PATIENT PROCESS PAYS DIVIDENDS

There are many things to admire about great footballing teams, but an attribute often overlooked and undervalued is the ability to stay in the process. When teams have a strong identity and are clear about how they want to play and believe in the method, it enables them to stay strong when rocked. It's so easy to lose sight and / or heart when things are not going well. Sucker punches can have the weak-minded questioning their ability to prevail.

THE FREDS Under 16's had their character tested at Banbury United, and in no small measure.

After starting brightly they conceded bizarrely when the ball bounced between the Wantage defence and goalkeeper, eluded outstretched hands, and settled into an unguarded net.

Not to be knocked off-course, Wantage embraced the detour and started to navigate their desired destination.

Hitman Hall scored a quick-fire double to put THE FREDS back in command. Equilibrium restored. But not for long.

Banbury United took full advantage of the strong wind backing them, caused all sorts of problems as a result, and hit three goals before the interval.

Half-time. 2-4. But distortions of truth have no place in the minds of footballers who play with conviction. The scoreline wasn't a distraction.

Patience was called for and Wantage had to wait twenty minutes for an opportunity to trigger the comeback.

Ray Rwodzi swapped wings with Alex Grimes and immediately left his chaperone a distance behind and squared for Jonny Hall who finished from close range. 3-4. James Hirst then linked up with Guy Woolley to invite Ray Rwodzi to pounce from close range. He pounced. 4-4.

If a bookmaker had been handy we'd have waded in without any reservation. Why settle for one point when you can have three?

THE FREDS were awarded a penalty soon after. Jonny Hall did the business. 5-4. And just to make sure, the Alfredian Assassin hit his fifth and the green and white hoops' sixth before the close of play.

Lewis Jordan, Matthew Lambe, Elliot Hayter, Will Beynon, Jacob Haines, Roan Stillion, Guy Woolley, George Santacana-Melvin, Ray Rwodzi, Jonny Hall, Christian Marsh, Alex Grimes, Joe George, Alex Rose, James Hirst