FREDS GET SOME CLOSURE AFTER SPECTACULAR JOURNEY

Once upon a time a group of young footballers from Wantage and Stanford gathered to combine efforts for Wantage Town. I make no apologies for the opening line, fairy tales often start this way.

Rooted to the bottom of the Oxford Mail E League, and previously unable to buy a win ( or point for that matter ), the young Freds showed incredible resilience and an admirable growth mindset to chase what, at the time, seemed far-fetched.

It may be a distant memory now, but when Hitman Hall rattled home the second of two late goals against Littlemore to win the E League title one season later, who knew that magic moments like that wouldn't be rationed in the coming years.

Promoted to the C League, the Freds were unmoved by the step up. Sure, it was a tougher gig, but after a tricky start to their next challenge, they rallied to win nine games on the bounce and once again top the table.

The B League had us treading water for a season or two.

Playing well in possession, but needing to improve without the ball, the Freds finished just above the drop zone. However, it took an emphatic 5-1 victory under pressure at Summertown on the final day.

We love the drama.

Last season, we welcomed Wallingford Town to Alfredian Park for the season opener, full of belief. But the green and white hoops were harshly punished for small crimes.

Always looking for positives, conceding seven goals highlighted our shortcomings out of possession. A sharper focus on solutions and willingness to exercise them gave birth to an improved effort.

Having promised no rationing of the good stuff, Charlbury came to Town whilst sitting top of the league. The Freds in third place, two points behind, needed to win to put themselves in prime position for that final promotion push, and complete an unprecedented journey from bottom of the E to A.

Uphill on heavy ground, against the wind and the Charlbury momentum, the visitors struck three times before the interval!

Strangely, you might think, there was a 'calm knowing' that everything was about to change. With all factors now in our favour and a change of shape implemented, the green and white hoops ( always resilient, always in process ) ripped into Charlbury with intent. Forty minutes to hit four goals.

The Freds were made to earn the three points and top spot.

Wantage attacked the visitors' goal with urgency and hit three to draw level. Then, in the closing stages of an epic clash of the titans, Ray Rwodzi wriggled through the last line of defence and thumped a glorious winner.

Rwodzi, swinging his shirt like a helicopter, took off. Team mates rushed to catch his flight, and the celebration was first class. Worth the booking.

Football days come and go, but if you're lucky enough to experience the magic now and then, you'll know it stays with you.

Covid called time. It also threatened to rob an age group of closure in all walks of their life. Looking to sit final exams, they never came. Eagerly awaiting a farewell prom and an opportunity to look like James Bond for a night, the stretch limo stalled. Trophy semi-final ( hard earned ) on the horizon, a distance away.

To quote Judi Dench, though, in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, "It will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, it's not the end."

Finally, this week, an impressive group of teenagers scored exceptional GCSE results, but also got recognition from committee members that understand no table-topping campaign should go unrewarded.

If there be two goals in life, let them be compassion and empathy. If there be a third, let it be to win a league title on your knees. There is no greater feeling than to give your all, and it just be enough by the smallest of margins.