Sheerwater’s first match against Thatcham Town ended in defeat on yet another away midweek Tuesday night in front of 135 supporters. It was hostile throughout the night with around 50 youngsters getting behind the home side.
The Sheers in the first half found it difficult to get going with the Town pressing the Sheers at every opportunity. The Sheers also suffered with the officials decisions during this match that had an impact on this result.
Roberto Silva continued in goal due to Drew Churchwell still unwell and Anton Vorukov replaced Ben Portbury prior to the kick off due to illness.
In the early stages Thatcham put the Sheers under pressure with their weapon on the night with the long throw that was causing concern in the Sheers defence. On 28 minutes a Thatcham player was through on goal that brought out good defending by Sheers Dan Watts who got back to out muscle the Thatcham player to stop him getting a shot away. 32 minutes Thatcham’s weapon the long throw came into the Sheers box that flipped out of the Sheers keeper’s grasp but the Sheers managed to clear the ball away. On 34 minutes the Sheers finally got things going with stringing a 4 man move up field that Thatcham defended in final move. There were a number of individual battles going on and one sparked up on 39 minutes with Sheers Foster and Thatcham’s Winchcombe who were both cautioned. A minute later Thatcham’s no 5 Denton was cautioned for a foul on Sheers Harvey Valter. On 42 minutes Sheers went close on scoring only for Watts being adjudged on committing a foul. On 43 Thatcham’s weapon again was clawed away by the Sheers keeper Silva in a packed goal mouth. This led to Silva needing treatment to a face wound. Referee Liddiard on 44 minutes over rules the assistant’s decision on awarding a corner to the Sheers that was well earned by Foster. In added time Thatcham take the lead in dramatic circumstances with Thatcham’s long ball up field and in the build up a clear trip on Sheers George Mackie was not given and the Thatcham forward was allowed to get a one on one with the Sheers keeper Silva that led to Thatcham being awarded a penalty that was scored by Callum Willmoth. Despite this poor decision Sheers drew level before the break from a free kick just outside the Thatcham’s area that was smashed into the top right hand corner of the Thatcham net. Half Time 1-1.
The Sheers were a different side in the second half with chances going to Foster who shot over the Thatcham bar, Emeka Okakpu’s overhead kick from a corner going over the home sides bar and on 64 minutes Emeka Okakpu chases a long ball down and slots the ball to Valter who’s shot lacked power to to trouble the keeper Wilson. Another poor decision by referee Liddiard who gives a foul to the Thatcham defender who clears the ball off the line and in doing so clatters into a Sheers player. Sheers go down to 10 men on 69 minutes with another dubious decision by referee Liddiard on sending off George Mackie for a goal scoring opportunity after No 11 Goode went down on the chase for the ball with this player going to ground on several other Sheers keeper Silva saves a shot after a corner from William. Sheers substitute Whitby is talked on the edge of the Thatcham area but is adjudged to have committed simulation which was another questionable decision. On 86 minutes from a Watts long throw a Thatcham defender almost heads into his own goal and on 97 minutes Whitby’s guided side foot shot beats the Thatcham keeper but goes past the far post and the Sheers come away defeated on a frustrating night.
Silva, Mackie C, Watts, Mackie G, Valter (Hurst 73), Burton, Vorukov (Okakpu 54), Foster (Boyden 80), Ajibola, McLaughlin, Leeks (Whitby 54), Portbury (Unused)