Spirit and Defiance

It's difficult to reflect clearly on what happened up at Westminster without getting caught up in the emotion of the occasion. So, we'll put certain matters aside and concentrate on the football. And if we're concentrating on the football, what a game it was.

Cumnor went into the match on the back of a disappointing draw against Deddington. Ducklington are flying high at the top of the league. However, in recent seasons, we've had some very close encounters with Ducklington and we instructed the boys to play their fast fluid, attacking football. Ducklington too - and to their credit - were committed to playing football so it was an entertaining spectacle. It was also full of drama.

The most pleasing aspect of the match for the coaches is the spirit and determination the boys showed. We've worked hard with them on their defensive responsibilities - irrespective of the position they play in - and they did everything that was asked of them. Even the two own goals (yep, two own goals... we can't buy luck this season) were down to Josh and Henry busting a gut to get back in the goalmouth and defend. Good on you boys. In previous weeks, we might not have even got there.

As for individual performers, special mention for Henry who filled in in an unexpected position minutes before kick off, Josh for throwing himself bravely into every challenge (and being unfortunately injured) and Fyn who scored two superb goals and ran his heart out up front. In fact Fyn's first goal saw some gorgeous play between Ben, Rory and Jack... play that personifies what we're trying to achieve. His second goal (what a finish) came from the pass of the game by Will.

On reflection, a 3 - 2 defeat is hard to stomach but we scored the best goals of the game, hit the bar and gave a very good side the fright of their life. All the boys, from Leo in goal to Toby and Joe at the back, Ben and Rory in midfield to James and Will and Fyn up front put performances in they should be proud of. We are committed to our boys playing fast, attractive football so they can leave the field with their heads held high. They are a wonderful bunch of lads and we are immensely proud of their skill, their camaraderie and their attitude. And a lot of that comes from the parents who remain supportive of what we are trying to do. Don't forget, we are a small squad and we try and make all the boys feel involved and important.

There is one boy who deserves special mention and that's Adam. He doesn't like playing centre-half but he is doing it for his teammates. What's more, he had one of the best games we've seen him play yesterday. He was strong, brave, quick, clever and composed. Thank you, Adam for stepping back into the breach for the club.

Player of the Week: all of them but if we had to chose one - and we did - Adam