New Year, Nice Win

A fantastic performance by the U12s to beat Deddington 2-1 in a New Year nailbiter. Inspired by the sight of Steve Earl hitting the gym, the boys (down to a bareboned 11 after an injury to goalie, Henry) dug deep and managed to thwart the fired up Deddington.

Back from the winter break and we were without Leo, Doddie and Joe so our squad was down to twelve. Twelve boys who had feasted heartily on turkey, pudding and Quality Street during the Christmas holidays. Would the extra pounds hinder them? Would the big Westminster pitch exhaust them? No! Both sets of players produced a magnificent first 30 minutes of football as the ball zipped end to end. It was exhilarating to watch, the passes were clever, the running incredible and the chances coming thick and fast. Cumnor got their reward with two really well taken goals thanks to far post poacher Harry and a snapshot by Jack. All was looking good as we approached half-time with a 2-0 lead.

Hang on, this is Deddington... the team that never know when they are beaten. And there was a complication: Henry had to go off with a groin strain meaning reorganisation and no subs for the second-half. Josh took the grey keeper jersey and Will stepped back to partner Rory in central defence. Whereas the first-half was all about quick incisive breaks, Adam tearing down the flank, Will threading Gerard-esque passes to Fyn, Toby and Rory snuffing out attacks... the second half was a dogfight which called on spirit, grit and guts. Despite Rory and Will being under siege, Josh making excellent saves and Jack tackling everything... all that was good about Cumnor was summed up in one word: Ben. He had an incredible half, powered by baked beans, winning the ball and driving straight at the heart of the Deddington defence to relieve the relentless pressure, making attack the best form of defence. Still Deddington came, James and Fyn tried to work openings, Harry and Lucas looked for space but time and again, Will, Rory, Toby and Adam were forced to make last ditch challenges. Finally, Deddington scored after we failed to clear a free kick. Would it be 2-2 again? We felt certain it would but in the end, we held out. Just. 2-1 Cumnor. What a match. What a team.

Player of the Week: special plaudits to Ben, sickly Will, Adam and Rory but pow, Josh for 'volunteering' to go in. Tremendous courage, terrific hands