24/25 Results

Report and photos by Phil Harding

After a difficult few weeks on the road for Whiteley they travelled to Upham hoping to take 3 points after losing to their opposition at home earlier in the season.

Whiteley started well attacking with the passion that has been missing in recent games with early chances from Kerby and Bell. Against the run of play, after putting our defence under some attacking pressure Upham won a corner and scored from their first proper chance of the game.

Whiteley’s heads didn’t drop though and kept Upham under pressure with Scotty winning a free kick. From this, Dylan made a great run out to the left and received the ball, gave Kerby a perfectly weighted pass to slot it passed the keeper. Whiteley kept the pressure on for the rest of the first half with chances from Bell and Ellis.

Half Time 1 – 1

Whiteley came out after half time keeping the same pressure on with an early chance for Ellis coming from a driving run forwards from Scotty. Kerby then had the ball in the back of the net from a well worked free kick but it was ruled out as he was flagged offside. More chances followed by Ellis, Bell & Jack. Whiteley then won the ball in their own half with the ball played through to Jack who passed it neatly into Kerby who made his shot look easy. After making a couple of subs Upham put more pressure on Whiteley with the young keeper Vickery making some great saves.

Whiteley then attacked on the break with Jack slotting the ball through nicely to Scotty who works hard making his way through a number of challenges before striking sweetly with his left foot and burying it in the back of the net. The attacks
continued with some lovely passing football from Bell and Kerby but unfortunately Ellis put the final ball over the crossbar. Ellis then made a strong run forwards holding off their defender before squaring it for an easy finish from Kerby. Kerby
quickly returned the favour for the 5 th after the ball was won out wide by Lyle, Kerby then picked it up on the goal line and pulled the ball back for an easy finish by Ellis.

A well deserved goal for the striker after so many chances through the game. Upham hadn’t given up though, keeping the pressure on with first forcing a clearance from Ousman, their next attack was only just over the crossbar. Their final attack with all Whiteley players behind the ball fortunately ended with a shot going just wide.

A well deserved win for Whiteley Wanderers who now sit 11 th in the league and host 4 th placed Overton in their next game.

Line-up: Vickery, Radford, Godwin, Hancock, Harding, Newman (86), Bell, Sherwood (80), Faulkner (68), Kerby-Dickinson, Kilty
Subs: Harry (68, 91), Boye (80), Hills (86), Paramor (91), Perry (Unused)

Man of the Match: Aaron Kerby-Dickinson

Goal Scorers for Whiteley Wanderers: Aaron Kerby-Dickinson x 3 (28, 52, 70), Scott Faulkner (60), Ellis Kilty (71)
Goals for Upham: (17)

Whiteley Wanderers continued their strong response to the uhlSport Hampshire Premier League Division One with a dominant 5-1 victory over Rushmoor Community in their third match of the campaign. Following their impressive 7-2 comeback win in the previous fixture, Whiteley were once again on top form, showcasing both resilience and class to secure back-to-back victories.

From the first whistle, Whiteley imposed themselves on the match, controlling possession and pinning Rushmoor back into their own half. The early exchanges suggested that it would only be a matter of time before Whiteley opened the scoring. However, against the run of play, it was Rushmoor who took the lead in the 18th minute. A mix-up in the Whiteley defence, following Rushmoor’s second corner of the match, led to an unfortunate own goal, giving the visitors a surprise advantage.

Despite the setback, Whiteley responded with remarkable composure. Their equaliser came soon after, following a well-worked move that epitomised their attacking intent. A swift exchange of passes allowed Whiteley to break through the Rushmoor defence, and the final touch was clinical, leaving the Rushmoor keeper with no chance as the ball nestled into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

The turning point of the match arrived late in the first half with a Whiteley player  fouled in the centre of the pitch. With a break in play, and seizing the opportunity, Whiteley executed a brilliantly crafted set-piece, with the ball launched upfield. The resultant strike was simply stunning, finding the back of the net from an impressive distance. This spectacular goal gave Whiteley a deserved 2-1 lead and showcased their ability to capitalise on set-piece situations.

As the first half drew to a close, Whiteley nearly extended their lead further. A powerful shot from outside the box rattled the crossbar, and although the follow-up effort was on target, Rushmoor’s goalkeeper pulled off a sensational save to keep his side in the contest.

The second half began with a spell of early pressure from Rushmoor, as they sought to find a way back into the match. However, Whiteley’s defence stood firm, and it wasn’t long before Whiteley reasserted their dominance. A quick counter-attack saw a Whiteley player break free, facing a one-on-one with the Rushmoor keeper. The striker remained composed, slotting home a calm left-footed finish to make it 3-1.

With their confidence soaring, Whiteley continued to press forward, and their relentless pressure soon paid dividends again. A well-taken goal made it 4-1, leaving Rushmoor with no route back into the match. By this stage, Whiteley were playing with a swagger, and they capped off a fine performance with a fifth goal, adding the finishing touch to an emphatic victory.

This win takes Whiteley up to 6th in the table with a game in hand, as they continue to build momentum early in the season. Their combination of defensive solidity, creative flair, and clinical finishing will undoubtedly make them a force to be reckoned with in the weeks to come.

Final Score: Whiteley Wanderers 5-1 Rushmoor Community.

Man of the Match: Angelos Amorginos

Goal Scorers for Whiteley Wanderers: Angelos Amorginos (x3), Dylan Harding, Callum Crotty, Ellis Kilty, Elliott Lee Simpson

Whiteley Wanderers FC showcased their resilience in the second game of the Uhlsport Hampshire Premier League Division One, overcoming a slow start to secure a decisive 7-2 victory over Twentyten FC at the Oasis Academy 3G pitches.

Manager Dave Farlow acknowledged the team’s sluggish beginning, noting, “We got off to a slow start, we were off the pace and our intensity was low, allowing Twentyten too much time and space on the ball”. Twentyten capitalised on this, but a drinks break provided a much-needed opportunity to regroup. Dave Farlow, along with his coaching team, had a chance to make tactical adjustments which were swiftly embraced by the players, who then shifted the momentum in their favour.

“After a drinks break, we instilled some messages to the players… and the players immediately took that on board,” Dave Farlow remarked.

The turning point came when Ellis coolly converted a penalty, awarded after one of the Whiteley players was tripped in the box. This equaliser just before half-time ignited Whiteley Wanderers’ comeback.

“This gave us even more momentum,” Dave Farlow added.

In the second half, Whiteley Wanderers dominated possession, with slick passing and quick transitions creating numerous scoring opportunities. A brilliant chip by Anglos put Whiteley ahead, leaving the opposition keeper stranded. “We were now in full control, peppering their goal with shots,” said Dave Farlow, as the team’s confidence grew.

As the goals flowed, with Anglos adding to his tally to complete his hat-trick and contributions from Ellis, Crotty, Simpson, and Harding, Whiteley Wanderers asserted their superiority.

Reflecting on the match, Dave Farlow praised his team’s turnaround: “Overall, a great change in mindset and belief got us back into the game and all credit goes to the players in applying and demonstrating their quality.”

With this emphatic victory, Whiteley Wanderers have put points on the table and will carry this momentum into their next fixture.