FREDS FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

The Douglas Simmons sponsored Wantage Town U16's marched into the Cup semi-final under the lights at Marsh Lane last night.

Moving up through the leagues is a bit like stepping up through the boxing weights. Last night, the Freds stepped into the ring and showed they had enough fight to both take and deliver a punch higher up the rankings.

The character of this squad has never been in question. Over the years they have been belted and bloodied but always bounced off the ropes. As the saying goes - sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. Well, they have learned plenty. They have learned how to protect themselves when opponents start swinging, and how to effectively counter.

The Charlbury starters were bright, direct, and probed in number. The red and black stripes, only beaten once all season, started very much on the front foot and asked new questions of the hoops' back four and midfield. The Wantage resistance may not have come with answers to hand, but they found them rapidly.

It was a stern test of mettle and flexibility. How well and quickly could they adapt at any given moment? Test assigned.

Wantage played out and through the thirds, looked purposeful in possession and were worth their early lead. Ball punched wide to Ray Rwodzi, the speedy winger had the awareness to check back and set the supporting full-back, Matthew Lambe, who whipped in a cross from the right. Jonny Hall judged the flight, stepped away from his marker to find a yard of space, cushioned the delivery and jabbed home the opener. 1-0.

It was a bright start and Wantage continued to break lines with passes but were struggling to find the right weight and angle.

Charlbury responded and levelled from close range. 1-1.

Charlbury carried enough menace about their approach to warrant a change in shape twenty minutes in. It was a decent start, but the Freds didn't have a firm hold, and their opponents were finding ways to threaten. Excellent defending kept them at arms length during the adjustment. In and around the box the response was sharp and aggressive, midfielders tracked in and adapted quickly to situations unfolding.

Thirty minutes in and Wantage started to get a grip. Matthew Lambe, Guy Woolley, Jacob Haines, and Alex Rose were excellent in defence. Nathan Baker, Roan Stillion, James Hirst, and Matthew Goodman, worked tirelessly with the ball at feet to exert pressure - and good support and creativity fashioned opportunities that went begging for a better connection. Game on.

Wantage continued the second half with the same fierce intent they ended the first.

Matthew Goodman worked well with Ray Rwodzi on the right flank and, along with James Hirst, started to unlock doors. Nathan Baker was a handful down the left flank too.

Rwodzi, Hirst, and Baker all tried from range to add a third. Finally, hard-earned, Stillion threaded for Rwodzi who hit a low drive to the keeper's right. The shot-stopper was smartly down to save, but Hitman Hall pounced on the spill. 2-1.

Will Beynon and Elliot Hayter stepped into full-back boots and were a good fit. Christian Marsh and Alex Grimes relieved Ray Rwodzi and Matthew Goodman.

Astute players adjusted to renewed pressure as Charlbury sensed the seconds running out. There would be no white towel.

Tired Freds tapped reserves to go the distance. They scrapped to protect the core passionately in the closing stages and deserved their margin. Lewis Jordan was alert throughout and offered players under pressure a way home so possession could be retained.

Eighty minutes elapsed, sensing victory, Wantage once again started to step lively in search of a knock-out blow.

Chris Marsh curled a free-kick over the crossbar from twenty yards, and moments later the referee, whistle to mouth, put a stop to the contest.

Verdict? Edged