Well, we got further than last year despite making hard work of getting past Bloxham. It was the same story as last week with Cumnor making all the running but again failing to beat a very good goalie. True, we hit the bar and the post but the goal, when it came was a fumbled cross from Ben. Never mind, we're on the way. 1-0.
The second game was a different story with the boys starting to gel nicely. Mat had a stormer, scoring a lovely individual goal, setting up Henry S ( who should have grabbed a hat full) and then having the nous to follow in on a block and grab his second and our third. Special mention to for Ed who made a brilliant goal saving tackle and James S, who finished nicely in the corner. Team 2 are looking veer good. 4-0
Player of the Week: easy choice, Mat
Monday 22 November 2010
Tuesday 16 November 2010
What Happened There?
367 shots on target, 360 saves by Super Sam the Kingston goalie, one bar, one post, 2wide and 2 goals. I don't think Cumnor will ever experience a match like that again. In the first half of match one, we ripped Kingston apart playing with terrific pace and posession. Adam was like a man on fire and put his newly learnt block tackling technique to good use. But despite all those efforts, ALL THOSE EFFORTS, we couldn't breakthrough.
Typically, we started slowly in the second-half and suddenly, Cumnor were one down. Never mind, Cumnor were still in the fight with Rory shutting dangerous Tommy out of the game. Then, a rebound and a quick pounce and Will brought us level. But hang on, Cumnor wanted to throw this game away and gifted Kingston and second. The last 10 minutes were fast, furious and totally frantic. Bang, crash, wallop... it was all one way traffic before Will grabbed an equalizer. Could we do it, would we? Well, despite a brave and committed display, we couldn't. Kingston celebrated like they won and it was hard to begrudge them their moment of semi-triumph. For Cumnor? Well, it was just one of those days.
In match two, a twisty/turny run from Matt saw James E pounce with the first strike of the game. 1-0. Matt was flying down the wing, James S and Ollie composed in the middle and Ben & Will looked like an effective defensive partnership of the future! Rory had little to do in goal and Toby seemed recovered from the earlier blow to the peanuts. Matt again, found the killer ball and James E slid it in. Will rounded the half off with a neat little header.
The second half saw more of the same but with Fyn and Adam on at the back. Rory let a goal in and then made a brilliant save. Ben came on and scored a quick goal before Will's audacious little chip was nudged over the line by Ollie's head. 5-1: job done.
Player of the Week: lot's of slick play with special mentions to Ben (who always plays well at Kingston), Matt on the wing, but for bouncing back with guts and guile, Adam.
Typically, we started slowly in the second-half and suddenly, Cumnor were one down. Never mind, Cumnor were still in the fight with Rory shutting dangerous Tommy out of the game. Then, a rebound and a quick pounce and Will brought us level. But hang on, Cumnor wanted to throw this game away and gifted Kingston and second. The last 10 minutes were fast, furious and totally frantic. Bang, crash, wallop... it was all one way traffic before Will grabbed an equalizer. Could we do it, would we? Well, despite a brave and committed display, we couldn't. Kingston celebrated like they won and it was hard to begrudge them their moment of semi-triumph. For Cumnor? Well, it was just one of those days.
In match two, a twisty/turny run from Matt saw James E pounce with the first strike of the game. 1-0. Matt was flying down the wing, James S and Ollie composed in the middle and Ben & Will looked like an effective defensive partnership of the future! Rory had little to do in goal and Toby seemed recovered from the earlier blow to the peanuts. Matt again, found the killer ball and James E slid it in. Will rounded the half off with a neat little header.
The second half saw more of the same but with Fyn and Adam on at the back. Rory let a goal in and then made a brilliant save. Ben came on and scored a quick goal before Will's audacious little chip was nudged over the line by Ollie's head. 5-1: job done.
Player of the Week: lot's of slick play with special mentions to Ben (who always plays well at Kingston), Matt on the wing, but for bouncing back with guts and guile, Adam.
Sunday 7 November 2010
Winning Ways Continue
Two matches, two wins and three (limping, creaking) coaches going grey under the pressure.
Match One
Bicester looked strong from the off and Cumnor's decision to let multi-tasking Rory mark the main Bicester danger man saw him play in an unusually wide area. This meant Cumnor were slightly off balance with Ben left to do a lot of the dog work in central midfield. But he still found time to make some lovely linking moves with Fyn, Adam and Will. Speaking of Will, up he popped in the right hand corner to take Ben's smart pass, cut inside and smash a left foot drive inside the near post. 1-0.
Cumnor found their rhythm and started to put some slick passing moves together. Ollie looked assured in goal and Toby was ever watchful at the back. With half-time approaching Cumnor went close to getting a second.
As in recent weeks, Cumnor were asleep at the start of the second half. However, against the run of play, Will skipped past a few tacklers and found Ben. With Fyn free in front of goal, Ben took the shot on and slipped the ball past the goalie. 2-0.
Ben and Will continued to combine nicely and both should have grabbed their seconds and Cumnor's third. Seconds later, their efforts were rewarded as Ben played a lovely through ball to Will who raced through and passed the ball past the advancing goalie. 3-0.
And then, it all went horribly, horribly wrong. Cumnor started dropping off tackles and mis-hitting their passes and soon, Bicester picked up on a defensive error to score. 3-1. Minutes later, they grabbed a second despite the valiant efforts of Ollie in goal.
It was backs to the wall stuff with the coaches chopping and changing with the positions to try and stem the Bicester attacks. Injury saw Toby replaced by Joe who endured the longest 90 seconds ever in the maelstrom of defence. Finally, the ref blew and Cumnor were deservedly (just) 3-2 winners... and back on touch of the league.
In match two, a strong Cumnor team played with intelligence and aggression to secure their second successive win. Joe and James E formed a strong central midfield partnership with Laurie and James S ably supporting out wide, and the big Henry boys solid at the back. But it was Matt - playing up front - who made the breakthrough with a lovely finish after being put in by James S. We weren't finished there, Henry S used his strength to get the ball through to James S who scored our second. 2-0.
Cumnor were looking good and heading into half-time well in control. Then came a Bicester attack and a moment of Muller madness when he forgot he wasn't in goal and caught the ball in the area. In all fairness, it was a good catch. Could Ed stand up tall and save the penalty? Of course he could!
In the second-half, Ed and Matt swapped and Bicester attacked from the off. Karate kid Muller was throwing himself into every tackle and both James boys were showing some nice touches. But like the first match, Cumnor wobbled and pretty soon - despite valiant efforts by Matt - the scores were level. It needed something magical, something sublime to sneak the win... and it came after a clever tackle and run by Laurie, followed by a goalward charge and netbuster by Ed. 3-2.
With time running out and Bicester throwing everything at the Cumnor goal, the boys battled to the very end and managed to secure an excellent win.
Player of the Week: Ben and Rory were highly effective in match one, Will scored his 7th goal in three games, Henry S & M were magnificent in defence, Joe captained with authority and both James S and Matt scored very nice goals. However, POTW goes to Ed... after all, how many players have ever saved a penalty at one end and scored the winner at other?
Match One
Bicester looked strong from the off and Cumnor's decision to let multi-tasking Rory mark the main Bicester danger man saw him play in an unusually wide area. This meant Cumnor were slightly off balance with Ben left to do a lot of the dog work in central midfield. But he still found time to make some lovely linking moves with Fyn, Adam and Will. Speaking of Will, up he popped in the right hand corner to take Ben's smart pass, cut inside and smash a left foot drive inside the near post. 1-0.
Cumnor found their rhythm and started to put some slick passing moves together. Ollie looked assured in goal and Toby was ever watchful at the back. With half-time approaching Cumnor went close to getting a second.
As in recent weeks, Cumnor were asleep at the start of the second half. However, against the run of play, Will skipped past a few tacklers and found Ben. With Fyn free in front of goal, Ben took the shot on and slipped the ball past the goalie. 2-0.
Ben and Will continued to combine nicely and both should have grabbed their seconds and Cumnor's third. Seconds later, their efforts were rewarded as Ben played a lovely through ball to Will who raced through and passed the ball past the advancing goalie. 3-0.
And then, it all went horribly, horribly wrong. Cumnor started dropping off tackles and mis-hitting their passes and soon, Bicester picked up on a defensive error to score. 3-1. Minutes later, they grabbed a second despite the valiant efforts of Ollie in goal.
It was backs to the wall stuff with the coaches chopping and changing with the positions to try and stem the Bicester attacks. Injury saw Toby replaced by Joe who endured the longest 90 seconds ever in the maelstrom of defence. Finally, the ref blew and Cumnor were deservedly (just) 3-2 winners... and back on touch of the league.
In match two, a strong Cumnor team played with intelligence and aggression to secure their second successive win. Joe and James E formed a strong central midfield partnership with Laurie and James S ably supporting out wide, and the big Henry boys solid at the back. But it was Matt - playing up front - who made the breakthrough with a lovely finish after being put in by James S. We weren't finished there, Henry S used his strength to get the ball through to James S who scored our second. 2-0.
Cumnor were looking good and heading into half-time well in control. Then came a Bicester attack and a moment of Muller madness when he forgot he wasn't in goal and caught the ball in the area. In all fairness, it was a good catch. Could Ed stand up tall and save the penalty? Of course he could!
In the second-half, Ed and Matt swapped and Bicester attacked from the off. Karate kid Muller was throwing himself into every tackle and both James boys were showing some nice touches. But like the first match, Cumnor wobbled and pretty soon - despite valiant efforts by Matt - the scores were level. It needed something magical, something sublime to sneak the win... and it came after a clever tackle and run by Laurie, followed by a goalward charge and netbuster by Ed. 3-2.
With time running out and Bicester throwing everything at the Cumnor goal, the boys battled to the very end and managed to secure an excellent win.
Player of the Week: Ben and Rory were highly effective in match one, Will scored his 7th goal in three games, Henry S & M were magnificent in defence, Joe captained with authority and both James S and Matt scored very nice goals. However, POTW goes to Ed... after all, how many players have ever saved a penalty at one end and scored the winner at other?
Monday 1 November 2010
Cumnor Finally Do The Double
Yes, it's finally happened. Two Cumnor teams went out to face Eynsham and two victories secured.
Match One
With Awseome Ollie and Magic Muller sharing stick duties, Cumnor took their radical new formation into the Eynsham tie. Radical means Rory boulstering central midfield and Will playing up front. This dynamic new shape, built on super solid Toby sweeping at the back, gives us more attacking options in within minutes from the start, Cumnor were in the hunt for goals. Some smart distribution from Toby found Fyn who cut in and lashed a sharp shot wide. Minutes later, Ben found Will whose speculative effort went through the keeper's hands and into the net. 1-0. The rest of the first half saw more Cumnor pressure and we should have gone into the break 3 up. But after recent squeaky encounters, we weren't complaining.
In the second-half, Eynsham came flying out of the traps and for 10 minutes had Cumnor on the back foot. Adam made a cracking box tackle and broke free to set Ben up. Cumnor were battling to get into the game and a quick throw in by the ever alert Rory put Will in who raced in to score a sweetly taken second. 2-0.
Suddenly, Cumnor found their zest. Toby was playing a blinder at the back and Rory and Ben were dovetailing nicely. Will zipped down the left and just managed to whip a cross in for Ben to score. 3-0. Minutes later, Cumnor produced the moment of the match, possibly the season. Ben picked the ball up in midfield, saw Fyn in space and played a lovely pass down the channel. Fyn skinned his defender and hit an inch perfect cross for Will to finish 4-0.
With Joe on for Adam it was left for Will to find the net again with his fourth and Cumnor's fifth. Great team effort and a lovely win. 5-0.
Match Two
What a goal fest... and what a turnaround after recent disappointments. With Ed in goal, skipper Joe in defence, Matt, Ollie, Adam and Rory in midfield and Henry M up front, Cumnor fancied their chances from the off. Smart running by Matt saw Rory go close before Adam deservedly opened the scoring 1-0. Soon, it was Muller time. Now Henry is famed for his all action approach but the big man played some delightful little touches and made an excellent target man, grabbing our second. 2-0.
Pricey was having a field day in midfield and bossing the action, allowing Adam to charge straight at the Eynsham ranks. Seconds later, Adam grabbed his second. 3-0. Then came a moment of pure individual brilliance as sub Toby hurdled a scything tackle, beat half the Eynsham team and found the corner of the net. 4-0.
In the second-half, Will went into goal allowing Cumnor to field a monster front two with Ed and Muller together. And it wasn't long before they combined to set up Henry's second and Cumnor's fifth goal. There was no stopping us now - well there was because Ollie hit a lovely free kick only to have it knocked away from goal by Fyn! But the goals kept coming with Ed grabbing a sixth before setting up Matt for a very nicely taken seventh.
Two matches, two wins. The U10s are truly up and running.
Player of the Week: Will grabbed four, Ben held the midfield, Joe was strong as ever, Ollie played beautifully in goal and midfield and Henry showed some lovely deft touches in the box. But, deserving the accolades this week for a lovely solo goal and a quite brilliant defensive display, Toby.
Match One
With Awseome Ollie and Magic Muller sharing stick duties, Cumnor took their radical new formation into the Eynsham tie. Radical means Rory boulstering central midfield and Will playing up front. This dynamic new shape, built on super solid Toby sweeping at the back, gives us more attacking options in within minutes from the start, Cumnor were in the hunt for goals. Some smart distribution from Toby found Fyn who cut in and lashed a sharp shot wide. Minutes later, Ben found Will whose speculative effort went through the keeper's hands and into the net. 1-0. The rest of the first half saw more Cumnor pressure and we should have gone into the break 3 up. But after recent squeaky encounters, we weren't complaining.
In the second-half, Eynsham came flying out of the traps and for 10 minutes had Cumnor on the back foot. Adam made a cracking box tackle and broke free to set Ben up. Cumnor were battling to get into the game and a quick throw in by the ever alert Rory put Will in who raced in to score a sweetly taken second. 2-0.
Suddenly, Cumnor found their zest. Toby was playing a blinder at the back and Rory and Ben were dovetailing nicely. Will zipped down the left and just managed to whip a cross in for Ben to score. 3-0. Minutes later, Cumnor produced the moment of the match, possibly the season. Ben picked the ball up in midfield, saw Fyn in space and played a lovely pass down the channel. Fyn skinned his defender and hit an inch perfect cross for Will to finish 4-0.
With Joe on for Adam it was left for Will to find the net again with his fourth and Cumnor's fifth. Great team effort and a lovely win. 5-0.
Match Two
What a goal fest... and what a turnaround after recent disappointments. With Ed in goal, skipper Joe in defence, Matt, Ollie, Adam and Rory in midfield and Henry M up front, Cumnor fancied their chances from the off. Smart running by Matt saw Rory go close before Adam deservedly opened the scoring 1-0. Soon, it was Muller time. Now Henry is famed for his all action approach but the big man played some delightful little touches and made an excellent target man, grabbing our second. 2-0.
Pricey was having a field day in midfield and bossing the action, allowing Adam to charge straight at the Eynsham ranks. Seconds later, Adam grabbed his second. 3-0. Then came a moment of pure individual brilliance as sub Toby hurdled a scything tackle, beat half the Eynsham team and found the corner of the net. 4-0.
In the second-half, Will went into goal allowing Cumnor to field a monster front two with Ed and Muller together. And it wasn't long before they combined to set up Henry's second and Cumnor's fifth goal. There was no stopping us now - well there was because Ollie hit a lovely free kick only to have it knocked away from goal by Fyn! But the goals kept coming with Ed grabbing a sixth before setting up Matt for a very nicely taken seventh.
Two matches, two wins. The U10s are truly up and running.
Player of the Week: Will grabbed four, Ben held the midfield, Joe was strong as ever, Ollie played beautifully in goal and midfield and Henry showed some lovely deft touches in the box. But, deserving the accolades this week for a lovely solo goal and a quite brilliant defensive display, Toby.
Monday 18 October 2010
Ducklington Deadlock
It doesn't get much better than this. Cumnor stormed back from their Deddington defeat to take top-of-the-table Ducklington to within a minute of their first defeat of the season. With a new shape - and a return to an older, fiestier attitude - we put in our best performance of the season. Ollie had a cracker in goal showing fantastic handling and great decision making. Toby was unflappable at the back and distributed the ball well. In central midfield, the new partnership of Ben and Rory showed real promise with Rory's superb man-marking allowing Ben the time and space to be the team playmaker. Out right, Fyn was a constant threat and Adam got into some excellent scoring positions. Will - playing up front - was a revelation adding strength and determination to his accustomed skill and guile... qualities which helped him grab our goal in the first half.
We can't praise the boys enough for the way they took the game to Ducklington. We played scintillating football and should have buried the game in the second-half. However, fair play to Ducklington, they kept battling and scored moments before the end. We'll take a lot from this display.
In the second match, Cumnor showed more signs of improvement. There is a balance and harmony forming, driven on by the scowling, growling Joe... marshalled by the ever elegant James S and inspired by the tireless Matt. Laurie is improving with each outing and is becoming a very difficult player to deal with. Henry S - carrying the effects of his flu jab - made many dangerous sorties into enemy territory. Binky ploughed a lonely furrow up front but never let his head drop and James E showed his killer instinct in front of goal to score. 2-1 was an unfortunate result, but it might have been worse if it wasn't for the Mighty Ed in goal.
It's coming, it's getting closer... that illusive win is just around the corner. All we need is a little bit of luck and we'll be on our winning way.
Player of the Week: Rory was close but for his outstanding striker play, Will
We can't praise the boys enough for the way they took the game to Ducklington. We played scintillating football and should have buried the game in the second-half. However, fair play to Ducklington, they kept battling and scored moments before the end. We'll take a lot from this display.
In the second match, Cumnor showed more signs of improvement. There is a balance and harmony forming, driven on by the scowling, growling Joe... marshalled by the ever elegant James S and inspired by the tireless Matt. Laurie is improving with each outing and is becoming a very difficult player to deal with. Henry S - carrying the effects of his flu jab - made many dangerous sorties into enemy territory. Binky ploughed a lonely furrow up front but never let his head drop and James E showed his killer instinct in front of goal to score. 2-1 was an unfortunate result, but it might have been worse if it wasn't for the Mighty Ed in goal.
It's coming, it's getting closer... that illusive win is just around the corner. All we need is a little bit of luck and we'll be on our winning way.
Player of the Week: Rory was close but for his outstanding striker play, Will
Tuesday 12 October 2010
Sharkbitten
If Cumnor have a bogey team then it's Deddington Sharks. Just like last season (when they beat us twice in a cup tie) Deddington did another double rollover(2-5 and 2-4). In all fairness, they deserved their victories. According to Dave 'Statto' O'Shea, this is the first time Cumnor has been beaten in the league in 20 games. No-one would dare dispute Dave's grasp of the stats but it does prove what an incredibly tight league this is going to be. On the plus side, Adam took his two goals nicely and Ollie played valiantly between the sticks. We also played some lovely one touch football but on a tight pitch against a physical side, we were often second to the ball and suffered as a consequence. That's not taking anything away from Deddington because they took their chances exceptionally well. However, we must heed the warning and add steel to our silkiness.
The second match was much better. Cumnor were well organized with James E playing the playmaker in midfield and Binky scampering on to score two lovely goals. By keeping our shape and allowing the ball to do more of the work, we almost made the win breakthrough we've been searching for all season. One thing we didn't lack was heart, especially with Joe playing like a man possessed. He missed one tackle during the entire match and was an inspiration - and example - to all his watching Cumnor teammates.
It's Ducklington next and we know what they're all about. They are skillful, committed and probably view Cumnor as the local team they love to beat. Let's re-group, man up and show the doubters that there is more to Cumnor than pretty passing.
Player of the Week: special mention to Ollie but the undoubted winner was the mighty Joe.
The second match was much better. Cumnor were well organized with James E playing the playmaker in midfield and Binky scampering on to score two lovely goals. By keeping our shape and allowing the ball to do more of the work, we almost made the win breakthrough we've been searching for all season. One thing we didn't lack was heart, especially with Joe playing like a man possessed. He missed one tackle during the entire match and was an inspiration - and example - to all his watching Cumnor teammates.
It's Ducklington next and we know what they're all about. They are skillful, committed and probably view Cumnor as the local team they love to beat. Let's re-group, man up and show the doubters that there is more to Cumnor than pretty passing.
Player of the Week: special mention to Ollie but the undoubted winner was the mighty Joe.
Sunday 3 October 2010
Tower Toppled Once, But Not Twice
A glorious day at The Closes saw two hard fought matches between two strong squads. Improved second half performances by Cumnor in both matches meant we came away with one win, one defeat and our heads held high.
The first game saw the usual seven battle it out with a skilful Tower Hill side, both teams displaying some excellent passing skills. From the kick-off this looked like it would be a tight game, and so it proved. The first half saw chances for both teams but some great defending kept everyone at bay. Henry was resolute in goal and both Toby and Rory were strong in the tackle, negating the Tower Hill threat. Cumnor were less threatening going forward for the first ten minutes, but then found some rhythm and started to attack the Tower Hill goal. The highlight came when Adam smashed in a shot from 20 yards, which somehow hit the cross bar twice before Fyn poked the rebound wide.
The second half followed a similar pattern, two good teams playing good football. Tower Hill eventually broke the deadlock, counter attacking after Will had had a great free kick well saved. Henry could do nothing about the fine strike from the Tower Hill winger. 1-0 down with 10 minutes to go. The boys did not let there heads drop and battled hard to get back on level terms. Finally the break through came – Will picked the ball up deep in his own half, beat his marker, before playing a neat ball inside to an unmarked Fyn. One on one with the goalie, everyone shouting “shoot” and he cleverly drew the goalie before squaring the ball for an onrushing Ben who slotted home neatly. Cumnor grew in confidence and were convinced they could win – so much so even Rory started marauding forward. With Adam, Rory and Toby locking up the defence and preventing any Tower Hill threat, Ben, Will and Fyn went about securing a winner. With 10 seconds to go, Ben played a neat one-two with Fyn on the edge of the area before stroking the ball in off the post for the winner. Pandemonium (almost). The team saw out the win and now sit at the top of the league – 3 wins from 3 games.
The second match, like in both previous weeks, saw our boys up against a second team that included a number of players that had played in the first game, so it was always going to be a tough encounter. With James S as Captain trying hard in centre midfield, a solid pairing of Joe and Matt at the back, and Will in goal, the team looked strong and prevented Tower Hill creating too many chances. Binky and Henry S worked tirelessly on the wings and tried to feed James E up front to create an opening. This was done on a number of occasions, only for some last ditch tackles by Tower Hill preventing Cumnor from getting the vital shot away. Tower Hill then started to pass the ball well and created some chances, scoring two quick goals. The boys responded well and fought back, with Joe making brave tackles, Matt running tirelessly and James E almost grabbing a goal. Unfortunately, just before half time, Tower Hill broke twice and scored twice – 4-0 down. A lack of communication across the team was costing us.
The second half was a much stronger performance by Cumnor. James S and Matt swapped positions and the whole team started to make some more noise. Will made some great saves in goal, athletic dives followed by brave stops as the big Tower Hill centre forward broke through. Cumnor created a lot more chances in this half, with Henry S in particular making strong runs down the left. One such run saw the ball break to Binky who smashed it against the post. Further chances came and went and it looked like only a matter of time before we scored. Unfortunately, luck didn’t go our way and Tower Hill eventually grabbed another to make it 5-0.
The second matches this season are clearly going to be tougher than previous years – we are up against smaller squads and the boys are going to have to fight really hard to secure victories. That said, if they stick at it and work as a unit, victories will come and they will learn a lot along the way.
The player of the week trophy was a tough decision. Every player made a strong contribution. In the first match Toby had another outstanding game and Ben scored two well taken goals. Joe was as brave as ever in the second match, Will was outstanding in goal and Henry S created many chances. However, for creating both goals in the opening game and running as hard as ever even though he was clearly unwell, Player of the Week was Fyn.
The first game saw the usual seven battle it out with a skilful Tower Hill side, both teams displaying some excellent passing skills. From the kick-off this looked like it would be a tight game, and so it proved. The first half saw chances for both teams but some great defending kept everyone at bay. Henry was resolute in goal and both Toby and Rory were strong in the tackle, negating the Tower Hill threat. Cumnor were less threatening going forward for the first ten minutes, but then found some rhythm and started to attack the Tower Hill goal. The highlight came when Adam smashed in a shot from 20 yards, which somehow hit the cross bar twice before Fyn poked the rebound wide.
The second half followed a similar pattern, two good teams playing good football. Tower Hill eventually broke the deadlock, counter attacking after Will had had a great free kick well saved. Henry could do nothing about the fine strike from the Tower Hill winger. 1-0 down with 10 minutes to go. The boys did not let there heads drop and battled hard to get back on level terms. Finally the break through came – Will picked the ball up deep in his own half, beat his marker, before playing a neat ball inside to an unmarked Fyn. One on one with the goalie, everyone shouting “shoot” and he cleverly drew the goalie before squaring the ball for an onrushing Ben who slotted home neatly. Cumnor grew in confidence and were convinced they could win – so much so even Rory started marauding forward. With Adam, Rory and Toby locking up the defence and preventing any Tower Hill threat, Ben, Will and Fyn went about securing a winner. With 10 seconds to go, Ben played a neat one-two with Fyn on the edge of the area before stroking the ball in off the post for the winner. Pandemonium (almost). The team saw out the win and now sit at the top of the league – 3 wins from 3 games.
The second match, like in both previous weeks, saw our boys up against a second team that included a number of players that had played in the first game, so it was always going to be a tough encounter. With James S as Captain trying hard in centre midfield, a solid pairing of Joe and Matt at the back, and Will in goal, the team looked strong and prevented Tower Hill creating too many chances. Binky and Henry S worked tirelessly on the wings and tried to feed James E up front to create an opening. This was done on a number of occasions, only for some last ditch tackles by Tower Hill preventing Cumnor from getting the vital shot away. Tower Hill then started to pass the ball well and created some chances, scoring two quick goals. The boys responded well and fought back, with Joe making brave tackles, Matt running tirelessly and James E almost grabbing a goal. Unfortunately, just before half time, Tower Hill broke twice and scored twice – 4-0 down. A lack of communication across the team was costing us.
The second half was a much stronger performance by Cumnor. James S and Matt swapped positions and the whole team started to make some more noise. Will made some great saves in goal, athletic dives followed by brave stops as the big Tower Hill centre forward broke through. Cumnor created a lot more chances in this half, with Henry S in particular making strong runs down the left. One such run saw the ball break to Binky who smashed it against the post. Further chances came and went and it looked like only a matter of time before we scored. Unfortunately, luck didn’t go our way and Tower Hill eventually grabbed another to make it 5-0.
The second matches this season are clearly going to be tougher than previous years – we are up against smaller squads and the boys are going to have to fight really hard to secure victories. That said, if they stick at it and work as a unit, victories will come and they will learn a lot along the way.
The player of the week trophy was a tough decision. Every player made a strong contribution. In the first match Toby had another outstanding game and Ben scored two well taken goals. Joe was as brave as ever in the second match, Will was outstanding in goal and Henry S created many chances. However, for creating both goals in the opening game and running as hard as ever even though he was clearly unwell, Player of the Week was Fyn.
Monday 27 September 2010
Cumnor Go Toe-to-Toe With Brackley
Two tough games with two different outcomes. In the first match, a strong Cumnor team had to dig in to win, securing a 2-1 victory after a tense last few minutes. Brackley played extremely well but didn't quite have enough bite to get past the Cumnor braves. Will and Adam worked tirelessly down the flanks, with both going close to scoring. Ben held the midfield and endured a tough physical battle with the Brackley number 8. Rory and Toby stayed organized and strong and Magic Muller in goal made three terrific saves. But El Fyn-io up front looked sharpest of all pouncing on one half chance to score and then producing a moment of trickery in the box to seal the 2-1 win.
In the second match, Brackley practically fielded the same side and were determined to leave The Closes with something. Cumnor again showed tremendous determination and grit with Joe grunting and growling away, Matt having his own personal war with the number 6, James S and Henry making mazy runs and James E showing more touches of class. With Binky beating out the shots it was left to Matt to score an early equalizer with a crisp finish. Unfortunately, Brackley stretched away in the second half despite some big performances from our boys... boys like Laurie who seems to grow in strength and character with each match.
Well done to both teams.
Player of the Week: special mentions to Muller and Fyn but the glory goes to the every gutsy Laurie.
In the second match, Brackley practically fielded the same side and were determined to leave The Closes with something. Cumnor again showed tremendous determination and grit with Joe grunting and growling away, Matt having his own personal war with the number 6, James S and Henry making mazy runs and James E showing more touches of class. With Binky beating out the shots it was left to Matt to score an early equalizer with a crisp finish. Unfortunately, Brackley stretched away in the second half despite some big performances from our boys... boys like Laurie who seems to grow in strength and character with each match.
Well done to both teams.
Player of the Week: special mentions to Muller and Fyn but the glory goes to the every gutsy Laurie.
Sunday 12 September 2010
The Big Kick Off
An all-action start to the new season (and not just getting the pitch prepped in time) as Cumnor welcomed highly-rated Middleton Cheney to The Closes for the first time. In match one, Henry started in goal, Toby and Rory at the back, Ben, Will & Adam in midfield and Fyn up front.
For a team built on slick passing, we struggled to cope with the extra length on the grass and soon, MC had us on the back foot. Much of the pre-season was focused on strong tackling and being more physical and it was pleasing to see all the boys bringing their training onto the pitch. Toby was rock solid and managed to control the dangerous MC 8. Adam, ploughing unfamiliar territory wide left, also pulled off a stunning slide tackle. However, MC held their pitch positions and managed to take the lead. Cumnor needed to get into the game and did through a nicely taken Will goal. 1-1. With both teams fighting hard, MC went into the break 2-1 up after a great solo goal.
In the second-half, Adam and Will switched wings, Ben stayed more central and the boys managed to find the pace of the pitch. If MC deserved the first-half, we deserved the second. Adam forced a corner which Will dinked in for a sliding Ben to hammer home. 2-1. Cumnor wanted the win and started playing in the way we are used to seeing. Fyn went close twice, with one effort leading to a corner. Quick thinking by Ben drew a defender out for Will to cross into the space for Adam to knock home. 3-2.
With the coaches relieved to be ahead, Dave O shaking the stopwatch to make the seconds pass faster, and Steve M nursing one in the stomach... everyone was feeling tense. It took a last piece of Muller Magic to secure the win with Henry making a full length wonder save - much to the delight of a watching Chris. 3-2.
In match two, Matt started in goal, Laurie and Joe at the back, Binky, Henry and Ollie midfield and James E up front. Playing pretty much the same MC team, this was an intense physical encounter with Joe and Laurie forming the most lethal partnership since Jean Claude Van-Damme and Steven Segal joined forces to take some rogue Russian gangsters down.
Most of the early action was in and around our goal mouth and despite Matt's heroics, MC went ahead. But this was the Cumnor Braveheart 7 captain Binky pounced for the equalizer. 1-1. With the boys at the back blocking everything and the midfield gelling well, Cumnor took control. An uncharacteristic miss by James S let Henry S in for the second and he soon doubled his individual tally taking the boys into a 3-1 half-time lead... and Henry into poll position for golden boot.
In the second-half Binky replaced Matt in goal and the boys knew they would have to fight hard to protect their lead. And fight they did, every single one of them battled to the very end but MC rode their luck and started getting some deserved goals back. With Cumnor out on their knees, the match ended 5-3 to MC. Sure, the boys were disappointed but rightly proud for not taking a single backward step. We can take heart from this impressive squad start and go into the season unafraid of anyone.
Player of the Week: special mentions to Laurie and Joe but for his strength, determination and growing awareness on the ball, Toby
For a team built on slick passing, we struggled to cope with the extra length on the grass and soon, MC had us on the back foot. Much of the pre-season was focused on strong tackling and being more physical and it was pleasing to see all the boys bringing their training onto the pitch. Toby was rock solid and managed to control the dangerous MC 8. Adam, ploughing unfamiliar territory wide left, also pulled off a stunning slide tackle. However, MC held their pitch positions and managed to take the lead. Cumnor needed to get into the game and did through a nicely taken Will goal. 1-1. With both teams fighting hard, MC went into the break 2-1 up after a great solo goal.
In the second-half, Adam and Will switched wings, Ben stayed more central and the boys managed to find the pace of the pitch. If MC deserved the first-half, we deserved the second. Adam forced a corner which Will dinked in for a sliding Ben to hammer home. 2-1. Cumnor wanted the win and started playing in the way we are used to seeing. Fyn went close twice, with one effort leading to a corner. Quick thinking by Ben drew a defender out for Will to cross into the space for Adam to knock home. 3-2.
With the coaches relieved to be ahead, Dave O shaking the stopwatch to make the seconds pass faster, and Steve M nursing one in the stomach... everyone was feeling tense. It took a last piece of Muller Magic to secure the win with Henry making a full length wonder save - much to the delight of a watching Chris. 3-2.
In match two, Matt started in goal, Laurie and Joe at the back, Binky, Henry and Ollie midfield and James E up front. Playing pretty much the same MC team, this was an intense physical encounter with Joe and Laurie forming the most lethal partnership since Jean Claude Van-Damme and Steven Segal joined forces to take some rogue Russian gangsters down.
Most of the early action was in and around our goal mouth and despite Matt's heroics, MC went ahead. But this was the Cumnor Braveheart 7 captain Binky pounced for the equalizer. 1-1. With the boys at the back blocking everything and the midfield gelling well, Cumnor took control. An uncharacteristic miss by James S let Henry S in for the second and he soon doubled his individual tally taking the boys into a 3-1 half-time lead... and Henry into poll position for golden boot.
In the second-half Binky replaced Matt in goal and the boys knew they would have to fight hard to protect their lead. And fight they did, every single one of them battled to the very end but MC rode their luck and started getting some deserved goals back. With Cumnor out on their knees, the match ended 5-3 to MC. Sure, the boys were disappointed but rightly proud for not taking a single backward step. We can take heart from this impressive squad start and go into the season unafraid of anyone.
Player of the Week: special mentions to Laurie and Joe but for his strength, determination and growing awareness on the ball, Toby
Friday 23 July 2010
2010/11
Please note: there are no vacancies in the U10 squad. For details of the current waiting list, please email u10squad@cumnorfc.co.uk
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Awards 2009/10
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We hope everyone enjoyed themselves at the Presentation Day (Rob, Dave, Tim and Rich certainly did and thank you once again to our incredibly generous parents). The boys have had a fantastic season and it was fitting that each one recieved a club trophy and a moment in the spotlight where we celebrated their highpoints. However, award ceremonies must have winners and here are ours.
Golden Boot (29 goals each): Fyn & Will
Parents' Player: Ben
Players' Player: Will
Most Improved Player: James E & James S
Coaches Player: Joe
Well done, boys. Here's to a successful series of Summer tournaments.
Tuesday 27 April 2010
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Saturday 24 April 2010
End of Season Celebration
Our last training session of the season saw the Cup and medals presented, followed by some 'champagne' (of the non-alcoholic variety), chocolates and a hard fought parents v kids match. It was a draw. I think.
Monday 12 April 2010
The Magnificent Seven
We arrived at our last game of the season with only 7 of our 16 available - but what a 7 - a whole hearted performance in temperatures of 80+ degrees saw us triumph in both games and become the only WDYFL club to win 100% of its league matches in 2009/10.
The first match saw Ollie take the GK bib (does anybody know where the shirt is?), with Rory and Joe forming the central defence partnership, Toby wide right, Adam wide left, Ben in the centre and Fyn in his accustomed place up front. In the first half yarnton played some good football and were strong defensivley, keeping us to a few half chances. One of these finally squeaked in, via a defender and their goalkeeper. The second half was a different story, with Cumnor kicking down hill and taking full control. Ben won a strong challenge, fed the ball to Fyn who put in a great cross for Adam to neatly volley home. The third was not long in coming, with Toby smashing in a left foot shot from outside the box. Cumnor dominated for the rest of the game, and could have added a few more goals, however we ended up with a comfortable 3-0 win and our 100% record.
The second game saw the same 7 players take to the field. Ollie started as captain and right midfielder, with Rory in the centre, Joe and Adam at the back, Toby on the left and Ben in goal. Fyn stayed up front and proved that, as a striker it doesn't matter how many you miss, as long as you keep popping up in teh right place you will eventually score. He grabbed a hatrick in this match, with all 3 of them being neat finishes. Ben, who swapped with Adam at half time, is also claiming a hatrick, though the dubious goals panel may need to adjudicate on one of his efforts. The match ended 6-0 and we could have doubled this score. Ollie went close on a number of occasions and his bravery with his head created one of Ben's goals. Rory tried hard to stay in the middle of the park (though it is obvious he is a natural defender), Toby recovered from a few knocks to make a strong contribution and Adam kindly did a stint in goal, playing even though he was not 100% well. Star turn in the second match though was Joe - he sat alone in defence for the second half and marshalled Yarnton very well. Not only was his tackling strong, but he was timing his interceptions well and then passing the ball to his midfielders - it was great to see this development in his play.
At the end of the second match we had 7 very red-faced boys (Rory showing his Aussie roots by claiming not to be hot even though the bright red face suggested something to the contrary). Everyone had made a fantastic contribution and we can all look back on a very successful season. Player of the week was a close run thing, with Joe and Rory in particular having great games, however, for the way he drove the team forward in the first match and for a cheeky hatrick in the second, Ben received the trophy.
The first match saw Ollie take the GK bib (does anybody know where the shirt is?), with Rory and Joe forming the central defence partnership, Toby wide right, Adam wide left, Ben in the centre and Fyn in his accustomed place up front. In the first half yarnton played some good football and were strong defensivley, keeping us to a few half chances. One of these finally squeaked in, via a defender and their goalkeeper. The second half was a different story, with Cumnor kicking down hill and taking full control. Ben won a strong challenge, fed the ball to Fyn who put in a great cross for Adam to neatly volley home. The third was not long in coming, with Toby smashing in a left foot shot from outside the box. Cumnor dominated for the rest of the game, and could have added a few more goals, however we ended up with a comfortable 3-0 win and our 100% record.
The second game saw the same 7 players take to the field. Ollie started as captain and right midfielder, with Rory in the centre, Joe and Adam at the back, Toby on the left and Ben in goal. Fyn stayed up front and proved that, as a striker it doesn't matter how many you miss, as long as you keep popping up in teh right place you will eventually score. He grabbed a hatrick in this match, with all 3 of them being neat finishes. Ben, who swapped with Adam at half time, is also claiming a hatrick, though the dubious goals panel may need to adjudicate on one of his efforts. The match ended 6-0 and we could have doubled this score. Ollie went close on a number of occasions and his bravery with his head created one of Ben's goals. Rory tried hard to stay in the middle of the park (though it is obvious he is a natural defender), Toby recovered from a few knocks to make a strong contribution and Adam kindly did a stint in goal, playing even though he was not 100% well. Star turn in the second match though was Joe - he sat alone in defence for the second half and marshalled Yarnton very well. Not only was his tackling strong, but he was timing his interceptions well and then passing the ball to his midfielders - it was great to see this development in his play.
At the end of the second match we had 7 very red-faced boys (Rory showing his Aussie roots by claiming not to be hot even though the bright red face suggested something to the contrary). Everyone had made a fantastic contribution and we can all look back on a very successful season. Player of the week was a close run thing, with Joe and Rory in particular having great games, however, for the way he drove the team forward in the first match and for a cheeky hatrick in the second, Ben received the trophy.
Monday 29 March 2010
CHAMPIONS!
Under-9's 'Green' League Pl W D L GF GA Pts
Cumnor Minors 15 15 0 0 80 9 45
Kingston Colts 16 13 1 2 62 23 40
Hook Norton 16 11 0 5 67 23 33
Combe Junior Sports 16 8 2 6 39 28 26
Garden City 16 7 1 8 40 53 22
Enstone Sports 16 6 0 10 46 44 18
Yarnton Blues 15 4 2 9 28 59 14
Chadlington 16 3 0 13 23 69 9
Stonesfield Strikers 16 1 0 15 19 96 3
A fantastic squad performance by both teams to overcome an excellent Kingston challenge 2-1 and 2-0. The passing, commitment, drive and determination to win was superb. Fyn ran his heart out on the right and set up Will's delightful glancing header and Ben's midfield rocket. Rory and James were measured and controlled against a very tricky Kingston team and Henry too, despite being unwell, gave his all. Ben tackled everything that moved and Adam was a constant threat playing in the unfamiliar striker role.
In match two, Ed was brave and strong in midfield, Mat showed great hunger and heart. Will looked surprisingly composed in defence and James E demonstrated why he has the silkiest touch in the squad. Toby was quite magnificent, scoring one and forcing an own goal.
Well done to the boys, they remain unbeaten and are now deserved champions!
Cumnor Minors 15 15 0 0 80 9 45
Kingston Colts 16 13 1 2 62 23 40
Hook Norton 16 11 0 5 67 23 33
Combe Junior Sports 16 8 2 6 39 28 26
Garden City 16 7 1 8 40 53 22
Enstone Sports 16 6 0 10 46 44 18
Yarnton Blues 15 4 2 9 28 59 14
Chadlington 16 3 0 13 23 69 9
Stonesfield Strikers 16 1 0 15 19 96 3
A fantastic squad performance by both teams to overcome an excellent Kingston challenge 2-1 and 2-0. The passing, commitment, drive and determination to win was superb. Fyn ran his heart out on the right and set up Will's delightful glancing header and Ben's midfield rocket. Rory and James were measured and controlled against a very tricky Kingston team and Henry too, despite being unwell, gave his all. Ben tackled everything that moved and Adam was a constant threat playing in the unfamiliar striker role.
In match two, Ed was brave and strong in midfield, Mat showed great hunger and heart. Will looked surprisingly composed in defence and James E demonstrated why he has the silkiest touch in the squad. Toby was quite magnificent, scoring one and forcing an own goal.
Well done to the boys, they remain unbeaten and are now deserved champions!
Monday 22 March 2010
The Winning Run Continues
Two excellent team performances saw Garden City cut down to size on Saturday. This means we're unbeaten since Christmas and looking in good shape for the make or break title decider against Kingston this week. Well done to all the boys, 5-1 and 3-1 are scores to be proud of.
Monday 15 March 2010
Hook Norton Hoodwinked
It was a tie that had everything: goals, blocks, penalties, mistakes and chances but finally Cumnor overcame the ever tough Hook Norton unbeaten, leaving the field with a 3-1 and o-o result. Congratulations to the boys who dug in from start to finish: to Fyn and Will who bagged the goals, Ben and Joe who tackled like demons, Laurie, Rory, James S and Mat who were big and brave at the back, Henry S, Adam and Ed who never stopped running, Toby and Binky who always chose the right ball to play, James E for threatening up front and most of all Ollie 'Elasticman' price who overcame a dodgy moment to save a penalty. We're unbeaten since Christmas, the only unbeaten U9 team in the Witney league and the title is in our hands. If we keep working hard on our passing and our tackling we'll be fine.
Player of the Week: Pricey the Penalty King
Player of the Week: Pricey the Penalty King
Sunday 7 March 2010
Enstone Squeezed Out
A biting wind and a narrow pitch couldn't stop the boys delivering a polished performance. In parts, we were sublime... moving the ball quickly and cleverly but our tackling wasn't as strong as it could have been and quite a few passes went astray. But on the whole, we won both matches (5-1 and 4-2)and we're going well into the last few weeks of the season.
Henry M
Made some important saves stretching his long frame out to parry the ball away. Played up front in the second half of the second game, scored a lovely goal and should have had a penalty... and would have if the ref had been wearing his proper glasses.
James S
Another assured performance at the back and almost scored with a lovely long range effort. Starting to work well with Rory.
Rory
Rock solid and dependable as ever. Never looks hurried or uncomfortable. Also took advantage of his midfield role in the second game by scoring a nice goal.
Ben
Kept our shape, snapped away, turned a training ground corner move into a goal and was always in the thick of it.
Adam
Full of drive and determination as he ran his heart out up and down the right hand side. Unlucky not to score but was a constant threat.
Will
Some lovely touches and set up 7 of Cumnor's 9 goals. Claimed to have scored from a corner in the second match but the "blind idiot referee" (his Dad) missed it.
Fyn
The Fox in The Box was at his pouncing best scoring 3 second-half goals in the first match. Also produced a lovely dummy in a sweeping first half move. Defended well in the second match.
James E
The Boy With The Golden Boots strikes again. Two lovely goals (one in each match) and showed again why he's dangerous off the bench. Unlucky to concede a dubious goal from a corner (that idiot ref again!)
Toby
Full of fight and fury, Toby made it uncomfortable for the Enstone back line.
Matt
Strong and brave in midfield, responded well to wearing the captain's armband and scored a beauty from the edge of the box.
Player of the Week: special mentions for Fyn, Will and Ben but for his leadership - and stunning goal - Matt.
Henry M
Made some important saves stretching his long frame out to parry the ball away. Played up front in the second half of the second game, scored a lovely goal and should have had a penalty... and would have if the ref had been wearing his proper glasses.
James S
Another assured performance at the back and almost scored with a lovely long range effort. Starting to work well with Rory.
Rory
Rock solid and dependable as ever. Never looks hurried or uncomfortable. Also took advantage of his midfield role in the second game by scoring a nice goal.
Ben
Kept our shape, snapped away, turned a training ground corner move into a goal and was always in the thick of it.
Adam
Full of drive and determination as he ran his heart out up and down the right hand side. Unlucky not to score but was a constant threat.
Will
Some lovely touches and set up 7 of Cumnor's 9 goals. Claimed to have scored from a corner in the second match but the "blind idiot referee" (his Dad) missed it.
Fyn
The Fox in The Box was at his pouncing best scoring 3 second-half goals in the first match. Also produced a lovely dummy in a sweeping first half move. Defended well in the second match.
James E
The Boy With The Golden Boots strikes again. Two lovely goals (one in each match) and showed again why he's dangerous off the bench. Unlucky to concede a dubious goal from a corner (that idiot ref again!)
Toby
Full of fight and fury, Toby made it uncomfortable for the Enstone back line.
Matt
Strong and brave in midfield, responded well to wearing the captain's armband and scored a beauty from the edge of the box.
Player of the Week: special mentions for Fyn, Will and Ben but for his leadership - and stunning goal - Matt.
Sunday 28 February 2010
Carterton Cliffhanger
We finally got a game in against Carterton and it was nice to leave with 2 wins under our belt.
In the first match, a new defensive pairing of James S and Rory gave the boys a solid base on which to play an expansive passing game. Will skipped past a few challenges and put a cross in for Ollie to open the scoring. Then lovely interplay between Ben, Fyn and Will forced an own goal from Will's cross.
With Adam working hard down the flank and Ben snapping away in midfield, Cumnor were well in control. Fyn took a beautiful touch and slid in the fourth before netting again to take a 4-0 lead into half time.
We reshaped for the second half with Fyn and Ollie going wide, Will and Adam central and Ben up front. The reorganization effected our rhythm but James and Rory were totally at ease. Will shimmied past a defender and shot low for our fifth (which he dedicated to his Grandad on his birthday). Henry was slowly freezing his unmentionables off in goal but he did make a great save. Seconds later, a rocket went past him for a Carterton consolation goal. Rory went close in the final seconds but the victory was ours.
In the second match, Toby took the armband and lined up in midfield with Mat. Binky and Henry S went wide, Laurie and Joe in defence, Adam in goal and James S striker. This was a much closer game with the midfield a combat zone. Carterton laid siege to our goal and it took a few telltale Joe crunchers to keep them at bay. Pressure, eventually, paid off and Carterton took the lead. But a moment of magic saw us draw level. Henry S played a superb inside pass to James E who spun and found the bottom corner. 1-1.
Second half changes saw Binky and Toby swap and Matt put on their dangerous number 3 and Laurie take the captain's armband. The battle was on with tackles flying in and shots ricocheting here, there and everywhere. Adam made a good save and Joe was throwing himself into everything. Binky was enjoying a better half in the middle of the action and Toby threatened out wide. Mat broke up a few dangerous attacks but it was another Henry/James combo which saw James hit the eventual winner. 2-1.
With the tension growing towards the end, Laurie grew in stature and made a brilliant clearing header just as Carterton looked set to draw level.
Player of the Week: James S looked assured in the first game, James E and Fyn took their goals well but the deserved player of the week for his strong leadership and bravery was Laurie.
In the first match, a new defensive pairing of James S and Rory gave the boys a solid base on which to play an expansive passing game. Will skipped past a few challenges and put a cross in for Ollie to open the scoring. Then lovely interplay between Ben, Fyn and Will forced an own goal from Will's cross.
With Adam working hard down the flank and Ben snapping away in midfield, Cumnor were well in control. Fyn took a beautiful touch and slid in the fourth before netting again to take a 4-0 lead into half time.
We reshaped for the second half with Fyn and Ollie going wide, Will and Adam central and Ben up front. The reorganization effected our rhythm but James and Rory were totally at ease. Will shimmied past a defender and shot low for our fifth (which he dedicated to his Grandad on his birthday). Henry was slowly freezing his unmentionables off in goal but he did make a great save. Seconds later, a rocket went past him for a Carterton consolation goal. Rory went close in the final seconds but the victory was ours.
In the second match, Toby took the armband and lined up in midfield with Mat. Binky and Henry S went wide, Laurie and Joe in defence, Adam in goal and James S striker. This was a much closer game with the midfield a combat zone. Carterton laid siege to our goal and it took a few telltale Joe crunchers to keep them at bay. Pressure, eventually, paid off and Carterton took the lead. But a moment of magic saw us draw level. Henry S played a superb inside pass to James E who spun and found the bottom corner. 1-1.
Second half changes saw Binky and Toby swap and Matt put on their dangerous number 3 and Laurie take the captain's armband. The battle was on with tackles flying in and shots ricocheting here, there and everywhere. Adam made a good save and Joe was throwing himself into everything. Binky was enjoying a better half in the middle of the action and Toby threatened out wide. Mat broke up a few dangerous attacks but it was another Henry/James combo which saw James hit the eventual winner. 2-1.
With the tension growing towards the end, Laurie grew in stature and made a brilliant clearing header just as Carterton looked set to draw level.
Player of the Week: James S looked assured in the first game, James E and Fyn took their goals well but the deserved player of the week for his strong leadership and bravery was Laurie.
Monday 8 February 2010
We're Off Again
Well, we weren't on Saturday. At least in the 'off' to rain, ice and snow sense... but off to a flying start to the second half of our season. Two games, two wins (6-1 and 5-0), great goals, fine tackles, lovely passes, mazy runs (trying to follow Dave O's line work) and lots and lots of missed chances. We hit the bar, the post, each other but most of all, the brave Stonesfield keeper. Well done everyone, it's nice to be back.
Player of the Week: it could have been Ollie for his outrageous back-heel goal or Ed for resisting the urge to rugby tackle but in the end, it went to James S for a beautifully composed performance at centre-half.
Player of the Week: it could have been Ollie for his outrageous back-heel goal or Ed for resisting the urge to rugby tackle but in the end, it went to James S for a beautifully composed performance at centre-half.
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