Double Whammy Disappointment

Two matches, two defeats, two teams conceding 5 goals. In many ways, Saturday's match against Middleton Cheney summed up what's been going wrong with the 'A' team this season: no noise, no desire in the tackle, no care of the ball. Time and again we stood and watched and waited whilst a skillful - and committed - MC, cut us apart. The reality is this: we've gone from league champions to hovering just about the relegation zone. Our reputation meant we became a prize scalp and that tag has given other teams an incentive to beat us.

However, there were some genuine glimmers of hope (and not just Henry S' goal kick goal!). The 'A' team were energized by the arrival of Henry M and Ed and at least James S took care with the ball rather than just knocking out a hopeful pass. The use of subs showed we have game changers now competing for a place. Most pleasing of all was the guts, determination and grit displayed by the whole 'B' team... led magnificently by an inspired Joe. Football isn't just about skill, it's about bravery... being brave in the tackle, being brave enough to take ownership of the ball.

We did deserve to lose both games although 5-0 and 5-2 flattered MC. But as coaches, we know what we have to do and that's blend skill with spirit. Let's start against Brackley.

Player of the Week: for a barnstorming back two partnership with a bloodied Rory, Henry M.

Fun in the Sun

A much better day for everyone saw two tight games with Kingston. Game 1 resulted in a 0-0 draw but was packed with incident. Cumnor showed some great build up play on a number of occasions, with Adam, Fyn, Ben and will all linking up nicely, however they were either thwarted by the Kingston goalie or took too long to shoot and ended up being. At the other end, Rory and Toby had good games in defence, Pricey made a number of great saves and Will put in a strong block with his face. When Ollie was beaten we were saved by the crossbar and an out of position referee. The question of goal line technology will be raised at the next committee. Overall a solid performance rather than a great one, and 0-0 was a fair result.

Game 2 saw a spirited fightback from 3-0 down to 3-2, however we just couldn't put the finishing touches on a number of great moves. Will and Rory took turns in goal, and will's goal kicks were a vast improvement on the one seen at Bardwell! Defence was breached too easily in the first half, but saw a much stronger display in the second half, with a combination of Laurie, Joe and Ben keeping Kingston at bay. Everyone else just seemed to play up front! Matt worked hard (and won player of the week), James S and Henry S kept trying their luck and James E linked up play nicely. Overall, a good effort, the last goal proving elusive even with the injury time the ref allowed.

Friendly Fire

We want to Bardwell, some of us with hangovers (the Dads, that is) and got beated twice, scoring 3 own goals in the process. We've a real fight til the end of the season. Let's win that ball and use it well.