Monday, 20 April 2009

Cumnor's Big Finish

We've had some terrific encounters with Ducklington and the last game of the season was perhaps the best. We played with passion and intelligence and all the hard work we've put in in training paid off.

Match One
Playing with two at the back allowed Will, Ben C and Binky freedom to push on and support Fyn safe in the knowledge that Rory and Toby offered excellent protection for Ollie in goal. The game started in cracking fashion with Cumnor determined to play quickly and keep the ball moving. Binky held the right superbly and linked beautifully with Ben C. Will was a constant threat with his surging runs down the left and Ben orchestrated everything through the middle. But Toby and Rory's dilligence kept us solid. It wasn't long before Cumnor took the lead after Fyn smartly converted Will's cross. Ben went very close with a long range left footer and Will shot over after beating a couple of players. He also almost scored with a header (we're getting good at headers!). Fyn nearly got a second with an outrageously cheeky back heeled volley. Cumnor looked good value for a half-time lead and needed Ollie to make a dramatic save to guarantee the advantage.

In the second-half, Binky dropped back and Toby came into midfield. His impact was immediate aiming a fierce shot at the goal. As the rebound looped out, Ben steadied himself and hit a cracking first time effort into the net. 2-0. But it wasn't all going our way and we failed to deal with a bouncing ball (yet again) which inevitably meant goal for Ducklington. 2-1.

In recent games, we've panicked after conceeding but our new steely attitude saw us tighten our play. Another bouncing ball was this time claimed by Ollie who unleashed a Reina-esque kick to Fyn. With the Ducklington goalie charging forward, Fyn put out a foot and flicked it with the deftest of glances into the goal. 3-1.

As the game neared its conclusion, Cumnor were in control. More smart attacking work saw the ball fall to Rory. He looked up and hit a dipping shot from 2o yards out. What a stunning goal to cap an all round stunning team performance. 4-1.

Match Two
Another end-to-end encounter with Cumnor and Ducklington enjoying a real dogfight. Cumnor lined up with Rory/Fyn in goal, Laurie and Henry M in defence, Henry S, Ollie and James S in midfield and James E up front.

In a very physical game where there was lots of pulling and pushing (and a few x-rated challenges) Cumnor showed what strength and determination the boys have. A scramble in the home goalmouth saw Laurie unfortunately concede a penalty. Rory was unlucky not to keep it out. 0-1.

Against the run of play, Ducklington squeezed another past Rory (0-2) but Cumnor weren't solely defending. Both James' were combining well and Ollie and Henry S showed some lovely touches in midfield. Laurie was working hard in defence and demonstrated what a terrific headerer of the ball he is. And with him, barnstorming Muller was proving Cumnor would not do down without a fight. Guts, bulldog spirit... Cumnor got a corner and Henry's shot eventually found the back of the net. 1-2: game on. Ollie played a delightful little pass into James S who stopped, shimmied and found the bottom corner. 2-2.

The second-half proved a fitting finale to an excellent season with the lead going back and forth. James E tried a sneaky little back heel but had better luck moments later when his goal nabbed Cumnor the lead. 3-2. But Ducklington weren't to be denied and equalized. With time running out, James S grabbed a beauty with the outside of his boot. We were there... we were going to beat Ducklington again but no, a scrambled shot hit the post, then Fyn's head and went in. 4-4.

Both matches had everything and the Cumnor boys can head into the Summer tournaments knowing they've had a terrific season. Hold your heads up high lads, you've done yourselves proud!

Player of the Week: Toby for adding bite to our defence and midfield.

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