Cricklade and Wootton Bassett, who were the finalists in the V.W.H. Cup Competition last season (when Wootton Bassett were the winners) met on Saturday, when the verdict was reversed, Cricklade winning by 3 goals to 2.

Cricklade had to start the game with nine players and the visitors soon attacked. The visitors again got going, Ogbourne and Waite being prominent. The latter fastened onto the ball and drove it along the ground at an oblique angle into the far side net.

The visitor's goal had a narrow escape when Ball missed the upright by the barest margin. Fry raced away and finished a fine solo run by scoring a nice goal from short range.

Cricklade now had a tenth man on the field, and both goals were visited in quick succession. Bassett went away with a nice movement in which Embling was given a pass up the centre but Titford checked the manoeuvre in fine style and sent Vincent away to graze the cross-bar with Hunt out of position.

Cricklade were now at full strength and attacking in force/ Titford after beating three opponents, put in a fine drive which Hunt appeared to have well covered, but Beazley (full back) deflected the ball into the net.

On changing over there was a marked improvement in the play of both teams, the exchanges being very equally divided. The first incident of note was a free kick for the visitors just outside the penalty area. The ball went straight at Sid Giles, who brought off a fine save. Cricklade now began to have the best of matters. Ball force d a corner that was got away, but Titford, gaining possession, tested Hunt with a troublesome shot. Jerry Giles had hard lines when he missed the upright by inches only. This was followed by a similar performance by Vincent.

Cricklade were using every effort to get on level terms, and their reward came when Pegler – another boy who was playing his first game for the seniors at outside right – cleverly eluded two opponents and cutting in, left Hunt helpless with a shot which went into the far side of the net.

Both sides now made desperate efforts for the winning goal, and Sid Giles was applauded when he saved a hard shot by Waite at point blank range. Cricklade had slightly the better of the exchanges, and the visitors defence was none too confident under pressure. When Hales pushed the ball through to Jerry Giles, he side stepped his opponent and drove the ball past Hunt for the winning goal.

Both sides fought gallantly until the final whistle. The visitors' forwards found their men better than Cricklade's quintet, but they were up against a strong defence, in which Sid Giles was outstanding in goal. With a less experienced keeper the verdict might have been different. He was in fine form.

Peglar and Jerry Giles – both only 16 years old – products of the local school team – gave a very creditable display. Cricklade's strength lay in defence, with Titford, as pivot always prominent. He was well-supported by Hale and Mutlow. Vincent is showing improved form, but is inclined to hesitate, Ball was more or less a passenger from the start and can do a lot better.

Bassett were best served by their wing forwards with Embling as leader, Bull, at centre-half, was always in the thick of the fight. The backs and goalkeeper did not inspite confidence under pressure.

Credit: North Wilts Herald 11 January 1935
Last modified on Monday 1st March 2021 at 21:33