Starting off with the most important game of the season so far Elite once again visited our good friends Wroughton Juniors at their home ground. These games are always tense especially for Ash who used to play for them so they are well aware of the damage he can do....

With a league supplied Ref there could be no ambiguity and at the end of the game everyone agreed the Ref had a very good game.

WJ started out the brighter side and caught Elite napping very early on and a speculative shot by Alistair Moxham from 25yrds out hit the underside of the bar and just crossed the line for the opening goal.Nothing Razor could do to stop that one. WJ 1 - 0 ESC

WJ then tried to ensure that Elite couldnt play their game with Ash being very closely marked by one their players, Wroughtons tactics were clear to see. Mark Ash out of the game and try to slow the game down and run the clock down. When Elite did make some runs towards the goal there were a few late tackles to stop the runners.

A free kick on the right gave James the chance to have a shot on goal which was cleared away. Elite were beginning to show signs of getting back into the game and won another freekick after James took a blow to the face. This time Ash took the freekick and went just wide.

Euan picked up the ball in midfield and managed a nice run down the wing beating the defence and having a shot at goal, which the goalkeeper parried away from the goal the Wroughton defender picked up the ball and with Oli O'shea chasing the ball down panicked the defender into kicking across goal only to hit Oli on the legs and go in for the equaliser. WJ 1 - 1 ESC

Elite were now starting to take control of the game and the chances started to come. Oli Sinclair had a run down the right beating a couple of players and then shooting just wide.

A great kick out by Razor upfield saw Ash take a one touch control and lobbed the ball to Oli O'Shea who controlled and shot wide. The chances were coming and a late goalmouth scramble saw the ball almost crossing the line after 3 attempts but it looked like this was going to be one of those days.....Halftime WJ 1 - 1 ESC

With both sets of management giving their teams a good talking to the tactics changed along with a few personnel. On came Sean to replace Euan and gave the WJ midfield something else to thin about, Ash's shadow had been taken off so he was free to link up with Sean and James on the wings. Again all the play was with Elite as every WJ attack was easily cleared up by Kezza, Josh or James and the game was there to be won.

Elite had a couple of corners which caused problems but the ball was cleared away. James picked up the ball in midfield and shot a long range shot just go over the bar.

Elite again had all the possession and with saw some runs down the left end in a couple of freekicks to Elite as the pace of the wingers caused WJ problems. Unfortunately the freekicks couldnt be converted and time was running out.

With about 4 minutes left to play the WJ defenders scrambled the ball away from the penalty area and the ball fell to Ash about 20yrds out. Ash controlled the ball and then thundered the ball towards the goal hitting the underside of the bar and clearly crossing the line, almost a carbon copy of the Wrougton goal....the crowd went wild!!! WJ 1 - 2 ESC

Elite were still looking to finish off the game and a corner from James, assisted by the wind, hit the upright and the almost went in, but the ball was moving as he struck it so it was retaken. the next chance fell to Euan who got to the bye line cutback and shot, the ball travelled along the goaline and with James about to tuck it in, the ball was cleared away.

With only a few minutes left to play the pressure grew and Elite were hesitant in clearing the ball away allowing the ball to bobble around the penalty area in the dying minutes.

Finally the whistle went and Elite were through!!! WJ 1 - 2 ESC All the boys played their parts and when needed rose to the challenge and played decent football in the spirit that we all expect.

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Holiday Soccer Fun
Feb 2012

Wootton Bassett Football Club
Rylands Way
Wootton Bassett
SN4 8AY

Mon 13th, Tues 14th, Weds 15th and Thurs 16th
Feb 2012

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