Goring v Casuals

The Robins had to soak up a lot of pressure from a strong Didcot team, who peppered the Goring goal with a number of long range efforts. The Goring team sat deep and managed to hold on until the deadlock was broken midway through the first half.  As half time approached, Goring responded with a fine equaliser from Will Wakelam into the top corner.

Goring had to defend again from the off in the second half, with Tristan Evers, Ludo Fawcett, Tom Graham and Tristan Astles-Jones all putting in good tackles and blocks. Against the run off play striker Richard Lloyd hit the post, before a punt down field by Wakelam saw Alexander Stone expertly lift the ball over the advancing keep to make it 2-1 to Goring. Unfortunately Goring were to be denied by two late goals from Didcot in the closing minutes to run out 3-2 winners. The Didcot scorer completed a hat-trick.

Goring Robins U9s 1 Didcot Casuals Blues U9s 1

The second match was more evenly balanced, although Didcot always looked to have the edge. The first half was notable for the defensive efforts of Charlie Masters, alongside Georgie Dodd at the back, and the sparkle that forward Harry Purdy brought to the game. Didcot opened the scoring early on, before Purdy equalised as half time approached after good work by Harry Kirk.

Billy Cusack made a good save at the start of the second half to keep the scores level. The endeavours of Kirk and Ted Spencer were evident as Goring stepped up their game. A good run and pass by Masters almost saw Ben Hunt score, before Purdy had a shot cleared off the line. Purdy almost snatched a winner at the end, curling a shot just wide.