Hoping to end their 4 match pre season losing streak, Cavalier entertained a White Horse FC B side, who were themselves looking for a victory with the league campaign only 14 days away.
The two teams met in Division 4 last season, with honours even, Cavalier winning their home game 1-0, and White Horse winning the reverse fixture 4-1.
The home side fielded a very strong team, and showed the strength of their squad despite missing Dec McEniry, Antony Butler, Chris Underwood, Dan Rance, Taylor Ellicock and the injured Jez Wiltshire.
Marcus Rossi continued his presence in goal, hoping for a 1st clean sheet of the season, with a back four of ‘Mr Consistent’ Liam McEniry, Andy Holman, Carl Ledbury, and the debuting Michael Stone – another recruit from feeder club Marlborough Town.
In the absence of Dan Race, Rob Randall had another opportunity to justify his placed in the starting 11, along with Mike Booth. John Stockman returned to the side to partner Leigh Blanchard in the middle. Andy Stickley also returned after a knee injury to partner Roger Wiltshire upfront.
The game got off to a bright start for the home side, who were dominant in possession for large spells. As has been the case all season for Cavalier FC, the build up play was lacking that cutting edge to finish off the move. Mike Booth had a couple of great opportunities during the opening half hour, but didn’t realise he had as much time as he actually did, and squandered his chances. Shortly after, Stickley broke free after a good 1-2 with Wiltshire, but went for glory when Booth had an open goal to aim for at the back post. The physical presence of Blanchard and Stockman put fear into the opponents from the offset, and it was the latter of the two that broke through into the White Horse box, intelligently laying the ball off for Wiltshire, but unfortunately his effort was deflected wide.
As the half progressed, Cavalier were getting more and more frustrated at themselves for missing opportunity after opportunity, despite playing some attractive football. Stockman nearly opened the scoring after Wiltshire whipped in a dangerous corner, but the ball ricocheted off his shin and wide of goal from 5 yards.
White Horse rarely threatened, and Rossi had very little to do in the 1st half, largely due to the emerging centre back partnership between Holman and Stone, who were letting nothing through the back line.
HALF TIME: 0-0.
Wiltshire made two changes at the break. Delvin Keane replaced Rob Randall, who struggled to make an impact on the right of midfield. Lee Whyte also came on, replacing Mike Booth, who had worked his socks off for 45 minutes.
The 2nd half continued in similar fashion. Keane made an almost immediate impact, when after 55 minutes, his volley at the ‘keeper rebounded straight back to him. This time around he made no mistake, smashing home the opener.
Lee Whyte was finding himself in promising positions throughout the 2nd half, but was caught in an offside position numerous times when through on goal.
Dave Young made an appearance for the final 25 minutes, and rolled back the years on the right wing. It was Young that nearly gave Cavalier a two goal cushion, but his low drive went inches wide of the far post.
Cavalier finally put the result beyond any doubt when Wiltshire’s low corner was flicked on superbly by Dave Young right into the path of Delvin Keane. Keane’s powerful first-time effort could only be helped into the roof of the net by a White Horse defender on the line.
Cavalier kept pushing for more goals, but the end result was a 2-0 victory for the home side, in what was a great team display, and the start of what is looking like a settled side.
FULL TIME: 2-0.
Wiltshire’s reaction: Another great team performance after the disappointment of Wednesday night. Picking the squad each week is proving harder and harder, let alone the starting 11. Once the team starts to settle and get used to each others’ playing styles, the goals will start flowing.
