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.

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.