Cumnor U7s v Stanford Youth U7s 3rd Nov 2007 (friendly)

The unbeaten run continues!

Beautiful morning and two more excellent performances against a very spirited Stanford Youth.

The B's were involved in another roller coaster match full of hard tackling, strong running and slick passing. Binky had little to do in goal in the first-half due mainly to another terrific defensive performance by Joe. In midfield Henry, Laurie, Ben Mc and Adam W were everywhere whilst Toby was a constant threat in attack. It was a real tussle in the middle and the deadlock was broken when Ben Mc seized on a loose ball in the Stanford area and scored his first goal for Cumnor Minors. Well done, Ben!

Half-time: 1-0 Cumnor.

In the second-half, Laurie replaced Binky in goal and was immediately called upon to make a sharp save. Binky was sprightly with the ball at his feet and he and Henry continued to make incisive breaks. Adam handled the pressure of playing his 'home' team exceedingly well and was influential on the left. Toby went looking for the ball and was central to many of our best moves. However, Stanford started to look dangerous but Joe was marvellous with his no nonsense interceptions. As in recent weeks, the boys dug in, fought for one another and looked like holding onto the win until the live wire Stanford number 7 scored a spectacular goal. Laurie could have been 10 foot tall with telescopic arms and he still would have struggled to keep out such a lob. Unlucky. 1-1.

There was drama in the last seconds as Henry (our late goal specialist) saw his excellent shot hit the post. Final whistle, 1-1, unbeaten.

Earlier, the A's put in another superb team effort to continue their impressive start to the season with a 6-0 win. James barely touched the ball in goal in the first-half (relax, you've done your stint in goal now, James!). Rory was again, awesome at the back, timing his runs to perfection and snuffing out the Stanford attacks. Will, Ben C, Adam M and Ollie were quite unstoppable in midfield and Fyn threatened every time he had the ball.

Ollie - playing like Steven Gerrard - was quite magnificent in the middle and scored early on. Will netted goal number two after the Stanford goalie saved Fyn's shot before Ollie grabbed his second. By now Cumnor were firmly in control and played some lovely passes into space and down the flanks. Adam M showed great touch and awareness. Ben continued the good work with a thundering goal before Will scored his second... and his first goal of the season with his favoured left foot.

Half-time: 5-0

In the second-half Ben went into goal and had to put up with his dad standing behind him offering 'advice'. James and Rory pushed into midfield and Will dropped back into defence. It was a much tighter half and Cumnor probably got a bit carried away with the scoreline and went chasing the ball. Stanford stayed organised and kept battling. Will went wandering and left his defensive duties behind but luckily, the ever-watchful Rory was there to cover. Cumnor only really had one chance in the second half and hat-trick hero Ollie was on hand to take it.

Final score: 6-0. Wonderful work, boys!

It was a fantastic morning and Stanford were great guests considering they only had 8 players. They battled hard and never complained.

That means played 6, won 4, drawn 2.

Player of the Week for his tenacity and fighting spirit: Laurie

Golden Boot 3/11/2007
Will 6
Fyn 5
Ollie 5
Ben C 3
Henry 1
Binky 1
Rory 1
Toby 1
James 1
Ben Mc 1

Next match: Witney Vikings at home Sat Nov 17th (tbc)

Training next Saturday at Cumnor School