All Square at Ducklington

Two excellent games and two fair results.

In the first match, Cumnor fielded a strong team with players reverting back to arguably their best positions. Ben C struck the first effort wide followed by a long range shot from Will. Early on, Cumnor dominated but it was Ducklington who went ahead with a miss-hit shot just squeezing past an unlucky Ollie. However, as in recent weeks, Cumnor proved that going behind is not a problem. Ben Mc picked the ball up from Rory and set off on a mazy run before feeding Will. The Cumnor No.4 hugged the left touchline, skipping past a defender before whipping the cross in. It looked as if the goalie had it covered but a cruel bounce saw the ball spin into the net. 1-1. Cumnor maintained the momentun til half-time and saw more good efforts by Ben Mc, Adam and Will.

In the second-half, James E came on for Ben Mc but went up front with Fyn moving across to the right flank. We were very unlucky not to score because the boys played some of the best football of the season. We looked organised in all areas with Ollie assured in goal, Rory magnificent in defence, Adam and Ben controlling play from midfield, Will & Fyn causing problems out wide and James ready to poach the winner. Lovely slick passing, where Cumnor moved the ball fluently left to right saw Ben draw Fyn in to almost score with two cross/shots.

The final whistle drew applause from parents and coaches with everyone appreaciating the quality of the game.

In the second match, Henry M started in goal, with Edward in defence, Henry S, Toby, Ben Mc, Laurie in midfield and Binky up front. Again, both teams threatened and tested one another with tricky runs and hard challenges. Edward made several excellent tackles and linked nicely with Toby and Henry S in midfield. Ben Mc showed his close control skills and put Ducklington on the back foot. It wasn't long before Ben found himself in the box with his back to the goal. Turning sharply to the left, Ben spun away and hit a sweet shot into the bottom right corner. 1-0. Cumnor almost increased the lead when Laurie's long-range shot crept inches wide.

In the second-half, Henry M and Edward swapped places and suddenly, the noise level increased! Laurie went into central midfield and started blocking and breaking up Ducklington attacks. Toby got further forward on the right wing and Henry S made more impressive runs. Binky kept finding himself in dangerous positions and was unlucky not to score. James E played his trademark lovely passes and despite some truly brave saves by Edward, Ducklington scored. 1-1.

Cumnor got stronger as the match wore on with Henry M thundering forward but everyone felt the draw was the right result.

Well played everyone! Contenders for player of the week included Ben Mc for his goal, Rory for his brilliant defending, Ed for his defensive play and goalkeeping exploits and Fyn for his wing work. However, the winner was Ben C for his passing, tackling and imaginative play.