The boys are back to their winning best and ended 2013 in style with a convincing 5-1 win at Chalgrove. The pitch was a bit difficult but Cumnor tried - and mostly succeeded - in playing a passing game. Recent weeks saw us a little stretched with numbers so the coaches thought this would be the perfect opportunity to play a few boys in unusual positions.
The game started at a frantic pace with no-one able to put their foot on it and control the tempo. Adam made some good progress down the flank and then with 10 minutes on the clock, squared to Will who smashed the opener into the top corner. Joseph and Jack slowly exerted control in the middle and Adam was released to power a low shot into the corner from a very tight angle. 2-0. We made changes with Ben, Rory, Michael and James coming on. Soon, a third followed as Adam's corner was turned in (your goal, Adam)
In the second-half, Will and Ben went to full back, Doddie wide right and Jack wide left. Rory managed to control his nerves and thrived further upfield as Cumnor turned the screw. Our fourth came when Will broke from defence and slipped Fyn in who finished smartly. With the heavens about to open Jack cut into the box and was fouled for a certain penalty. With regular penalty taker Ben off the pitch it was between Jack and Fyn...but Jack wasn't letting the ball go and smashed it in off the post. 5-0.
Cumnor looked good for a clean sheet with Henry, Josh, Toby and Harry all making important blocks and tackles but Charlbury deserved a consolation goal. All in all, a great result and good to see everyone put a performance in: from Nathan and James up front to Josh, Joseph, Harry and Toby at the back.
We reach the half-point of the season joint top of the Oxford Mail A League. Here's to an equally exciting and successful 2014.
Player of the Week: the choice came down to Henry and Fyn but in the end we went for Fyn. He's worked hard in midfield all season we've seen his confidence return. Two goals in two weeks shows his fully back to his finishing best.
Monday 16 December 2013
Wednesday 11 December 2013
The Sweet Smell Of Success
Cumnor took advantage of that unique Appleton smell to get back to winning ways against a very tough Kidlington. Both teams played exceptionally well but the home team held their nerve - and their noses - to win 2-1. The first half was a typical physical scrap, every team seems to be bigger and have more bite than us. But Will was on hand to sweep home the first with his right foot after some nice forward pressure from Fyn, Ben and Nathan.
In the second-half, Adam went close with a long range free kick and Will had many, many more chances to score. But he didn't. It's good to see us creating chances again so things are looking rosy. James and Luke looked sharp up front and the back four, especially Jack, Rory and Toby were big and strong in the tackle. It was great seeing Fyn get on the scoresheet again to claim our second and we seemed to be heading for an easy win before juggernaut Joseph's erm, rather strong, challenge which allowed Kidlington back in with a free kick that the excellent Henry had no chance with.
A frenzied finish but a deserved win against a good team. 2-1 and we're back on top of the league.
Player of the Week: Fyn was busy all over the pitch but was just pipped by an energised Michael who dominated from right back and showed quality in attack and defence. His throws too, give us another attacking option. We could be the new Stoke!
In the second-half, Adam went close with a long range free kick and Will had many, many more chances to score. But he didn't. It's good to see us creating chances again so things are looking rosy. James and Luke looked sharp up front and the back four, especially Jack, Rory and Toby were big and strong in the tackle. It was great seeing Fyn get on the scoresheet again to claim our second and we seemed to be heading for an easy win before juggernaut Joseph's erm, rather strong, challenge which allowed Kidlington back in with a free kick that the excellent Henry had no chance with.
A frenzied finish but a deserved win against a good team. 2-1 and we're back on top of the league.
Player of the Week: Fyn was busy all over the pitch but was just pipped by an energised Michael who dominated from right back and showed quality in attack and defence. His throws too, give us another attacking option. We could be the new Stoke!
Monday 2 December 2013
Luck Of The Irish
Actually, that's wrong... Oxford Irish weren't unlucky, they thoroughly deserved their win. In simple terms, we were out fought. Positives included Toby's excellent defensive work and the the gentle re-introduction of Will. Yes the boys were disappointed but the result must not derail a superb start to the season. We are the new boys in the league and we've ruffled a few feathers. There are teams out there gunning for Cumnor and it's how we react to our first league defeat will determine the spirit and fight we have in our squad. Let's learn from the mistakes move on with confidence.
Player of the Week: Toby, he's been superb in the last 2 games
Player of the Week: Toby, he's been superb in the last 2 games
Thursday 21 November 2013
Honours Even
After a heavy cup defeat the previous week to Didcot, the onus was on the coaches to lift the boys and pose the opposition some different questions in the League re-match. Pre-match plans were jeopardised by an injury to Henry but yet again, Harry proved an excellent deputy in goal. We knew what to expect from Didcot so time was spent explaining to the boys that it would be a game of discipline, intensity and commitment. We are delighted to say, the boys did us proud and a 1-1 draw was a great result to come away with.
The match itself was an absorbing contest full of stout defending, line clearances, quick interplay and strong challenges. Harry made a fantastic save from an excellent free-kick and Jack scored a wonderfully taken goal after some superb work by Toby and Ben. It was a result based on defence and nullifying the Didcot winger by the diligent Toby. At the end of the match, the Didcot manager said we starved him of possession forcing them to go direct to get a goal. Which was the grand plan.
Every Cumnor boy contributed: Doddie out wide, Nathan ploughing the lonely furrow up front, Joseph beasting the midfield, Ben forever niggling and threatening the Didcot defence, Rory and Josh holding the line, Michael neat and tidy at right back, Luke and Adam raiding the wings, James throwing himself heroically into 50:50 challenges, Fyn playing with real sharpness and intelligence. Player of the Week was a very difficult choice but ultimately three people stood out: Toby for his dogged defence and discipline, Harry for stepping into the breach and Jack for a Gerrard-esque midfield display. In the end, it went to Jack. Considering we feared he wouldn't play due to injury, his performance was even more remarkable.
Full credit to Didcot too... we are new in this League, we are experimenting with different combinations, we were without our keeper and arguably in Will, our most creative player, but we learnt from them. They are a superb possession side and showed real patience and imagination, something we'd like our boys to do. But they couldn't break us down and inflict our first League defeat of the season. Still top, still dreaming.
Player of the Week: very close but well deserved, Jack
The match itself was an absorbing contest full of stout defending, line clearances, quick interplay and strong challenges. Harry made a fantastic save from an excellent free-kick and Jack scored a wonderfully taken goal after some superb work by Toby and Ben. It was a result based on defence and nullifying the Didcot winger by the diligent Toby. At the end of the match, the Didcot manager said we starved him of possession forcing them to go direct to get a goal. Which was the grand plan.
Every Cumnor boy contributed: Doddie out wide, Nathan ploughing the lonely furrow up front, Joseph beasting the midfield, Ben forever niggling and threatening the Didcot defence, Rory and Josh holding the line, Michael neat and tidy at right back, Luke and Adam raiding the wings, James throwing himself heroically into 50:50 challenges, Fyn playing with real sharpness and intelligence. Player of the Week was a very difficult choice but ultimately three people stood out: Toby for his dogged defence and discipline, Harry for stepping into the breach and Jack for a Gerrard-esque midfield display. In the end, it went to Jack. Considering we feared he wouldn't play due to injury, his performance was even more remarkable.
Full credit to Didcot too... we are new in this League, we are experimenting with different combinations, we were without our keeper and arguably in Will, our most creative player, but we learnt from them. They are a superb possession side and showed real patience and imagination, something we'd like our boys to do. But they couldn't break us down and inflict our first League defeat of the season. Still top, still dreaming.
Player of the Week: very close but well deserved, Jack
Monday 21 October 2013
Cumnor Come Of Age
A staggering display, a monumental performance, a result which will send shockwaves through the county. Under a glowering sky, on October 20th 2013, Cumnor Minors came of age. To go toe-to-toe with a team like Horspath, a team blessed with talent, skill and belief, shows just how far we've come since September.
In the last few weeks, the coaches have impressed on the boys the need to be disciplined, strong, organised and patient. Yes, results have been great but we knew our first encounter against the current champions would determine what we actually have. And what we have is spirit right through the 16 boys who represent us each week.
As for the match itself, it was a classic. The boys had to stay strong and focussed knowing that a slipped tackle or a lost position might be crucial. The boys had to be on it from the first to last whistle and my word, they were.
In the first half, we created chances with Fyn going agonisingly close from wide out and Will testing the keeper with a speculative lob. Yet it was Horspath who broke the deadlock after a slight hesitation at the back. We thought this might happen so the boys were primed to respond. They were challenged not to accept falling behind but to fight to get back into the game. Quick rotation meant the boys could run and challenge and shadow and block and then, when driven into the ground, they could seek some respite off the pitch. Never has 'the squad' system been so important. Then towards the end of the half, our pressure told and we were awarded a free kick from 25 yards out. Will stepped up and hit the target - scoring his third free kick of the season - after the unlucky Horspath keeper spilled into his net. Cumnor might have been down on possession but in the stat that counts, we went in level at half-time. 1-1.
In the second-half, to combat the domineering Horspath numbers 5 and 10, we bolstered the midfield allowing Ben, Joseph and Michael to hunt as a wolf pack, leaving the valiant Nathan - more than proving a point to his former coaches - to lead the line. We also brought Will and his heading ability into centre-half and unleashed Adam and Fyn out wide. Suddenly the whole tone of the match shifted. Horspath passed and moved, jinked and feinted but Cumnor wouldn't roll over. Joseph was a beast in the tackle, Rory inspired, Doddie more than a match for the tricky 6, Toby and Jack ever willing to throw themselves into a challenge. And then there was Ben. The last time Ben took a game by the scruff of the neck was against Deddington last season. Yesterday, he played the half of his life. It wasn't just his skill and determination, it was his cleverness and aptitude for work. With Will, Rory, Toby, Harry and Jack solid... Ben, Joseph, Luke, Michael and Adam leading the counter with speed and incisiveness. And then we scored one of the best smash and grab goals you'll ever see... forged in midfield, buried by Ben but made with the most audacious - and inspired - reverse pass from Fyn. It really doesn't matter that Fyn isn't finding the net... he is finding magic in the spaces between the attacking lines.
2-1, the rain, the tension, the cries from the opposition and then, surprisingly, a penalty. Up stepped clinical Ben to finish the job, 3-1. And whilst all this was going on, whilst the tackles were flying in, the headers being won, the attacks unfolding, whilst all this was happening, there stood Henry in goal. All the hard work with Chris and Graham, all the lonely hours at Tilsley brought him to this point, his finest hour and the effusive praise of the Horspath coach.
We beat Horspath. We are top. This is just the beginning because now, our brilliant brilliant boys... are the team EVERYONE wants to beat.
Player of the Week: Henry, Jack, Doddie, Adam, Toby, Harry, Rory, Will, Ben, Michael, Joseph, Luke, Nathan, Fyn, Josh, James
In the last few weeks, the coaches have impressed on the boys the need to be disciplined, strong, organised and patient. Yes, results have been great but we knew our first encounter against the current champions would determine what we actually have. And what we have is spirit right through the 16 boys who represent us each week.
As for the match itself, it was a classic. The boys had to stay strong and focussed knowing that a slipped tackle or a lost position might be crucial. The boys had to be on it from the first to last whistle and my word, they were.
In the first half, we created chances with Fyn going agonisingly close from wide out and Will testing the keeper with a speculative lob. Yet it was Horspath who broke the deadlock after a slight hesitation at the back. We thought this might happen so the boys were primed to respond. They were challenged not to accept falling behind but to fight to get back into the game. Quick rotation meant the boys could run and challenge and shadow and block and then, when driven into the ground, they could seek some respite off the pitch. Never has 'the squad' system been so important. Then towards the end of the half, our pressure told and we were awarded a free kick from 25 yards out. Will stepped up and hit the target - scoring his third free kick of the season - after the unlucky Horspath keeper spilled into his net. Cumnor might have been down on possession but in the stat that counts, we went in level at half-time. 1-1.
In the second-half, to combat the domineering Horspath numbers 5 and 10, we bolstered the midfield allowing Ben, Joseph and Michael to hunt as a wolf pack, leaving the valiant Nathan - more than proving a point to his former coaches - to lead the line. We also brought Will and his heading ability into centre-half and unleashed Adam and Fyn out wide. Suddenly the whole tone of the match shifted. Horspath passed and moved, jinked and feinted but Cumnor wouldn't roll over. Joseph was a beast in the tackle, Rory inspired, Doddie more than a match for the tricky 6, Toby and Jack ever willing to throw themselves into a challenge. And then there was Ben. The last time Ben took a game by the scruff of the neck was against Deddington last season. Yesterday, he played the half of his life. It wasn't just his skill and determination, it was his cleverness and aptitude for work. With Will, Rory, Toby, Harry and Jack solid... Ben, Joseph, Luke, Michael and Adam leading the counter with speed and incisiveness. And then we scored one of the best smash and grab goals you'll ever see... forged in midfield, buried by Ben but made with the most audacious - and inspired - reverse pass from Fyn. It really doesn't matter that Fyn isn't finding the net... he is finding magic in the spaces between the attacking lines.
2-1, the rain, the tension, the cries from the opposition and then, surprisingly, a penalty. Up stepped clinical Ben to finish the job, 3-1. And whilst all this was going on, whilst the tackles were flying in, the headers being won, the attacks unfolding, whilst all this was happening, there stood Henry in goal. All the hard work with Chris and Graham, all the lonely hours at Tilsley brought him to this point, his finest hour and the effusive praise of the Horspath coach.
We beat Horspath. We are top. This is just the beginning because now, our brilliant brilliant boys... are the team EVERYONE wants to beat.
Player of the Week: Henry, Jack, Doddie, Adam, Toby, Harry, Rory, Will, Ben, Michael, Joseph, Luke, Nathan, Fyn, Josh, James
Wednesday 9 October 2013
Not Our Best, But...
Cumnor stayed top of the OMYL A Division despite producing its least convincing display of the season at Goring. Whilst the eventual 5-0 victory reflected the balance of play, the team lacked cohesion and squandered a few good chances. That said, the players stuck together, fought hard for each other and came off the pitch with smiles on their faces.
The first half was a very scrappy affair, with Cumnor treating the football like a hot potato - showing little confidence in their passing and gifting the ball to Goring on too many occasions. However, Cumnor created the best of the best of the chances, and saw a number of efforts flash just wide of get cleared by Goring defenders. At the other end the Goring striker was proving a handful for Rory and Jack, however for the most part he was kept at bay. When he did fire off a shot, stand in goalie Harry was up to the challenge, making an excellent one-handed save low to his left. As the half wore on Cumnor increased the pressure resulting in a number of corners. Eventually one of these was converted by Nathan and Cumnor went in at half-time 1-0 up.
The second half saw a much improved performance. Full-backs and midfielders were working well in tandem, creating plenty of chances. Luke, Fyn, Adam, Jack and Doddy all took a turn out wide and produced plenty of crosses which the forwards only just failed to convert. After only five minutes, Cumnor doubled its lead as "Early scored a Worldy"; James taking the ball on the volley and dipping it over the Goring keeper.
Goring kept going for the whole 70 mins with its bare 11, and worked hard to make life difficult for Cumnor. However as the half wore on the pressure began to tell. Nathan, the ever alert poacher, grabbed a couple of smart goals, Adam and Luke went close, Joseph put a free kick just wide and Harry remained untroubled in goal. Final word went to Ben, who took a smart pass from Luke, showed some quick feet and slid the ball under the goalie.
It wasn't the greatest of performances, but the boys recognised this, battled hard and did not let their heads drop. The wide play we have been working on in training seems to be helping us create chances and as time goes on more of these will get taken. Player of the week however came down to a choice between two - with the excellent Harry just being edged out by hat-trick hero Nathan.
The first half was a very scrappy affair, with Cumnor treating the football like a hot potato - showing little confidence in their passing and gifting the ball to Goring on too many occasions. However, Cumnor created the best of the best of the chances, and saw a number of efforts flash just wide of get cleared by Goring defenders. At the other end the Goring striker was proving a handful for Rory and Jack, however for the most part he was kept at bay. When he did fire off a shot, stand in goalie Harry was up to the challenge, making an excellent one-handed save low to his left. As the half wore on Cumnor increased the pressure resulting in a number of corners. Eventually one of these was converted by Nathan and Cumnor went in at half-time 1-0 up.
The second half saw a much improved performance. Full-backs and midfielders were working well in tandem, creating plenty of chances. Luke, Fyn, Adam, Jack and Doddy all took a turn out wide and produced plenty of crosses which the forwards only just failed to convert. After only five minutes, Cumnor doubled its lead as "Early scored a Worldy"; James taking the ball on the volley and dipping it over the Goring keeper.
Goring kept going for the whole 70 mins with its bare 11, and worked hard to make life difficult for Cumnor. However as the half wore on the pressure began to tell. Nathan, the ever alert poacher, grabbed a couple of smart goals, Adam and Luke went close, Joseph put a free kick just wide and Harry remained untroubled in goal. Final word went to Ben, who took a smart pass from Luke, showed some quick feet and slid the ball under the goalie.
It wasn't the greatest of performances, but the boys recognised this, battled hard and did not let their heads drop. The wide play we have been working on in training seems to be helping us create chances and as time goes on more of these will get taken. Player of the week however came down to a choice between two - with the excellent Harry just being edged out by hat-trick hero Nathan.
Wednesday 2 October 2013
Bump and Grind
A 3-0 win against Chalgrove keeps us top of the league but it wasn't the smoothest of displays. Maybe that had something to do with a pitch that made passing - and shooting - difficult for both teams. Chalgrove were very difficult to break down but the Cumnor boys dug in and kept working hard on a hot Sept afternoon. It was great to see Josh and Toby back in the blue and both looked like they'd never been away.
As for the match, three well-worked goals, the first a lovely calm finish by Luke after some nice link work between Adam and Will and a killer pass by Ben. The second was a predatory finish by the quicksilver Nathan, who is on an excellent goalscoring run. The third was a neat header by Fyn after good wing work by Adam. Great stuff, good discipline at the back and lots of industry in midfield... and Joseph wasn't told off by the ref for the first time this season!
Player of the Week: Jack was great in defence and attack, Will, Rory and Josh showed no ill-effects from a morning of rugby and Ben was his ever combative self. POW however for putting a great shift in and playing more of a passing game, Luke.
As for the match, three well-worked goals, the first a lovely calm finish by Luke after some nice link work between Adam and Will and a killer pass by Ben. The second was a predatory finish by the quicksilver Nathan, who is on an excellent goalscoring run. The third was a neat header by Fyn after good wing work by Adam. Great stuff, good discipline at the back and lots of industry in midfield... and Joseph wasn't told off by the ref for the first time this season!
Player of the Week: Jack was great in defence and attack, Will, Rory and Josh showed no ill-effects from a morning of rugby and Ben was his ever combative self. POW however for putting a great shift in and playing more of a passing game, Luke.
Monday 23 September 2013
Early Kick Off For The Early Pacesetters
We don't normally play morning fixtures and some of the boys took a while to get going but in the end, we finished comfortable 6 - 3 winners against a Kidlington team who fought bravely to the final whistle. For the second week in a row we passed the ball crisply, rotated boys on and off the pitch (and into different positions) and took our chances exceptionally well. Rory used his strength to bundle one in, Will got a brace (a dipping left foot free kick and smart shot from inside the box), James used his head, Luke kept his cool and finished calmly one-on-one and Nathan clipped an absolute beauty in with his left foot.
Goals are just part of the story, everyone contributed. Jack and Rory made life difficult for the attackers, Harry and Doddie worked the flanks beautifully, Ben battled valiantly, Fyn ran himself into the ground whilst Adam worked furiously and only left the action because he took a ball in the head. In midfield, Joseph continued his great from from last week and joining him in the engine room was the all-action and quite excellent, Michael. True we conceded three goals (including an extremely soft one from a corner just after we'd taken the lead) but Henry was absolutely superb in goal. His kicking, distribution, catching and communication is improving all the time and his fingertip save from a vicious free kick was a thing of beauty. In fact, both keepers were excellent.
We're top of the league and looking good. We have strength in depth and have a game plan to pass, move and create chances. We are very good on the ball but we have to stay awake, especially after we score. To lose the lead twice was sloppy, let's make sure we maintain focus at all times in the coming games. Kidlington were an excellent test, this League looks like it will bring the best out of us.
Player of the Week: great work by Fyn, Doddie, Jack... nice goals from our scorers and superb saves by Henry. The winner this week is Michael for his skill, decisiveness and vision on the ball.
Goals are just part of the story, everyone contributed. Jack and Rory made life difficult for the attackers, Harry and Doddie worked the flanks beautifully, Ben battled valiantly, Fyn ran himself into the ground whilst Adam worked furiously and only left the action because he took a ball in the head. In midfield, Joseph continued his great from from last week and joining him in the engine room was the all-action and quite excellent, Michael. True we conceded three goals (including an extremely soft one from a corner just after we'd taken the lead) but Henry was absolutely superb in goal. His kicking, distribution, catching and communication is improving all the time and his fingertip save from a vicious free kick was a thing of beauty. In fact, both keepers were excellent.
We're top of the league and looking good. We have strength in depth and have a game plan to pass, move and create chances. We are very good on the ball but we have to stay awake, especially after we score. To lose the lead twice was sloppy, let's make sure we maintain focus at all times in the coming games. Kidlington were an excellent test, this League looks like it will bring the best out of us.
Player of the Week: great work by Fyn, Doddie, Jack... nice goals from our scorers and superb saves by Henry. The winner this week is Michael for his skill, decisiveness and vision on the ball.
Friday 20 September 2013
Winning Start At Grove
A great start to the new season with an all-action display against a spirited Grove. Cumnor played quick, incisive football and worked 7 excellent goals. All 14 boys enjoyed plenty of pitch time and it was encouraging to see so many able to slot into various positions when the call came. Goal scorers were Will x 2, Adam x 2, Fyn, Ben and, scoring his first in his first appearance, Nathan. In fact, all three new players (Nathan, Michael, Joseph and Luke) settled in extremely well. We've never been stronger. Great goals, great attacking prowess but the defensive shape of Harry, Rory, Jack and Doddie meant the boys could advance in confidence. Great work too from Henry in goal.
7-2 and we're off. Next up: Kidlington
Player of the Week: special mentions for Jack and Adam but the award goes to Joseph for his unselfish and effective midfield work.
7-2 and we're off. Next up: Kidlington
Player of the Week: special mentions for Jack and Adam but the award goes to Joseph for his unselfish and effective midfield work.
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Summertown Success
Cumnor's two teams entered the Summertown five-a-side at 10am last
Sunday, and left 5 hours later having played a combined 13 games, scoring 19
goals, conceding none and claiming the winners’ trophy.
Cumnor "A" (Luke, Ben, Will,
Doddy, Toby, Harry) played scintillating pass and move football in the group
phase, winning all 5 games comfortably, including a very satisfying win over a
less than happy Radley team. This left
them top of the group, awaiting the runners up of the group in which Cumnor “B”
were playing. Could Cumnor B get
through? If they did, would we end up
playing each other?
The tale of Cumnor B (Josh, Adam, Joseph, James, Fyn ,
Rory) was one of excellent defensive work and bad luck in front of goal. Conceding no goals in their 5 group games
should have put them in an excellent position, however they only scored one
goal and ended up going out on goal difference. The team really did suffer from an unlucky day
(started with Henry S’s injury in warm up leaving Josh to take on the GK
jersey). A missed penalty, balls smashed
against crossbar and posts, great goalkeeping and balls cleared off the line
meant that the team only won one of their five games. One goal in any of their four 0-0 draws would
have seen them safely through.
And so it was left to Cumnor A to carry the mantle into the
knockout phase. First up Hinksey. A very tense affair, and the only game in
which Cumnor did not take the chances they were presented, left them heading
towards a penalty shoot out. However, 1
minute from the end some great passing play saw Luke pop up and score a winner.
Next up Grove in the semi-final. With Toby nursing a suspected broken finger,
changes took place and Will started in defence. Following great play by Luke and Doddy, Ben
somehow managed to chip the goalie for the opening goal. With rain now coming down, grove had a couple
of break-aways, however Harry was up to the task and cleared the danger. With Toby on for the second half, Will pushed
forward and managed to smash home a rebound from one of Ben’s shots. 2-0 and a place in the final secured.
Faringdon, who had earlier knocked out Radley, awaited Cumnor in
the final. In a final that was played in
great spirit, Cumnor’s superior pass and move ability was too much for
Faringdon and a number of chances were created.
Once we had one, the floodgates opened and skipper Luke stepped up
(against his school mates) to score a well-deserved hat-trick. The squad of 6 all made great contributions
to this win, with Harry excellent in goal, Toby instrumental in keeping 8 clean
sheets and the attacking force of Will, Ben, Doddy and Luke being too much for
every team we met. Whilst Luke
top-scored with 8 goals, what was really nice was the boys played with an
attitude that said “I don’t care who scores, as long as we score”. This led to many unselfish passes being
played to team mates in better positions to finish moves off.
A big thank you to Summertown for organising a good event, good
trophies and good burgers.
Monday 3 June 2013
Silverware Success at Crowmarsh
 |
| Plate Winners at the Crowmarsh Tournament 2013 |
New kit, new faces, great start to the Summer 2013 Tournament season. Luke, Doddie, Toby, Ben, Will, Joseph, James and Leo recovered from a slow (okay, a very slow start) against red hot Horspath and Didcot to emerge winners in the plate competition. Final stats read: played 7, lost 2, drew 1 and won the final 4 games included a nail biter semi against Faringdon (thanks to a last kick of the game equaliser from Will and a last kick of extra time winner from James). We beat hosts Crowmarsh 2-0 in the Final and played some excellent football.
A big thanks to to our new sponsor, Mr Tony Hobbs. Unfortunately, we couldn't scan a photo of his face for the logo or add the words: 'Go On, Rory!!!!!'... but the new kit still looks great.
Here's to more success at Radley!
Friday 24 May 2013
2012/13
And that's the end of another season. We finished 4th in the League and reached the qf of the Cup. Best of all, we went on a scintillating run from December taking 17 points from a possible 24. Overall, we won 8 games, lost 6 and drew 4. We scored 63 goals and conceded 31. Our biggest win was 23-0.
As for the end of the season awards:
Golden Boot: Will
MIP: Henry
Parents' Player: Ben
Players' Player: Will
Coaches' Player: Fyn
Well done to everyone, the voting was closer than ever. Have a great Summer and fingers crossed, we might win a tournament or two.
As for the end of the season awards:
Golden Boot: Will
MIP: Henry
Parents' Player: Ben
Players' Player: Will
Coaches' Player: Fyn
Well done to everyone, the voting was closer than ever. Have a great Summer and fingers crossed, we might win a tournament or two.
Monday 11 March 2013
Kingston Freeze
It was cold. Very cold. It was windy too and snowing. Not ideal footballing conditions but the boys put a pretty convincing performance in against an always feisty Kingston.
Playing with a force 9 gail in the first-half saw Cumnor create a number of good chances. Adam and Will linked especially well on the flank and both fired in crosses that just seemed to evade Jack, Doddie and Fyn. It felt comfortable with the defensive four of Rory, Harry, Josh and Toby providing a solid platform for the others. However, going in 0-0 meant we had a fight on our hands for the second-half.
The wind was devilish and for 10 minutes every clearance came flying back towards our area, luckily Henry was alert to the troublesome trajectory. Like Henry, Doddie is in a rich vein of form and his flicks and switches kept opening up the Kingston defence. Fyn was working his channels and Ben enjoying a right old tussle in the middle.
It took a while but Cumnor eventually got their foot on the ball and tried to take the wind factor away. Adam was instructed to get back and do his defensive work but he ignored Tim's instruction and found himself in the shooting zone. Bang: 1-0. Minutes later we doubled our score through Ben's excellent strike. Job done. Or so we thought.
Kingston never give in and decided to go all out, using the wind and the pace out wide. They got on the scoresheet after Henry's superb save wasn't cleared. Instead of panicking, Cumnor continued to play football with James holding the ball nicely. Will threatened all day and scored a superb solo goal 3-1. He then went on another mazy run setting up James to score who was deemed off-side.
So the match finished 3-1 with Cumnor extending their recent League run and talking us to 22 points with only Ducklington to play in mid-April. Can we get to 25 points? Yes we can.
Player of the Week: special mention to Toby, Adam, Josh and Doddie but POW goes to our Welsh (okay, he's half Scottish too) wizard, Will.
Playing with a force 9 gail in the first-half saw Cumnor create a number of good chances. Adam and Will linked especially well on the flank and both fired in crosses that just seemed to evade Jack, Doddie and Fyn. It felt comfortable with the defensive four of Rory, Harry, Josh and Toby providing a solid platform for the others. However, going in 0-0 meant we had a fight on our hands for the second-half.
The wind was devilish and for 10 minutes every clearance came flying back towards our area, luckily Henry was alert to the troublesome trajectory. Like Henry, Doddie is in a rich vein of form and his flicks and switches kept opening up the Kingston defence. Fyn was working his channels and Ben enjoying a right old tussle in the middle.
It took a while but Cumnor eventually got their foot on the ball and tried to take the wind factor away. Adam was instructed to get back and do his defensive work but he ignored Tim's instruction and found himself in the shooting zone. Bang: 1-0. Minutes later we doubled our score through Ben's excellent strike. Job done. Or so we thought.
Kingston never give in and decided to go all out, using the wind and the pace out wide. They got on the scoresheet after Henry's superb save wasn't cleared. Instead of panicking, Cumnor continued to play football with James holding the ball nicely. Will threatened all day and scored a superb solo goal 3-1. He then went on another mazy run setting up James to score who was deemed off-side.
So the match finished 3-1 with Cumnor extending their recent League run and talking us to 22 points with only Ducklington to play in mid-April. Can we get to 25 points? Yes we can.
Player of the Week: special mention to Toby, Adam, Josh and Doddie but POW goes to our Welsh (okay, he's half Scottish too) wizard, Will.
Monday 4 March 2013
Bardwell Blockade
A brilliant defensive performance? Yes. Playing on the back foot? No, not really. Bardwell had some good players and were particularly strong down the right but we actually grew stronger as the game developed and managed to defend a lead for 55 minutes of play, something we've not done before. What was the secret? Commitment, determination and a willingness to challenge hard and strong. A team performance typified by the excellent Henry in goal, the magnificent Josh at the back and Ben taking (and dishing out) the punishment in midfield.
For the last few weeks we've implored the boys to challenge in the air and fight for the second ball on the ground. We worked on this in training and prior to kick off and it was wonderful to see the boys do this. Two headers in particular stand out, headers from boys not renowned for their heading: Ben in the dying seconds from a corner and a magnificent leap by Harry to arch his neck and take the ball from the giant number 3.
Due to a lack of availability there was a slight reorganisation in the set up with James going right, Harry dropping to full back, Jack in midfield and Will wide left. The changes paid dividends from the start with Will tearing down the flank and setting up a corner from which Josh poked home a goal. Cumnor played an expansive game with Doddie looking excellent as playmaker. Rory too drove his players on but slowly, Bardwell came into it especially down our left where Adam and Will were involved in a real tussle. One attack from the flank saw the Bardwell 17 hit a vicious swerving shot which Henry, unsighted to the last milli-second, managed to save by diving low to the left. Amazingly, Henry then got up to block the rebound. Brilliant keeping.
In the second-half the game turned into a real dogfight with chances limited for both teams. Fyn almost got a shot away as the boys shouted penalty and despite our tireless number 9 working hard, the ball didn't quite break for him. The best bit of play in the second-half (apart from the heroic blocks, tackles and headers) came from Will and Adam who put a scintillating move together up the flank before Adam was denied by a very good interception. Will too also knocked in a searing cross from right on the byline.
With 11 players available each boy had to dig deep. Jack, pushed out right, was a willing worker and Ben was involved in some real rough and tumble. We're not famed for our physicality but against Bardwell, we showed we could mix it with the best of them.
1- 0. A truly superb result and here's to a big unbeaten run to the end of the season.
Player of the Week: a very difficult choice but in the end, it came down to Henry, Josh and Doddie with Doddie shading it. Just.
For the last few weeks we've implored the boys to challenge in the air and fight for the second ball on the ground. We worked on this in training and prior to kick off and it was wonderful to see the boys do this. Two headers in particular stand out, headers from boys not renowned for their heading: Ben in the dying seconds from a corner and a magnificent leap by Harry to arch his neck and take the ball from the giant number 3.
Due to a lack of availability there was a slight reorganisation in the set up with James going right, Harry dropping to full back, Jack in midfield and Will wide left. The changes paid dividends from the start with Will tearing down the flank and setting up a corner from which Josh poked home a goal. Cumnor played an expansive game with Doddie looking excellent as playmaker. Rory too drove his players on but slowly, Bardwell came into it especially down our left where Adam and Will were involved in a real tussle. One attack from the flank saw the Bardwell 17 hit a vicious swerving shot which Henry, unsighted to the last milli-second, managed to save by diving low to the left. Amazingly, Henry then got up to block the rebound. Brilliant keeping.
In the second-half the game turned into a real dogfight with chances limited for both teams. Fyn almost got a shot away as the boys shouted penalty and despite our tireless number 9 working hard, the ball didn't quite break for him. The best bit of play in the second-half (apart from the heroic blocks, tackles and headers) came from Will and Adam who put a scintillating move together up the flank before Adam was denied by a very good interception. Will too also knocked in a searing cross from right on the byline.
With 11 players available each boy had to dig deep. Jack, pushed out right, was a willing worker and Ben was involved in some real rough and tumble. We're not famed for our physicality but against Bardwell, we showed we could mix it with the best of them.
1- 0. A truly superb result and here's to a big unbeaten run to the end of the season.
Player of the Week: a very difficult choice but in the end, it came down to Henry, Josh and Doddie with Doddie shading it. Just.
Tuesday 26 February 2013
Tower Topple Cumnor
The U12s fought bravely against a strong Tower Hill team and eventually lost 5-1 in the quarter-final tie. After an excellent first-half, Tower proved too strong and too resourceful and deserved the win. There were many positives to be taken from the game: Rory was once more outstanding man-marking Piers, Doddie showed real inventiveness up front, Fyn scored a fantastic goal, Henry made a string of excellent saves and all the boys did their best in very difficult circumstances. Let's take these positives into the final three games of the season and see if we can add another 9 points to our league tally.
Player of the Week: Rory for a captain fantastic display
Player of the Week: Rory for a captain fantastic display
Monday 4 February 2013
Eynsham Escape
Some days you have to blow out your cheeks, look to the heavens and walk away with the spoils. We don't really do 'good luck' at Cumnor but we did yesterday at Eynsham and gratefully took the 2-1 win which keeps our run of recent good form up.
In difficult boggy conditions against a committed and skilful side we were made to fight for every opening. Our midfield was over run but our defence held firm. We created four decent chances and took two thanks to Adam's deadeye accuracy and Fyn's fox in the box opportunism. Eynsham may have had more of the ball but a combination of Rory, Josh and Leo kept them out. They did deserve their scrappy goal and it was only towards the end that we started playing football. We put some good passages together but the day felt like a struggle. Well done boys for getting through it and here's hoping we play 'the Cumnor Way' in the coming matches.
Player of the Week: Adam had a cracking first half and ran himself into the ground but the nod went to Leo who was kept busy, made good decisions and kicked very well. We are lucky to have two strong and capable keepers.
In difficult boggy conditions against a committed and skilful side we were made to fight for every opening. Our midfield was over run but our defence held firm. We created four decent chances and took two thanks to Adam's deadeye accuracy and Fyn's fox in the box opportunism. Eynsham may have had more of the ball but a combination of Rory, Josh and Leo kept them out. They did deserve their scrappy goal and it was only towards the end that we started playing football. We put some good passages together but the day felt like a struggle. Well done boys for getting through it and here's hoping we play 'the Cumnor Way' in the coming matches.
Player of the Week: Adam had a cracking first half and ran himself into the ground but the nod went to Leo who was kept busy, made good decisions and kicked very well. We are lucky to have two strong and capable keepers.
Monday 14 January 2013
Cup Run Continues
Another goalfest in the cup and a cracking 13-1 win at Stonesfield. We didn't quite dominate in the way the score says, especially at the start. But credit to a good Stonesfield side who are far better than the D League and credit too to the boys for dealing with a quagmire (that still played better than The Closes).
The goals came thick and fast once Will broke the deadline with his cross/shot (ok, it was a cross) and the scoresheet reads: Will 2, Ben 1, James 3, Rory 2, Fyn 2, Adam 1, Jack 1 and Harry 1. All the boys contributed, Josh and Doddie particularly in open play and Henry made three excellent saves. It was Fyn's day however, he set up a lot of our goals through some intelligent forward play and was then a revelation at centre-half, scoring the goal of the day with a halfway line tackle, run, give and go and a lovely chipped finish.
Player of the Week: special mention to James for bagging a hat trick and Jack for almost becoming out first ever booking (!) but pow, Fyn.
The goals came thick and fast once Will broke the deadline with his cross/shot (ok, it was a cross) and the scoresheet reads: Will 2, Ben 1, James 3, Rory 2, Fyn 2, Adam 1, Jack 1 and Harry 1. All the boys contributed, Josh and Doddie particularly in open play and Henry made three excellent saves. It was Fyn's day however, he set up a lot of our goals through some intelligent forward play and was then a revelation at centre-half, scoring the goal of the day with a halfway line tackle, run, give and go and a lovely chipped finish.
Player of the Week: special mention to James for bagging a hat trick and Jack for almost becoming out first ever booking (!) but pow, Fyn.
Monday 7 January 2013
New Year, Nice Win
A fantastic performance by the U12s to beat Deddington 2-1 in a New Year nailbiter. Inspired by the sight of Steve Earl hitting the gym, the boys (down to a bareboned 11 after an injury to goalie, Henry) dug deep and managed to thwart the fired up Deddington.
Back from the winter break and we were without Leo, Doddie and Joe so our squad was down to twelve. Twelve boys who had feasted heartily on turkey, pudding and Quality Street during the Christmas holidays. Would the extra pounds hinder them? Would the big Westminster pitch exhaust them? No! Both sets of players produced a magnificent first 30 minutes of football as the ball zipped end to end. It was exhilarating to watch, the passes were clever, the running incredible and the chances coming thick and fast. Cumnor got their reward with two really well taken goals thanks to far post poacher Harry and a snapshot by Jack. All was looking good as we approached half-time with a 2-0 lead.
Hang on, this is Deddington... the team that never know when they are beaten. And there was a complication: Henry had to go off with a groin strain meaning reorganisation and no subs for the second-half. Josh took the grey keeper jersey and Will stepped back to partner Rory in central defence. Whereas the first-half was all about quick incisive breaks, Adam tearing down the flank, Will threading Gerard-esque passes to Fyn, Toby and Rory snuffing out attacks... the second half was a dogfight which called on spirit, grit and guts. Despite Rory and Will being under siege, Josh making excellent saves and Jack tackling everything... all that was good about Cumnor was summed up in one word: Ben. He had an incredible half, powered by baked beans, winning the ball and driving straight at the heart of the Deddington defence to relieve the relentless pressure, making attack the best form of defence. Still Deddington came, James and Fyn tried to work openings, Harry and Lucas looked for space but time and again, Will, Rory, Toby and Adam were forced to make last ditch challenges. Finally, Deddington scored after we failed to clear a free kick. Would it be 2-2 again? We felt certain it would but in the end, we held out. Just. 2-1 Cumnor. What a match. What a team.
Player of the Week: special plaudits to Ben, sickly Will, Adam and Rory but pow, Josh for 'volunteering' to go in. Tremendous courage, terrific hands
Back from the winter break and we were without Leo, Doddie and Joe so our squad was down to twelve. Twelve boys who had feasted heartily on turkey, pudding and Quality Street during the Christmas holidays. Would the extra pounds hinder them? Would the big Westminster pitch exhaust them? No! Both sets of players produced a magnificent first 30 minutes of football as the ball zipped end to end. It was exhilarating to watch, the passes were clever, the running incredible and the chances coming thick and fast. Cumnor got their reward with two really well taken goals thanks to far post poacher Harry and a snapshot by Jack. All was looking good as we approached half-time with a 2-0 lead.
Hang on, this is Deddington... the team that never know when they are beaten. And there was a complication: Henry had to go off with a groin strain meaning reorganisation and no subs for the second-half. Josh took the grey keeper jersey and Will stepped back to partner Rory in central defence. Whereas the first-half was all about quick incisive breaks, Adam tearing down the flank, Will threading Gerard-esque passes to Fyn, Toby and Rory snuffing out attacks... the second half was a dogfight which called on spirit, grit and guts. Despite Rory and Will being under siege, Josh making excellent saves and Jack tackling everything... all that was good about Cumnor was summed up in one word: Ben. He had an incredible half, powered by baked beans, winning the ball and driving straight at the heart of the Deddington defence to relieve the relentless pressure, making attack the best form of defence. Still Deddington came, James and Fyn tried to work openings, Harry and Lucas looked for space but time and again, Will, Rory, Toby and Adam were forced to make last ditch challenges. Finally, Deddington scored after we failed to clear a free kick. Would it be 2-2 again? We felt certain it would but in the end, we held out. Just. 2-1 Cumnor. What a match. What a team.
Player of the Week: special plaudits to Ben, sickly Will, Adam and Rory but pow, Josh for 'volunteering' to go in. Tremendous courage, terrific hands
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