Cumnor Go Clear

After our excellent coverage in the Oxford Mail we had to ensure we didn't slip up against Goring and thankfully, it was business as usual and a 6 point lead at the top of the A league.

Not ideal conditions with the Appleton pitch cutting up and a freezing mist descending but Cumnor started very brightly with James almost scoring the fastest goal in Oxford Mail League history. The boys were instructed to play their football and work their openings and a new central midfield partnership of Adam and Luke certainly gave us attacking impetus. Ben and Fyn worked the wide areas and Nathan and James combined smartly up front with their understanding and link play improving with each performance.

The first half was all about making - and taking - chances and it was something Nathan did superbly. Time and again he found himself with just the goalie to beat and time and again he slotted the ball home. Four goals in one half from one player is quite some tally and it is a testament to Nathan's dedication and attitude that he felt disappointed he didn't score more (well, his dad did!) Ben got on the sheet as well, clearly enjoying the freedom of playing out wide, he forced the ball home with a powerful shot that took a little help from the defence.

With no Henry and Harry, Jack went in goal and his first touch was to pick the ball up from the back of the net. Chris just glowered. But Jack came good and despite not having too much to do, he made some good saves and was very commanding of his area. In the second-half he swapped with Rory who was equally adept, making a brilliant save with his cheek.

The goals kept coming in the second-half with Will grabbing two including a lovely first time finish and Fyn jumping on the end of a cross to score from close range. Doddie and Michael combined perfectly down the right and Toby was like Des Walker himself, as in 'you'll never beat Des Walker'. Adam started to dictate the tempo, Joseph was his usual solid self and a lively Luke always looking to latch onto a loose ball. Nathan gave the net a rest and played a very sound half at the back, allowing us to switch to a 3-5-2 formation. As we move into the business end of the season, flexibility and options are key to where we'll finish this season.

A final score of 8-2 and another win. Goring made us work hard but the boys displayed excellent discipline and patience.

Player of the Week: special mention to Michael and Adam but the decision went Nathan's way for giving us a real 'game of two halves'.