25/3/00, league
Town approached the game against Ford with the chance of being the only team in the division to do the double over the promotion chasers having already beaten them on their own patch. However all did not go to plan.
Wokingham started the game with what looked like a strong line up, Puckett and Soares up front, Ward, Walkington, Campbell, Thompson and new boy Ian Howell across the midfield and the impressive back 3 of Mitchell, Hughes and Rew. This proved to be right as Town enjoyed the best of the early exchanges and could have scored within 60 seconds as Soares fired just wide after a neat turn on the edge of the box. The first half was fairly even, Ford forcing a number of corners but with Town shading the posession and having some chances of their own. Most notable were the 2 blatant penalties Wokingham were denied. The first was involving Puckett who wriggled free of a couple of defenders in the box only to be barged over in the action of shooting. The ref, whose positioning was superb (a matter of yards away), failed to put whistle to mouth and waved play on. The second was only around 5 minutes later as Soares was pushed in the back when in a dangerous area, however no luck for Town.
The game was over for Town by half time despite going in 0-0 at the break. The hard working and classy Nick Campbell had to go off early in the first half with what looked like a nasty eye injury, then with the last kick before half time Gavin Ward pulled his hamstring. Both instrumental in midfield Town sorely missed these 2 players. They were replaced by Wickens in centre mid and David Graham who had to play out of position at right wing back. No disrespect to Wickens (I'm sure he's a nice bloke) but he is an absolutely appalling player and its a mystery to me how he can play at this level. Looking decidely overweight he is completely immobile and lacks any speed whatsoever. Time after time their midfielders broke forward leaving Wickens behind them with a clear run at the defence. The midfield was lost and there was no cover for the back three. As a result Ford dominated the second period, with long spells being played in the Wokingham half of the pitch. Ford opened the scoring on 53 and didn't look back. They used the full width of the pitch and pulled the back 3 around, thowing in various dangerous crosses from the wings. If it wasn't for the tireless Mitchell (if only all our players ahd his comittment) and the composed play of international superstar Kenny Hughes they could have had more. A mention must also go to Wokingham's goalie Nathan Freeman who made a countless number of top draw saves to keep the scoreline respectable, he really is some player. Their second came on the hour and the third in the last minute of the game.
Wokingham only really had 2 chances to speak of in the second 45 minutes, the first coming from a nice move between Soares and Puckett culminating with a shot from the veteran that only cleared the crossbar by inches. Soares also had a chance to record an injury time consolation goal but fired over.
Matching Ford for the first 45 showed that we can be a top class side but we don't have the quality in reserve. With such a small squad it is difficult seeing Town ever getting promoted unless we have some good players on the bench. Losing Ward and Campbell made such a difference.
God performances from Freeman, the outstanding Terry Mitchell, Kenny Hughes and Clifton Soares. The latter with some great hold up play up front to bring Puckett and co into the game. Poor displays from Pucks (found it difficult to get on the ball and work his magical spells), Wickens and Ian Howell who failed to provide the width on the left.
As first choice Wokingham 11 would probably have beaten Ford but you cannot expect to keep the same 11 fit all season !
