Odd Down have chalked up their first win of the Jewson Western Football League Division One season – and they did it in style, destroying visitors Calne Town 5-1 on Tuesday 26th August.
Action from the Isuzu FA Vase clash between Odd Down, orange, and hosts Thatcham Town | Photo © Odd Down FC
Starting brightly, the Down went 1-0 up from the spot. Alfie Andrews was fouled in the box and Harley Prior buried the resulting penalty.
The hosts continued to apply pressure and were worthy of their lead, dominating play. However, a long, wide through-ball released Calne’s Nat Bell to lob debutant keeper Matt Green for the equaliser.
Calne then had a short spell of pressure and looked a threat from corners, but the Down defended well and went on to finish the half strongly.
They regained the lead after 35 minutes. Jack Kelsey sent a well-struck long-range shot towards goal, the ball bounced awkwardly and Town gloveman Gorazd Gigov appeared to spill it into his own net.
Calne made three substitutions after the break, and the changes seemed to rattle the Down for 10 minutes.
But following a 65th-minute corner, home man-of-the-match Charlie Saunders calmed nerves with an acrobatic shot into the right-hand corner of the net to make it 3-1.
Home pressure continued and Trey Andersen volleyed in from close range after 85 minutes. Then debutant striker Nick Taylor completed the scoring in the final minute.
The result lifted the Down into 13th place in the table, while Calne – who were beaten in the play-off final last term – were left two places above the relegation zone.
Odd Down bowed out of the Isuzu FA Vase on Saturday 23rd August, when they were beaten 2-0 at Thatcham Town in the first qualifying round.
The Berkshire team, Vase winners in 2018, were members of the Step 4 Pitching In Southern League Division One South last season.
The Down started well and looked the more likely to take the lead, their best chance a James Hare effort that was saved by Thatcham custodian Maciej Wieczoreck.
The home side took the lead in the 35th minute thanks to a well-taken header by Kaser Chowdhary after a pass from Oscar McClure.
However, the Down considered themselves unlucky to be 1-0 down at the break as they felt there had been little between the sides during the opening half.
Then Odd Down suffered a blow in the 53rd minute when Kelsey was sin binned for dissent. Thatcham’s numerical advantage ensured they had plenty of possession, and only a clearance by guests’ keeper Callum Heal prevented a second goal.
But the match was settled in the 69th minute. Thatcham’s Ada Cruz was brought down in the box and Callum Willmoth sent Heal the wrong way from the spot to make it 2-0.
The Down pressed late on but the hosts held firm and set up a match Western League Division One outfit Avonmouth in the next stage.
Odd Down felt they made a spirited display with some fine individual performances. They named Lewis Bahadur their top performer.
The Down will be looking for another Western League Division One success on Saturday 30th August, when they visit Longwell Green Sports (3pm).
Before that, Odd Down Women will visit Stockwood Wanderers for a friendly on Thursday 28th August (6.45pm).
