Didcot Town Res 2-0 Wasps - League

Wasps rested Skipper Jack Harding but started with a strong side nevertheless against bottom of the table strugglers Didcot – no one, home and away supporters alike, expected what would follow! 

Wasps never got close enough to a Didcot side who, with a few old heads in key positions supported by some willing youngsters, were allowed to enjoy far too much of the afternoon’s slow tempo play. However it was Wasps who had the better of the chances early on with Fred Tripp having the first strike on goal after only 3 minutes. A bright start from the visitors was halted to allow the unfortunate Kieran Webb to be stretchered off after turning an angle badly. Tom Seddon came on. Didcot got their first of the afternoon shortly afterwards and Wasps were reorganising. A far post cross was only mildly contested by the Wasps allowing Lewis Newport a clean header at goal; 1-0 after 17 minutes. Wasps rallied a little and Tripp shot directly at the keeper when under pressure only 30 seconds after the restart. Both sides continued to create opportunities as a casual looking Wasps failed to shut down effectively or retain possession for long enough when on the ball. Jason Degelas in the Wasps goal tipped over well on the 38 minute mark which seemed to spur his team mates into some action. Tripp went close again but Wasps remained 1-0 down at half time. 

Wasps were out early, after what was probably an uncomfortable time in the dressing room, and did indeed start with a bit more gusto in the second half. The sky threatened snow, but the Wasps threatened little as the game settled into the same pattern as the first half. Didcot’s second came after 61 minutes, and was a little fortunate. A well struck 20 yard drive from Newport was heading harmlessly towards Degelas in the Wasps goal but got a wicked deflection on route and snuck into the corner of the net. Seddon and then Simon Williams worked a useful home keeper in quick succession. Harding came on from the bench, Matt Skinner pushed into Midfield after 65 minutes but Didcot were enjoying their surprise afternoon and were playing with a swagger and confidence a 2 goal lead allows. Even manager Martin Kenealy came on to marshal his troops from the field and try and salvage something from the game – alas, despite a little spirit in the final minutes Wasps failed to score and were left to lick their wounds.

Wasps Reserves always went down by a margin of 5 away to Martin Baker Rovers and out of the Bucks and Berks Junior Cup – not a good day at the office for the Wasps.

Fixtures:

Sat 4^th February:

Brimscombe & Thrupp v Wasps; Hellenic Supplementary Cup - 2nd Round – Kick Off 2:30 p.m.

Wasps Res v Wycombe Athletic; Wycombe Junior Cup - Quarter Final- Kick Off 2:00 p.m.