Match reports for the weekend Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd October.
Please note, there is no reserves match report as the game was postponed.
Saturday 1st October 2022
Wycombe Wanderers U18 1 v AFC Stoneham 1 (JPL League Game)
The sun was shining at the 1878 Stadium for Wycombe Wanderers U18 squad who played their first league game of the season in the JPL Warriors League against AFC Stoneham.
A small crowd basking in the Burnham Stadium were wondering what the game would bring as a preseason friendly had previously seen the Chairgirls lose quite indefatigably to AFC Stoneham. However, Stoneham met with a different side today. The Chairgirls looked good in training and had worked hard to integrate new players into the squad. They all seemed very confident and comfortable coming onto the pitch knowing that the game could be tough.
The game started tentatively for both sides with no real desire to put pressure on the goal keepers with 50/50 possession. The Chairgirls looked relaxed and confident settling into their game with Talia Mead making her debut from Aylesbury providing experience and pace. After 7 minutes, Freya Harris narrowly missed scoring with a great run down the left. Naomi Tilley also threatening to score. After 20 minutes of end-to-end action, Molly Carter seized an opportunity and took on the goalkeeper who scooped up the ball at Carter’s feet. As the Chairgirls found their mojo we saw attempts from all our attacking players but with no goals on the score sheet. Thirty minutes into the game saw Stoneham try to find our net but GK Gemma Harvey made a great save.
Stoneham kept up the pressure and a mix up in defence saw Stoneham chip a ball over and the ball dribble along the floor finding the bottom left of our goal which put them 1-0 ahead just after half time. Unfortunately, a strong tackle involving Brooke Sanders ended with her being injured and having to leave the pitch. We hope she’s ok and she can play again soon.
With some excellent through balls, we saw Molly Carter breaking through with a great run-on goal, composed and determined to get the Chairgirls onto the score sheet, she confidently smashed it into the back of Stoneham’s net.
The next game for the U18 team will be our next league game against Notts Forest at our home ground 1878 Stadium, Burnham on Saturday 8th October, kick off 10.30
Sunday 2nd October
Wycombe Wanderers Women 3 – Sport London e Benfica 2
WWWFC got their FA Cup campaign underway with an entertaining 3-2 home win against Sport London e Benfica. The match was hosted at Adams Park and drew a crowd of over 250 supporters.
Wycombe were missing a host of senior players but were still able to field a strong side. The game began with Wycombe dominating possession and they were duly rewarded for their positive approach. Chante Inniss scoring after 10 mins having been set free from a raking pass from Kara Howes. Marked by two players she still had plenty to do, cutting inside beating both players and calmly slotting home.
The second goal was a real team effort involving four players moving the ball out wide to Honor Cantrell to score on her competitive debut for the Chairgirls.
The second half ended with Wycombe threatening to score more but ended 2-0 to the home side. Those in the crowd expecting a walkover in the second half were in for a surprise as Benfica hit back with two great goals to turn the tie on its head.
However, Esmee Sword was on hand to restore Wycombe a lead with an audacious finish receiving a lofted pass from Shauna Smith, she first controlled the ball with her chest before unleashing a volley from 25 yards into the left hand corner of the Benfica goal.
Head coach Carl Simon said “It was a great day made all the more special by the response of Wycombe Supporters coming to watch us for the first time, enjoying the match and feeling entertained and we are grateful to the owners for giving us such a wonderful opportunity to represent the club at Adams Park. We are delighted with the result that takes us into the next round but Women’s football was the winner today and Sport London e Benfica more they played their part.”
Next up is the Chairgirls it’s back to league action as they take on league leaders Bournemouth Sports at the 1878 Stadium on Sunday 9th October.
