div 1 side into the next round.

Wallingford started the game well and dominated long periods of the first half limiting Wokingham to only a few quick attacks.

Wally were on top early on and Tom Collins could not connect with a shot after 4 minutes. On 8 minutes the referee gave the most bizarre back-pass decision in favour of the visitors. A long ball from Wokingham was flicked on and as Gladwin turned his attempt to hook the ball clear 30 yards from goal was sliced and caught by Bovingdon in the Wallingford goal. The free kick was blocked and went wide but a poor decision could have cost Wally early on. On 22 minutes Bovingdon made his first save comfortably down to his right and from a number of set pieces Wallingford could only force chance when Chadbone headed wide form Campbell’s delivery. Wallingford were now forcing the game into Wokingham’s half but just could not find the goal they deserved before half time.

On 48 minutes Wokingham got themselves a lead. Amos got lost out in a challenge on the left and the wide mans cross was turned towards goal by the W&E striker, Bov saved well with his feet but as Jordan Lee-Brown attempted to clear the ball stopped in the mud and Clark poked in from 5 yards to give the visitors the lead. W&E No.4 (now playing up front) was causing problems and fired over on 49 and saw a shot well saved by Bovingdon on 50. Collins created a great chance for Chadbone only a minute later but his volley clipped the top of the bar and flew over. On 55 with Wallingford chasing the equaliser Wokingham’s centre forward broke through on goal but Bov saved well at his feet. On 59 minutes Wally thought they had the equaliser but Collins was denied from only yards out. Campbell picked up a Yellow for a late challenge on 60 minutes and Wokingham made it 2-0 only 1 minute later. As the ball landed in midfield Wokingham’s midfielder helped the ball forward but neither Lee-Brown nor Butcher cleared their lines and Clark who appeared to be offside went round Bovingdon to finish into an empty net! Campbell then showed a lack of self-discipline on 68 minutes when he appeared to lash out after a tackle to receive his second yellow and his marching orders. Wallingford nearly got themselves a lifeline with 5 minutes to go when a superb tackle from Amos broke to Lee-Brown who put in a fantastic cross but with Collins deciding whether to volley or head the ball home he did neither and the ball drifted wide.

Match Squad:

1. Nick Bovingdon

2. Gareth Sanashee

3. Jordan Lee-Brown

4. Ben Gladwin

5. Michael Butcher 

6. Courtney Amos (c)

7. Ben Jennings

8. Tristan Campbell

9. Ben Chadbone

10. Craig duncan

11. Tom Collins

12. Ashley Charles (on for Jennings)

GK. Henry Craven (on for Bovingdon) 

GOALS: None

BOOKINGS: Campbell                                                    SENT OFF: Campbell

AFC Wallingford, now without a win in 3, now face Faringdon either side of Christmas. Faringdon, who are currently second with a 100% record in the League come to the Hithercroft on the 19th Dec in the league in what will be a very important game if Wallingford's young side want to prove they have got what it takes to get promotion this season. Faringdon then return on the 2nd of January in the North Berks Cup.

Wallingford should have a number of players back for the 19th including a couple of important signings that will not only add to the young squad but improve it.