Draws all round (again!)

After two nailbiting games, Cumnor U8s enhanced their reputation as a favourite with the pools punters - 5 score draws in six games.

Game 1 saw some great play by both sides. Fyn looked sharp up front for Cumnor but was well marshalled (and tackled) by Eynsham's defence. Ben Mc and Ollie both played with good energy as the two wide midfielders - great runs creating chances and great tracking back to prevent chances. The now steady partnership of Adam M and Ben C in the centre of midfield was its usual pivotal self - tackles won, passes made and encouragement given. It was Adam M who gave Cumnor the lead mid-way through the first half with a driving run and shot that squeezed into the far corner.

After the break Eynsham pushed hard to equalise however Rory's rock like defence held firm, and even when it was breached Ed made some great stops to help his team out. Ed's ability to judge when to come off his line is improving game by game and twice he came out to challenge the dangerouse number 9 of Eynsham, who ended up shooting wide on both occassions. A goal was finally conceded with an unstoppable shot. After that Cumnor pushed for a winner but to no avail - the Eynsham tackling was as good as ours and a draw was a fair result.

Game 2 took on a rather unusual 9-a-side format, however on a big pitch this worked reasonably well. James S and Toby shared the goalkeeper / striker roles whilst James E took on the role of sweeper - a job he did very well, reading the play and make great interceptions and tackles when neccessary. Henry S supported in defence and made his usual hard-charging runs, whilst Henry M played everywhere and enjoyed utilising his very own back-heel tackle. Cumnor held the advantage early on and through some good interplay an opportunity opened up for Binky to put Cumnor into the lead. A few minutes later, Joe ran forward from midfiled and smashed a right foot volley goalward only to see the keeper make a great save. Later in the half though Eynsham came into the game and eventually squeezed the ball past Toby to level things up.

The second half was more even, both side creating chances. Adam W made some important tackles in midfiled and debutant Liam got more involved on the left wing - making some good runs as well as some brave headers to clear well-taken Eynsham corners. Unfortunately we were unable to convert the chances that did come our way and the game ended 1-1.

Both games were played in great spirit - some hefty but fair challenges were made by both sides and this led to the odd injury or two, but everyone battled on bravely.

There were some great individual performances, with Rory and Ed outstanding in game 1, however player of the week, for marshalling the troops, making tackles and reading the game, all whilst making his debut in defence, was James E. On behalf of his father, Sam C presented the award to James.