Thames Valley Over 65's WFL November 25

I don’t know how to start this report as from my side its one of frustration having so many regular players missing to select from through injury, holidays, hospital appointments and work. Both teams were down to the bare bones with the first team missing three key players and the second team without a recognised goalkeeper and players being moved up to the first team. So I submitted my team selection to the league on Monday night fearing the worst. Thanks to the lads who were available the session turned out to be good and not so good. I’ll start with the not so good. When our second team kicked off at almost 15.45hrs it had started to spit with rain and the floodlights weren’t at their full height. We also, through a no fault of ours had to kick-off with only five players. The game was against the strongest side in Division 3, namely Oxford United. Within seconds we were 1-0 down and by the time we had a full compliment of players we went 2-0 down. However, our heads didn’t drop and with Steve Buckey in goal, yes you’ve read it correctly Steve Buckey in goal and keeping us all in some kind of shape with his signature encouragement from the back, Brian Kemp managed to get a goal back with a long range shot which their keeper couldn’t handle. Oxford then scored a third late on to put the game to bed. 3-1 the final score. Next top was our local neighbours Tring who have never beaten us. Well, that kind of record I suppose has to come to an end at some point and yesterday was the day. Within minutes of kicking off Tring went into an early lead and shortly afterwards doubled their lead. The referee was quite lenient with his running offences but it had to be only time before the 'Tring Whippets' were penalised for four offences. Up stepped Brian Kemp who calmly converted the penalty. After that it became more of a tight affair and although we created a few chances we couldn’t find an equaliser. 2-1 the final score. Third up was Slough Town and although the score suggests otherwise, we had our fair amount of chances and Ken Rose and debutant Nigel Walker marshalled our defence really well, but fell short losing 2-0 to speculative shots from range. Our final game was against Maidenhead United and they have always been a physical team and a lucky near-post shot from distance wrong footed Steve Buckey in goal and they went ahead. However, a well worked corner between Andy Smith, David Rose and Brian Kemp so him equaliser with a cool finish from the edge of the box. With seconds to go, Maidenhead were punished for four ‘not walking’ offences and Brian Kemp steeped up and like before cooly converted the penalty only for the referee to disallow it for a technical infringement in taking the penalty. In my opinion a harsh decision but rules are rules. 1-1 the final score. So, with only six players, no recognised goalkeeper or striker we ended the day with three losses and a draw. 

Squad: Steve Buckey, Ken Rose, Nigel Walker, David Rose, Brian Kemp, Andy Smith. 

So the our first team, and a big thanks to John Durrant who although not fully fit, agreed to play, otherwise our first team would also have been without a recognised keeper. Our first game was against Wycombe and in Division 1 all the games are tight affairs, normally settled by the odd goal. Well, as usual and well worked passage of play followed by his signature quick turn and shoot Mick Stanbridge scored the opening goal, which was enough to seal a win. Second up was Abingdon, and although we have beaten them before, this was a real tight affair with few chances being created by either side. However, from a corner Alastair Greene fired the ball across the box only for their keeper to get in the way and deflect the ball into his own net. Goal given and we managed to hang on and secure our second win of the session. Next was Bracknell, who had an England international playing up front and his quick turn and shot uncharacteristically surprised John Durrant and they took an early lead. This lead lasted until midway through the game until another good passage of play presented Mike Wood (and his new boots) with a chance, which he took with aplomb to bring us level. With the clock ticking down and a draw looking likely, Mick Stanbridge jinked past a few defenders and from range, found the bottom corner with a lovely left foot shot. We were also awarded a penalty for four ‘not walking’ offences but unfortunately, the Bracknell keeper made a great save to deny going further ahead. 2-1 the final score. One game left, our arch rivals Highworth Town, who as always were our last opponents. With our fuel tanks running low and with Mike Wood receiving a blue card midway through the game, the lads really dug in, especially Lee Swales and Chris York who were superb in defence and left side of midfield, keeping a clean sheet to end our session with a well earned draw. 0-0 the final score. I also have to mention Derek Armson, who is currently recovering from a knee injury, but came along to support the lads but seeing we only had six players he kitted up just in case we needed him. 

Squad: John Durrant, Lee Swales, Alastair Greene, Chris York, Mike Wood, Mick Stanbridge. Unused Sub: Derek Armson 

So a session of good and not so good, but we enter the Winter break with our heads held high as both teams 'left everything on the grass' and we look forward to welcoming our injured players back, when the league resumes in February 2026. Our First Team are still second in Division 1, closing the gap to only three points behind Highworth Town. Our Second Team remain third in Division 3, but now ten points behind Slough Town in second and seventeen points behind Oxford United who are top, with one session to go.