Old Wykehamist Football Club

On another cold rainy Sunday morning on Bulls Drove, which at least was not water-logged like the previous year, an OW Vets sides of John Nicholls, Dominic Barbour, Ed Jackson, Gordon Baker, Andy Moretti, Seb Beloe, Richard Hall, Ben Donald, Dave Delanoy, Johnny Hewitson and Nick Lloyd (with John Hornby 12th man) faced a strong Chigwell side. A strong opening fifteen minutes of sustained pressure was rewarded by a beautiful (and somewhat uncharacteristic) headed goal by Mr Hall charging up from midfield. Alas before Big G could connect with a Delap Lloyd long throw, Lady Lucks pendulum swung. Their first was an inadvertent deflection. The second an inadvertent cross shot. The third right on the stroke of half time was their winger steaming past an injured right back wanting to make it through to half time.



The OW response was spirited. Lloyd and Hewitson slotting home only to have their valiant efforts very dubiously disallowed. Lloyd brought down by the keeper when through one on one, but no decision, even though afterwards the referee admitted it should have been a penalty. Despite all the second half pressure, we could not put the chances away. Invariably their competent forwards would carve out the occasional chances on the counter attack. After some admirable saves, including one on a one on one, Judge Nicholls net was breached one fourth time, thereby effectively killing the contest.



So 1-4 it was, but certainly not a fair reflection of the game. “ At least that saved us a trip to darkest essex in the next round” said the captain