Saturday Intermediate 2004 2005

2004-2005 Final: Buckingham Athletic 1-2 Eton Wick

Played on Saturday 9th April 2005, at AFC Newbury.

Eton Wick won this trophy for the fourth time, after missing two first half penalties. Eton Wick attacked from the start and dominated the early play, Alan Ince and Stuart Swift combined well to put Luke Rusher into the area, but they were rather lucky to be given a penalty in the 3rd minute when the ball struck the hand of a defender. Ben Swift took the kick and blazed wide. The same player put Omar Masqsood through, but Chris Chandler in the Athletic goal raced out and cleared. Athletics’ Mark O’Dell tried to get his forwards going after jigging passed two opponents, but Wick were soon back with Luke Rusher feeding through to Rosario Giacobbe whose long shot sailed wide. A good move for Athletic started with Mick Carroll collecting the ball in his own half and with Michael Owens and Mark O’Dell worked into the Wick penalty area before Mick Carroll’s shot was blocked.
For Eton Wick Lee Smith decided to show his skill with a dribble past three, before Michael Owens picked up the clearance and shot from 30 yards that goalkeeper saved, then he put Damien Wiffen through on his own before Heath Messer in the Wick goal made a spectacular diving save.
Buckingham Athletic were beginning to dominate the play and Mick Carroll had two quick chances without achieving a real shot, then Mark O’Dell tried to show them how but his powerdriver just missed the upright.
The pressure was eased on Eton Wick when Rory Bray fouled Rosario Giacobbe. Alan Ince took the free kick but Omar Maqsood slipped, as he was about to shoot. This was followed by a long shot from Richard Sanford that Chris Chandler gathered safely.
Michael Owens was causing the Eton Wick defence problems and after a good run and cross that no one could connect with, in the 26th minute he had a shot saved by Heath Messer, but Rory Bray followed up and drove the ball into the net.
Heath Messer had to make a magnificent save from Rory Bray when his shot from close range was deflected into the opposite corner to that what he was diving.
Eton Wick tried desperately to get back on even terms but the Athletics four across the back beat off all attacks. After Eton Wick were awarded a penalty after Alan Ince was tripped in the area. Ben Swift again took the penalty but this time Chris Chandler made a magnificent diving save. In the final minute of the half Michael Owens gave Rory Bray a chance to make it two but he missed his shot.
Half- Time 1 – 0
Eton Wick introduced John Faucher to their attack and he put more urgency into the play and could easily have scored in the opening seconds when the goalkeeper was unable to hold his rasping shot, but the ball was cleared off the line. Alan Ince slotted Omar through but he was unable to beat Chris Chandler. At the other end Rory Bray raced on goal only to be stopped by brave Heath Messer who raced out, both players had to be treated.
After 12 minutes of the second half Eton Wick drew level when Stuart Swift’s free kick was punched out by the goalkeeper for Luke Rusher who passed out to the right for Ben Swift to send a terrific rocket into the net. Within minutes there was a repeat of the proceeding but this time the shot went wide.
In the 75th minute Wick took the lead following a build up between Stuart Swift, Ben Swift and John Faucher. From a free kick Ben Swift’s shot hit the upright but Richard Sanford following-up forced the ball into the net. After this both teams had chances, but there was no further score and Eton Wick received the Cup from County President and Life Member Bill Gosling.
With thanks to Mike Jenkins

Results of Semi Finals played on Saturday 5th March 2005

Penn & Tylers Green    0-4      Buckingham Athletic
Letcombe                    2-5     Eton Wick  AET