Stunning Start to the New Season

The U8s got off to a winning start with two excellent performances against a well-organized and talented Eynsham. In the first match, livewire striker Fyn was at his Torres-like best with four superbly taken goals. He was banging them in from all angles including one from the corner flag! Cross or shot, Fyn? Let us know.

Will got the other goal which capped off a full-blooded display playing just in front of the midfield. Two boys bagged the goals but it was the team around them that earnt the victory. Adam M once more was our midfield engine powering through the central areas. Either side of him, the two Bens showed energy, industry and great touches on a tricky playing surface. But if we want to pinpoint two exceptional performances, we have to look further back at Rory and Henry M. Last season, the dynamic Eynsham No.9 was instrumental in our defeat but on Saturday, Rory gave a masterclass in man-to-man marking. He almost sealed his brilliant display with a stunning goal after taking the ball the whole length of the pitch.

In goal, Henry M (playing his first match since injury) was strong, committed and a little bit mad (no bad thing for a goalie). He gave a penalty away (and yes it was a penalty) but he then produced an absolutely monumental save, forcing a well struck shot over the bar!

Great stuff, it looked as if we might run away with the game but Eynsham proved a tough team, hitting the post twice and coming back to 4-3 before Fyn sealed it with his outrageous goal.

A special mention also for Henry S who made a very promising debut down the left hand side.

The second match was just as exciting with Cumnor flooding forward in waves. Ollie opened his account for the season with two goals including a peach from outside the box. Binky got one and would have had a few more if the grass had been cut before the match! In midfield, Laurie was once again the team action man, taking various hits and knocks to the body but still getting up and ploughing on. James E was unlucky not to get a goal and played his usual game: intelligent passing/kamikaze tackling. James S had his best game for Cumnor, breaking up loads of Eynsham moves and playing lovely little passes to set up fresh attacks. But yet again, the real hero of the day was at the back where Joe 'Iron Man' H tackled and blocked his heart out. It was such a big performance, it made his kit seem too small. Another new boy, Edward, made an excellent debut in goal playing with bravery and confidence. After struggling to find a goalie all last season, we now seem to be blessed with two! And coming on in the second-half and getting straight into the action, well done Adam W.

So, the new kit might be a bit big... but it looks good and we're unbeaten in it. Roll on next Saturday!

2007/08 Season

The new season starts with a midweek training session on Tuesday September 2nd. The venue details will be confirmed shortly via email but the session will last an hour from 6.15 to 7.15. We'll also be handing out the new kit.

Our first game (again, to be confirmed) is at home against Eynsham on Saturday the 6th.

Don't forget, this season we'll playing friendly fixtures again (in accordance with new FA U8 guidelines) so it's all about getting involved, trying hard and enjoying the football. Midweek training will be held on Tuesday evenings. Home Saturday sessions/matches at The Closes (please park by the Cricket Clubhouse).

A full fixture list will be sent out soon. We won't play every fixture but we will play more games than last year. We want to try and give the children as much football as possible on a match days so we plan to take a smaller squad to away games. This means some players will be asked to sit out certain weeks. This will be decided on a rota basis unless you and your children are likely to be away. Let us know in advance and we'll factor that into selection.

We'll also be welcoming two new players to our squad but please note, we're now full. If anyone asks you about joining us, say we're full but they are welcome to join the waiting list.

Here's to another exciting season.

David, Tim, Richard & Steve

Cumnor Win At Charlbury

The U7s played our first ever tournament on Sunday June 8th and finished the day unbeaten. On a sweltering morning, after a long drive through the rolling Oxfordshire countryside, 8 players took the field in a 4 match tournament. Playing six-a-side, each boy played 3 games and sat out 1. Our opponents, Charlbury and Chase, provided stern opposition but Cumnor controlled all four games (playing each team twice).

Final stats: played 4, won 4, scored 9, conceeded 0. Scores were: 2-0, 1-0, 2-0 & 4-0

So well done: Adam M, Ben C, Ben Mc, Fyn, James E, James S, Joe and Will. Highlights include: Adam M's midfield play and leadership, Ben C's superbly taken hat-trick, Ben Mc's non-stop running and bravery, Fyn's 4 breathtaking goals, James E's passing, clever movement and goalkeeping, James S' sturdy tackling and goalkeeping, Joe's super tough defending and Will's incisive passing and crossing.

Considering we haven't played together for over a month, this was a fantastic example of skill, teamwork and commitment. Our quick passing, strong running and excellent finishing was a joy to see.

Brilliant work, boys!