Last seasons cup finalists Frome Athletic Under 14s welcomed Chippenham Town Youth FC U14 White to Maiden Bradley Recreation Ground on 12 October 2025 for a 2:00pm kick-off in the first round of the Mid Wilts League Cup. The home side produced a commanding performance to secure a 4-0 victory in this 70-minute contest, asserting their dominance throughout the match.
Frome Athletic lined up in a 3-5-1-1 formation, deploying three defenders at the back with Tyler Oxley on the right, Elliott Atwood centrally, and Dempsey Matthews on the left. This defensive trio was tasked with maintaining solidity and providing support to the midfield. The five midfielders featured Jahmiah Harding on the right flank, Max Norris, Zak Daniels, and Leo Griffin occupying central midfield roles, and Nikolaj Ostergaard on the left. Archie Hansford operated just behind the lone striker, Archie Preston, in an attacking midfield role, expected to link play and create chances. The goalkeeper duties were handled by Finlay Patrick. Ethan Oatley also featured for the home side in a positive display on the right hand side.
The half was very even with Chippenham having the best chance of the game with Finlay Patrick making a superb one handed save to deny the away side from taking the lead after 27 minutes.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Frome Athletic capitalised on a corner. Dempsey Matthews delivered a precise set-piece from the corner flag, which Tyler Oxley met with a powerful header to open the scoring. The right defender’s aerial prowess proved decisive, giving the hosts the lead.
Barely a minute later, Frome Athletic doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time. Zak Daniels played a neat short pass into the box, finding striker Archie Preston, who calmly finished inside the area to make it 2-0. This swift response underlined the home side’s attacking intent and fluidity.
The first half concluded at the 35-minute mark, with Frome Athletic two goal lead giving them the confidence they needed to start the second half as they finished the first.
The third came on the 43rd minute when Ostergaard, now back on the left wing, scored with a left-footed finish inside the box, extending the lead to 3-0 and further demoralising the visitors.
The final goal of the match arrived in the 69th minute when Hansford scored inside the box after a short pass from Leo Griffin. This fourth goal capped off a comprehensive performance by Frome Athletic, sealing a 4-0 victory.
Frome Athletic’s tactical flexibility and effective use of substitutions ensured they maintained control throughout the match. Their solid defensive base, combined with incisive midfield play and clinical finishing, left Chippenham Town Youth FC unable to mount any meaningful challenge.
The home side’s display at Maiden Bradley Recreation Ground was a testament to their teamwork and strategic nous, earning them a well-deserved progression in the cup competition. Tougher tests await though ahead of the second round draw.
