Jaffas Well And Truly Squeezed

I've been asked to supply a detailed description of each goal in yesterday's 22-0, yes, 22-0 win. I can't, it's impossible, the goals were flying in faster than I could write and the match became a blur of shots, celebrations, re-starts, substitutions and tactical switches. What I can provide is the order the goals were scored and it went like this: Harry, Adam, Harry, Jack, James, Josh, Will, James, Will, Will (that's the first half taken care of). Then it was Doddie, Joe, Fyn, James, Doddie, Harry, Jack, Fyn, Henry, Jack, Toby and last but certainly not least, Lucas. There were hat ricks for Harry, Will, Jack, James, couple each for Doddie and Fyn plus first goals this season for Joe, Toby, Henry and Lucas. All in all, a pretty good afternoon.

The boys played particularly well and were largely disciplined enough to keep playing football. Especially pleasing was the way they finished because we saw the full range of goals: individual efforts, tap ins, long shots, dinks, clips and piledrivers. It's difficult to pick out one goal being better than the others but Lucas' was especially pleasing because of Joe's interception and run, Toby's pass and Lucas' cool shot past the advancing (and I have to say, quite good) keeper. At that point, Lucas was the only player not to score - a remarkable statistic - and his teammates were keen for him to get on the sheet which showed terrific camaraderie.

We changed the line up around because we wanted to give players like Josh, who is such a defensive rock, a run up front and take a look at Jack (who never lets us down) at the back. There were notable performances from Harry, Lucas and Doddie as well as Will (wherever we played him), Toby and James. It's just a shame Ben, Rory and Leo weren't 'at the party'.

In all seriousness, we'll probably never experience a game quite like that and it's important the boys view it for what it was: an exercise in finishing, so they can all take confidence from putting the ball in the back of the net. I'd also like to pay tribute to Brackley's players and coaches, they never gave in, they never lost heart and actually cheered us at the end. There's a lesson here for us, if something doesn't go our way in a game, don't get despondent, don't let your head drop, don't give in... Brackley didn't.

Player of the Week: a superb display at right back and in central defence and a goal too from our stand in skipper and POW, Joe.

Tower Scaled Back

The view on this match will probably depend on team loyalties. Tower will point to missed chances and say '2 points dropped'. Cumnor will look at the discipline and industry and say a 'a point well earned'. Either way, it was a compelling encounter played in cruelly cold conditions.

Twice Tower went ahead thanks to the ever dangerous Piers but twice we came back thanks to Ben finding the net from the edge of the box. Tower did create more chances and brilliant clearances by Joe and Rory - and some very fine decision making by Leo - kept us in the match. What was most pleasing however, was the discipline all the boys displayed. We had a game plan to nullify Piers by putting Rory tight to him, leaving  Josh covering and Ben and Will holding posession in midfield. Despite being blessed with talent throughout the team, there was a sense that Tower would resort to the early through ball to Piers as their frustration grew. He scored two and almost bagged a few more but Rory (who was suffering from a bad chest infection) was just brilliant in a difficult role.

All the boys put a performance in, Doddie looked exceptionally insightful when we tucked him in for a 10 minute midfield cameo. Jack and Fyn were tireless and inventive, Harry a revelation when he had the confidence to bomb on and attack the ball. James, Lucas, Toby and Joe all made significant contributions and stuck to their tasks magnificently.

In the second half, playing against the slope and the wind, we knew Tower would come at us quick and fast so that's why we pushed Will and Adam back to help Josh because three ball players at the back meant we could break up attacks and use the ball wisely. This also left Rory free to do his man-marking job. However, one player yesterday really stood out as the best player on the pitch and that was Ben. His midfield partnership with Will helped nullify the clever Tower midfield and in the second-half, he was breaking up attacks and driving forward with real skill and purpose. His brace of goals were an apt reward for an epic game.

The game was played in terrific spirit too and as ever, Tower Hill proved a worthy challenge for our small but determined squad.

Player of the Week: a choice between the herculean Rory, the decisive Leo but in the end, it had to be Ben.

Banbury Cross

There was no fine lady upon a white horse to rescue Banbury as Cumnor put their opposition to the sword with a powerful and accomplished performance.  Cumnor ran out 3-2 winners, however, but for the first 5 minutes and the very tense last 5 minutes Cumnor had the game under control.  We scored some very well-worked goals, attacked cleverly and defended resolutely.  A very well deserved victory.

On a nice wide pitch, Cumnor made a better start than they had for a while, though still slightly sluggish. This was soon shaken off and the boys started passing the ball well through midfield, with Fyn and Jack making intelligent and quick runs as we looked to pierce the Banbury defence.  However, the first meaningful chance fell Banbury's way, and was gifted to them by Cumnor.  Rory passed back to Leo and Leo picked the ball up 12 yards from goal!  Our fault, - as a coaching team we should have told him.  Not to worry, good defensive organisation meant the threat disappeared. Unfortunately, shortly after we were undone by a blistering shot from 20 yards which flew into the top corner.  Nothing Leo could do and we were 1-0.  The boys battled back valiantly and started raining shots in on the Banbury goal.  With both Fyn and Doddy going close, Cumnor finally broke through when Will's 20 yard screamer flew in off the post - perfect positioning.

Banbury came back and tried to get their noses back in front, however Rory and Josh were their usual solid self and our full backs of Toby and Harry were excellent - chasing attackers down, preventing crosses and playing some excellent balls up the wing. on final attack of the half saw Cumnor come close again - Will hitting another long range effort, this time in very much the "up and over" mode, only to see the keeper make an excellent save.  1-1 at half time.

For the second half, the excellent Harry made way for James, with Adam pushing back to left back and Jack into left midfield.  The Adam / Jack combination was instrumental in Cumnor taking the lead.  Ben played a pass of real vision to put Jack through on goal.  Having gone round the keeper (twice?) he found himself cramped for room by defenders.  Rather than shoot through a mass of bodies he intelligently played it back to Adam who's hammer of a right foot did the rest.  2-1 Cumnor.

rather than sit back, Cumnor pressed on.  Toby and Doddy worked the right as well as Adam and Jack were working the left.  James created space for everyone around him and Ben and Will just passed their way out of any trouble and into threatening positions.  Fyn worked tirelessly up front, and following one of his surges into the box he was bought down.  After 6 years of football, the boys were awarded their FIRST EVER PENALTY in a competitive match.  Could Ben take the pressure?  The answer was an emphatic yes as the ball nestled in the corner.  3-1 Cumnor.

Banbury came back hard but we stopped everything they threw at us.  Toby used his face on one occasion, drawing blood, but there was no way he was leaving the action and he was back on within 30 seconds.  Adam was excellent in the left full back role, Rory and Josh just kept tackling and blocking, however what was really pleasing was we defended as a team - Fyn and James working hard up front, Doddy and Jack pressing the flanks and Will and Ben tenacious in the middle.  Despite all our efforts, Banbury finally broke through with a ball over the top.  However Leo was alert, timed his run to perfection and cleared the ball away - a brilliant bit of keeping.  10 minutes later and a carbon copy - this time Leo couldn't quite get there first and Banbury nipped in to pull one back. At this point Tim was getting worried about Dave O's health.

Was this going to be Deddington re-visited?   Could Dave run the line for the last 5 mins?  The answers were no and yes.  The boys held out, continued to attack and Banbury were beaten!  Dave relaxed!

Player of the week was a difficult choice.  We scored some good goals, we passed brilliantly and we won the ball back when we needed to.  Will and Josh came straight from rugby and ran for another 60+ minutes.  It was difficult to single a player out, however the vote went to Adam, who had a good first half and an even better second half.  All the space he got at full-back allowed him to turn what is seen as a defensive role into an attacking one and it opened up a threat Banbury could not handle.

On a final note, pre-match there was a passing of the Captains armband from Ben to Rory.  Ben has been our captain for 5 long seasons now and has never let us down.  However his role in the centre of midfield means it is hard for him to see the game unfold and communicate with players.  The coaches felt that the Captain needed to be a centre back and had also determined to ask Rory to assume his more familiar role (having played midfield for most of the season).  He was therefore the natural choice as skipper. We thank Ben for all his efforts and wish Rory the best of luck (we did get our first ever penalty in his first game as skipper, so perhaps he is a lucky Captain?)

Hard Fought Cup Loss

A great effort from the boys as we hosted Thatcham Tornadoes in the Berks & Bucks Cup. Dave O had done a little research on Thatcham and found out that they were top of an extremely difficult league. We decided not to tell the boys this news.

Firstly, congrats to Thatcham... they were organised, effective and very, very physical showing the worth of committing to each and every tackle. Saying that, we thought we were magnificent, especially in the second-half when we added a little bit more organisation by pairing Will and Ben together in midfield. We weren't too bad in the first either, Adam running himself into the ground down the flank. The first goal that went against us was disappointing but on reflection, it was down to good forward play. We would have gone 2 down but for a tremendous effort by Joe to get back and clear off the line.

In the second-half, we took some knocks, made some changes and created chances. Again, the Thatcham goals to go 3 up were superbly taken and once they established daylight between us and them, they were hoping to keep a clean sheet. That wasn't to be. Jack - who was electric all afternoon - unleashed a brilliant first time shot to grab Cumnor a deserved goal.

A 1-3 defeat is hard to stomach but we won't come up against a team as good as that in our League this season. In fact, the Thatcham manager said we're the best team they've played. There are so many positives to take forward and there were some heroic performances in Blue. Take that spirit and intelligence into our upcoming games and we'll be absolutely fine.

Player of the Week: plaudits to Henry, Ben, Jack, Rory and Adam but the award went to Will who excelled in defence and in midfield.

Eynsham Stalemate

It was a difficult day on Sunday, somewhat flat in fact (bit like the ball). Both teams set up well and were determined and committed. In some ways, they stifled each other despite both teams sending crashing efforts against the bar. Cumnor created more chances but Eynsham were plucky and resolute. There aren't too many nil-nil draws at this level so it was pleasing that we kept our first clean sheet of the season.

We've played all the teams in our division now as we head to a mini half-term break. The club at the bottom of the league stopped us scoring, the team at the top scraped a one goal win. On reflection, the league is extremely tight and we're delighted with the football the boys are playing and the attacking and creative flare they are displaying. All we need now is little bit of luck.

Player of the Week: Toby, he's been quite outstanding all season so far.

Spirit and Defiance

It's difficult to reflect clearly on what happened up at Westminster without getting caught up in the emotion of the occasion. So, we'll put certain matters aside and concentrate on the football. And if we're concentrating on the football, what a game it was.

Cumnor went into the match on the back of a disappointing draw against Deddington. Ducklington are flying high at the top of the league. However, in recent seasons, we've had some very close encounters with Ducklington and we instructed the boys to play their fast fluid, attacking football. Ducklington too - and to their credit - were committed to playing football so it was an entertaining spectacle. It was also full of drama.

The most pleasing aspect of the match for the coaches is the spirit and determination the boys showed. We've worked hard with them on their defensive responsibilities - irrespective of the position they play in - and they did everything that was asked of them. Even the two own goals (yep, two own goals... we can't buy luck this season) were down to Josh and Henry busting a gut to get back in the goalmouth and defend. Good on you boys. In previous weeks, we might not have even got there.

As for individual performers, special mention for Henry who filled in in an unexpected position minutes before kick off, Josh for throwing himself bravely into every challenge (and being unfortunately injured) and Fyn who scored two superb goals and ran his heart out up front. In fact Fyn's first goal saw some gorgeous play between Ben, Rory and Jack... play that personifies what we're trying to achieve. His second goal (what a finish) came from the pass of the game by Will.

On reflection, a 3 - 2 defeat is hard to stomach but we scored the best goals of the game, hit the bar and gave a very good side the fright of their life. All the boys, from Leo in goal to Toby and Joe at the back, Ben and Rory in midfield to James and Will and Fyn up front put performances in they should be proud of. We are committed to our boys playing fast, attractive football so they can leave the field with their heads held high. They are a wonderful bunch of lads and we are immensely proud of their skill, their camaraderie and their attitude. And a lot of that comes from the parents who remain supportive of what we are trying to do. Don't forget, we are a small squad and we try and make all the boys feel involved and important.

There is one boy who deserves special mention and that's Adam. He doesn't like playing centre-half but he is doing it for his teammates. What's more, he had one of the best games we've seen him play yesterday. He was strong, brave, quick, clever and composed. Thank you, Adam for stepping back into the breach for the club.

Player of the Week: all of them but if we had to chose one - and we did - Adam

A Game Of Two Halves

For the first 30 minutes, Cumnor played searing, scintillating football. The beautiful Autumn sunshine reflected the grace and perfection of the play. Passes went to feet, tackles were made, runs perfectly timed. Combinations worked, everything looked rosy and Fyn had his scoring boots on, clipping a lovely effort over the keeper and then getting on the end of Will's killer cross. When Jack made it 3 - 0 with an excellent finish it looked like everything we've worked so hard for in the last few weeks would pay off.

And then the second-half kicked off.

Were we mugged? Out muscled? Out fought? Yes, the simple matter is: Deddington wanted it more than we did. We forgot to play football and started to hoof the ball aimlessly in the air but every time we did, it was a Deddington player who won the header or put his foot in and claimed the spoils. Our midfield was ragged, our composure shot and once Deddington got one, there was a sense of the inevitable coming our way. It could have been worse if Henry hadn't made a heroic point blank save. Somehow, the draw seemed a fair result although it felt like a kick in the teeth. 3 - 3.

Let's redeem ourselves against Ducklington and play 60 minute football. We can beat anyone in this league if we stick to our footballing principles.

Player of the Week: Great to see Fyn back in the goals, Will set up two but the choice was Jack for his tenacity, vision and splendid finish.

Tower Put The Boot In

A difficult day in windy Witney. Down to 12 men and without 2 key two defenders (Josh and Joe) Cumnor still came to the kick off with high expectations. We believed with a strong wind advantage, the chances we've been creating all season would help secure an early lead. But it wasn't to be, the ball never quite broke for us leaving Adam's long range shot our best effort. Tower didn't have that many chances but they did have Piers and a player with that strength and speed is always going to be a threat despite the close attention of quality players like Rory and Adam. Piers scored and almost grabbed another before the break.

In the second-half, Cumnor cut out the mistakes, got tighter to Piers and played nice football. Henry S and Fyn worked hard out wide and Jack and James scrapped up front. However, the long ball was our undoing as Piers added 2 more goals. It could have been more but for some splendid saves by Leo. Interestingly, at 3 down, Cumnor took control and played some lovely football. Will continued his fine scoring run after some great work in the middle by Ben. We could have had another when Fyn forced and excellent save and you could sense Tower starting to wobble. But it wasn't to be and we lost 3-1. The Tower coaches and parents were generous in their praise and respectful of the football we played. Well done Tower Hill and good luck to the other teams in the League as they deal with Piers pressure.

Player of the Week: Rory had a great game at the back and Jack shone with his industry and attitude but the overwhelming choice was Toby for his calmness and his decision making.

Drenched

A terrific game of football, full of fight and venom, penalty shouts, near misses and in the end, a 2-2 draw seemed a fair result. Although both teams had opportunities to win it at the end, both teams should be congratulated for putting on such a great game is such dire conditions.

Bardwell put Cumnor under pressure from the kick off and hit the bar in the opening minutes. Thankfully, there was more Cumnor fight than against Banbury - the better playing surface suited our game - and the boys scrapped for every ball but we were initially, second best. Bardwell forced the issue and opened the scoring after we left a corner unchallenged in the box for their impressive number 3 to head home.

Once again we were fighting to get back on level terms. Ben was ferocious in the midfield and Will was getting forward at all opportunities, almost capping a lovely mazy run with a fine goal. Rory was nice and vocal and Josh and Adam continued their impressive partnership at centre-half (much to Adam's continued annoyance!). Joe (despite a dubious handball) was his ever vigilant self and Toby kept a watchful eye on his flank. Harry and Jack worked very hard out wide and Fyn looked hungry for a goal. One did come thanks to a lovely piece of sleight of foot from Will who smashed it past the keeper. 1-1.

Honours even at half time and hot chocolate to warm the boys up. James E came on for Jack, Will pushed out to the flank in his place and Cumnor went on the attack. However, a lack on concentration at the back and the ball suddenly found itself in the back of our net. 2-1. Once again we had to fight and concerted pressure saw us get a corner. Adam hit a beauty for it to be cleared from the line only to fall to the lethal Will who somehow squeezed his volley in. 2-1.

In the final quarter the match went into overdrive. We lost Fyn to a nasty challenge and Ben was unlucky to have his free-kick cleared. James went close, Bardwell hit the post and then put a late one wide. 2-2 and a big sigh of relief.

All the boys fought valiantly but special praise for Leo making his debut in goal. What a game he had, solid under the high ball, sure in his positioning and making three truly excellent saves, especially that one handed block. Well done, Leo and thanks to Chris for some excellent tuition.

Player of the Week: Easy choice, Leo 

Bumpy Start

A difficult match in blustery conditions on a bobbly pitch, not ideal for our passing game but fair play to Banbury, it was the same for both teams and they probably edged it to deserve their 3-2 win. Saying that, we had a very good penalty shout denied and we did create plenty of chances but the Banbury keeper made at least three exceptional saves. Will scored a lovely right-foot goal from a sweet lay back from Fyn and James did what few other boys did, get his head to the ball and score. A great poachers goal.

The word from the sidelines is 'don't be disheartened boys, keep playing attacking expansive football and we'll do well'. We just need to dig in, meet those headers and fight for the second ball. The league is going to be tight this year so we'll have to scrap for everything.

Player of the Week: Fyn battled hard up front, Adam again was assured but our choice was Rory who is growing nicely into his new central role.

The Big Kick Off

Here we go again and what a start, thrashing our local rivals (and our conquerors last week) Kingston. The heat was blistering and there were scorch marks all over the pitch as we played sublime, attacking football. We scored 5 goals, 5 wonderful goals, but we created at least 12 excellent scoring chances. What's changed? Well tinker men Tim and Dave forged a rock solid - and new - central defence pairing of Adam and Josh. We don't know how long we'll stick with it but it does allow two hugely important players to have a real influence on the game. This frees Rory to boss the midfield battleground and give our own Xavi and Iniesta pairing of Ben and Will, a platform to tiki-taka their way into the danger areas. Add impressive new boys Harry and Jack on the flanks, sharpshooter Fyn up front, ever diligent Joe and Toby in defence and Henry (who looked extremely solid on Sunday) and that's a heck of a team. But we're only as good as the squad and our bench v Kingston made us brilliant. If you've been chasing shadows for 30 minutes in the sweltering heat, the last thing you need is Matt harrying and hassling you. Lucas too, shows natural football intelligence in the wide areas and James (our Berbatov) produced the quality moment (and there were plenty of those) of the match with his supreme, instinctive control and pass into a galloping Jack. With Leo developing nicely under the watchful tuition of Chris, we've a talented squad full of options able to deal with a long and challenging season. Boys will play, boys will rest so it's imperative that we have competition for places. Anyway, let's get back to the goals the goals the glorious goals. True we went one down against the run of play but there was never a doubt we'd win this encounter and avenge the friendly defeat because of the chances we were creating. The boys were told to play a quick passing game and they stuck to the plan perfectly. Will hit the bar and then struck from a corner after the Cumnor wasp (specially trained by Bryan Goudman in the close season) made an appearance and launched an attack on the Kingston defence as the ball came in. It wasn't long before Will was at it again, caressing a lovely drive into the bottom corner. 2-1. The next goal came from a lovely intricate exchange between Fyn and Jack with Jack's inch perfect cross finding Harry who is making an art
form out of turning up at that far post to score. The boys were enjoying themselves and soon got another goal - our 4th - when Will played a divine pass into the tireless, livewire Fyn who opened his body and found the far corner. Our 5th goal - and Will's hat-trick - was a dream of long range knock
clip into the top corner. There could have been more goals, many more. Strangely, it didn't matter. Ben might have capped a dream display with a deserved goal but it didn't happen. More chances will come as he beds down in this new advanced position. Fyn - when fully back in the groove - will score as well. Jack was an immense threat out wide and he too, will get plenty of scoring chances. All the
boys played sweet, effervescent football. The back four were passing it around and Adam and Josh were relishing the chance to advance. The midfield worked their triangles and Fyn and James, Matt, Jack, Lucas, Toby and Joe never stopped grafting. And best of all, Henry was alert to any threat on a difficult hard pitch. Thank you boys, here's to a great season.  Player of the Week: How could we
choose one player from that performance? We couldn't.

2012 Round Up

Well, we think that's it for the 2011/12 season. A good effort from the boys at Summertown in nightmare windy conditions. I thought Adam's team were unlucky with a dodgy penalty decision which effectively put them out just as they were finding their rhythm. Some lovely play though, and two of the best goals of the days from Rory and Jack. Fyn's team fared better, staying unbeaten all day in open play and failing - just - against Kidlington on penalties, despite Matt's mega save. We played beautiful football, the movement and passing sublime and scored a load of great goals along the way. Thank you too, to our guest players (Jack, OJ, Ryan and Fyn). Mixed fortunes at the tournaments this year with a semi final defeat against eventual winners Middleton Cheney at Crowmarsh, a quarter-final at Summertown but a brilliant win at Radley. As for the season, we started slowly with the coaches struggling to find the right shape and allocate the right roles for the move up to 11 a-side. But we turned the corner at the start of the year and finished 5th in fine form on 22 points. In fact, many coaches from other teams were impressed with the turnaround and were full of praise for the way we play. Final league stats on the season read: Played 16 Won 7 Lost 8 Drawn 1 For 34 Ag. 41 The Awards were the closest yet and congratulations to: Golden Boot: Fyn MI Player: Josh Players' Player: Adam Coaches' Player: Rory Parents' Player: Will Sadly, we say goodbye to some wonderful players and friends. Henry M, Ed, James S will be missed. They have enjoyed many excellent moments on the pitch and have all established themselves as key players. We wish them luck doing other things but you'll always have a place at Cumnor Minors should you decide to return. Tim and David would also like to wish Rob and Rich all the best. Part of the fun of running Cumnor Minors is enjoying the new friendships that have been forged. Again, a warm welcome will always await Rob and Rich. And that is probably that for the 2011/12. In September we move to Sunday fixtures - with maybe the odd Saturday match thrown in. We are looking for new players to fill vacancies and strengthen the squad... so if you hear of anyone interested, let us know. We'll be in touch soon re training but we're probably looking at mid/late August. In the meantime, have a great Summer

The Cumnor/Radley Connection

Radley Winners!

Seven brave boys, eleven incredible games, eight long hours and one unbelievable outcome: Cumnor winners of the 2012 Radley Tournament. In all honesty, we pinpointed an excellent effort and maybe, just maybe, a victory in the plate. After seeing the tough opposition (2 teams from Horspath and Radley, a team from Kidlington and then the unknown, Drayton and Wheatley) expectations weren't especially high. What we didn't count on was the spirit of our boys and how they inspired one another to lift the biggest cup we've ever seen. Consider too, that we didn't have many of our key players and actually in Fyn - who was electric for Radley - were playing against our star striker and golden boot winner. Factor in two scoreless draws to start and the scathing view of the Wheatley keeper - and some of the opposition parents - and we felt we might be heading home early. But we found our range and turned in some fantastic performances, highlights being Radley and the draw with Horspath B in the rounds and a 2-0 win against Horspath A in the semi. As for the final, what a match... what an atmosphere, beating the favourites and the hosts was simply magnificent. A brilliant start with 2 early goals and then an outstanding defensive performance that saw us home 2-1. Every boy played their part: Henry - brilliant instinctive saves especially in the semi and the final. Kept his concentration and most importantly his nerve when everyone else's started to wobble. Rory - as ever, inspirational... midfield, centre-half... the rock ruled and his goal-line header in the last seconds of the final prevented the terror of the golden goal Ben - the beating heart, dug in and battled for everything... linked wonderfully with Will and fed him goodies in the guise of perfect passes. Also scored 3 vital goals and showed nerves of steel with his three-times taken penalty. James E - a revelation out wide, broke up attacks and real footballing nous on the ball. Scored a wonder goal from way out on the right wing. Not bad for someone who said he felt ill! Matt - played in defence, played in midfield, threw himself into every challenge, ran himself into the ground for the cause, for his mates, for the badge. Lucas - another revelation... a little nervous up front to start but then found his home out right. Full of tricks and turns and like Matt, gave everything he had. Will - played defence, midfield, wide left, wide right and up front banging in 9 goals in the process, right foot, left foot the lot. Tied the opposition in knots and took his chances superbly. Well done boys, semi finalists at Crowmarsh, winners at Radley... roll on Summertown.

End of Season Stalemate Cumnor met Banbury with the aim of continuing our excellent run of form and ending the season with another win, and a top half points total of 24. It wasn't to be. Maybe it was the filthy conditions or tiredness but we never looked anywhere near the team of recent weeks. What was pleasing however, was the fightback to draw level after conceding two soft early goals. Both goals could - and should - have been dealt with but the boys showed real grit and determination to get something from the game. Perhaps it was knowing this might be the last time we played together but it was great to end with a point. The scoring was opened by an electric Adam edge-of-box smash after Will performed some trickery to play him in. Adam repaid the assist later with a deep corner which Will used a part of his body (not one normally associated with goalscoring) to um, 'prod' home. Adam had a another chance and forced a quite brilliant save from the keeper. Going in at 2-2 felt like a mini victory and we looked odds on for the win. In the second-half, Lucas, James E and Henry M replaced Matt, Joe and Ed. The game became a dogfight with both teams threatening. Ben burst through on a scintillating run and overcame a heavy challenge to force a save. He could have gone down but the coaches were proud that he stayed on his feet and went for the goal. With matters getting tense we re-organised slightly, pushing Will into centre-half, Josh left-back and James E central midfield. By the final whistle, both teams were happy with the draw and a point each seemed a fair result. Great effort again, stirring fightback and nice to end a topsy turvy season on a high. Player of the Week: Josh for another solid defensive performance

High Five Cumnor

‘I have a plan so cunning you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel’. To quote, roughly, Edmund Blackadder, we went to bogey team Deddington with a fiendish plot to negate their physicality and their agricultural playing surface. The plan was to play it long to a three-pronged attack of Will, Fyn and Ben and go for goals. Big boots at the back, slick finishing up front and a lot of harrying in the middle. From the whistle the boys in blue were up for it, looking to stretch the Deddington defence with some awesome straight for the jugular play. Ed was patrolling the left with menace and linking up beautifully with Will who was leading the defence a merry dance through the long grass. Fyn - with his 'new romantic' hairstyle - led the line manfully and Ben was willing to drop back and help Adam deal with the excellent Nick. The first chance however, went to Deddington and after a slight hesitation, Henry raced out and gathered the ball. The ball was worked left and Will went on one of his lovely twisting runs of old before smashing a shot through the goalie's hands into the net. 1-0. On the other side of the pitch, Matt was engaged in another lung busting odyssey and his efforts were almost rewarded with a brilliant solo goal after a great, charging run. Rory and Josh held the line, Ben scrapped and Adam played in Will who crossed to Fyn. The ball dropped at his feet and somehow the newly-fringed poacher mis-kicked it home 2-0. Deddington are rugby players and unlikely to give in without a fight. Adam was fighting like a man possessed in a lonely midfield. Toby and Joe were strong and alert and, after Ben went close with a header, the scene was set for the game's defining moment. The ball broke to Fyn in the left-hand side of the box. He could have passed, but no, his striker's instinct told him to set off on an impossible run as he glided and twisted past 4 players to face the goalie. As he looked up to square it, Will yelled 'shoot' and Fyn did, scoring a wonder goal. His father's tears of pride told all what a very special moment it was. The plan had worked and we had got the goals. Now we needed to consolidate. Ben and Will dropped back into central midfield, Adam pushed on to support James E and Henry came on for Matt. Deddington fancied a comeback and the chances started piling up but Henry S was in inspired form and Rory wasn't going to let any rugby player get the better of him. The boys never stopped battling to keep a clean sheet and they achieved it. 3-0. Five league wins in a row, superb individual and team performances, let's finish in style against Banbury. Player of the Week: everyone got a mention because everyone contributed but in the end, we went for Fyn for making his dad cry. Nice one.

Cumnor Keep Winning

Wow. What a match, both teams committed to playing football, looking to pass and work openings whilst dealing with a difficult bounce. With Tower second in the table, the coaches felt this was a day to play without fear and see what happened. It's true to say we weren't predicting a win but the U11s are full of self belief and when they play without fear, they're capable of anything.

We were down to just 12 boys with the big changes Henry M in goal instead of Henry S and James E leading the line in Fyn's absence. There was also a last minute re-adjustment with James S out injured leaving Ed to slot in at left back. Otherwise, it was the formation that has served us so well.

Tower took the early initiative working the ball through the midfield but our back line of Joe, Rory, Josh and Ed is a match for anyone... especially with Muller barking at them from behind. But you can't score goals without creating chances and Will did some nice trickery before finding bullet-headed Adam who lashed a fierce drive past the keeper. 1 - 0. From that point, Cumnor held their own with Ed and Toby fantastic out wide and Matt and Lucas running strong and hard.

In the second-half, Cumnor comfortably controlled the game. Ben forced a fantastic save from the keeper and James was unlucky to send the rebound inches wide. Tower went close as Henry lost the ball only for him to throw himself at the attackers feet and claim it. Tower slowly got more frustrated as Cumnor grew in confidence. The final whistle went to generous applause from all who had seen a really good game of football.

18 points, halfway in the league, on a run of wins...we are the form team so let's aim to finish on 24 points.

Player of the Week: Will and Ben dovetailed nicely in midfield, the back 4 and Henry were watertight but the award went to Adam for a muscular display and a great strike.

Clinical Cumnor on Cruise Control

"we are staying up" etc etc.

A great team performance yet again saw Cumnor see off a battling Bicester side 6-2 to retain our position the the WDYFL A League for next season. This is an excellent performance for a small village club.

The coaches fears that the boys seemed a bit lethargic in warm up and would therefore start slowly were quickly banished with 2 goals in the first 5 minutes and a first half display that saw Cumnor go in 5-1 to the good at half time. The first goal came as Ben spotted Will making a run from midfield and played an excellent through ball. Will took it in his stride and two touches later the ball was nestled in the corner of the Bicester net. The super start saw the lead doubled a couple of minutes later as Cumnor used the width and Toby's cross fell invitingly to Adam to smash home.

Bicester fought hard to come back into the game, but an excellent effort from the back four of Joe, Rory, Josh and James S kept them at bay. Anything that got through was dealt with nicely by Henry S. Bicester were using their pace, and a hard pitch combined with a bouncy ball made defending a challenge, however we held firm, even clearing away corners which have so often been our downfall this season.

At the 19 minute mark, Fyn was put clean through and put his effort just wide. On the 20 min mark, Fyn was clean through again. Had he learnt from his prior experience? Yes was the answer as he slotted home nicely. Again Bicester fought back, and again the defence held - until one bouncing ball too many saw Bicester's striker squeeze through and fire home.

Only 5 mins of the half left and the coaches were hoping for the whistle to give the players a well earned rest and re-focus on the job in hand. For the second time that day the boys proved to the coaches there was nothing to worry about. First Will played what could be described as a one-two with James S (though given both passes were probably 20 yards each and beautifully executed, this does not really do it justice), Will then rounded the keeper, pushed the ball a bit wider than he would have hoped but slotted home from a tight angle with his right foot. An excellent goal. 2 minutes later, a right wing cross from Adam saw Fyn somehow stoop to head home in the corner. 5-1 at the break.

Two of the unsung heroes of the first half, Matt and Toby, took a well earned, rest, both having run themselves ragged in midfield. Ed and James E entered the fray. 5 mins into the second half, Cumnor scored the "team goal" of the day, when a slick passing move through midfield finally saw the ball make its way to Adam on the right wing. A great cross was headed home by Fyn for a well-deserved hat-trick. As the game wore on, James E, showing real determination, kept Bicester busy in defence and put a shot narrowly over. Ed did some great work in left midfield, and had a chance himself to score - unfortunately the ball was on his right foot and he couldn't quite direct in goal ward.

Cumnor were now in champagne football mode, highlighted by a right wing run by Joe which saw him beat two players before crossing. The coaches made some changes, with Henry M coming on for Fyn and Matt and Toby re-entering the fray to replace Joe and James S. Henry M did all that was asked of him and helped create a number of openings, one of which saw Ben put clean through. As he poked the ball into the corner of the net play was called back because a player nowhere near the ball was offside. The two Steve's did not let this pass without comment, however ultimately the ref sided with the linesman and chalked the goal off.

The last 15m of the half saw Cumnor come under increasing pressure as Bicester fought to restore some pride (and perhaps Cumnors midfielders and forwards decided they all wanted a goal and forgot about defending)? This put Rory and Josh under immense pressure and the dealt with it brilliantly, making a number of great last ditch tackles. Eventually the defensive wall was breached, but it was from a 20 yard strike which was impossible to stop. Bicester continued to press to the end and Henry S made a couple of smart saves to keep the score at 6-2. As the whistle went, a spontaneous water fight broke out, leaving Ed in some trouble with Rob ("we've got to go to Homebase with you soaking wet").

That just left player of the week. Like the previous game against Bicester, it was an excellent team performance. However there were a few stand out contributions. Fyn scored a great hat-trick , Will took both his goals very well and Adam had his best game for Cumnor this season (streamlined look seemed to work well). The defence did a great job when judging the bounce, which was not easy; and within this unit, Josh in particular made some great last ditch tackles, chasing down some very quick Bicester forwards. For this effort, Josh was player of the week.

Blitzed

The Cumnor boys are back to their best after a barnstorming 6-o deconstruction of Bicester. It moves us up the table and gives us real hope and momentum going into our last few games.

After the recent defeat against Deddington the coaches had a long and involved chat about changing our formation to ensure that we were solid at the back but still created chances up front. It was decided (after lengthy negotiations) to go with the set up that served us so well against Chippy and Eynsham. And the boys delivered.

Right from the start, Rory, Josh, James S and Joe held a high line which kept Bicester pegged back in their half. Cumnor were relishing the lovely playing surface and there was some wonderful linking play especially between Toby and Joe. But you can't win matches unless you score goals and although we created some really good chances, we weren't finishing them. Matt went agonizingly close with a fantastic header from Adam's cross. Coaches and parents were getting a little twitchy and wondering if this would be another one of 'those' games. Thankfully, the ball broke to Will outside the box and he hammered it high into the back of the net. 1-0. the boys had the sniff of goals and Will got a second with another cracking finish. 2-0 and all was looking good, the only setback was Fyn having to leave the field because of his injured hand.

In the second-half the boys were geared for a ferocious Bicester fight back but they stayed in control and tackled manfully. Adam ran himself into the ground and our superb defenders gave Henry S an easy ride (for once) in goal. Ben got a third with another blistering finish before digging out the ball to hit our fourth shortly afterwards. Cumnor were on cruise patrol. Adam and Matt went off, Henry M and Fyn came on and both scored to finish the match 6-0.

It's great to score goals but this was a truly team effort with every single player excelling at their jobs. Keep the faith, boys... win those tackles, pass the ball, play at pace and we'll be fine.

Player of the Week: Like the Deddington fixture it wasn't awarded but unlike Deddington it was because everyone played out of their skins.

POW UPDATE: after careful deliberation it has been decided to award POW to Tim for the amazing way he pumped the match ball up. As he is constantly saying; 'that match ball flies now... cos I pumped it up brilliantly'. The ball has now actually been re-named 'Tim's Special Ball' to mark this incredible achievement

Three Word Deddington Match Report

We were poor

Cup Run Continues

Eynsham, going well in the division below us, fancied an upset. And, when they saw us turn up with 11 players and saw Ben bloodied and Adam crocked in the warm up, they were rubbing their hands with glee. But, this is Braveheart Cumnor, bold Cumnor, slick passing high tempo Cumnor, set up to break quickly and score.

A game of two halves? Only if you look at the 4-1 score. True we did the damage in the first half through a Will drive and top corner free kick, a nice Ben strike and a neat piece of following up by Toby, but we were unlucky not to add to the score in the second half. Rory, rampaging through the midfield, almost scored a screamer, we hit the post and James E had one stopped on the line. True, we conceded but Ben could barely run and Toby was carrying a knock. We re-jiggled, re-structured and still kept control despite the best efforts of a committed Eynsham.

We're looking good and focussed, we have a plan. Here's to taking the spoils at Deddington next Sunday.

Player of the Week: Rob lavished praise on all 11 but the decision was unanimous, and the award went to Ed for playing exceptionally well on the left wing.

Blown Away

That's the only way to describe it; blown away by a performance of skill, guts and passion when all seemed lost. What a game, full of dazzling interlinking play, tough tackling, lots of tinkering and a gale force wind.

We knew we'd have to make the wind advantage pay in the first half and we had about 90% of the territory. It took a while but Fyn opened the scoring with a neat finish. Rory got the second with a powerful drive before a clever pass by Adam saw Will in for the third and a half-time lead of 3-0.

We tinkered, we re-shaped, we brought Ben into the centre, pushed Will wide, brought Joe on and placed Josh in the heart of defence with Rory. We knew we'd be under the cosh due to the trying conditions but didn't expect to go two down quite so quickly. All the insecurities, all the bad luck that's dogged us this season came flooding back and suddenly, Chippy were level. We tweaked again, pulling Will central and pushing James E and Lucas wide. Then the penny dropped and Cumnor started playing football. Will found Fyn who nodded it to Adam to slam in the fourth. All the fear and insecurity slipped away and Cumnor played like the Cumnor of old and it was fitting that Fyn scored two awesome goals to complete his hat-trick... and show the crowd his 'Sleepover Celebration'. 3-0 up, 3-3 and then a 6-3 win... there's never been a game like it.

Player of the Week: James S, Josh and Rory... Matt in the first-half, Will and Ben in midfield but it came down to Adam and Fyn. Adam set up 4 of the 6 goals and scored a beauty but in the end, Fyn for taking his chances so brilliantly

Gutted

It's hard to remain positive when events seem plain wrong but that's what we have to do after another sickening defeat, this time against Bardwell. From the sidelines the decisions that went against us (penalty conceded, penalty denied, hand ball missed) seemed harsh but the boys reacted with dignity and class and got on with the game.

As a spectacle, it was a bit kick and miss but Cumnor did play some lovely stuff in the second half forcing the Bardwell keeper two make a series of very fine saves. Will controlled the tempo of the match when he moved into midfield and Ben capped a fine display out right with a truly excellent goal. Our defending improved as the game wore on with Josh and Rory combining well and James S having a quite excellent game at right back. And, it was great to see Lucas make a lively debut.

Well done to Barwdell, unlucky Cumnor... here's hoping we get a decision soon.

Player of the Week: James S for his staunch defending