Mid-Wilts Youth League, March 18 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Mid-Wilts Youth League, March 18

6:58am Tuesday 20th March 2007 in Football

U9 League cup semi final

A very strong and bitter cold wind dominated all of the weekend's League Cup semi final matches at Leafy Lane on the outskirts of Corsham.

Melksham Town Youth Saints settled into a good rhythm testing Trowbridge Town Youth who battled all over the pitch.

It was Melksham that went in at half time with a goal advantage. The second half was better for Trowbridge but they failed to convert several golden opportunities and were made to pay for it when Melksham hit a second. Trowbridge still could of got a consolation but failed to finish off promising moves. Melksham deserved the win but a Trowbridge team without any subs certainly made them work.

A hat trick from Jake Andrews and a single from Jack Bridewell put Warminster Highbury through to the final finishing 4-2 winners against Trowbridge Wanderers.

U10 League cup semi final

Amesbury Juniors had the wind in their favour in the first half against Trowbridge Town Youth but were unable to take advantage.

When they did find a way through the Trowbridge defence they found Nathan Burrows in the Trowbridge goal who pulled off three excellent saves to keep Amesbury at bay. Trowbridge eventually broke the deadlock five minutes before the break after Liam Naylor crossed the ball from the left for Tom Green to take a touch before side footing Town into the lead. With the wind behind them, Trowbridge controlled the second half, and made it 2-0 after five minutes when Naylor took advantage of the wind and curled the ball into the net direct from a corner. Despite Amesbury's best efforts to force a come back Trowbridge's goal was never threatened due to excellent defending by Radley Dewfall who remained dominant in defence. The game was wrapped up with ten minutes to go when Naylor scored from the spot to send Town through to the final.

Warminster Highbury will join Trowbridge in the final after their close and exciting game which Highbury won 5-4 after extra time and penalties

U11 League cup semi final

Melksham Park took an early lead against Devizes Town Youth which was a wake up call for the Devizes defence.

Park relentlessly attacked the Devizes goal but solid defending and fantastic efforts from the keeper kept Devizes in the game. Mid way through the second half Devizes brought the scores level before taking the lead. The game seemed to be over for Park but they battled back bringing the scores level and sending the game into extra time. The game was sewn up in the second period of extra time with two great strikes from Devizes to secure them their place in the final. Top striker Bradley Hill came off the bench to score a hat-trick with Joe Merritt scoring the fourth.

A very close game between FC Chippenham and Trowbridge Town Youth was settled with a single goal giving FC Chippenham the victory.

U12 League cup semi final

Bemerton Heath Harlequins failed to score for the first time this season as they crashed out in the semi-final stage to a tough Trowbridge Town side. Trowbridge fully deserved their win as they raced into a three goal lead before half time and added another in the second half.

Devizes Town Youth took the lead in their game against Amesbury Juniors but a great come back from Amesbury saw them through to the finals in May finishing 3-1 winners.

U13 League cup semi final

Amesbury Juniors ran out 4-2 winners against Corsham FC following hard fought game. Mel King and Ryan Godridge scored for Corsham.

FC Chippenham took a 2-0 lead in their tie against Trowbridge Town Youth. Trowbridge battled on bringing the scores level before going on to finish 3-2 winners.

U14 League cup semi final

Blue division leaders AFC Corsham had to be the favourites in their game against bottom of the table AFC Calne but the windy conditions proved to be a great leveler.

The game was tight throughout with neither side making a difference in the first half. The game went into extra time after both found the back of the net once in the second half.

The second period of extra time settled the tie after Calne took the lead before securing their victory with a third goal to eventually finish 3-1 winners. Josh Eades, Chris Newth and Josh Archer scored for Calne.

Devizes Town Youth will take their place in the final line up against Calne after they ran out 2-1 winners against Warminster Highbury.

U15 League cup semi final

Trowbridge Town Youth's sides suffered a double whammy in their hopes of playing each other in this season's cup final.

FC Chippenham and Trowbridge Town Youth A team played a very close game which was settled in the dying minutes with a single goal from Chippenham's Sibbick.

Trowbridge Town Youth 2nd faced local rivals Trowbridge Wanderers who gave a great team performance to finish 4-1 winners.

U16 League cup semi final

A terrific game between Bradford Town Youth White and Melksham Town Youth was played in excellent spirit by both teams and superbly refereed by Fred Ivermee from Trowbridge.

Melksham took the lead in the first half but Bradford equalised just before half time through Dan Sandford. Both teams coped well with the very strong wind and defences were on top throughout. The match finished 1-1 and went to extra time. There were no further goals so both teams had to go through the agony of the penalty shootout. This was just as close but Melksham eventually won through 6-5 to take their place in the final after Bradfords last shot hit the upright.

Trowbridge Town Youth defended well against the strong wind in their game against Devizes Town Youth taking the game at 2-0 to face Melksham in this seasons final.

U17 League cup semi final

Castle Combe kicked off playing into the strong wind and on two minutes Andrew Bailey opened the scoring for the Colts, the score was doubled after five minutes from a deflected Adam Wood shot.

On the half hour Amesbury fought there way back into the tie with a goal and within five minutes brought the game level at 2-2. Jake O'Keeffe replied for the Colts with a fierce strike just before the break.

Castle Combe's lead was short lived after a resilient Amesbury again brought the scores level three minutes into the second half.

A good individual goal by Josh Shaw replied for the Colts bringing the score to 4-3.

Some good work by Andrew Bailey on the left finished with a cross and Luke Shipley finished the move off by scoring with his head. The Colts scored a sixth goal after being awarded a free kick some twenty yards from goal. Jake O'Keeffe stepped up to take it and netted his second goal of the game with a superb free kick. The final score Colts 6 Amesbury 3.

U17 League cup quarter final

The last of this seasons quarter final league cup games finally got under way with Marlborough Town playing host to Westbury. Westbury had the upper hand in the first half scoring three with no reply.

The second half was more balanced with both sides scoring two a piece resulting in a 5-2 win for Westbury. Matt Mead, Matt Friendship, Ashley Easton, Sam McQueen and Nick Mead scored for Westbury with Jack Barrow and Mikael Kiviniemi replying for Marlborough.

U9 Division Three

Marshfield Junior Lions held off a spirited AFC Corsham Leopards team in a thrilling game at The Withymead, Marshfield.

The Leopards deservedly led 2-1 at half-time with two well worked goals and some fine saves from their goalkeeper. The Leopards then scored early in the second half to make it 3-1. The Lions dug deep and scored a goal through Joe Murray.

The Lions then pressured the Leopards defence who were unlucky to concede a penalty that Joe Murray confidently dispatched.

Cameron Walker playing in defence for the first time this season started to make some probing passes that opened up Leopards defence to allow Will Billett to dispatch the Lions' fourth goal with aplomb. Joe Murray was a continual threat from the touch line; at one point he threw the ball into the Leopards goal.

Ed Allen came close and a fifth goal was denied by some very brave goalkeeping. At the other end Alex Mathews made three great saves to deny the Leopards an equalizer.

Eventually, one of Joe Murray's throw ins was converted by Joe Mockford with an outstanding volley from the edge of the penalty area to give the Lions their fifth and winning goal. Oscar Nowlan, one of two 15 year olds in Marshfield who have recently passed their referee exam, refereed the game well allowing it to flow for the children and parents' enjoyment.

Melksham Town Youth Robins took the lead through Ross Arnold in their home game against Chippenham Town Youth Blue. Chippenham brought the scores level before the break but a second half strike from Luke Wilkins gave the Robins the match with a 2-1 final score.

U9 Division Five

Devizes Town Youth and Warminster Highbury played a great game full of chances and end to end football.

Highbury scored first before taking a 2-1 lead at half time thanks to a goal apiece from Owen Bartley and Alex Coleman-Waddington.

The second half saw more chances for both sides but Highbury scored the important fourth goal. Devizes came straight back to make 3-2 but, further goals from Bartley and Coleman-Waddington won the game for Highbury.

The score line would have been a lot closer but for the goalkeeping skills of Adam Polden along with defenders Millie Spatt and Bradley Small working hard in front of him.

U9 Division Six

At long last after weeks of continued improvement Marshfield Tigers gained their first league point of the season against Larkhall Athletic at a very blustery and cold Kingsdown school playing fields.

Due to illness, Mothers Day and holidays, Marshfield Tigers could only field five players against a very exciting Larkhall team.

The Tigers showed a lot of endeavour with tigerish tackling from Sofia Kyriakides and prompting from Will Snell in midfield they equalised twice through Charlie Chivers. Chivers has now scored eight goals in four league games for the Tigers since Christmas.

In goal, poor old Alex Joy was turning blue with cold in the absence of things to do decided to dribble the ball out of defence much to the entertainment of the parents on the side.

Both goalkeepers made a number of fine saves to keep the score at two goals a piece. Despite the weather conditions both sides tried to play good football which was helped by the refereeing of the Larkhall coach.

U9 Division Seven

A game of two halves with White Horse Junior Dragons going into a 2-0 lead before half time and threatening to make it three but for some outstanding blocks by Joe Pike in the AFC Corsham Leopards goal.

Corsham came back into the game in the second half with some skilful build up play, particularly from Patrick Cunningham and Tom Dymond, the latter being very unlucky with one run and shot that the White Horse keeper did well to tip round the post. Just before the end a determined run by the Leopards Alexander Acklam was stopped by a foul in the area and Finbar O'Regan stepped up to put away the resultant penalty.

Trowbridge Town Youth move into second in the division following their 3-1 away win against Mere FC. Bradon Davies and Liam Ferris (2) scored for Trowbridge with Charlotte Wright replying for Mere.

U10 Green

Melksham had the luck in front of goal early on against Trowbridge Town Youth with goals from Daniel Cleverley and Joe Read.

In the almost gale force conditions Trowbridge played some good football but struggled to get their shots on target. In the second half Melksham defended well, getting behind the ball yet still threatening to score at the other end. Trowbridge continued to threaten but continued to miss the target. Eventually Melksham scored again on the counter attack with a well struck goal from debutant Charlie Jones. After the third goal a well organized Melksham defence appeared in control through to the end of the game.

U10 Red

In a keenly contested match in which both teams showed some considerable skills Bradford took the lead late in the second half only to be pegged back by Devizes in the last two minutes of the game.

U10 Yellow

In their mid table clash Larkhall Athletic ran out 2-1 winners away to Melksham Town Magpies. Ben Tiley and Paul Collins scored for Larkhall.

Chippenham Town Youth earned their third win of the season after running out 6-1 winners at home to Biddestone FC. Joe Harvey scored for Biddestone.

U11 Division One

Trowbridge Wanderers took the lead in home game against AFC Corsham but Corsham were back on track with an equalizer just before the interval. The second half saw goals from both sides with Corsham edging it to finish 3-2 winners. Kyle Matthews scored both goals for Wandereres.

U11 Division Two

Frome Collegians moved off the bottom following their 3-2 away win against Larkhall Athletic. Matthew Davis and Daniel Marriott scored for Larkhall.

U11 Division Three

Westbury Youth ran out convincing 10-2 winners away to FC Chippenham 2nds with goals from Josh Cartwright (3), Drew Adams (2), Danny Chadwick (2), Dan Precup, Callum Elkins and an own goal.

U11 Division Four

Castle Combe Colts opened the scoring against Larkhall Athletic with a goal from Gareth Jones. Larkhall brought the scores level with an equaliser soon after the restart when Bradley Weeks found the back of the net.

Colts lifted their game and were reward with two goals by man of the match Samuel Hall and a late goal by Liam Wootten to win the game at 4-1.

Worton & Cheverell's unbeaten run finally came to a close as they lost to the odd goal in three against Bradford Town Youth.

Worton suffered from the loss of their skipper who was taken ill during the warm up. Bradford started the livelier as they dominated the midfield and caused problems for the Worton defence.

This pressure lead to a goal and Bradford went in at half time 1-0 to the good. Immediately after the break Worton had their best period of play, running at the Bradford defence.

Eventually this played off as Jack Francis broke through and scored a magnificent goal from just inside the box, giving the keeper no chance. As the game wore on Bradford again started to dominate and they were unlucky not to score as the ball crossed the box on a number of occasions. Eventually the pressure told as they scored a second goal and ran out winners. Sam Francis and Ben Fielding scored for Bradford.

U11 Division Five

Trowbridge Town Youth and Melksham Town Reds played a close game with Trowbridge one step ahead throughout. Taking a 2-1 lead at the break Trowbridge held out netting a third with no reply to finish 3-1 winners. Jordan McNeil (2) and Thomas Buckle scored for Trowbridge.

U12 Blue

Castle Combe Colts Black started really well against Bradford Town Youth taking the lead after ten minutes.

But within a short time Bradford were level after Combe conceded an own goal. Bradford took control of the game and great passing and movement resulted in their second goal coming from Will Brimson with a super strike.

Minutes later Brimson was on the score sheet again scoring Bradford's third and his first two goals of the season. Bradford's keeper Will Gifford was outstanding and played a major part in the match. Referee Simon Partington controlled the game superbly.

U12 Red

Ollie Wittcomb gave Marshfield Juniors a 1-0 half time lead in their away game against Trowbridge Wanderers 2nds.

Marshfield defended well in the second half with several good saves from Sam Lippiatt keeping them in front. Marshfield completed the scoring winning the game with a goal from Fintan Hark after a very good passing move which started in their own half.

Trowbridge Town Youth came up against a very determined Melksham Town side and found themselves 3-1 down at half time. After the break they gathered momentum and played some good football, pulling back two goals before Melksham went ahead again to finish 5-3 winners.

Charlie King, Jack Woolsgrove and Bradley Butcher (3) scored for Melksham with Taran Martino, Ricky Hehir and Ash Avon replying for Trowbridge.

U13 Blue

In a game where the windy conditions played a big part, Bradford on Avon battled hard in the first half, creating a number of chances and taking a 1-0 lead against Trowbridge Town Youth.

Trowbridge defenders Adam Hughes, Oliver Winchcombe and Adam Petty, along with goalkeeper Luke Gumm did well to cope with the windy conditions.

Trowbridge took full advantage of the wind in the second half, and played some attractive football equalising through Joshua Moss. Midfielders Aaron Patrick with a thirty yard drive, Kieran McCaldon with a volleyed finish and Tom Demkiv with Trowbridge's fourth made the points safe for Town. Final score Trowbridge Town 4, Bradford on Avon 1.

After a goal less first half Trowbridge Wanderers took the lead against Amesbury Juniors with a goal from Liam Smart. Amesbury brought the scores level before winning the game with a second in the last minute.

U13 Green

In a very even first half Trowbridge Wanderers were unlucky to go into the break with the scores level at one a piece, with Town equalising through Alex Thompson just before the whistle, after Wanderers had held the lead for much of the half.

The second half saw Town take the initiative with some attractive attacking play through the midfield of Scott Mitchell, John Williams, Jordan Brewer and Dan Davies, providing strikers Jack Parker, Scott Ingram and Alex Thompson with some clear cut chances. Town took the lead through a Scott Ingram penalty, after a foul on Jack Parker, however Wanderers rallied to get an equaliser five minutes later. Scott grabbed his second soon after to gain Trowbridge Town all three points.

A game played in changeable weather conditions including snow, sun and high winds saw Chippenham Town Youth trail local rivals Chippenham Town Rangers by 3-2 at the break. Town were up to the challenge totally dominating the second half to finish 10-3 winners. Chippenham Town Youth saw goals from Cam Dugdale (4), Edward McCosh (2), Dom Roberts (2), James Pritchard and Callum Harford.

U14 Blue

Trowbridge Wanderers ran out 5-0 winners at home against Melksham Park. The win moves them two places up to third in the table. Martin Johnson (2), Finn Young, Josh Ferguson and Otis Young scored for Wanderers.

U14 Green

Trowbridge Town Youth took an early lead against Chippenham Town Youth who battled hard to draw level and missed a couple a good chances. Trowbridge kept on top and went on to score again leaving Chippenham 2-0 down at half time with goals from Nick Rodgerstone and Ben Ryder.

The change of ends seemed to favour Chippenham and Pete Quainton scored from an acute angle putting Chippenham back in the game. Chippenham took heart from this and had most of the play. Trowbridge however were not going to give up and managed a few counter attacks, which unfortunately for them did not pay off.

Matt Rhodes netted the equaliser for Chippenham on his debut ending the game at 2-2. Man of the match for Trowbridge was Lewis Mcgee who was superb in the middle of the defence.

Melksham Town Youth ran out 5-1 winners at home to Chippenham Town Rangers with goals form Jack Kelly, Jon Cox and a hat trick from Ben Macey.

U14 Red

Bradford Town Youth ran out 5-0 winners away to FC Chippenham with goals from Ben Sessions, Robin Aldridge (2), Gabriel Nathan and an own goal.

Four goals from Lewis Heathcote and a single from Jake Adams gave Melksham Park 2nds a 5-1 home win against Derry Hill United. The win leaves Park two points behind leaders Larkhall Athletic with both having two games left to play, one of which against each other.

U15 Blue

A well contested match between home side C.T.C. and Avebury saw chances at both ends. Jason Henley's headed goal was enough to give C.T.C. a deserved victory.

Castle Combe Colts Black took a 2-0 lead at the break in their home game against Bemerton Heath Harlequins. Bemerton were back in the game at 2-1 after the restart but two more goals for Combe earned them a 4-1 victory. Garry Larimer, Matthew Loft, Luke Webb and James Harding scored for Combe.

U15 Green

A tightly fought first half saw Worton and Cheverell take the lead in the last minute through Mark Dickinson against home side AFC Calne. Worton secured their victory with a second mid way through the second half with a great shot from Jamie Long.

Chippenham Town Youth move up to second in the table, one point behind leaders Melksham Park, following their home win against Devizes Town Youth.

Chippenham were on top of their game taking a 3-0 lead at the break before going on to finish 6-1 winners. Ryan Kubilius (2), Rob Felstead (2), Tom Holbutt and Jamie Proctor scored for Chippenham.

U16 Red

South Newton & Wishford dominated play for long periods in their home game against FC Chippenham.

Both sides cancelled each other out in the first half resulting in a 2-2 score line.

After the restart South Newton were on top netting three more with one reply to finish 5-3 winners. Eddie Perrett (2), Ricky Harrison (2) and Josh Brown scored for South Newton with Jessie Nash, Ricky Treweke and Jonny Ingram replying for Chippenham.

Salisbury United move to the top of the table following their away game against White Horse Juniors. Simon Harkness and Ricky Duncan put Salisbury ahead before Ollie Wall made it 2-1 just before the break. After the restart Luke Charity made it 3-1 before goals from Sam Matthews, Charity and Duncan rounded up the final score to 6-1.