Not Our Best, But...

Cumnor stayed top of the OMYL A Division despite producing its least convincing display of the season at Goring.  Whilst the eventual 5-0 victory reflected the balance of play, the team lacked cohesion and squandered a few good chances.  That said, the players stuck together, fought hard for each other and came off the pitch with smiles on their faces.

The first half was a very scrappy affair, with Cumnor treating the football like a hot potato - showing little confidence in their passing and gifting the ball to Goring on too many occasions.  However, Cumnor created the best of the best of the chances, and saw a number of efforts flash just wide of get cleared by Goring defenders.  At the other end the Goring striker was proving a handful for Rory and Jack, however for the most part he was kept at bay.  When he did fire off a shot, stand in goalie Harry was up to the challenge, making an excellent one-handed save low to his left.  As the half wore on Cumnor increased the pressure resulting in a number of corners.  Eventually one of these was converted by Nathan and Cumnor went in at half-time 1-0 up.  

The second half saw a much improved performance.  Full-backs and midfielders were working well in tandem, creating plenty of chances.  Luke, Fyn, Adam, Jack and Doddy all took a turn out wide and produced plenty of crosses which the forwards only just failed to convert.  After only five minutes, Cumnor doubled its lead as "Early scored a Worldy"; James taking the ball on the volley and dipping it over the Goring keeper.

Goring kept going for the whole 70 mins with its bare 11, and worked hard to make life difficult for Cumnor. However as the half wore on the pressure began to tell.  Nathan, the ever alert poacher, grabbed a couple of smart goals, Adam and Luke went close, Joseph put a free kick just wide and Harry remained untroubled in goal.  Final word went to Ben, who took a smart pass from Luke, showed some quick feet and slid the ball under the goalie.  

It wasn't the greatest of performances, but the boys recognised this, battled hard and did not let their heads drop.  The wide play we have been working on in training seems to be helping us create chances and as time goes on more of these will get taken.  Player of the week however came down to a choice between two - with the excellent Harry just being edged out by hat-trick hero Nathan.