Breaking News...Mildenhall beat Gorleston 2-0 tonight so we play them in the FA Vase 3rd Round at the Loop on the 10th December...

Our U18 Youth team lost 1-0 at ever improving Bicester Town last night.

The First Team have had a fixture change - We now play Shrivenham at home in the League on Saturday 17 December.

Apologies for the site going off-line yesterday - too much bandwidth.

Our U17 Youth team continued their excellent early season form with a crushing 6-1 win at Henley yesterday.  The result keeps them at the top of the OFA Youth Invitation League 17B.

The First Team have been drawn away at Chalfont Wasps in the League Challenge Cup 2nd Round.  Tie to take place on Saturday 17th December.

We should find out our fate in the FA Vase this week when Gorleston and Midenhall are due to play their 2nd Round replay.

An excellent performance from the First Team at Carterton saw us progress into the 2nd Round of the Hellenic League Challenge Cup.  Very early goals from Stuart Beavon and Ian Concannon put us into a 2 goal lead and it remained that way despite a spirited performance by the home side.  The only concern to Stuart Peace will be the knocks to Andy Parrott and Matty Jack but these don't look too bad at this stage. Full report:

Two early goals ensured Didcot progressed comfortably into the Second Round of the Hellenic League Challenge Cup as they seek to win the trophy for the 3rd consecutive year.
The opener came within the first 5 minutes and it was a result of an incisive move. Ian Concannon and Paul Powell linked up well from a corner and Concannon’s floating cross was met by Stuart Beavon who headed firmly past Scott Rose in the Carterton net.
It was the in-form Powell who created the next opportunity on 10 minutes, receiving a quick free kick from Dave Green and hitting a fierce strike from 25 yards but the ball went narrowly over the bar.
Didcot were in total control and it was no surprise when Didcot doubled their lead a minute later. A superb ball from Andy Parrott put Concannon in space and as Rose raced out of his goal Town’s in-form striker coolly lifted the ball over him and into the unguarded net.
Carterton struggled to impose themselves in the first half and they created relatively few chances. Their only meaningful shot on target in the opening period came from James Mortimer-Jones but keeper Chris Webb saved comfortably.
Didcot kept pressing. Concannon tested keeper Rose after good work from Jack King. Beavon then picked up a loose ball inside the Carterton half on 20 minutes and hit a shot which Rose did well to save.
After Carterton suffered the loss of top scorer Kevin Lewis on the half hour mark, Didcot went close to getting a third in bizarre circumstances. An attempted clearance by Tony Joyce at the near post from Concannon’s corner ricocheted off Green and the ball bounced agonizingly just wide of the post.
The home side had a little spell of pressure towards the end of the half but found Didcot’s defence difficult to breakdown. Paul Cooper’s good turn and shot on the edge of the Didcot penalty area looked on target but was deflected out by Jamie Heapy for a corner, which came to nothing
Half time 0-2
Didcot started the 2nd half in commanding fashion. Rose was called into action on 49 minutes, saving well from Green’s header from Concannon’s corner. A minute later a good run and pass from Powell to Beavon saw the striker’s shot lacking power and Rose was able to save easily.
Parrott was the next to go close when he headed Darren Beckett’s right wing cross just wide of the post.
Carterton managed to apply some pressure in the latter part of the game. Mark Threlfall tried his luck from 30 yards out but Webb wasn’t troubled as the ball went harmlessly over the bar. Mortimer-Jones went close on 68 minutes but saw his shot go just the wrong side of the post. Joyce then brought a smart save from Webb but as time ran-out it was the visitors who looked like adding another.
Didcot were denied a clear penalty on 76 minutes as Beavon went down in the box. However, the referee waved play on despite strong protests from the visitors.
Just before the final whistle the visitors suffered the loss of Parrott with badly twisted ankle. With no midweek game, Didcot will hope that he can recover in time for the top-of-the-table clash with North Leigh next Saturday.
Full time 0-2
Didcot Team: Chris Webb; Grant Goodall; Darren Beckett; Jamie Heapy; Dave Green; Andy Parrott (Paul Noble 86 mins); Matty Jack (Danny Campbell 60 mins); Jack King; Ian Concannon; Stuart Beavon (Glyn Jones 80) Paul Powell
 

The Reserves secured another 3 points after a 4-2 win at home against Wantage Town and, you guessed it, Billy Warner grabbed another treble.

Didcot's Reserves have moved into a good position in the League after their 3-2 win last night at Carterton.  If they win the games in hand they would go top!

Didcot secured a vital 2-0 win at Henley last night thanks to a goal in each half from Paul Powell and Darren Beckett.  This was a hard earned victory, fully deserved, against a very competent Henley side.  Match Report as follows:

Didcot opened up an eight point gap at the top of the Premier Division following a thoroughly deserved 2-0 victory at Henley Town on Tuesday.
It was their 8th League win on the trot but Henley made them work hard for the points on a heavy pitch.
The visitors started the game well with Darren Beckett shooting waywardly over from close range and then teenager striker Billy Warner unable to convert a chance at the far post following a cross from Ian Concannon.
Michael Turner then missed a great opening for Henley when he shot weakly after racing clear with only Chris Webb to beat.
Danny Seaward fired a shot that missed Webb’s right-hand post by inches as Didcot were almost punished for hesitancy at the back.
Paul Powell had a right foot volley blocked by Michael Bartley before Grant Goodall nearly grabbed his first for Didcot in his 117th appearance but his left foot drive sailed narrowly over the bar.
The visitors should really have taken the lead with two opportunities in quick succession midway through the half. Beckett’s cross caused Henley all sorts of problems but with only the keeper to beat Concannon was unable to apply the final touch.
And then with an almost identical chance from another Beckett cross both Concannon and Warner failed to get on the end of the ball as it bounced across the 6 yard box.
Warner was starting the game due to Stuart Beavon’s chest infection and he almost scored his first senior goal for the club in the 38th minute. His pace and persistence got him into a goal-scoring position but keeper Michael Pratley saved well low to his right.
Eventually Didcot’s pressure told on the stroke of half-time. Concannon’s out-swinging corner was headed goalwards by Dave Green. His initial effort was blocked on the line but Powell rammed the ball home from 2 yards.
Warner should have doubled the advantage seconds after the break. A long-ball over the top left him with only Pratley to beat but the Henley keeper was again in top form to deflect the ball for a corner.
Shane Small-King shot high and wide before Webb made a crucial diving save from Turner but it was Didcot who always looked the more likely to score. Andy Parrott missed a great chance after another terrific run and cross by Powell and then Pratley denied Concannon following a pin-point pass from Jack King.
The crucial second goal came with 20 minutes remaining. Substitute Glyn Jones did well to release Powell and another fine low cross presented Beckett with a side-foot chance he couldn’t fail to miss.
Jones had a vicious shot that deflected wide for a corner and then King, who had a fine game in midfield, presented Jones with another opportunity but he fired wide from 8 yards.
Concannon almost rounded the game off with Didcot’s third but after being put clear by Immanuel Wango he flicked the ball high and wide with only Pratley to beat.

Didcot: Webb; Goodall; Beckett; Heapy; Green; Parrott (Wango 79); Jack; Ward; Concannon; Warner (Jones 61); Powell.

Didcot were missing Stuart Beavon through illness and Danny Campbell due to work commitments.  The First Team are back in action on Saturday in the Challenge Cup at Carterton.

There is a pitch inspection at Henley Town this afternoon at 2pm to see if the First Team game can go ahead tonight.  News of that will be posted on the Messageboard.

TOWN WILL BE AT HOME TO GORLESTONE or MILDENHALL TOWN in the 3rd Round of the FA Vase after the draw at Soho Square this morning.  The tie will take place on Saturday 10th December.

Both sides play in the Ridgeons Eastern Counties set-up (same as AFC Sudbury) although Mildenhall play in the top Division and Gorlestone in Division One.  The sides drew 0-0 on Saturday and replay this week.

A reminder that there is only one day left to bid for our first ebay-xmas gift idea of 2005 - signed FA Vase Final replica shirt plus chance to meet players and warm-up with the lads prior to a game.  You can BID HERE.  Great gift for a child !!!

I can confirm that the League Challenge Cup tie at Carterton on Saturday will go ahead (weather permitting).  Kick-off 3pm.

Didcot cruised into the 3rd Round of the vase with a convincing 7-0 win at the Loop against Herne Bay.  Full report to follow:

Didcot's 7-0 drubbing of Kent League's Herne Bay suggests that they will again prove hard to beat in the competition they won at White Hart Lane in May.

Town were five goals up by half-time and the only real doubt about the outcome was whether referee Stuart Gemmell would abandon the match as the Thames Valley fog, that was blanketing Loop Meadow Stadium, worsened dramatically in the second half.
There was little goalmouth action in the opening exchanges although Bay's David Masters forced Chris Webb into a comfortable save after the tall striker had worked himself a shooting opportunity in the box.
Gradually, however, Didcot began to create space down the flanks and the opening goal resulted from Paul Powell's incisive run down the left in the 8th minute.  After beating two defenders his cross fell to Danny Campbell, whose initial shot was blocked, but the rebound fell to Powell and he swept the ball home.
Powell was again involved in the build up to the home side's second not long after.  His long range effort had been deflected for a corner.  Powell took it short and after exchanging passes with Jack King he crossed perfectly for Matty Jack who headed past Jack Delo at the near post.
Herne Bay were rocked by a third on 22 minutes.  The defence was caught napping when Didcot took a quick throw-in.  Andy Parrott found Stuart Beavon in the box and he coolly fired home.
Simon Brown almost reduced the deficit with a thirty yard free-kick that went narrowly wide but it was the home side who finished the first half in style.
Powell's corner was flicked on by Dave Green for Danny Campbell who made no mistake from volleying home from close range.
And it was 5-0 just before the break as Ian Concannon scored at the second attempt following a precise pass from Beavon.
It was becoming increasingly difficult for the officials and spectators to see the action as the fog thickened in the second half.  However, the worsening conditions failed to deter Town's ambitions and it was soon 6-0 to the home side.  Parrott finished off a great solo run with a right foot shot past Delo.
Full credit to Herne Bay though who continued to press forward despite the desperate scoreline.  Substitute Sam Denly, who was playing his last game for the club before his expected move to Ramsgate, brought a fine save from Chris Webb and he also put a headed another chance wide.
But it was Didcot who were creating the best chances.  King was denied by a stunning point-blank save by Delo and then the Bay keeper turned Beavon's stinging shot onto the crossbar.
The home side weren't to be denied however and the 7th came in the last minute of stoppage time.  Powell capped terrific performance with his second after he had ran through a static defence and shot low into the far corner of the net.
Didcot: Webb, Goodall, Heapy (Beckett 50), Campbell, Green, Parrott, Jack (Jones 77), King, Concannon (Warner 66), Beavon, Powell

The draw for the third Round takes place tomorrow and our next opponents will be revealed on the message boards when we know it.

If anyone from Herne Bay reads this site, please pass on the best wishes of everyone at Didcot Town to Jason Lillis and the lads.  Once again it was a pleasure to pay host to them again yesterday.

Great result too yesterday for the Reserves, 5-2 at Badshot Lea.

First Team are next in action on Tuesday, weather permitting, at Henley.  Full Preview is shown above.

Didcot kick-off the defence of the Vase at home to Herne Bay on Saturday.

There's no doubt that this will be a serious test of our ability to reach the latter stages of the competition again.  The Bay were our opponents in the First Qualifying Round of the FA Cup back in September and we eventually overcame them in a replay 6-2.  The first game at the Loop had ended goalless and while Didcot probably shaded that game the visitors had a great chance to win it in the closing stages.  Didcot will point to a 'disallowed' goal which wasn't given despite Conners hitting the ball at least 2 feet over the goal-line as the turning point but the replay was equally memorable.  Playing below par and trailing 2-1 just before the break Didcot contrived to score 5 goals in just over 20 minutes to run out comfortable winners in the end.

Since then Bay have seen their injuries clear-up and a few new faces come-in.  One of those is David masters, a professional cricketer with Leicestershire, and 6'6" to go with it.  They will be physical and strong and Didcot will have to produce the performances of Colne, Gosport Borough and at the Final last year to give us the best chance of progressing into the 3rd Round.

On the player front Didcot will be missing Bradley Ward and Paul Hannigan through injury and Paul Bedwell (suspended).  Everyone else should be fit and available for selection.

A decent crowd is expected so please arrive early to ensure you get a seat and avoid any last minute queues at the turnstile.  Club merchandise will be on-sale so bring an extra couple of quid to buy your woofer horn and Beckett wig.

All the news from the game will be online on Sunday.

Great win for the U18 Youth team last night - 5-2 at AFC Wallingford.  Scorers Chris Hogan (2) and in-form Billy Warner (3).

Didcot extended their lead at the top of the Premier after after an action-packed 5-3 win against Shortwood at the Loop last night.  Full report...

Didcot battled back from being two down inside just 11 minutes to eventually emerge victorious against Shortwood United in a thrilling Hellenic League Premier Division game at the Loop Meadow on Tuesday evening.
The home side eventually ran out 5-3 winners but coming just three days after a 7-0 drubbing of Pegasus Juniors Didcot could once again have scored a hatful.
Didcot conceded just 4 goals at home in the League for the whole of last season but Shortwood's pace up front created problems from the kick-off.  In the 3rd minute Tim Haddock put United in front with a stunning volley that cannoned off the post into the net with Town keeper Chris Webb rooted to the spot.
The home side almost replied immediately when Paul Powell fired inches wide but soon after Shortwood doubled their advantage.  Uncharacteristically poor Didcot defending gave James Singh a chance and he fired home low past Webb.
It was important that Didcot hit straight back and they did just that two minutes later.  A clever pass by Danny Campbell released Stuart Beavon and he made no mistake firing past James Price.
The rest of the half was all Didcot but the equaliser would not come.  Powell's cross was cleared off the line, Beavon fired wide with the goal at his mercy and Parrott headed narrowly wide.
Beavon was then booked despite making a genuine attempt at the ball in a one-on-one challenge with Price and that harsh decision would have dire consequences for the Didcot striker in the second half.
It took Town just 5 minutes after the interval to level the scores.  Beavon broke into the box and Ian Concannon slotted home.  Four minutes later Didcot went in front for the first time.  Danny Campbell was denied by a stunning point-blank save by Price but Powell followed up to ram the ball home.
In the 63rd minute Beavon's precise pass released Jack king who shot Didcot into a 4-2 lead and things got even better moments later.  Beavon's shot rattled off the underside of the bar but Concannon nodded home the rebound.
Full credit to Shortwood, however, and they reduced the arrears within 60 seconds when Haddock struck from 10 yards to make it 5-3.
Beavon was foiled by Price when clean through but the game ended in some controversy.  Beavon appeared to have beaten the offside trap but he was flagged by the assistant referee at the same moment that he lofted the ball over Price into the unguarded net.  The referee felt he was time-wasting and issued Beavon a second caution despite the protests of players on both sides.
The win puts Didcot 5 points clear at the top of the League but they will have to improve defensively if they are to overcome Herne Bay when they start the defence of the FA Vase on Saturday.
Webb, Goodall, Heapy, Campbell, Beckett, Parrott, Jack (McInnerny), King, Concannon (Warner 80), Beavon, Powell

With Carterton beating Bisley Sports we now know we face them on Saturday 26th November in the Challenge Cup.

Later this week we will preview the big match on Saturday when Didcot face Herne Bay in the Vase.

Didcot return to League action tonight with the visit of Shortwood United to the Loop.

We gained a notable 4-0 win at Meadowbank in October and Stuart Peace will be looking for more of the same this evening.

A couple of players received treatment last night and could be doubtful for this evening - late fitness tests for both to follow.  definitely out is Paul Bedwell (suspended) and the injured Bradley Ward.  First news on the game on-line tomorrow.

A superb all-round team performance yesterday against Pegasus Juniors sees Didcot top of the League for the first time this season

Conners grabbed 4 goals, and there were others from Danny Campbell, Bradley Ward and Andy Parrott as Juniors were beaten 7-0.  It was a performance that must have impressed the visiting scout from Herne Bay, our opponents in the FA Vase next Saturday.  Full report:

Didcot went top of the Premier Division for the first time this season following a seven goal demolition of Pegasus Juniors on Saturday. Stuart Peace's side were unstoppable with top scorer Ian Concannon grabbing four goals and had other chances been taken Didcot could probably have hit double figures.
The signs were looking ominous for the visitors when Stuart Beavon missed a great chance within the first 30 seconds. Paul Powell created the opportunity with a probing run but Beavon snatched his shot with only keeper Bryn Watkins to beat.
Jack King was then guilty of missing a similar opening shortly afterwards before Watkins pulled off a good stop from the same player.
The Juniors' defence was looking increasingly nervous and they contrived to gift Concannon a chance in the 18th minute. Paul Brown gave the ball away and Concannon sliced a shot wide from the edge of the box.
Watkins made a diving stop to turn Andy Parrott's header onto the roof of the net but Didcot's pressure eventually told midway through the first half. Parrott's deep cross wasn't cleared and defender Danny Campbell acrobatically volleyed the ball home from close-range.
Things worsened for the visitors when Bradley Ward doubled the advantage with another volley in the 35th minute.
And the game was effectively over seconds later when Beavon took possession straight from the kick-off, released Concannon, and the Didcot striker swept the ball home from 15 yards to make it 3-0.
On the stroke of half-time Ward picked up a nasty groin injury which looks set to keep him out for at least a month but even this set-back did little to disrupt the home side's dominance after the break.
Parrott missed a clear chance from close-range before Didcot went 4 up with a fine goal in the 57th minute. Grant Goodall exchanged passes with Jack King before releasing Concannon who once again made no mistake beating Watkins with a shot from just inside the box.
Concannon completed his hat-trick with a simple tap-in five minutes later and at 5-0 Peace decided to bring-on teenage striker Billy Warner.
Warner almost made an immediate impression but after creating room for himself in the box he dragged his shot wide.
While Beavon had failed to get on the score-sheet he worked tirelessly for the cause and was unlucky to see a thumping drive come back off the post after 72 minutes.
In the closing stages Didcot rounded things off in some style. Parrott set-up Concannon for his 4th and Didcot's 6th with five minutes left.
And with the last attack of the game Beavon's pin-point cross gave Parrott a headed chance which he dispatched with aplomb to make it 7-0.
Webb, Goodall, Jack, Campbell, Beckett (Heapy 78), Parrott, King, Ward (Green 46), Concannon, Beavon, Powell (Warner 62)

The only big disappointment was the groin injury to Bradley, which will almost certainly rule him out of action for the next month or so.

Next up for the First Team is Shortwood in the League on Tuesday at the Loop.  Kick-off 7.45pm!

LATEST NEWS FROM THE HELLENIC LEAGUE....

Malone Returns to Milton - 10th November
Patrick "Paddy" Malone returned home to Milton United after signing for Didcot Town in the close season.
Left sided pace man Malone, was progressing well with Didcot Town, but decided to return to Milton for his own reasons. United are pleased to have Malone back in the squad, "his pace on the left does add an extra dimension to the team" commented manager Gary Ackling, " Paddy suffered with recurring injury problems in the past, but hopefully he has recovered and can feature regularly for the rest of this season".
The transfer formalities took place on Wednesday. Milton United would like to commend Didcot Town, and specifically secretary Simon Kelly, for the professional manner and understanding in expediting this transfer so promptly. Courtesy of: http://www.hellenicleague.co.uk/club_news/milton.html

Great win for the U18 Youths last night against Carterton.  Full Report in Youths Section.

Don't forget tomorrow, lets fill Doddy's Bar after the Pegasus game and see England beat Argentina on the big screen!

We will play at Ryman 2 side Chalfont St. Peter in the Quarter Final of the Berks and Bucks Senior Trophy after they impressively beat Abingdon Utd 2-1 last night.  Match date tbc.

Attention now turns to the League match at the Loop on Saturday.  Gone are the days when Pegasus were struggling at the wrong end of the table, on their day their young side has now established itself as one of the best in the Hellenic.  A 4-0 win at Champions Highworth two weeks ago is arguably the most impressive result for any team in the Premier League this year and they must not be underestimated.

The week's break will have given Jamie Heapy the chance to recover from a bruised shin and with Stuart Beavon and Dave Green available at weekends Stuart Peace should have a near full strength side to pick from.  First news and full report on-line on Sunday.

Supporters are being urged to make an evening of it by watching the England match against Argentina on the big screen at the Loop immediately after the match. you don't have to be a member of the club to drink in Doddy's bar so all are welcome!

Didcot left it late to beat Abington Town yesterday 2-1.  The win keeps the pressure on North Leigh at the top who lost 1-0 at home to Milton United.  Didcot match report:

 Didcot: Webb; Goodall; Beckett (Green 70); Campbell; Jack (Malone 80); Parrott; King; Ward; Concannon; Beavon; Powell

Town now have no games until nest Saturday when we entertain Pegasus Juniors - Full preview of that game to follow later in the week.

The Reserves pulled off an excellent 1-0 win against Harwell International yesterday in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup 2nd Round.  Simon Kelly grabbed the goal.

Didcot produced an excellent performance to overcome a strong Witney United side 4-0 at the Loop last night....

Tuesday 1st November 2005
GLS Football Hellenic League Premier Division
Npower Loop Meadow Stadium, Didcot
Didcot Town 4 - 0 Witney United
Scorers:
Didcot:Parrott 17, Concannon 19, 53 (p), King 87 mins
Att: 273
Didcot continued their recent good form with a convincing 4-0 victory against Witney United in the Hellenic League at the Loop Meadow on Tuesday. Had Witney taken a couple of early chances things could have been very different but eventually Didcot took control and thoroughly deserved their 10th win in 11 League matches.
The visitors were quickest out of the blocks and could have found themselves in front in the opening exchanges. First, Tom Dingle appealed for what would have been a harsh penalty decision after tumbling in the box. Then Didcot keeper Chris Webb was called upon to make a brilliant save from Lee Keyes as the Witney striker had a clear chance from close range. In the 16th minute United's John McMahon shot over following a decent move and Witney were made to pay for these misses shortly afterwards as the home side took the game by the scruff of the neck.
Ian Concannon created space for himself on the left and after his clinical shot had come back off the upright Jack King saw his follow-up effort blocked for the expense of a corner. Bradley Ward took it and Andy Parrott was slightly fortunate to see his deep cross sail over keeper Paul Tassell and find the top corner of the net.
Two minutes later Didcot doubled their lead but there was nothing fortunate about the second. King fed Concannon in the box and he brilliantly controlled the ball before deftly stroking the ball past Tassell.
Witney always looked a threat going forward and they were unlucky not to reduce the arrears midway through the first half. Jamie Cook struck an excellent 25 yard free-kick onto the top of the crossbar with Webb well beaten.
Didcot were still creating plenty of opportunities themselves and both Jamie Heapy and Parrott came desperately close to adding a third before the break.
Heapy shot over with only Tassell to beat and Concannon struck the post for a second time after rounding Tassell in the closing stages of the first half.
The home side continued to press forward after the interval and only a stunning save from Tassell denied Concannon and a goal-line clearance from Parrott's follow-up kept Didcot at bay.
Heapy was carried off shortly afterwards with a leg injury which, thankfully, was diagnosed as nothing worse than bruising. But this failed to disrupt Town' rhythm and they grabbed a disputed third 8 minutes into the second half. Paul Powell, who was in inspired form all game, was adjudged to have been up-ended in the box by referee Busby. Keyes was booked protesting, arguably with some justification, but Concannon showed no mercy by calmly stroking home the spot-kick.
To be fair there were relatively few scares at either end for much of the second period as the game was now beyond the visitors. Witney substitute Craig Shand did hit the bar with a far post cross but it was Didcot who rounded off the evening in style. Powell once again tormented the Witney defence with a twisting run and King was on-hand to cap a memorable display on his return to the club with a simple tap-in to make it 4-0.

Didcot:Webb, Goodall, Beckett, Campbell, Heapy (Malone 48), Parrott, Jack, Ward (Jones 83), Concannon (Feaver 86), King, Powell

The injury to skipper Jamie Heapy may not be as bad as we first feared.  Initially it was thought he could have chipped a bone but it seems he may have suffered only severe bruising to his shin.

Town are now 4 points behind leaders North Leigh with 2 games in hand.  Full preview of the big derby at Abingdon Town on Saturday on-line later in the week.

The U18's also carry-on in fine style with a 3-1 win at Buckingham Town to stay joint top of the Allied Counties Northern Division Table.  Scorers were Lovegrove 2 and Learoyd.