Didcot beat Slimbridge 2-1 yesterday in the 1st Leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final.  Report:

Didcot will take a narrow 2-1 lead to Slimbridge in the 2nd leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final on April 4th after a hard fought encounter at the Loop Meadow on Saturday.
Didcot will need to be at their best at Wisloe Road as Slimbridge once again showed they are one of the best sides in the Premier Division at the moment.
It was Slimbridge who started the brightest and they had two early chances to take the lead. Mike Green’s free-kick was well-smothered by Didcot keeper Chris Webb in the 2nd minute and shortly afterwards Matt Green was also denied following a rare slip by Danny Campbell.
Will Morford almost capitalized on another defensive mistake from Didcot, this time by Andy Wallbridge, but Webb produced a brilliant block with his leg to divert the ball away.
Eventually Didcot settled down and started to cope with playing into a strong southerly gale. Ian Concannon and Stuart Beavon exchanged passes and only a terrific challenge from Leon Sterling prevented Beavon from having a clear goal-scoring chance.
The home side took the lead in the 36th minute. Beavon’s run down the right wing resulted in Allton Axton conceding a corner. Concannon took-it and following hesitation from a static Slimbridge defence Danny Campbell acrobatically volleyed home past keeper Adam Thomas.
This was a game of few chances and the second half saw Didcot retain more possession and Slimbridge defend admirably into the strong wind.
Beavon headed over following a good move and cross from the left by Andy Parrott but Didcot did double their advantage ten minutes after the break. Beavon’s deep cross was turned into the 6 yard box by Concannon where Parrot somehow bundled the ball over the line.
For a while Didcot threatened to settle this two legged-tie. Concannon short narrowly wide on the turn and Parrott volleyed wide from an excellent position.
Slimbridge had rarely threatened after the break but they were gifted a vital goal to make it 2-1 following a poor pass from Grant Goodall. Under no pressure the Didcot defender inadvertently gave the ball to Morford who in-turn released Robbie Colwell and he made no mistake from 12 yards.
Colwell should have done better with another chance in the 71st minute but this time his shot was well-wide.
Bradley Ward brought a stunning save from Thomas after a good move involving Paul Powell and Thomas was again in the action when he saved a quickly taken free-kick by Concannon.
The home side created two further chances in the closing stages. Parrott’s fierce shot was parried over the bar by Thomas and then Dave Green headed a good opportunity over the bar from a Concannon free-kick.
The final whistle came shortly after and both sides will now fancy their chances of reaching the final on the 6th May.

Didcot: Webb, Goodall, Wallbridge, Campbell, Green, Parrott, Heapy, Ward (Bianchini 83), Concannon, Beavon, Powell (Jack 83)

The Reserves game against Wootton Bassett was postponed after our opponents were unable to raise a team.

The Reserves stretched their lead to 14 points at the top of Division One with a 2-0 win at Fairford on Tuesday. Billy Warner and Chris Hogan were the scorers.

Bishops Cleeve won their re-arranged Premier match at Almondsbury with a solitary late goal last night to cut our lead to 17 points.  They still have 3 games in hand so theoretically that could be slashed to 8 points with us yet to play at Cleeve ie. there is plenty of work yet to do!.  This weekend, while Cleeve are in League action at Highworth, we host in-form Slimbridge with the First Leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final.

Slimbridge were excellent in the League game at the Loop recently hitting the post/bar three times before we beat them 2-0.  The good news on the player front is that Andy Wallbridge and Paul Powell are available for selection which will give Stuart some real selection headaches.  All the news as usual first thing on Sunday morning plus the result/scorers of the Reserves game at home against Wootton Bassett Tn (kick-off 2pm)

A second hat-trick in just 4 days from Ian Concannon gave us another vital win in the Premier Division against Chipping Norton at the Loop yesterday.  In the Process Didcot notched their 102nd League goal.  Full Report:

Didcot stretched their lead at the top of the Hellenic Premier to 20 points after a comfortable 3-0 win against bottom club Chipping Norton on Saturday.
Played in a biting wind and near freezing temperatures Didcot never quite hit top form against a spirited Chippy and the game will only likely be remembered for striker Ian Concannon notching a second hat-trick in the space of just 4 days.
The home side dominated possession early-on without creating too many chances. Bradley Ward, starting in only his second game since November after a groin injury, brought a comfortable save from Mark Harris before Ian Concannon and Jack King had shots blocked in a goalmouth scramble.
Didcot were very unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Andy Parrott was shoved over in the box following a corner but the referee was unsighted.
Stuart Beavon scoffed a shot from a good position and Harris was able to smother the ball but it was Chipping Norton who almost took the lead with their first meaningful attack. Julian Spalding’s shot on the turn almost beat Chris Webb at his near-post but the big Didcot keeper did well to push the ball away for a corner.
The home side were having problems adapting to the windy conditions as Chipping Norton were happy to defend in numbers. Jamie Heapy fired a thumping effort narrowly wide midway through the half before a brilliant piece of defending denied Didcot from taking the lead. Concannon lifted the ball over the keeper and as it looked destined for the corner of the net Gary Wilson performed heroics to hook the ball away to safety.
Harris produced the save of the game to deflect Jack King’s 25 yard pile-driver round the post but it was a temporary reprieve because Didcot took the lead in the 36th minute. Ward’s pass found Beavon and while Harris managed to get a hand to his low shot he had no chance in preventing Concannon a simple tap-in from the rebound.
Dave Green nearly doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time but Jerry Packham bravely blocked his goal-bound effort.
Half time 1-0
The second half saw Didcot playing into the wind and if anything it helped them retain possession. However, it was Chipping Norton who created the best early chance when Cameron Busby missed a good chance after being set-up by Dave Skipp.
At the other end Ward’s delicate chip landed on the roof of the net as the home side gradually found their rhythm.
And it was no surprise when Didcot went 2-0 up with a trademark Concannon strike into the bottom corner of the net from 12 yards.
The visitors rallied briefly. Skipp brought a smart save from Webb as did Tom Radcliffe with free-kick from just outside the box.
Andy Parrott was denied by a goal-bound block following good work by Beavon on the right but Didcot did manage to round off the scoring with another goal in the last minute. Substitute Glyn Jones found Grant Goodall in the box and his cross-cum-shot was headed home by Concannon at the far post.
Full time 3-0
Didcot: Webb; Goodall; Heapy; Campbell; Green; Parrott; Jack (Jones 55); King (Bedwell 55); Concannon; Beavon; Ward (Beckett 75);
 

The First Team have a week's break before the fisrt leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final at the Loop against Slimbridge next Saturday.

The Ressies are at Fairford on Tuesday.

Change to the fixture list sees us hosting Slimbridge next Saturday (25th March) in the 1st Leg of the Challenge Cup semi-final NOT away from home as previously scheduled.

Didcot produced a terrific display, and reached the final of the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy, in beating Spartan South Midlands outfit Holmer Green 5-0 at Watchett Lane this evening.  We now play the winners of Sandhurst and Aylesbury Vale (who also played this evening) in the final.

Star of the show was undoubtedly striker Ian Concannon who grabbed a hat-trick and in the process notched his 250th goal for the Railwaymen - a magnificent achievement at nearly a goal every game.  The other goals were scored by Bradley Ward (the goal of the game too) and a late strike by Jack King.  CONGRATULATIONS LADS.

Following Sandhurst 3-1 in extra time this evening against Aylesbury Vale we will face them in the Final (date and venue tbc)

Ian Concannon hit a superb hat-trick as Didcot progressed to the final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy with a very impressive display at Spartan South Midlands outfit Holmer Green on Tuesday evening.
The hosts started brightly and had two good opportunities in early-on. The first came when Adam Symon released Andy Shed but he saw his effort go wide of the far post. Shortly after Shed’s effort was well-saved by Town keeper Chris Webb.
Didcot’s first opportunity came on 15 minutes when Jack King picked up a half clearance and hit a vicious shot that missed the right hand post by inches.
A minute later Didcot did take the lead when Holmer keeper Chris Tullett’s poor clearance fell to Concannon who calmly placed the ball into the empty net from 25 yards out. It was Concannon’s 250th goal for the club but he was soon to add to that tally.
Beavon nearly gave Concannon a second goal on 27 minutes but Tullett did well to intercept Beavon’s cross. Moments later King’s effort lacked power from 18 yards out and Tullett saved comfortably.
Holmer Green were unable offer much as a threat to Webb’s goal as the Didcot defence performed solidly.
Moments before the interval Didcot were awarded a penalty when Jamie Hunt handled inside the area. Concannon made no mistake from the penalty spot to give Town a deseved 2-0 half-time lead
Half Time 0-2
Didcot maintained the pressure on the hosts after the interval. King tested Tullett with a thumping volley on 47 minutes, which the keeper did brilliantly to save. Beavon then tried his luck with a 25 yard free kick but again Tullett was equal to it.
Didcot went further ahead and it was Beavon who created the opportunity from which Concannon completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute.
Holmer Green tried to respond and only moments later Shed created an opportunity for Simon Poulter but his shot was disappointing and sailed harmlessly over the bar.
Didcot substitute Bradley Ward delighted the crowd with the fourth goal, the best one of the match, in the 78th minute. In space outside the penalty area the midfielder curled a superb shot from 20 yards which gave Tullett no chance
Three minutes from the end Didcot made it 5-0. King took advantage of a deflection on Grant Goodall’s cross and he applied the simple finish at the far post.
Andy Wallbridge went close to getting a sixth goal in the dying seconds but after meeting Glyn Jones’ corner his header was cleared off the line.
Full Time: 0-5

Didcot team: Webb: Goodall: Jack: Campbell: Green: Wallbridge: Beckett (Ward 56 mins): King: Concannon (Jones 72 mins): Beavon (Bedwell 72 mins): Heapy

The Reserves face Cheltenham Saracens in League match on Wednesday night.
 

A weekend of mixed fortunes at the club with the Firsts winning 6-2 at Witney Utd but the Reserve's brave show in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Trophy ended with a 3-0 defeat at Chalfont Wasps.

Didcot made it eight league wins on the trot with an impressive 6-2 at Witney United on Saturday.
In truth the game could have had even more goals and both sides deserve credit for producing an exciting match on a rather heavy pitch.
The visitors attacked from the off and Witney keeper Paul Tassell was forced to make two good early saves. He had already beaten away a fierce drive from Didcot skipper Jamie Heapy before he made an even better stop from Ian Concannon.
But Tassell was unable to prevent Stuart Beavon from giving Didcot a 10th minute lead. Concannon played the ball into space and Beavon coolly stabbed the ball home under the keeper.
Witney almost hit back immediately but Chris Webb did well to save at close range from John McMahon.
McMahon missed another good opportunity before Nando Perna shot well-wide from a good position.
Witney were creating all sorts of problems in and around the Didcot box and only a fortuitous bounce off Danny Campbell’s heel stopped Jamie Cook from having a clear run on goal midway through the half.
And it was no surprise when the home side levelled in the 25th minute. It was all too easy for Perna to create space for himself and then release Cook who showed good technique to score from 12 yards.
Concannon came within a whisker of putting Didcot back-in front with a free-kick and then Matty Jack contrived to miss with the goal at his mercy on the half-hour mark.
Matt Brandish should have done better with a great chance at the other end and it was a costly miss because Didcot all-but settled the game with three goals in 13 minutes before the break.
A stunning move started by Beavon and Heapy ended with Concannon striking a volley home from the edge of the box to make it 2-1.
Didcot went further ahead when Concannon released strike-partner Beavon who showed good composure before shooting home left-footed.
Richie Saunders and Brandish should have done better with two great chances as Witney threatened to reduce the arrears but it was the visitors who had the last say in a pulsating first half. Jack King’s free-kick was nodded back across the penalty box by Heapy and Dave Green thumped the ball high into the net.
The goal of the game came 10 minutes into the second half and it saw Didcot go 5-1 up. Heapy, Beavon and Andy Parrott gave Concannon a shooting chance which he converted with precision from just outside the penalty box.
Didcot scored again in the 61st minute when poor defending presented Danny Campbell an opportunity which he volleyed home from close range.
With half hour remaining a cricket score looked on the cards but all credit to Witney because they continued to cause Didcot problems at the back.
Cook’s measured cross found ex-Didcot striker Danny wise at the back post and he headed home to make it 6-2 and the home side came agonizingly close to scoring again. Wise was denied by Webb, McMahon rattled the bar with a thumping drive and then Andy Wallbridge made a brilliant goal-line clearance to deny Wise a goal that Witney’s persistence deserved.
However Concannon probably should have got his hat-trick, and what would have been his 250th goal for Didcot, when he thrashed a shot wide with only Tassel to beat in the final moments.

Didcot: Webb; Wallbridge; Bedwell (Beckett 61); Campbell; Green (Goodall 55); Parrott; Jack; King; Concannon; Beavon (Bianchini 65); Heapy.
 

The Firsts are next in action on Tuesday with the trip to Holmer Green.  Kick-off 7.45pm

The Reserves are aiming to get back to winning ways with a League match at Cheltenham Saracens on Wednesday.

The weekend sees the Firsts travel to Witney Utd for a vital League match and the Reserves travel to Chalfont wasps for the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Trophy semi-final.  Both these matches depend, of course, on the pitches remaining playable and there is some considerable doubt already about the Witney game.  If either match is called off it will be posted asap here or on the message-board.

The Witney game will be tough and Didcot are likely to be missing Paul Powell through injury.  The good news is Grant Goodall and Bradley ward are both fit again and available for selection.  {Please note that the road through Newbridge is closed so alternative route is needed for travelling supporters.

Assuming the Reserves match goes ahead we have a player/supporters coach leaving at 11.30am - first come first served for that if you wish to cheer the lads on.

The First Team are now playing at Holmer Green next Tuesday and the Slimbridge match at the Loop is now postponed.

The First Team are at Holmer Green tonight in the semi-final of the B&Bucks Senior Trophy - Match Report will be here tomorrow morning.

BOTH OUR MATCHES TONIGHT WERE CALLED OFF DUE TO WATERLOGGED PITCHES

It was an excellent day for DTFC yesterday with the First Team beating Abingdon Town 4-0 at the Loop and the Reserves winning the top of the table clash at Henley 3-0.

First Team Report:

Didcot extended their lead at the top of the Hellenic Premier Division with a comfortable 4-0 derby-win against Abingdon Town at the Loop on Saturday.
The home side almost took the lead as early as the 3rd minute when Jack King’s superb long-range volley thumped against the post and then Abingdon keeper Jon Beames saved well from Matty Jack on the rebound.
But Abingdon also had early chances. Matt Lyford shot wide and then Tom Larman forced Didcot keeper Chris Webb into making a decent save.
The home side were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty when Rob Lovegrove handled the ball in the 6 yard box as Ian Concannon looked set to score, but Didcot did manage to make the breakthrough in the 27th minute. Concannon did well to release a perfect pass in the box to Stuart Beavon who made no mistake with a right-foot shot from 12 yards.
King was denied only by a clearance off the goal-line by Lovegrove and then Beavon volleyed another effort wide following good work from Paul Powell.
Larman’s cross was bravely blocked by Webb as Abingdon looked for an equalizer but it was the hosts who finished the first half on-top. Jack saw his effort cleared off the line and Beavon was unable to convert from close-range.
The game was ended as a contest when Didcot struck twice in two minutes shortly after the interval. King looked miles offside when he collected a through-ball from Powell but he unselfishly squared the ball to Concannon who slotted home into an empty net to make it 2-0.
In Didcot’s next attack Beavon scored with a stunning 25 yard shot which gave Beames no chance.
The home side spurned countless opportunities to increase their lead in the second half. Paul Bedwell missed a sitter which nearly went-off for a throw-in, Andy Wallbridge was unlucky to see his header ruled out for offside and Andy Parrott headed over from 8 yards when it looked easier to score.
Parrott did however make amends when he finished off a fine move to make it 4-0 in the 71st minute.
Nana Agyeman always looked a threat for Abingdon and he almost reduced the arrears with a terrific shot that Webb saved at the second attempt.
In the closing stages Parrott, Concannon and Dave Green all missed when they were clean through with only Beames to beat but somehow the Abingdon keeper was able to deny them.
Fittingly the last action involved Beames who turned aside Parrott’s goalbound header to keep the score at 4-0.

Didcot: Webb,Beckett, Bedwell, Campbell, Wallbridge, Parrott, Jack, King (Hogan 76), Concannon, Beavon (Green 63), Powell (Heapy 61)
 

The Ressies won courtesy of goals from Glyn Jones, Rod Dorrian and Bradley Ward.  They are now 12 points clear in Reserve Div One but have many games still to play.

Please note that the club are running a coach to Chalfont Wasps next Saturday for the Reserves B&B Intermediate Cup semi-final.  The coach is leaving at 11.30am and if you wish to be on it please arrive in good time to ensure you get a place.

The First Team are back in action at the Loop on Saturday with the long-awaited derby against near-neighbours Abingdon Town.

It's a big game for both clubs - we are looking to keep our lead at the top of the Premier and Abingdon looking to move away from the relegation places.  With Danny Morgan and Laurence Hoey both making returns to the Loop it is likely to be an interesting afternoon.

Didcot have a full squad to choose from but with Grant Goodall and Bradley Ward both fit again it would be a brave man to change the winning squad from Tuesday's win at North Leigh.  Stuart certainly has some decisions to make provided everyone reports fit.  All the news and reaction online here on Sunday.

The Ressies have a massive match themselves when they travel to Henley for a vital League match.  Once again, news and reaction here on Sunday.

The First Team produced a superb display in beating fellow title challengers North Leigh 4-0 last night.

It was a measure of Didcot's dominance in the game that keeper Chris Webb hardly had a save to make and in the end a 4-0 scoreline in no way flattered the Railwaymen.
With only a Jack King shot, that flew over the bar, of note in the first 15 minutes, Didcot stepped up a gear and started to dominate the remainder of the half.
Stuart Beavon’s good turn and shot from the edge of the penalty area on 16 minutes didn’t really worry North Leigh keeper Richard Barrett. However, only minutes later, Beavon met Jamie Heapy’s right wing cross and his header forced Barrett to make a good save.
Heapy and Beavon were involved again in Didcot’s next attack on 25 minutes that gave Ian Concannon space to run into the box on the right. Concannon’s low shot across goal missing the far post by inches.
Didcot’s persistence paid off after half an hour of play. Andy Parrott found space inside the penalty area to meet Beavon’s cross and the midfielder stroked the ball home from 12 yards.
Norht Leigh’s first effort came on 34 minutes. Simon Futcher tried his luck from 25 yards out, only to see his effort go harmlessly over the bar.
Didcot’s lead was nearly doubled on 38 minutes. Paul Bedwell’s excellent left wing cross, found Ian Concannon unmarked inside the North Leigh penalty area. Unfortunately he was unable direct his header properly and keeper Barrett was able to save comfortably.
Just a minute before half time, Andy McCabe’s good run gave him an opportunity to test Webb from 20 yards, but saw his shot fly over the bar under pressure from Danny Campbell.
Half Time: 0-1
Didcot continued to dominate after the half time interval. Only a few minutes in, Beavon set up Jamie Heapy to strike from 20 yards. Unfortunately, the midfielder did not connect with the ball properly and the shot went straight to keeper Richard Barrett.
Beavon then created a chance moments later as he picked up Chris Webb’s clearance. The striker managed to find a yard of space to shoot from the edge of the box, but saw his effort go just over the crossbar.
Didcot deservedly got their second goal on 57 minutes. Paul Powell’s delightful lob over keeper Richard Barrett, from quite a tight angle, dipping in just underneath the bar.
Four minutes later, Didcot were 3-0 up thanks to a fine individual effort from Ian Concannon. Concannon’s good close control took him past several defenders as ran into the penalty area and he calmly stroked the ball past Barrett into the net.
North Leigh were unable to make any penetration through the visitor’s defence. Liam Hope had half a chance on 69 minutes to strike from long range, but his effort didn’t trouble Didcot’s goal as the ball flew wide.
On 71 minutes, a Chris Webb’s long ball appeared to catch North Leigh’s defence off guard. Ian Concannon was quick to punish the hesitancy and hit a delightful lob over the advancing keeper. Although goalkeeper, Richard Barrett managed to get a glove to the ball, he was unable to stop Didcot claiming their fourth of the game as the ball went into the goal.
Didcot nearly added to their tally in the closing stages. Firstly Barrett spilled Stuart Beavon’s shot. Substitute Matt Bianchini was close punishing him for the mistake, but the keeper was quick in reclaiming the loose ball.
North Leigh’s last opportunity for a consolation goal came two minutes from time. Good work from Joe Burnell in midfield gave Robbie Wyatt a chance from 25 yards out, but his shot flew wide of the far post.

Final Score 0-4

Didcot team: Webb; Wallbridge, Bedwell(Matty Jack 70 mins), Campbell, Green, Parrott, Heapy(Beckett 63 mins), King, Concannon (Bianchini 74 mins), Beavon, Powell [Report M Buckmaster]
 

The Ressies also earned an important win with a 2-1 victory against Badshot Lea.