New Year Nailbiter

A 6-3 win over Harwell might not sound like a close game but the result somewhat flatters Cumnor. The tension was quite high before kick-off because we had to fight against a water-logged pitch and the threat of another downpour to make sure the match went ahead. In the end, sand, rakes, forks and a lucky freeze overnight meant that our match was the only game played in Oxfordshire.

Cumnor looked to be in the middle of the Christmas break after conceding two very early goals. Both were down to defensive lapses, the second even came from our attacking corner. What Cumnor did have was available numbers which meant David and Tim could tweak the formation and the on-field 11. Josh and Michael came on to steady the defence, Doddie pushed wide right and started feeding Will and Fyn up front. Chances were created and soon we were back in the game after Luke scrambled one in from a few yards out. Minutes later, good work from Doddie and Fyn put Adam in, 2-2. By now, Cumnor were in the ascendency with Joseph and Ben winning the battle of the midfield mud. Another pressing move down the right, another cross and there was Joseph to score his very first Cumnor goal and take us into half-time 3-2 up.

The second-half saw James and Nathan paired up front, Toby in defence, Jack wide left and a bench of Rory, Will, Fyn and Ben... something we would have never dreamed of doing last season. But we have every faith in our squad and despite Harwell getting an equaliser, we knew Cumnor would win.

Harwell played some good football and they were very strong in defence and on the right. Nathan scored an excellent individual goal tearing in from the left and finding the net. 4-1. The changes were coming quickly, Jack took a knock, Will and Ben replaced a shattered Luke and Joseph, and Rory was once more in the game. Will went down 25 yards out after a heavy challenge leaving Adam to clip home a lovely free-kick. 5-3. The match was all but over yet Henry still had to be focussed. Harry moved to wide left and gave us plenty of width, James was putting in some nice touches. The last goal from Rory was scrambled in but our skipper ensured no upstart striker would claim that goalscoring chance.

Full credit to both teams for playing excellent attacking football in very sticky conditions. Cumnor go back to the top of the A league. No slip ups now, boys!

Player of the Week: Michael was excellent, Fyn worked very hard and Josh added steel to our backline but for a really clever, skilful performance, the award went to Doddie.