The Cup Run Is On

A beautiful day, a lovely full-sized pitch, a stand for Richard to shout advice from, a good Ardley side and a well-constructed win which sees us in the semi-final of the cup.

After being out muscled by Harwell we set up slightly different for the first-half with Adam and Joseph playing in tandem as a protective two in front of the defence, leaving Fyn, Ben, Will and Nathan as an attacking four. As usual, plans never go to plan and it was soon apparent that Fyn was struggling with a dodgy knee and Toby (still nursing an injury) was having trouble with the ball over the top to the speedy Ardley 9. A little bit of tinkering saw Luke on for Fyn and Harry for Toby. The half continued to be an open affair with Ardley testing our defence but Cumnor applying more pressure. Continued threat saw a free-kick awarded 25 yards out which Adam - not unexpectedly - thumped into the top of the net. 1-0.

With the sun beating down and the size of the pitch taking its toll on the boys' energy reserves, we went 4-4-2 in the second-half with Adam dropping out for a breather, Will going up front to help a tireless Nathan and Doddie briefed to hug the left touchline. Ardley thought they could get to us at the back so the defence were told to play a disciplined line and squeeze Ardley deeper. We looked more comfortable and started the half the stronger but Ardley bagged an equalizer after a defensive error. 1-1.

Suddenly Cumnor went into overdrive and played the best football of the match. The midfield trio of Ben, Joseph and Adam were rotating to keep the tempo high, Luke was troubling their left back and Doddie getting behind on the other wing and making a real nuisance of himself. The best things were built came from the back with Rory maintaining order and Jack playing mature, intelligent football and setting up some good Cumnor attacks. The goal came from great decision making and execution from Michael who floated a searching cross into the box. The ever alert Will ran to the ball, saw the keeper advancing and headed the ball over him into the net. A lovely delicate finish. 2-1.

There was a slight wobble when a cross came out of the sun and hit the bar but otherwise, the game belonged to Cumnor.

Overall, the boys showed their flexibility and desire and once again proved how good we are when we play with the ball at our feet.

Player of the Week: an excellent all-round performance with particular praise for Adam in the middle, Will's attacking threat and Doddie's speed of thought but the award went to Nathan for a totally selfless display up front.