by Ron Hudson

Wadham 2 Minchenden Youth A 1
(U13s Cheshunt League Division 2)
by D.Gregg

Wadham took the game to Minchenden attacking with every opportunity and coming close early on with Billy G hitting the post from the edge of the area and when Minchenden broke Man of the Match Alex B and Maxwell C were there to clear things up.

The all important first goal came when Billy G picked up the ball in the opponents half and played a neat one two with Darnell and fired in a great strike from the edge of the area into the top corner giving the goalkeeper no chance for a one nil lead. Soon after Saballon S put in Darnell T to score the second. Just before the break the Visitors were let back into the game as they reduced the arrears.

The second half for long periods seemed to be a midfield tussle with Minchenden seeming to get the better of the exchanges only to be confronted by a brick wall in the shape of Alex and Maxwell who were outstanding through out the game. Good performances from Reggie D, Saballon S, Harry Ch and Sam P.

Team: Harry Co, Joe T, Max R, Maxwell C, Alex B, Reggie D, Harry H, Billy G, Saballon S, Darnell T, Sam P, Charlie B, Harry Ch, Johnathon C, Thomas B, Samir M.

Newington Rangers 1 Wadham 2
U14s Echo League Cup Round 2

Wadham rode their luck in this Round 2 encounter and find themselves in the Semi-final of the League Cup.

Newington were a strong side but came up against a determined Wadham squad who had not played since early December.

This was a strong defensive display from Thomas H, James D, Srinivass B, and Man of the Match Charlie C and when the home side did get through they found Keeper Joe C in outstanding form.

Wadham took the early advantage after confusion between Keeper and his defence let in the lively Jack C to convert the simplest of chances.

The visitors were under pressure for most of the first half and thanks to Joe C and some desperate off the line clearances they kept a clean sheet for the first half.

Newington came out in the second half and drew level when the forward slipped in to score but that did not deter Wadham as they showed why Team spirit is so important with a flowing move that found Marcelo T-M on the wing, his pass inside found the on-coming and ever alert Jack C to score. Jack nearly completed his hat-trick when he hit the base of the post and at the other end keeper Joe watched as the home side hit the post only for the ball to rebound into his arms.

This was a competive hard fought Cup tie on a very heavy pitch and credit should go to both sides for a very entertaining game.

Team: Joe C, Thomas H, James D, Naill JH, Charles C, Srinivass B, Jamie G, Goksal R, Jack C, Johnny E, Marcelo TM, Cameron FN, Jack B, Jack S, Jack D, Robert R.

Elsewhere, Wadham U7's played out a fantastic game in their first ever Echo League match against Romford Colts. Raynner scored two goal for Wadham U8's against Chigwell Boys.

Wadham U9's went down by three goals against Hutton with fine displays from Daniel P and Matthew M.

Man of the Match Kie D made a string of fine saves as he helped Wadham U10's A beat Prostar 2-1 with goals from Riley B and Rhys B. This result put Wadham into second place of the Echo League Severn Division. Ben L was the star man as the U10'B went down 2-0 at UPR E. The U11's march on into the next round of the League Cup having overcome Barn Sports 2-1.

Wadham U13's A smashed Dagenham United 7-1 to remain joint top of the Echo League B Division with goals from Micah M, Zach A, Daniel R, Ben MP, Aoisio G and Ian MK who scored twice. The U16's were up against Leyton United who fielded only nine players and came away with a scrappy draw thanks to goalscorer Shyhiem G. William G was awarded Man of the Match.