Goal Glut Goes On

Small pitch, hot day, friendly hosts and lots of goals.

Match One
Cumnor started at a cracking pace with Adam powering into the box and forcing a penalty. Our first penalty in three seasons and up stepped Ben to fire home. An early goal always helps and the boys relaxed and started passing the ball with confidence. Rory went close twice and Adam almost finished off a slick move after great work by Will and Fyn. But we didn't have it all our own way; luckily Ed was on hand to make a super save. Most of the action was directed at the Chadlington goal and we got a deserved second after Will's quick throw-in set Fyn up to squeeze the ball inside the near post.

2-0 up and the match turned into the Adam show. Loving the freedom to run (and shoot) Adam terrified the opposition. His first goal was a exocet from wide out right, his second quick-thinking following Ben's attempt and his hat-trick bagged by another perfectly struck shot. But it wasn't just Adam breaking the goalie's heart; Ben got his second and Rory chipped in to take Cumnor to a 7-0 half-time lead.

Changes at half-time saw Toby and Adam subbed (to give the hosts a chance)with Binky and Joe stepping in. Fyn dropped back into defence and Rory went up front. It wasn't long before the scoring resumed. Will - hugging the touchline - sprinted down the flank and clipped in a great cross to Binky who scored with his first touch. With the scorekeeper getting writers' cramp, all the Cumnor boys fancied their chances. Joe charged up from the back struck the post. Rory got his second and our 9th before Binky played a sublime pass into Will who chipped it over the goalie's hand. Chadlington stuck with it admirably and got their deserved goal. But there was no great escape on the cards as Will got his second moments later. 11-1. Changes were made with Henry S slotting into left wing. Over on the touchline Tony Hobbs started sweating fearing he'd be owing his son £10 for scoring a hat-trick. Seconds later, his hand was in his pocket as the towering Rory claimed his third. Chadlington grabbed a late second but the whistle blew with Cumnor emerging triumphant 12-2 winners.

Match Two
Henry S started in goal with newboy Matt and James S in defence. Our midfield three consisted of Laurie, Toby and Adam with James E up front. Chadlington - horrified to see Adam back on the pitch - tried to triple mark him but it didn't work. After almost putting Laurie in Adam scored his fourth of the day. 1-0.

Chadlington were a lot more organized and James S (proudly wearing the captain's armband) and Toby had to pull off some ferocious tackles. As well as being tenacious in the tackle, Toby also has a mean finish and put Cumnor 2-0 up. This match was more competitive with both Henry S and the Chadlington keeper pulling off terrific saves. Chadlington pressure saw them breach the Cumnor line and get right back into the match. Adam sensed the game might be getting away from Cumnor and wrestled the initiative back, setting Toby's second up with a perfectly weighted crossfield pass. Toby was our third hat-trick hero of the day after chesting in our 4th. Matt almost scored two on his debut and would have but for some brave keeping.

More changes and tinkering for the second-half with Matt going in, James E and James S swapping, Henry S going outfield for Adam and Binky coming into the centre. The boys treated us to some lovely play with Joe and Laurie threading delightful passes through a crowded midfield. Joe grabbed a goal, followed quickly by James S. Henry S went on a twisting, turning run (using both feet!)and scored a fine solo effort. James E was unlucky not to get on the score sheet but showed some classy touches at the back. Then, arguably, came the goal of the day. The ball bounced towards Binky who looked up, saw the keeper off the line, and produced an inch perfect lob from 25 yards out. 8-2.

Still, we weren't finished. Joe scored again, James S got another... and another (more hat-trick heroics), and Henry claimed a second after a penalty box scramble. Final whistle: 12-2.

All in all, another very assured squad display. It wasn't easy playing on such a tight pitch, especially as we are such an accomplished passing team. But the boys loved scoring lots of goals so well done. Tougher challenges lie ahead but we're sure we have the attitude, skills and camaraderie to overcome all opposition. And, as the boys proved, in the kickabout with the Chadlington U10/11s... we're up for anything!

Player of the Week: tough one with all those hat-tricks but it came down to Adam and Binky with Binky sneaking it thanks to his cheeky lob.