Festive Finish

The boys are back to their winning best and ended 2013 in style with a convincing 5-1 win at Chalgrove. The pitch was a bit difficult but Cumnor tried - and mostly succeeded - in playing a passing game. Recent weeks saw us a little stretched with numbers so the coaches thought this would be the perfect opportunity to play a few boys in unusual positions.

The game started at a frantic pace with no-one able to put their foot on it and control the tempo. Adam made some good progress down the flank and then with 10 minutes on the clock, squared to Will who smashed the opener into the top corner. Joseph and Jack slowly exerted control in the middle and Adam was released to power a low shot into the corner from a very tight angle. 2-0. We made changes with Ben, Rory, Michael and James coming on. Soon, a third followed as Adam's corner was turned in (your goal, Adam)

In the second-half, Will and Ben went to full back, Doddie wide right and Jack wide left. Rory managed to control his nerves and thrived further upfield as Cumnor turned the screw. Our fourth came when Will broke from defence and slipped Fyn in who finished smartly. With the heavens about to open Jack cut into the box and was fouled for a certain penalty. With regular penalty taker Ben off the pitch it was between Jack and Fyn...but Jack wasn't letting the ball go and smashed it in off the post. 5-0.

Cumnor looked good for a clean sheet with Henry, Josh, Toby and Harry all making important blocks and tackles but Charlbury deserved a consolation goal. All in all, a great result and good to see everyone put a performance in: from Nathan and James up front to Josh, Joseph, Harry and Toby at the back.

We reach the half-point of the season joint top of the Oxford Mail A League. Here's to an equally exciting and successful 2014.

Player of the Week: the choice came down to Henry and Fyn but in the end we went for Fyn. He's worked hard in midfield all season we've seen his confidence return. Two goals in two weeks shows his fully back to his finishing best.