Fun in the Sun

A welcome burst of sunshine made Saturday's games the most enjoyable for a while - particularly for the parents. With both the Cumnor and Charlbury squads depleted by half-term activities, Cumnor secured two hard-earned victories.

Game 1 was just 10 seconds old when Rory made an excellent run into the Charlbury penalty area and squared the ball for Ben to slot home from close range (though the dubious goals panel may need to ajudicate on the possibility of the final touch coming from a Charlbury player). Cumnor continued to pressurise the Charlbury goal, with Ben and Adam both going close with long range shots. At the other end Henry M and Henry S marshalled the Charlbury forwards well with some well-timed tackles. Another peice of good play from Adam and Toby saw the ball fall to Rory and he rifled home his first goal of the season. Charlbury responded well after half-time and quickly pulled a goal back. Cumnor had to defend much more in the second half and Ollie finally saw some action in goal - making one great diving save to thwart Charlbury. This half was much more balanced, with both teams creating chances, winning corners and generally going for it. When the final whistle came, Cumnor had hung on for the 2-1 victory.

The second game saw some change of personnel, with Joe, Binky and Adam W coming into the starting line up. A tight first half finally opened up when Henry S ran on to a clever pass from Binky to score the opening goal. Charlbury fought back quickly and made the game 1-1. Towards the end of the half though, Ollie and Binky combined well and Binky slotted home Cumnor's second goal. Henry M and Adam W then joined forces at the back, leading to Henry making a good save to keep Cumnor in the lead. The second half saw Ben come on in goal and Rory and Toby into defence, giving Adam W a chance to play up front. However it was the wide midfielders who shone in this half, with both Joe and Ollie making some great contributions. Ollie ran onto a long goal kick and calmly scored Cumnor's third. Charlbuty continued to fight, and Ben was forced to make a brave save at the feet of the forward. Cumnor held on well, and then with alomost the last kick of the match Ollie shot from long distance and claimed his second goal of the day. 4-1 final score.

Well-played everyone, a great effort, with many players playing more than one match. Player of the week for some great midfield and defence work, and for his first goal of the season, was Rory.

Thanks again to all the parents that helped out with nets, pitch marking etc - it was much appreciated.

Cumnor Back To Their Best

An early start on a bitterly cold morning didn't stop the U8s producing one of their best performances of the season.

Match One
A strong seven took to the field keen to reverse the recent defeat by Carterton. The match started at a furious pace with the disciplined Cumnor midfield of Adam M, Will, Ben C and Binky able to take advantage of Rory's solid defensive play. Cumnor quickly got into their stride with all the boys playing crucial roles. James E was superb upfront showing great strength and awareness to hold the ball up and play his rampaging midfield teammates in. Cumnor had quite a few chances and Will, Adam M and two strikes from James put us four goals up. Carterton got one back with an unstoppable long range shot.

The second half was scoreless but Cumnor controlled the match well. Ollie made an excellent save and possibly sacrificed a lung in the process. Great stuff!

Match Two
An even better team performance with Cumnor running out convincing 6-0 winners. Toby and Henry M were rock solid and didn't let Carterton get a sniff. Joe was quick, energetic, lively and showed real awareness. Ed battled valiantly up and down the left flank and scored two beautifully taken goals. Ollie - freed from his goalkeeping duties - orchestrated everything magnificently and was involved in all Cumnor's incisive play. And up front, the warrior, the finisher: James S... scorer of an ice-cool hat-trick and playmaker in one of the best goals of the season. Run tape: Toby snuffed out a Carterton attack, passed upfield to James who muscled into his defender, swivelled and played the pass of the season to Ed who ran on and scored the kind of goal we all dream of scoring. Cue wild celebrations on the touchline.

Wonderful effort by all involved... a real team performance. It's not just about the goalscorers, it's about each and every boy playing for one another. We pass, we tackle, we fight and we think. On mornings such as this, football is a joy.

Player of the Week: for his Berbatov awareness and assassin touch... James E.