A friendly is a good time to experiment and our old friends at Ducklington always provide stiff opposition. Saturday was time to let the boys decide what to do and when to do it. With little vocal support from the sidelines (except the occasional yelp of excitement) both Cumnor teams proved they could think for themselves.
We took time to settle down and in the first half of the first match, Ducklington made most of the running. We were second in the tackle and a little ponderous in our decision making but the more the match wore on, the more we applied ourselves. With a solid base of Ollie, Toby and Rory busy at the back... Cumnor got the breakthrough. Will plucked the ball down, spun and hit a long-range speculative shot which eluded the keeper. Ducklington dug in and forced Ollie to make a good save. More Cumnor pressure saw Will take a quick throw in to Fyn who slid the ball home. 2-0.
Changes were made at half time with Ben playing the holding role and Adam pushing forward in a midfield diamond. Suddenly, we found our shape and our edge. The boys were challenged to out tackle one another and set about their task with relish. Will tormented the Ducklington defence, Adam always ready to break and Fyn back to his poaching best. Ben collected a loose ball, found Fyn who played Adam in to score. Minutes later, Fyn benefitted from more good Adam and Will interplay to race onto the ball and claim his second. 4-0.
Ducklington got two late consolation goals but overall, we were good value for the win.
In the second game, Cumnor played with a real sense of togetherness. Henry was unbeatable in goal and had the Ducklington coach purring in admiration. James S was a revelation at the back, coming forward with the confidence and style of a young Alan Hansen (ask your dad!). Matt was a willing worker, hassling and tackling his heart out. In midfield, Ollie, Binky and Henry S stroked the ball about and James E made a superb target man up front.
We opened the scoring through James S' wonderful solo effort, beating two players on the edge of the box before finding the top corner. There was lots of pressure from Cumnor and really positive decision making too. James E hit a low shot which the goalie parried to the feet of Henry S who nabbed our second.
In the second-half, Matt came into midfield and made a real nuisance of himself. It was a timely change because Matt managed to thwart the advancing Ducklington. In fact, they got a goal back and put us on our guard. It took something special to wrestle the initiative back and it came from James E who scored a beauty with the outside of his foot. James E got his second and our 4th before the opposition scored a second. Another well deserved win: 4-2.
Well done to everyone. The boys held their nerve and played for one another. Special mentions to our goalies Ollie and Henry M, Ben who played the unglamorous anchor role and James S for doing so well orchestrating everthing from the back. But the player of the week goes to Matt who has made an impressive start to his Cumnor career.
Monday 28 September 2009
Saturday 19 September 2009
Combe Cracker
Match One
Cumnor finally faced the test we needed to see how good we are in this year's league. And the truth is, we are well placed to do well if we remember to bring what we do at training to match day.
With Will away, the starting line up was re-jigged with Adam going left, Toby pushing wide right and Joe coming into defence. The players knew from last season's encounters that Combe love to attack and they did from the start. The sparky 9 went very close after a surging run. But it wasn't all Combe and Rory set up a lovely move which Adam almost finished.
It was end-to-end stuff and Ollie - making his first start of the season in goal - parried the ball out for a corner. In went the ball, up it bobbled and into a Cumnor hand. Penalty. Ollie made himself big and dived the right way but luckily the ball flew past the post. The miss was the wake-up call we needed and the boys added purpose to their play. Joe was like a terrier snapping away and Toby good at getting forward. Ben sat a little deeper protecting the back two. Then came the goal. Fyn sensed the Combe goal kicks weren't making any real distance and pounced on a loose one. His first touch was impeccable, he looked up and fed Adam on the left who smashed it into the net. 1-0.
With half-time approaching we tried to protect the lead but needed Ollie to make a spectacular back peddling tip over to keep our noses in front. Changes were made at the break with Ben dropping back, Adam going central, Fyn left, Binky right and James E up front. Suddenly, we came alive and the fluidity was back in our game. Fyn, James and Adam combined well. Fyn chipped in a lovely cross which James reached well but just pushed over (too much hair gel, perhaps?)
Combe refused to give in and Rory - who wasn't feeling well - and Ben were kept busy. Ollie caught everything that came his way and made a brilliant full length one-handed save. The game went right down to the wire with both teams giving everything they had in the morning heat. Ben, hurt on the ground with tears in his eyes, leapt to his feet and made a blockbusting tackle. Binky, out wide, was an ever-willing runner and Rory - playing at 70% - was unbeatable.
An excellent battling, gutsy 1-0 win against a team who came to Cumnor to win. Forget the goal gluts, today showed how good we are.
Match Two
Combe played pretty much the same seven in match two and were already in the zone against our fresher players. Binky started in goal, Matt & James S in defence, Toby/Ollie/Ed midfield and Henry S up front.
It was an all-action up and at 'em encounter with the ball pinging up and down the pitch. James S was excellent at the back (ably supported by Matt) tackling well and finding Toby and Ed on the flanks. Ollie, enjoying the run of midfield, broke free and almost scored. Ed, too went close, just pushing the ball wide. However, Combe were determined to get something from the day and whilst we missed our chances, they took theirs well. Henry S threatened in the box but at half-time, Combe were 3-0 up.
James E and Joe joined the action in the second half and James S and Matt pushed up into midfield. Cumnor played tighter and kept hold of the ball but the chances were drying up at both ends. The boys never stopped trying and were unlucky not to get any reward for their efforts.
Player of the Week: Ollie did brilliantly in goal, Fyn excelled wide left, Ben brave and disciplined and Joe did all that was asked of him but player of the week was Adam for his wonderful midfield work.
Cumnor finally faced the test we needed to see how good we are in this year's league. And the truth is, we are well placed to do well if we remember to bring what we do at training to match day.
With Will away, the starting line up was re-jigged with Adam going left, Toby pushing wide right and Joe coming into defence. The players knew from last season's encounters that Combe love to attack and they did from the start. The sparky 9 went very close after a surging run. But it wasn't all Combe and Rory set up a lovely move which Adam almost finished.
It was end-to-end stuff and Ollie - making his first start of the season in goal - parried the ball out for a corner. In went the ball, up it bobbled and into a Cumnor hand. Penalty. Ollie made himself big and dived the right way but luckily the ball flew past the post. The miss was the wake-up call we needed and the boys added purpose to their play. Joe was like a terrier snapping away and Toby good at getting forward. Ben sat a little deeper protecting the back two. Then came the goal. Fyn sensed the Combe goal kicks weren't making any real distance and pounced on a loose one. His first touch was impeccable, he looked up and fed Adam on the left who smashed it into the net. 1-0.
With half-time approaching we tried to protect the lead but needed Ollie to make a spectacular back peddling tip over to keep our noses in front. Changes were made at the break with Ben dropping back, Adam going central, Fyn left, Binky right and James E up front. Suddenly, we came alive and the fluidity was back in our game. Fyn, James and Adam combined well. Fyn chipped in a lovely cross which James reached well but just pushed over (too much hair gel, perhaps?)
Combe refused to give in and Rory - who wasn't feeling well - and Ben were kept busy. Ollie caught everything that came his way and made a brilliant full length one-handed save. The game went right down to the wire with both teams giving everything they had in the morning heat. Ben, hurt on the ground with tears in his eyes, leapt to his feet and made a blockbusting tackle. Binky, out wide, was an ever-willing runner and Rory - playing at 70% - was unbeatable.
An excellent battling, gutsy 1-0 win against a team who came to Cumnor to win. Forget the goal gluts, today showed how good we are.
Match Two
Combe played pretty much the same seven in match two and were already in the zone against our fresher players. Binky started in goal, Matt & James S in defence, Toby/Ollie/Ed midfield and Henry S up front.
It was an all-action up and at 'em encounter with the ball pinging up and down the pitch. James S was excellent at the back (ably supported by Matt) tackling well and finding Toby and Ed on the flanks. Ollie, enjoying the run of midfield, broke free and almost scored. Ed, too went close, just pushing the ball wide. However, Combe were determined to get something from the day and whilst we missed our chances, they took theirs well. Henry S threatened in the box but at half-time, Combe were 3-0 up.
James E and Joe joined the action in the second half and James S and Matt pushed up into midfield. Cumnor played tighter and kept hold of the ball but the chances were drying up at both ends. The boys never stopped trying and were unlucky not to get any reward for their efforts.
Player of the Week: Ollie did brilliantly in goal, Fyn excelled wide left, Ben brave and disciplined and Joe did all that was asked of him but player of the week was Adam for his wonderful midfield work.
Saturday 12 September 2009
Goal Glut Goes On
Small pitch, hot day, friendly hosts and lots of goals.
Match One
Cumnor started at a cracking pace with Adam powering into the box and forcing a penalty. Our first penalty in three seasons and up stepped Ben to fire home. An early goal always helps and the boys relaxed and started passing the ball with confidence. Rory went close twice and Adam almost finished off a slick move after great work by Will and Fyn. But we didn't have it all our own way; luckily Ed was on hand to make a super save. Most of the action was directed at the Chadlington goal and we got a deserved second after Will's quick throw-in set Fyn up to squeeze the ball inside the near post.
2-0 up and the match turned into the Adam show. Loving the freedom to run (and shoot) Adam terrified the opposition. His first goal was a exocet from wide out right, his second quick-thinking following Ben's attempt and his hat-trick bagged by another perfectly struck shot. But it wasn't just Adam breaking the goalie's heart; Ben got his second and Rory chipped in to take Cumnor to a 7-0 half-time lead.
Changes at half-time saw Toby and Adam subbed (to give the hosts a chance)with Binky and Joe stepping in. Fyn dropped back into defence and Rory went up front. It wasn't long before the scoring resumed. Will - hugging the touchline - sprinted down the flank and clipped in a great cross to Binky who scored with his first touch. With the scorekeeper getting writers' cramp, all the Cumnor boys fancied their chances. Joe charged up from the back struck the post. Rory got his second and our 9th before Binky played a sublime pass into Will who chipped it over the goalie's hand. Chadlington stuck with it admirably and got their deserved goal. But there was no great escape on the cards as Will got his second moments later. 11-1. Changes were made with Henry S slotting into left wing. Over on the touchline Tony Hobbs started sweating fearing he'd be owing his son £10 for scoring a hat-trick. Seconds later, his hand was in his pocket as the towering Rory claimed his third. Chadlington grabbed a late second but the whistle blew with Cumnor emerging triumphant 12-2 winners.
Match Two
Henry S started in goal with newboy Matt and James S in defence. Our midfield three consisted of Laurie, Toby and Adam with James E up front. Chadlington - horrified to see Adam back on the pitch - tried to triple mark him but it didn't work. After almost putting Laurie in Adam scored his fourth of the day. 1-0.
Chadlington were a lot more organized and James S (proudly wearing the captain's armband) and Toby had to pull off some ferocious tackles. As well as being tenacious in the tackle, Toby also has a mean finish and put Cumnor 2-0 up. This match was more competitive with both Henry S and the Chadlington keeper pulling off terrific saves. Chadlington pressure saw them breach the Cumnor line and get right back into the match. Adam sensed the game might be getting away from Cumnor and wrestled the initiative back, setting Toby's second up with a perfectly weighted crossfield pass. Toby was our third hat-trick hero of the day after chesting in our 4th. Matt almost scored two on his debut and would have but for some brave keeping.
More changes and tinkering for the second-half with Matt going in, James E and James S swapping, Henry S going outfield for Adam and Binky coming into the centre. The boys treated us to some lovely play with Joe and Laurie threading delightful passes through a crowded midfield. Joe grabbed a goal, followed quickly by James S. Henry S went on a twisting, turning run (using both feet!)and scored a fine solo effort. James E was unlucky not to get on the score sheet but showed some classy touches at the back. Then, arguably, came the goal of the day. The ball bounced towards Binky who looked up, saw the keeper off the line, and produced an inch perfect lob from 25 yards out. 8-2.
Still, we weren't finished. Joe scored again, James S got another... and another (more hat-trick heroics), and Henry claimed a second after a penalty box scramble. Final whistle: 12-2.
All in all, another very assured squad display. It wasn't easy playing on such a tight pitch, especially as we are such an accomplished passing team. But the boys loved scoring lots of goals so well done. Tougher challenges lie ahead but we're sure we have the attitude, skills and camaraderie to overcome all opposition. And, as the boys proved, in the kickabout with the Chadlington U10/11s... we're up for anything!
Player of the Week: tough one with all those hat-tricks but it came down to Adam and Binky with Binky sneaking it thanks to his cheeky lob.
Match One
Cumnor started at a cracking pace with Adam powering into the box and forcing a penalty. Our first penalty in three seasons and up stepped Ben to fire home. An early goal always helps and the boys relaxed and started passing the ball with confidence. Rory went close twice and Adam almost finished off a slick move after great work by Will and Fyn. But we didn't have it all our own way; luckily Ed was on hand to make a super save. Most of the action was directed at the Chadlington goal and we got a deserved second after Will's quick throw-in set Fyn up to squeeze the ball inside the near post.
2-0 up and the match turned into the Adam show. Loving the freedom to run (and shoot) Adam terrified the opposition. His first goal was a exocet from wide out right, his second quick-thinking following Ben's attempt and his hat-trick bagged by another perfectly struck shot. But it wasn't just Adam breaking the goalie's heart; Ben got his second and Rory chipped in to take Cumnor to a 7-0 half-time lead.
Changes at half-time saw Toby and Adam subbed (to give the hosts a chance)with Binky and Joe stepping in. Fyn dropped back into defence and Rory went up front. It wasn't long before the scoring resumed. Will - hugging the touchline - sprinted down the flank and clipped in a great cross to Binky who scored with his first touch. With the scorekeeper getting writers' cramp, all the Cumnor boys fancied their chances. Joe charged up from the back struck the post. Rory got his second and our 9th before Binky played a sublime pass into Will who chipped it over the goalie's hand. Chadlington stuck with it admirably and got their deserved goal. But there was no great escape on the cards as Will got his second moments later. 11-1. Changes were made with Henry S slotting into left wing. Over on the touchline Tony Hobbs started sweating fearing he'd be owing his son £10 for scoring a hat-trick. Seconds later, his hand was in his pocket as the towering Rory claimed his third. Chadlington grabbed a late second but the whistle blew with Cumnor emerging triumphant 12-2 winners.
Match Two
Henry S started in goal with newboy Matt and James S in defence. Our midfield three consisted of Laurie, Toby and Adam with James E up front. Chadlington - horrified to see Adam back on the pitch - tried to triple mark him but it didn't work. After almost putting Laurie in Adam scored his fourth of the day. 1-0.
Chadlington were a lot more organized and James S (proudly wearing the captain's armband) and Toby had to pull off some ferocious tackles. As well as being tenacious in the tackle, Toby also has a mean finish and put Cumnor 2-0 up. This match was more competitive with both Henry S and the Chadlington keeper pulling off terrific saves. Chadlington pressure saw them breach the Cumnor line and get right back into the match. Adam sensed the game might be getting away from Cumnor and wrestled the initiative back, setting Toby's second up with a perfectly weighted crossfield pass. Toby was our third hat-trick hero of the day after chesting in our 4th. Matt almost scored two on his debut and would have but for some brave keeping.
More changes and tinkering for the second-half with Matt going in, James E and James S swapping, Henry S going outfield for Adam and Binky coming into the centre. The boys treated us to some lovely play with Joe and Laurie threading delightful passes through a crowded midfield. Joe grabbed a goal, followed quickly by James S. Henry S went on a twisting, turning run (using both feet!)and scored a fine solo effort. James E was unlucky not to get on the score sheet but showed some classy touches at the back. Then, arguably, came the goal of the day. The ball bounced towards Binky who looked up, saw the keeper off the line, and produced an inch perfect lob from 25 yards out. 8-2.
Still, we weren't finished. Joe scored again, James S got another... and another (more hat-trick heroics), and Henry claimed a second after a penalty box scramble. Final whistle: 12-2.
All in all, another very assured squad display. It wasn't easy playing on such a tight pitch, especially as we are such an accomplished passing team. But the boys loved scoring lots of goals so well done. Tougher challenges lie ahead but we're sure we have the attitude, skills and camaraderie to overcome all opposition. And, as the boys proved, in the kickabout with the Chadlington U10/11s... we're up for anything!
Player of the Week: tough one with all those hat-tricks but it came down to Adam and Binky with Binky sneaking it thanks to his cheeky lob.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Great Start to the New Season
With the grass cut and the lines re-marked, Cumnor produced a superb passing display and emerged unbeaten on match day one.
Match One
We couldn't have wished for a better start to our first season playing in the competitive League. Cumnor played with discipline, skill and pace... scoring 9 goals and conceeding none. All the boys contributed but special mention must go to Henry, Rory and Toby who remained focussed despite having little to do. Captain Ben marshalled the team beautifully from the middle with Adam relishing the open spaces of the bigger pitch. Will was full of his usual tricks and turns and Fyn a constant threat around the box. James S and James E slotted in well when they came on and demonstrated we have plenty of talent in our squad.
As for the goals, Will opened our account for the season, followed by Fyn, Will, Ben, Rory, Will (hat trick), two for James E and one for Adam right on the final whistle. Yes, the goals flowed but the team oozed class throughout stroking the ball around the pitch, looking for space and playing as a team.
Match Two
Where match one was one-way traffic, match two had us all on the edge of our seats. Considering the boys swapped pitches half way through, they did well to produce such an entertaining game. Cumnor went behind to a well-taken Yarnton goal despite Laurie making a brave save (without gloves too!). Cumnor pushed forward and there followed a bizarre piece of action where the ball pinged around the box before James S hit the post. The near miss gave Cumnor heart and good work from Henry S saw James E score the equalizer. 1-1.
Yarnton were determined to get something from the day and despite Joe's heroic tackling, soon went 2-1 ahead. But Cumnor weren't going to take this lying down, Binky burst through and sent James E in to score his second of the match and - with 4 goals - go into an early lead in the race for this year's golden boot. There was more drama just before half-time when captain Henry suffered a knee problem and had to go off for Ben.
In the second-half (on the smaller pitch) Joe went in goal and produced a brilliant display of shot-stopping. However, Yarnton pressure saw them go two clear. With defeat in sight, a little shuffling of the personnel saw Rory and Fyn make an appearance and their impact was instant. Ben hammered home Cumnor's third and then the imperious Rory scored the 4th. 4-4... a fair result.
We're delighted with the start to the season. Here's to more slick passing, stout defending and smart finishing.
Player of the Week: for taking his chances, James E
Match One
We couldn't have wished for a better start to our first season playing in the competitive League. Cumnor played with discipline, skill and pace... scoring 9 goals and conceeding none. All the boys contributed but special mention must go to Henry, Rory and Toby who remained focussed despite having little to do. Captain Ben marshalled the team beautifully from the middle with Adam relishing the open spaces of the bigger pitch. Will was full of his usual tricks and turns and Fyn a constant threat around the box. James S and James E slotted in well when they came on and demonstrated we have plenty of talent in our squad.
As for the goals, Will opened our account for the season, followed by Fyn, Will, Ben, Rory, Will (hat trick), two for James E and one for Adam right on the final whistle. Yes, the goals flowed but the team oozed class throughout stroking the ball around the pitch, looking for space and playing as a team.
Match Two
Where match one was one-way traffic, match two had us all on the edge of our seats. Considering the boys swapped pitches half way through, they did well to produce such an entertaining game. Cumnor went behind to a well-taken Yarnton goal despite Laurie making a brave save (without gloves too!). Cumnor pushed forward and there followed a bizarre piece of action where the ball pinged around the box before James S hit the post. The near miss gave Cumnor heart and good work from Henry S saw James E score the equalizer. 1-1.
Yarnton were determined to get something from the day and despite Joe's heroic tackling, soon went 2-1 ahead. But Cumnor weren't going to take this lying down, Binky burst through and sent James E in to score his second of the match and - with 4 goals - go into an early lead in the race for this year's golden boot. There was more drama just before half-time when captain Henry suffered a knee problem and had to go off for Ben.
In the second-half (on the smaller pitch) Joe went in goal and produced a brilliant display of shot-stopping. However, Yarnton pressure saw them go two clear. With defeat in sight, a little shuffling of the personnel saw Rory and Fyn make an appearance and their impact was instant. Ben hammered home Cumnor's third and then the imperious Rory scored the 4th. 4-4... a fair result.
We're delighted with the start to the season. Here's to more slick passing, stout defending and smart finishing.
Player of the Week: for taking his chances, James E
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